Fees & Sliding Scale

Mental health care is a human right and should be accessible to all.

Sliding Scale/Fee Information

 

What is a sliding scale and how does it work?

I use a sliding scale to support accessibility of services with session slots ranging from $40 to $230, per 50-minute session, with $200 being the standard fee for telehealth sessions. Outdoor and in-home sessions are priced depending on location. Longer sessions are pro-rated to the same rate that we have agreed upon.

The sliding scale system relies on the principles of truthfulness, respect for complexity, and accountability. I do not ask for income verification. I trust you to be honest in your assessment of your economic reality. Therapists deserve to be paid a living wage and people seeking therapy deserve to be able to access mental health care which recognizes the multiple realities of economic access and privilege that exist.

How do I determine the fee that is best for me?

To determine what is an appropriate fee for you, please review the scale below, check the living wage calculator , and/or reach out to me to discuss what options would work for you.

If you’re able to pay the full standard fee please do so—because it enables me to offer more low fee spots for those who need them.

If you are experiencing great financial need at this time and you are in need of sessions that are below $40 per session, please contact me and I can connect you to one of the many therapy funds to ensure that you are able to access therapy.

Why are some spots limited?

Middle and lower fee spots are limited because the costs to maintain a therapy practice are high (professional dues, continuing education, liability insurance, rent, taxes, etc.) and I believe mental health providers also deserve to make a living wage.

How and when do I pay?

Fees are due at the time of the session and I ask that you have a card on file using the secure payment portal. If you are unable to pay by card, please inform me so that we can choose an alternative form of payment.

Do you take insurance?

I don’t take health insurance, because being a provider via insurance companies requires me to work within a system that doesn’t allow me to have the freedom to provide services in an ethical, sustainable way. If your insurance accepts out-of-network providers, then these services would be covered and I can provide you with monthly “superbill” statements for reimbursement.

What if my financial situation changes?

If your financial circumstances change at any point during therapy together, please inform me as soon as possible to make sure that you are still paying an appropriate fee for your financial situation (whether that is more or less).

Sliding Scale/Tiered Pricing

For Accessible Services to All

 

  • This is the standard therapy fee and what I would charge everyone if I did not utilize a sliding scale.

    This might be the appropriate for you if these statements align:

    **EMPLOYMENT & INCOME: I am employed and receive an income at or above a living wage. Or, I do not need to work to meet my needs due to other financial support and compensation.

    **BASIC NEEDS: I am regularly able to meet my basic needs (food, housing, transportation, healthcare, childcare).

    **ASSETS: I own a car, or own/rent a higher end property. I may have investments, a retirement plan, and/or inherited money.

    **FAMILY: I have access to family assets or resources (home, car, money and/or investments). I have no dependents or am consistently comfortable providing for them.

    **EDUCATION & DEBT: I attend or will attend college and there won’t be debt, or that debt does not interfere with meeting my basic needs.

  • This fee is more than the standard fee of $200 (per 50-minute session) and supports those who are not able to pay the standard rate. The $30 difference will directly support someone else to be able to access mental health care! Thank you for your generosity!

  • This is the middle fee, which is less than the actual cost of services. (I have limited slots available in this price range).

    This might be the appropriate fee for you if these statements align:

    **EMPLOYMENT & INCOME: I make a living wage, or am unemployed with savings or unemployment insurance.

    **BASIC NEEDS: I may stress sometimes about basic needs (food, housing, transportation, healthcare, childcare) but still generally meet them.

    **ASSETS: I am consistently able to pay my rent/mortgage. I can pay my car payments, if I have them.

    **FAMILY: My family has some assets, they are sometimes able to help me in times of need, and/or I have dependents that I am able to provide for their basic needs.

    **EDUCATION & DEBT: I attend or am planning to attend college. I may have some debt but am comfortably able to meet my basic needs.

  • This is the low fee, which is much less than the actual cost of services. (I have limited slots available in this price range through the Open Path Psychotherapy Collective.

    This might be the appropriate fee for you if these statements align:

    **EMPLOYMENT & INCOME: I am unemployed or underemployed.

    **BASIC NEEDS: I frequently experience stress about meeting basic needs (food, housing, transportation, healthcare, childcare) and I am not always able to meet them.

    **ASSETS: My housing is unstable or it is difficult to pay rent. I have inconsistent access to a car and/or difficulties paying gas.

    **FAMILY: My family has few or no assets. I have no access to family, I support my family with money, and/or I have dependents (children or family members that I have difficulty providing for).

    **EDUCATION & DEBT: I didn’t or am not planning on going to college or was/am the first in my family to do. I have significant student and/or credit card debt.

 

Other Financial Therapy Resources

 
 

Specialties & Services

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In-person and remote options for therapy.

I can provide outdoor in-person therapy in Oakland, CA and virtual therapy from across California.

 

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