Sliding Scale & Accessibility

What is Sliding Scale?

I believe that therapy should be accessible, especially for those who have been historically marginalized or whose financial circumstances make consistent support difficult to secure. I offer a sliding scale for individual therapy sessions as part of my values in community care, mutual aid, and economic accessibility.

At the same time, maintaining a sustainable practice allows me to offer resourced, attuned care. Your fee directly supports the quality of our work together, my livelihood, and my ability to continue training and developing as a therapist—so I can show up fully for you and my other clients.

Both things can be true:
Care should be accessible.
And therapists deserve to be resourced too.

This model is one way I honor both.

How the Sliding Scale Works

The Green Bottle System

I offer three tiered fee ranges. You are invited to select the tier that most aligns with your current financial circumstances. This model is built on trust, honesty, and care—there is no application or proof required.

Below are general guidelines to help you decide:

An infographic titled 'The Green Bottle' showing a sliding scale of financial privilege across three tiers. Tier 3 outlines individuals comfortably meeting basic needs with expendable income. Tier 2 describes those meeting basic needs with some financial stress. Tier 1 details frequent struggles to meet basic needs. The diagram explains financial privilege and personal financial experience. Basic needs include food, housing, transportation, and expendable income is defined as extra funds for leisure activities. Created by Alexis J. Cunningfolk with additions from Britt Hawthorne.

Tier 3  

$165-190

I am comfortably able to meet all of my basic* needs. I may have some debt but it does not prohibit attainment of basic needs. I own my home or property or I rent a higher-end property. I own or lease a car. I am employed or do not need to work to meet my needs. I have reliable access to healthcare. I have access to financial savings, family wealth and/or resources in time of need. I have an expendable income**. I can always buy new items. I can afford multiple vacations or take time off for leisure.

Tier 2 

$130-160

I may stress about meeting my basic needs but still regularly achieve them. I may have some debt but it does not prohibit attainment of basic needs. I have daily reliable transportation. I am employed. I have access to healthcare. I might have access to financial savings. I have some expendable income. I am able to buy some new items and I thrift others. I can take time off either for sickness or leisure and am still able to pay next month's bills. I can travel annually without financial burden.

Tier 1 

$100-120

I frequently stress about meeting basic needs & don’t always achieve them. I have debt and it sometimes prohibits me from meeting basic needs & don’t always achieve them. I have debt and it sometimes prohibits me from meeting my basic needs. I rent lower end properties or have unstable housing. I do not have a car or have limited access to a car and gas. I am unemployed, underemployed, or have been denied work due to incarceration history. I qualify for public aid including foodstamps & healthcare. I am supporting children, elders, or other dependents. I have no access to savings. I have no or very limited expendable income. I rarely buy new items because I am unable to afford them. I cannot afford a vacation or take time off without financial burden.​

* Basic Needs include food, housing, health care, and transportation.
** Expendable Income might mean you are able to buy coffee or tea at a shop, go to the movies or a concert, buy new clothes, books, and similar items each month, etc.

If you’re unsure, choose the lowest tier that still feels responsible but not harmful to your wellbeing.

Adjusting Your Fee Over Time

Finances are not static. They can shift due to job changes, caregiving, medical expenses, moves, or other life transitions. If your circumstances change, we can revisit your rate together. Every 3 months we will revisit your rate to make sure it’s the right fit.

If you’re ever in a position to increase your fee or pay full fee, it’s genuinely appreciated.
Doing so helps support the sustainability of my practice, makes space for those who need reduced rates, and allows me to continue deepening my work through ongoing training and professional development—which directly benefits our sessions.

A Note on Capacity

Sliding scale spots are limited so that I can sustainably support both reduced fee clients and full-fee clients. If the tier you believe you fit into is currently full, you are welcome to join my waitlist.

To Request Sliding Scale

If you feel a sliding scale rate may be appropriate for you, simply mention the tier you believe fits your circumstances when you reach out.

No explanation needed.
No justification required.
Just trust and care.

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