A Guide to My Sliding Scale Pricing
This guide is a helpful model for understanding where you fall on this scale
What Is Sliding Scale Pricing?
Sliding scale pricing adjusts therapy fees based on a client’s financial resources. Rather than charging a fixed rate for all clients, I offer a range of fees to accommodate those with varying financial means. This approach considers factors like income, expenses, and overall financial privilege, helping ensure that therapy is available to those who need it most.
Why do I use sliding scale pricing?
I use sliding scale pricing in my practice to support my aim in making therapy a more equitable and accessible experience. Sliding scale pricing allows me to support a wide variety of people, and to offer my time to organizations that support people who do not have the resources to access regular long term therapy.
The "Green Bottle" Framework
The “Green Bottle” framework provides a visual metaphor for understanding where you might fall on the sliding scale. It divides financial circumstances into three tiers based on financial privilege and personal financial experience:
Tier 1: Limited Financial Resources £60-£70
If you’re frequently stressed about meeting basic needs and struggle to achieve them, you fall into Tier 1.
Characteristics of Tier 1:
Difficulty meeting basic needs like food, housing, or transportation.
Limited or no access to savings or expendable income.
Reliance on public aid, or benefits
Struggles to afford new items or vacations.
Therapy for Tier 1 clients may be offered at the lower end of the sliding scale. This ensures that those with the greatest need for affordable mental health care can access it.
Tier 2: Moderate Financial Stability £70-£100
Tier 2 represents individuals who can meet their basic needs but may experience stress over finances.
Characteristics of Tier 2:
Regularly able to meet basic needs but with occasional financial stress.
Limited savings, with some expendable income for leisure or new items.
Ability to handle unexpected expenses, such as medical bills, with some difficulty.
Typically employed and have access to healthcare.
Clients in Tier 2 might pay a mid-range fee on the sliding scale.
Tier 3: Financial Privilege £100-120
Individuals in Tier 3 enjoy financial stability and don’t have to stress about meeting their needs.
Characteristics of Tier 3:
Easily able to meet basic needs like food, housing, and transportation.
Reliable access to savings, expendable income, and financial safety nets.
Ability to afford vacations, new items, or leisure activities without financial strain.
Ownership of property or higher-end rentals.
Clients in Tier 3 typically pay the upper end of the sliding scale, supporting the option to offer lower rates to others in need.
Determining Your Place on the Sliding Scale
To identify where you fall on the sliding scale, reflect on your financial circumstances. Consider questions such as:
Do you frequently worry about meeting basic needs?
Do you have expendable income or savings?
Can you afford leisure activities, vacations, or new items?
If you are not paying for your therapy, you can consider these questions of the person paying for your therapy. Remember, sliding scale fees are designed to meet you where you are financially, and I’m happy to work with you to find an appropriate rate.
Communicating Your Needs
During your consultation or intake session, share your financial situation or where you think you fall on this scale honestly. I understand that everyone’s circumstances are unique and will work with you to set a fee that feels manageable.
Example statement:
“I’m currently managing financial constraints, such as [dependents, debt, or medical expenses], and I’d like to explore your sliding scale options.”
How Sliding Scale Pricing Supports Accessibility
Sliding scale pricing is an ethical approach to therapy that recognizes the unequal distribution of financial resources. By adjusting fees based on financial privilege, therapists can:
Reduce financial barriers for clients in need.
Encourage fairness, ensuring that those with greater means pay more while those with less pay less.
Create sustainability for the practice, enabling therapists to support a range of clients.
Final Thoughts
This scale aims to create more equitable access to care. If you’re considering therapy but concerned about affordability, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m happy to answer any questions or address any concerns you have around my pricing structure.
As a reminder, I do take most private insurance- WPA, AXA, Cigna, Aviva, Nuffield and more.
