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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. While sliding scales aren’t uncommon or unethical, they do require some forethought and a clinician’s ability to adhere to financial boundaries. “There are several options to consider when you can’t afford therapy. Asking a therapist for a sliding scale or pro bono services, applying for services at a local community center, checking if your employer offers an employee assistance program, and checking online services are some of the options.” In most locations, as a prescriber, 20 sessions per week is sufficient for a therapist to break the $200K mark. If your sessions are 50 minutes each, you can have 10 minutes between appointments for a break, for charting, or as a buffer for a session that goes longer. Looking for a full-time or part-time position providing therapy services in another setting can sync nicely while starting a private therapy practice as a side hustle.
Is sliding scale effective?
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) warn that using only sliding scale insulin for treatment is ineffective for most people. It can increase the risk of both high and low blood sugar and of complications if the person needs surgery. Most doctors advise against using this approach. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) warn that using only sliding scale insulin for treatment is ineffective for most people. It can increase the risk of both high and low blood sugar and of complications if the person needs surgery. Most doctors advise against using this approach. 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 do I ask my therapist for a sliding scale?
Be specific and direct, something like “I can’t afford to pay over X amount for my sessions because of X reason. Since I feel our treatments are helping me, is there a way you can work with me on a sliding scale?” If you think you’ll only need a sliding scale for a brief length of time, say that, too. While sliding scales aren’t uncommon or unethical, they do require some forethought and a clinician’s ability to adhere to financial boundaries. Allow clients to pay what they can afford You can reserve a few sessions for pay-what-you-can clients who choose their own therapy fees. You might suggest a minimum payment of $10 or $20, for example, or leave it entirely up to the client. You could also consider offering a limited number of pro-bono (free) sessions. Allow clients to pay what they can afford You can reserve a few sessions for pay-what-you-can clients who choose their own therapy fees. You might suggest a minimum payment of $10 or $20, for example, or leave it entirely up to the client. You could also consider offering a limited number of pro-bono (free) sessions.