How Does Headway Make Money? Fees and Rates Explained
Last reviewed: October 30, 2026
If a platform is free, it is fair to ask how it pays its bills. Headway is free for providers to join and use, including its EHR, so where does its revenue come from? Here is how Headway explains its own business model.
The short answer
Headway keeps a small percentage of each session payment. That share covers the work it does for providers: credentialing, claims, billing, support and the software.
Headway states that it does not charge providers:
- Membership fees
- Platform or EHR fees
- Hidden fees
How the money flows
- Headway negotiates contracts with insurance companies.
- The insurer pays a rate for each eligible session, and the client pays any copay, deductible or coinsurance.
- Headway sets the provider rate based on the plan, the provider’s location and the services offered.
- Headway keeps the difference, where the contract allows. When a plan’s rates are low, Headway says it may earn nothing on those sessions.
- The provider is paid on a fixed schedule, twice a month.
Who sets provider rates?
Headway does, after negotiating with each health plan. Rates vary by:
- License type (for example LCSW, LPC, psychologist, psychiatrist, PMHNP)
- Insurance plan
- State and location
- Service (CPT code)
Headway does not publish a public rate table. Its practice consultants quote rates for a specific practice during the first call. Ask for rates for your most common codes, such as 90791, 90834 and 90837.
Who carries the risk of denied claims?
Headway says it pays providers on schedule whether or not the insurer has reimbursed Headway, and that it absorbs the loss when a claim is denied. That is a key difference from billing insurance yourself, where a denial means you wait or never get paid.
Is Headway worth it? Pros and cons
Potential advantages
- No fees to join or use the platform
- Credentialing handled for you
- Predictable twice-monthly payouts
- Free EHR with notes, telehealth and calendar
- Client referrals through Headway’s directory
Things to consider
- You do not see or negotiate the insurer contract yourself
- Rates are set by Headway and vary by state and plan
- Insurance-based practice means documentation and coding rules apply
- Credentialing done independently with a carrier does not transfer to Headway
Compare offers carefully, and run the numbers against your private-pay rate and the cost of a biller.
FAQ
Does Headway take a cut of private-pay sessions?
Headway’s public material focuses on insurance sessions. Ask Headway directly how private-pay sessions are handled for your practice.
Do providers pay for credentialing?
Headway says it does not charge providers to join or use the platform.
How often does Headway pay?
Twice a month, on the 15th and the last day of the month. See the payment schedule.
Source: Headway – How does Headway make money?
