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What Is a Sliding Scale?
Many uninsured Americans live below the poverty line and are unable topay these rates out of pocket.
The appetite for alternative payment options is high.
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Despite those financial challenges, only 36% of individuals say they have ever negotiated their therapist’s fee.
Meanwhile, 44% of Americans in therapy have never even heard of sliding scale payment options for therapy.
When clients have the option to pay based on a sliding scale, accessibility to mental healthcare increases.
Things to Consider
Therapists who offer sliding scale fees typically list these rates on their website.
However, they might have extra flexibility depending on unique circumstances.
Therapists might also be willing to work with clients on payment plans.
A therapist can bill insurance and accept deductible payments until the balance is paid off.
A third consideration is a clients mental health needs.
Transparency, honesty, and open communication on the part of both the therapist and client is essential.
National Health Service Corps,NHSC Sliding Fee Discount Program Information Package, June 2019.
American Psychological Association All rights.Ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct.
June 1 E date, June 1 2003 with amendments effective, 2010, January 1, reserved 2017.
2020;370(6522):eaay0214.
