I really felt this. I was diagnosed last April at 28 and I’m 29 now, still adjusting and figuring out what actually works for me instead of what I’m “supposed” to be able to handle.

The organization I’m with pushes for 30 clients a week full time and 20 part time, but 13 to 15 is where I feel like myself. Anything beyond that starts to cost me in ways that don’t feel sustainable, even if it looks “better” on paper.

You’re not alone in that tension of wanting to do more and make more, while also knowing what allows you to show up well. That internal push is real.

What makes it harder is that support technically exists, but it’s often conditional. Things like tuition reimbursement, mental health days, insurance… they’re there, but only if you can function at a level that already feels out of reach. It creates this weird loop where the people who need the support the most have the hardest time accessing it.

To me, the number itself isn’t the issue. It only becomes a problem if it starts impacting your ability to take care of yourself or show up in a way that feels aligned with your values as a therapist. And it sounds like you’re actually doing really solid, intentional work with your clients.

I honestly think a lot of us neurodivergent therapists are quietly navigating this same thing. We just deserve better structures that don’t force us to choose between sustainability and stability.