sliding scale
is a tiered pricing structure that acknowledges the economic disparities in our world and attempts to accommodate those experiencing greater instability with reduced rates. The goal is not discounts, but for those with more access to wealth to help cover the costs of therapy for those with less.
My sliding scale is $60 - 180 per session. I understand that the low end might still not be affordable for some, and can often provide referrals and resources in such cases. I aim to offer a model that is sustainable for my appointment-based business and reflects the knowledge, skill, experience, and care that goes into my work.
The two sets of considerations below provide general guidelines for determining a rate that reflects your relative degree of access to wealth. It is likely that different parts of your experience will land in each category. I welcome you to share as much or as little as you care to regarding your specific situation with me, and trust you to request the rate that fits your needs, no questions asked.
The higher end of the scale ($120 - 180) is intended for those who may:
have income that supports only themselves or few dependents.
have access to savings, investments, retirement accounts, (expected) inheritance, and/or power-building debts.
have family, loved ones, and/or institutions sharing access to wealth and resources in times of need and otherwise.
have a relatively higher degree of earning power and occupational access related to privileged positions including class background, race, gender, sexuality, age, education, ability, citizenship, etc.
have access to basic luxuries, recreation, leisure, travel, higher education, and/or home ownership.
have health insurance and out-of-network mental healthcare benefits that might include meeting a high deductible, making high co-payments, and/or receiving low reimbursement.
enjoy the means to subsidize therapy for others by paying closer to or at the standard rate.
The lower end of the scale ($60 - 120) is intended for those who may:
have income that independently supports multiple people besides themselves.
have burdensome debts, little to no income, savings, investments, and/or access to shared wealth.
have family or loved ones with little to no access to wealth and resources in times of need.
have a relatively lower degree of earning power and occupational access related to marginalized positions including class background, race, gender, sexuality, age, education, disability, immigration status, language, sex work, criminalization and/or incarceration history, etc.
have burdensome expenses related to exploitative and abandoning systems, i.e. medical/health and care accommodations, unstable housing, forced migration, contact with the legal system, etc.
are uninsured or have limited health insurance coverage and no out-of-network mental healthcare benefits.
contribute potential earning time to unpaid care work, mutual aid, or community organizing.
If you are interested in starting sessions on the sliding scale, I hope you get in touch!
