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The Nerela blog

Practical guides for running a psychology practice in South Africa — software, no-shows, pricing, HPCSA and POPIA.

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ToolCost of missed appointments calculatorSee what no-shows are really costing your practice every year, and download a personalised PDF report.

Choosing software

Choosing softwareBest software for psychologists in South Africa: an honest comparison (2026)Healthbridge, GoodX, GreenNotes, Cliniko, Zanda, TheraNest and Nerela — and where each one actually fits.

Starting your practice

Starting your practiceHow to start a private practice as a psychologist in South AfricaHPCSA (or ASCHP) registration, insurance, POPIA, pricing, software and your first clients. Starting your practiceRegistered Counsellor vs psychologist: what's the difference?The eight HPCSA registration categories, where Registered Counsellor fits, and what ASCHP covers.

Running your practice

Running your practiceHow to reduce no-shows in a therapy practicePractical strategies: WhatsApp reminders, cancellation policy, online booking and waitlists. Running your practiceHow much should therapists charge per session in South Africa?The factors that actually set your rate, and how to review it — without an invented market number. Running your practiceSession notes: what to includeA practical structure for compliant, useful clinical session notes. Running your practiceRunning telehealth sessions in South AfricaConsent, platform choice and good practice for video therapy sessions.

Compliance & regulation

Compliance & regulationHPCSA registration categories for psychologists, explainedWhat the HPCSA is, and the eight registration categories in psychology — including Registered Counsellor. Compliance & regulationMedical aid claims vs cash practice: what's the difference?Billing medical aids directly versus a self-paying patient who claims their own reimbursement. Compliance & regulationPOPIA for psychologists: a practical guideLawful basis, consent, data security, patient rights and the Information Regulator.