Sliding Scale Guidelines/FAQ

Do you offer sliding scale therapy?

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

How does your sliding scale work?

My standard fee is $150/session (including HST), and my sliding scale can go down to 50% of the standard fee; i.e., anything between $75/session up to the max of $150/session is available. Determining what each individual sliding scale client’s fee will be is a collaborative process between the two of us, where we figure out what would be a fair rate given their circumstances, but is ultimately self-guided by the client.

Generally speaking, if you have insurance that will cover our sessions, I would ask that you pay my standard rate.

why choose a self-selection model?

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

Guidelines for sliding scale*

i trust my clients to know themselves and their situation, and to make the best choice for them, and i also offer these guidelines so that i 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 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 i welcome any questions or concerns from current or prospective clients!

* adapted from Courtney Rice