Self Pay Sliding Scale

A self-pay sliding scale is an economic justice approach aimed to make services more accessible, while also ensuring sustainability for the practitioner.

Supported

$125.00 / hr

For those with limited financial resources & who would benefit from access supplemented by the community.

Standard

$150.00 / hr

For those with sufficient financial resources & who can pay fair value for the experience.

Stabilizer

$175.00 / hr

For those with sufficient financial resources & a desire to bring stability to the existing systemic inequity.

A self-pay sliding scale is an economic justice model that helps make therapy more accessible while supporting the sustainability of the therapist. Because we all have different responsibilities, expenses, resources, and privileges, fees are based on each person’s financial reality. This approach relies on honesty, trust, and collective care so people can access support without creating financial strain. I trust you to choose a fee that reflects your circumstances and to recognize the difference between a sacrifice and genuine hardship.

Supported

  • I frequently stress about 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 unstsable housing

  • I do not have a car and/or have limited access to a car, but am not always able to afford gas

  • I am unemployed or underemployed

  • I qualify for government assistance including food stamps & health care

  • 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 have the ability to take time off without financial burden

Standard

  • 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 own or lease a car

  • I am employed

  • I have access to health care

  • I might have access to financial savings

  • I have some expendable** income

  • I am able to buy some new items & I thrift others

  • I can take a vacation annually or every few years without financial burden

Stabilizer

  • 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 regular access to health care

  • I have access to financial savings

  • I have an expendable** income

  • I can buy new items

  • I can afford an annual vacation or take time off

*Basic needs include: food, housing, healthcare, and transportation

**Expendable Income: You are able to buy coffee, go to events, dine out, buy new items, etc. each month
Based on and adapted from The Sliding Scale: A tool of Economic Justice by Alexis J. Cunningfolk and Rising Resilience’s adaptation of the self pay sliding scale.

Your Right to a Good Faith Estimate

Patients have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” outlining the expected costs of their medical care. Under federal law, healthcare providers must provide an estimate to patients who are uninsured or choosing not to use their insurance coverage.

  • You may request an estimate of the total anticipated charges for any non-emergency medical items or services, including related expenses such as medical tests, prescription medications, medical equipment, and hospital fees.

  • Healthcare providers are required to give you a written Good Faith Estimate at least one business day before your scheduled medical service or item. You may also request a Good Faith Estimate before scheduling any service or procedure.

  • If you receive a bill that is at least $400 higher than the amount listed on your Good Faith Estimate, you have the right to dispute the charges. Be sure to keep a copy or photo of your estimate for your records.

For more information about your right to receive a Good Faith Estimate, visit CMS No Surprises Act Information or call 1-800-985-3059.