Sliding Scale Guidelines/FAQ

Do you offer sliding scale therapy?

Yes! As part of our commitment to accessible therapy (within our own power, at least), we am happy to offer sliding scale rates to my clients. We know that not everyone has access to insurance or can pay out of pocket for full-price therapy. As Registered Psychotherapists, we are legally considered healthcare providers, and while in an ideal world healthcare would be truly universal, this is the way we can support that value while also valuing our own needs and time.

How does your sliding scale work?

Erin’s standard fee is $160/session, and the other contractors working here have a standard fee of $140/session. The sliding scale goes down to $80/session, and anything in between is fair game. Determining what each individual sliding scale client’s fee will be is a collaborative process between therapist and client, where we figure out what would be a fair rate given their circumstances, but is ultimately self-guided by you.

My students’ fees range from $20-$80.

Generally speaking, if you have insurance that will cover our sessions, we ask that you pay the standard rate, but this can be flexible depending on circumstances (e.g., if your insurance only covers $500 a year).

why choose a self-selection model?

Fundamentally, politically as well as psychologically, we believe in the power of autonomy and dialogue. This model allows for both the therapists and clients to engage in sometimes uncomfortable discussions about privilege, scarcity, and access, as well as the opportunity for clients to reclaim power in being able to choose. We recognize that this may be unusual, and have therefore provided some guidelines below; if this process brings up shame for you, we invite you to reach out to discuss further.

Guidelines for sliding scale*

we trust our clients to know themselves and their situation, and to make the best choice for them, and these guidelines exist so that we can continue to offer sliding scale and accessible therapy.

consider choosing a higher rate if:

  • you own the home that you live in

  • you can afford to travel recreationally once in a while

  • you have investments, retirement savings, or generational wealth

  • you have the choice not to work (note: being unable to work due to disability, including mental health, is not a choice as defined here)

  • affording services would be a tradeoff with a luxury expense (e.g. a vacation, a trip to the spa, a new video game system, a tattoo)

Consider choosing a lower rate if:

  • you are housing insecure (spending more than half your income on housing)

  • you are unemployed or on ODSP (or similar public assistance)

  • you make minimum wage and have difficulty earning higher income due to educational background, class background, disability, racial and gender disparities, etc.

  • you belong to a marginalized group (e.g. LGBTQ+ clients, particularly trans clients, racialized clients, disabled clients)

  • affording services at the regular rate would be a hardship (i.e. would disrupt your ability to pay rent, buy groceries, or afford transportation)

this is obviously not an exhaustive list, and we welcome any questions or concerns from current or prospective clients!

* adapted from Courtney Rice