Allowing patients to pay Stripe directly removes a number of liability concerns. Stripe allows patients to send their own payment information to Stripe so that the psychologist is not sending the credit card information on behalf of the patient, nor is it necessary for psychologists to store credit card or banking information (and assume the risks for encryption and security of the financial information). In addition, they have a mission statement speaking out against systemic racism-and supporting Black and minority business, which includes posting resources with additional website links. Square has prominently placed images and resources for COVID-19 and makes it clear that it is an option for touchless payment services and devices. I found navigating Square’s website enjoyable and took away different ideas on things that may be helpful to further market a private practice-in addition they have resources and support for their services as well as a section on business during COVID-19 and focus on inclusion and the current state of standing out against systemic racism. Square offers support for designs and consultation through their support services, including walking through what features of Square may be most useful depending on the type of business using-Mental health practices are easily identified and set up when starting in Square.

Square’s additional features can be overwhelming or exciting depending on one’s thoughts about marketing. For those who do have an open office, Square offers card readers that are touchless and their services can be used on multiple devices including desktop computers, mobile phones, tablets as well as the ability to use Apple or GooglePay. Other options such as asking clients to join a mailing list or provide feedback on services/environment are also available.ĭuring COVID, how clients pay is important whether using a card on file, completing the transaction before or during the appointment, or by billing for services later (such as a no-show appointment). Square also has an option to create contracts for payment-such as the ability to create a contract for putting a card on file, payment agreements, contracts for services and completion of services, which I found helpful. Security systems and processes are regularly tested by qualified internal and external teams, and Square also includes a detailed response plan in case of an emergency.Įach Square account includes: Account takeover protection, End-to-end encrypted payments, active fraud prevention, Dispute management, and Data-security (PCI) compliance coverage. Square also includes organizational security features, for example two-factor authentication and strong password controls are required for administrative access to the system. Clients who may be sensitive to information tracking may need to be informed how their therapist using this service may impact their own personal information. This service collects data on users including location and websites that the user had viewed prior to using their services. It would be quite easy to avoid having to deal with collections if Square was used on a regular basis. The only patients that Square would be inappropriate for are those who do not feel comfortable with online payments or who do not have a smart phone.Ĭollecting copays or deductibles for telehealth sessions would be especially simple, compared to mailing in checks. I believe it would be easiest for solo practitioners to use, although it could be used for small group practices with centralized banking practices.

Note that using Square for scheduling, texting and other services such as email reminders becomes slightly more difficult.

I have seen these used at restaurants but would not find them necessary as a solo practitioner. There are also readers that allow a card to be swiped ($10 for reader that plugs into smartphone), and readers that are contactless and use credit card chips ($49). Square takes a small processing fee from payments prior to depositing into my bank account.įor larger practices, there are credit card readers, payment terminals and registers that can be purchased. My client tells me how much to process and I input the data into Square using my smartphone. Square has all the features that my practice needs.

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