Perceptions of therapists as a function of professional fees and treatment modalities

Consumers, therapists, and researchers share an interest in the topic of service fees. The issue of fees can affect clients' evaluation of the provider as well as the likelihood of using the service being offered. In a between-subjects design, adult males (n = 84) and females (n = 78) read a brief description of a psychologist who provided individual or group therapy for a fee of $50, $80, or $110. While fees had no effect, treatment mode and participant sex did relate to perceptions of therapist credibility. A triple interaction emerged with respect to participants' willingness to consult the psychologist. Implications for service providers are discussed.