Using a sliding scale model for therapy creates the opportunity for greater access to therapy. In private practice, this means balancing financial accessibility with my own sustainability as a therapist.
Assessing your current situation, consider factors that impact your financial decision making (ie. student loads, job access, immigration status, disability, or care-giving). Life does have shifts, so this will be an ongoing conversation.
At times with less financial access, we may need to decrease your fee amount, or decrease the regularity of sessions. If you find yourself with more financial access, you may consider increasing your rate to open up more spaces in the lower range of the sliding scale.
| Rate Type | Session Rate (50 min) | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Full Rate | $120 + tax | Open |
| Sliding Scale Rate | $80-$110 + tax | Currently Full |
| Couples/Partners Rate* | $140 + tax | Limited Availability |
I also continue to offer a low cost rate for folks with less financial access. For my own sustainability as a therapist, there will be limited spots available at this rate. I will not ask for proof of income, and trust that the rate we set with one another is appropriate and accurately reflects your current situation.
*Note there are no consultations for couples, instead, I offer an initial session at half the cost of full rate for a 50 minute couples/partners session.
Why does therapy cost that much?
- $48 – Take Home Income: To cover all living and savings needs
- $18 – Business Expenses, Learning, and Supervision
- $36 – Therapist Tax and CPP Contributions
- $6 – Health Care – Out of Pocket
- $12 – Probono Work / Reparations
- Plus tax – $15.60 on top of $120
*Based on an average $120 for a 50 minute session
**In Toronto, living wage is about $22/hr. Due to the emotional nature of the work, therapists are recommended to see 20 clients per week for a full case load. $120/hr is equivalent to $24/hr for a 40 hour work week, just over a living wage.
Based off the work of Xris Hamilton.