What is Sliding Scale Fee in Therapy?

Therapists usually set a thoughtfully determined Fee taking into account the years of training, experience, and their area of specializations. It is not an undenying fact that seeking Mental Health in itself is a task to achieve. What repels some individuals is the expensive fees that they have to pay. The fees could be appropriate but may not be affordable for everyone.  Therapists are aware of these difficulties and understand the need to make the therapeutic space accessible and affordable. Thus, most therapists offer a sliding scale therapy

A sliding scale is a flexible fee structure, customized to suit the Client’s needs, income, and dependents.

This helps to make therapy accessible for people living at a comparatively lower income level.

How to ask your Therapist about the Sliding Scale Fee?

• In the Initial Consultation meeting/call, be mindful to ask about the fees and mode of payment that the therapist accepts.
• The full fee may seem daunting sometimes. Even if the therapist does not explicitly mention the sliding scale on their website, or medium of promotion, you can ask them directly if they offer one.
• If they do, let them genuinely know your capacity to afford, and they will then communicate the amount within the sliding scale that they offer

 The “money-talk” 

Talking about money, even with our friends and family, is uncomfortable. A therapist won’t be upset by a polite, reasonable request for a reduced fee from a client who wants to see them but may find it difficult to afford their full due. It is completely natural if you are feeling unsure about how to go along or initiate the sliding scale. 

Understand that, Therapists have been working with clients and it is part of their job to engage in the conversation. Use this conversation as a stepping stone to be grounded and vulnerable in the presence of another human being. And it is alright, to be.

Thoughts to remember :

if the discomfort feels overwhelming

• Remember, therapists, are humans too. They are aware of your discomfort and understand the strength you have gathered to initiate the first meeting. You will be doing great! Nurture the patience
• You probably might have thought multiple times and worked hard enough to pick the phone and scroll through the websites. Yes, it has taken a lot of effort. Honour the work you have done so far.
• This time you have decided to invest in the care for yourself. Be proud of it and have the uncomfortable talk.

Remember, being transparent with the therapist about the fee you’re able to pay eases the process. The clarity helps them to help you continue forward in your efforts towards wellbeing.