Finances can be a nuanced and complex consideration for many of us. I believe there should be dialogue around which tier currently works and as your financial situation changes, rates can be reassessed. Frequency of sessions is another aspect for consideration.

For a tier-based system to work, it relies on the principles of truthfulness, respect for complexity and accountability. I will never ask for income verification. I trust you to be honest.

Therapy is an investment in you, and it’s important to discern the difference between a sacrifice and hardship.

Sacrifice: You may find that, financially, you’re required to prioritize therapy and cut back on spending in other areas of your life, if there is no detrimental impact on your life, then you would consider the middle or high tier.

Hardship: If paying for therapy would lead to a harmful impact on your life, not being able to put food on the table or pay for transportation then you’re dealing with hardship and would utilize the community tier. 

This tier structure was inspired by and shared with me by Yvette Lalonde. and directly informed by the work of Alexis J. Cunningfolk

You might consider paying the higher cost if you:

• Have employee health insurance and/or other employer benefits

• Comfortably meet your basic needs*

• Have some debt but it does not prohibit you from attainment of basic needs

• If you own your home or property or rent a higher-end property

• Have investments, retirement accounts or have inherited money

• Have a financially secured position or work part time by choice

• Have expendable income

• Can always buy new items

• Can afford an annual vacation or take time off

Paying the higher tier supports folks paying the lower tier.

You might consider paying the middle cost if you:

• Stress about meeting your basic needs (e.g.: food, shelter, childcare) but still regularly achieve them

• Have some debt but it does not prohibit attainment of basic needs

• Have employment or access to financial savings

• Have some expendable income

• Are able to buy some new items and thrift others

• Can take a vacation annually or every few years without financial burden

You might consider paying the lower end if you:

• Are frequently stressed about meeting your basic needs

• Rent lower-end properties or have unstable housing

• Have been denied work based on others biases (e.g., racial, gender, sexuality, cultural, ability, etc.)

• Qualify for government assistance

• Don’t have access to savings

• Have limited expendable income

• Rarely buy new items because you are unable to afford them

• Cannot afford or have the ability to 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.