A family's financial resources should not be the only determining factor in whether they have access to quality mental health care, which is why a sliding scale is created. A sliding scale fee is a reduced fee per session that is mutually agreed upon by the therapist and the family. The sliding scale only works if there is respect for truthfulness, accountability and acknowledgment that a family's financial circumstances are complex.
In addition, there is a difference between hardship and a sacrifice. If paying for the full fee for any service presents a hardship (i.e., it would have a detrimental impact on your ability to pay rent, put food on the table, buy clothes for your child, etc), then the sliding scale should be used. However, if paying for the full fee presents a difficulty, but not a hardship (i.e., it would impact your expendable income, but it does not prevent you from meeting your basic needs), then it is a sacrifice, and you should consider allowing other families to make use of the limited number of sliding scale fee spots, as they would have to forgo treatment altogether without a sliding scale fee.
Families who are unable to afford the full session fee can consider applying for a sliding scale fee. Families with financial constraints due to job loss, medical expenses, who are not eligible for insurance coverage or who do not have out of network benefits, or who have already requested a gap exception with their insurance carrier and have been denied are eligible to apply for a sliding scale fee. A determination is based on financial need and my availability.
If you meet the criteria described above, please complete the Sliding Scale Fee Application below. I will reach out to you to discuss your unique situation and, if necessary, request income verification.
Every situation is different, but in general, families who are approved for a reduced fee will remain eligible for 6 months, at which time I will discuss your family's financial situation with you to determine if anything has changed. If the circumstances that led to your initial request for a sliding scale fee change before 6 months, please let me know right away. I only have a limited number of spots for those who need a sliding scale fee and I would appreciate the chance to provide other families with the same support when they need it.