Pricing & Sliding Scale

 

What it means to be a sliding scale therapist—and why I practice this way

As a sliding scale grief therapist, I structure my fees based on each client’s financial capacity rather than a fixed rate. Grief does not discriminate—it touches people across all identities, incomes, and life circumstances—yet access to quality grief counseling often does. I believe that support during loss, bereavement, and major life transitions should not be limited by financial barriers. Offering a sliding scale is one way I actively work toward equity in mental health care, allowing those with more resources to help sustain the practice while making space for those who may otherwise be unable to access grief therapy. This approach is rooted in values of community care, mutual responsibility, and the understanding that healing happens best when it is accessible.

Here’s how the sliding scale works:

  • Reflect on which of the three tiers best aligns with your financial reality.

  • Choose a specific dollar amount within that tier rather than just selecting the tier.

  • Share your chosen amount with me.

That’s it! I understand this process may feel unfamiliar, but my hope is that it fosters a thoughtful and empowering approach to financial accessibility. If you believe you fall into the lowest tier but are struggling with the suggested rates, please reach out—I’m happy to explore options with you.

  • Tier One

    This tier is for clients who are experiencing ongoing financial strain.

    I frequently stress about meeting basic needs and don’t always achieve them

    I have debt that sometimes interferes with meeting basic needs

    I rent lower-cost housing

    I have limited or inconsistent access to a car and/or gas

    I have little or no access to savings

    I have very limited expendable income

    I cannot afford regular vacations or my job does not provide paid time off

    Some scholarship spots are available at this level and are limited. Please let me know if you are interested. This tier is currently full.

    $90 - $120 / session

  • Tier Two

    This tier reflects relative stability with some financial stress.

    I may worry about meeting basic needs, but I generally meet them

    I may have debt, but it does not prevent me from meeting basic needs

    I own or lease a car

    I have access to health care

    I may have some savings or retirement funds

    I have some expendable income

    I can mix buying new items with thrifting

    I can take a vacation every few years without significant financial strain

    I may have access to family or generational financial support, past or present

    $120 - $150 / session

  • Tier Three

    This tier is for clients with consistent financial comfort and flexibility.

    I comfortably meet all of my basic needs

    I may have debt, but it does not interfere with basic needs

    I own my home or rent a higher-cost property

    I own or lease a car

    I am stably employed or financially secure without needing to work

    I have regular access to health care

    I have savings and/or retirement funds

    I have discretionary income

    I can generally buy new items and afford regular time off or vacations

    $150 - $180 / session

  • 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, and similar items each month.

  • Basic needs include food, housing, and transportation.

This scale is based off the The Green Bottle designed by Alexis J. Cunningfolk of www.wortsandcunning.com.

Two people sitting in bed, one holding a phone and the other reading a book, with a small dog lying on the bed.

Relationship - $175

I do select work with couples, partnerships, and polycules. At this time, relationship sessions are not available on a sliding scale. I prioritize working with queer, kinky, and/or non-monogamous relationships. Grief can be one of the issues you’re working on together, but is not required. Experience the ease of working with someone you don’t have to explain non-monogamy 101 to!

Other options

I know that even my reduced rates may still be out of reach for some—and that’s not a reflection of your worth or commitment to healing.

I warmly recommend exploring Open Path Collective, which connects individuals with therapists offering affordable sessions (typically $40–70). You might also consider community-based mental health centers, local training clinics where graduate-level therapists provide low-cost care under supervision, or peer support collectives that offer non-clinical emotional support on a donation basis.

Your mental health matters, and support should never be a luxury. If you're not sure where to begin, feel free to reach out—I’m happy to point you toward options that better fit your needs.