Many people do not see therapy as a possible addition to their monthly budgets. However, those who need it know how helpful therapy can be to their overall well-being and want to make that investment in themselves.
Many people can be deterred from therapy or choosing certain therapists because of the cost, but therapy can and should be accessible to everyone, regardless of income.
Sliding scale therapy is built on the philosophy that everyone should have access to therapy if they need it. When therapists can offer rates that cater to everyone’s unique budgets, sliding scale therapy is a great option to help more individuals looking for professional emotional support.
Why is Therapy So Expensive?
Therapy, like any other service, has overhead costs that therapists need to cover including administrative costs like bills, software, office supplies, rent, etc.
Many therapists will also professionally develop themselves by taking courses to update their skills, attend conferences, and register themselves with the appropriate associations/organisations which all play a role in the cost.
What is Sliding Scale Therapy?
Sliding scale therapy is when a therapist will offer you a rate that is sometimes half of their hourly charge. This hourly rate is based on your income and makes their sessions accessible to anyone who doesn’t have insurance but still would like to explore treatment.
How Does Sliding Scale Therapy Work?
Sliding scale therapy is calculated based on annual income – the less an individual makes, the less the hourly rate per session.
For example: For individuals who make 40k a year, a counsellor may charge $60/per session, in comparison to someone who makes $150k a year and may pay $150/per session.
Some therapists will also offer a range of rates (ie: $80-$120) which is a set amount that they are comfortable with and allow their clients to choose what they can afford or pay per session. It is important to note that the client can and often will choose to pay the same price for every session to ensure consistency especially if they are getting reimbursed by their insurance.
Counsellors that offer a sliding scale may not always mention it on their website, therefore it may be worth calling them to ask if this option is available.
If there is a change to your annual income and you already have a relationship with a therapist, sliding scale therapy may also be a viable option for you.
Now that you’ve built a solid relationship with your therapist, there is no shame in asking for a reduced rate if it is something that will help you in the long term.
How to Ask for Sliding Scale Therapy
Even though not every counsellor offers sliding scale therapy, it never hurts to ask. No therapist wants to see a client miss a month of rent or lose out on groceries because of therapy.
It’s not always comfortable to negotiate rates but keep in mind that this is a service therapists willingly offer in order to make therapy accessible to everyone. Many therapists want to help, and they realise that not everyone makes equal wages.
Therapists will not be offended by a polite, reasonable request for a discounted rate from a client who wants to see them but can’t afford the rates.
You can ask about their rates after your first session or call their office to enquire whether or not a sliding scale option is something they offer. Being honest upfront will save you the added stress of managing unnecessary costs but will also help set the foundation for trust in your relationship. And the worst-case scenario is getting a no and skipping a couple of sessions to prioritise your finances.
There is nothing gained in trying to seek out cheaper therapy to test its effectiveness. Once you’ve decided that therapy does work and is the right course for you, consider how much you can afford to spend and how often you would like to go.
Where Can You Find Sliding Scale Therapy?
Many therapists offer this option to their clients, but if you are not sure, just ask!
Once you’ve sourced a therapist that you feel is the right fit for you, call or email their office and politely ask them if they offer sliding scale sessions.
There are also alternative places you can look for therapy that you may not have considered. You can often find therapy for less at local colleges and universities, primary care clinics, places of worship or even online.
Does Every Therapist Offer Sliding Scale Therapy?
Not every therapist offers a sliding scale for a number of reasons however a lot of private practices will. Sliding scale therapy is offered on an individual basis and is up to the counsellor and practice.
Counsellors who accept insurance coverage sometimes won’t offer a sliding scale because they don’t want their rates cut by insurance companies who would consider them on a lower scale if they cut their rates. In this case, they may offer pro bono sessions or payment plans to continue to accommodate people who can’t afford their rates.
Of course, income varies from person to person. Still, therapy, like everything else, is better to choose a therapist who is right for you and offers sliding-scale therapy rather than trying to spend less on counselling that isn’t helping you.
How does Insurance and Sliding Scale Therapy work?
This is a common question but one that depends on the insurance company and your benefits policy. It would be worth calling up your insurance representative to ask if therapy is covered under your plan and the amount that is covered. Not all plans cover therapy but if they do, likely, they will also cover a reduced cost.
Alternatively, discuss this with your therapist as they have likely dealt with multiple insurance companies and may be able to get you the answer you’re looking for.
Final Thoughts
Like any other medical condition, mental health is a basic right and therapy should be accessible to everyone. We need to break the stigma that therapy is only for individuals with a certain level of income, and sliding scale therapy is helping to do this by offering therapy at reduced hourly rates based on personal income.
If you are considering therapy but have shied away from it in the past in fear of the expense, know that help is available and counsellors who want to help. As therapists, we are in the business of helping and believe that people of all different incomes deserve to have access to treatment.
At Sana Counselling, we offer a limited number of slots for people who are struggling financially to afford therapy. Please get in touch today for a complimentary consultation to see how we can help you prioritise your wellbeing and make therapy accessible for you.
