sliding scale

What is sliding scale?

I reserve a certain number of slots at a reduced fee rate in order to better serve the community. Before starting therapy services we will agree on an ongoing rate per session for a certain amount of time. When that time period ends, we will reevaluate your financial and therapeutic needs together.

Green bottle system

The green bottle system is a model for determining sliding scale fees and relies on your honesty both with yourself and with me. Please use the below information to determine which Tier.

An infographic titled 'The Green Bottle' showing a sliding scale of financial privilege across three tiers. Tier 3 outlines individuals comfortably meeting basic needs with expendable income. Tier 2 describes those meeting basic needs with some financial stress. Tier 1 details frequent struggles to meet basic needs. The diagram explains financial privilege and personal financial experience. Basic needs include food, housing, transportation, and expendable income is defined as extra funds for leisure activities. Created by Alexis J. Cunningfolk with additions from Britt Hawthorne.

Tier 3  

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 reliable access to healthcare. I have access to financial savings, family wealth and/or resources in time of need. I have an expendable income**. I can always buy new items. I can afford multiple vacations or take time off for leisure.

Tier 2 

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 have daily reliable transportation. I am employed. I have access to healthcare. I might have access to financial savings. I have some expendable income. I am able to buy some new items and I thrift others. I can take time off either for sickness or leisure and am still able to pay next month's bills. I can travel annually without financial burden.

Tier 1 

I frequently stress about meeting basic needs & don’t always achieve them. I have debt and it sometimes prohibits me from 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 unstable housing. I do not have a car or have limited access to a car and gas. I am unemployed, underemployed, or have been denied work due to incarceration history. I qualify for public aid including foodstamps & healthcare. I am supporting children, elders, or other dependents. 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 take time off without financial burden.​

* Basic Needs include food, housing, health care, and transportation.
** Expendable Income might mean you are able to buy coffee or tea at a shop, go to the movies or a concert, buy new clothes, books, and similar items each month, etc.

Please note: All clients are charged their session rate for no-shows and cancellations less than 24 hours advance notice.

If you think sliding scale may be appropriate for you, please let me know in your inquiry email..