Fees

Counselling is an intangible process and I don’t think we can (or that it’s helpful to) ascribe a financial value to this work.

I have had a sliding scale for clients who need to pay less per session since I opened my practice in 2021. In 2026 I expanded to those with more financial privilege, putting all clients on a sliding scale going forward.

Practicing equity, resisting scarcity, balancing power, and staying grounded in satisfyability and enough-ness are my guiding values and ethics in this process. Only offering a lower sliding scale feels like only practicing half of my values.

Practicing equity in this way means those with more financial barriers asking for what they need, those with more financial privilege offering what they can, and me setting boundaries around what I need to keep my practice sustainable and myself well.

I am not seeking any kind of explanation for the fee you select. I trust each of you to ask for what you need and provide what feels right.

Here’s the process for determining your fee:

Step 1: Review this article about Sliding Scale

Step 2: Identify your household income on the scale.

Step 3: Confirm your annual benefits/insurance coverage for counselling and determine how this may move you higher or lower on the scale.

Note: For assessing insurance coverage, $0-500 is low, $750 is average, and over $2000+ is a lot. Unfortunately, we live in a healthcare system that requires people to pay out of pocket for much of their counselling. Having access to some insurance coverage will likely move you higher on the scale.

Step 4: Consider other financial privileges or hardships you experience and determine how they may move you higher or lower on the scale. For example:

  • if someone else pays for your sessions

  • family size and number of dependents

  • cost of living in your city

  • Your ability to work

  • Access to intergenerational wealth

  • cost of medications and services to treat disability or chronic illness/pain

  • whether you own or rent your home

  • if you financially support others who don’t live in your household

  • And many others listed in the Sliding Scale Article (also attached)

Step 5: Pick your fee, which will come into effect at first session.

Step 6: We reassess at any time as initiated by you, and annually in November initiated by me.

Note: The lower end of the scale is limited to ensure I am continuing to meet my own needs and can show up for each of you in the best way possible. Availability is not guaranteed, and dependent on how the averages work out across the entire scale. I encourage you to ask for lower fees it if you need it.

Examples:

  • Your household income is $70,000 for two adults, and you have $5000 of insurance coverage annually per person. Your fee would probably be in the range of $200 - $250+

  • Your household income as a single person is $80,000 and you have $1000 of insurance coverage annually per person. Your fee would probably be in the range of $150 - $180

  • Your household income is $170,000 for two adults and you have two dependents and no insurance coverage. Your fee would probably be in the range of $150 - $180