Getting Real Counseling Center’s Sliding Scale
How it Works
GRCC serves a lot of marginalized populations and we are very proud to be able to offer services to those communities. We understand that fixed prices can limit access for those who could benefit most, so we offer a sliding scale for sessions.
A sliding scale lets people with different financial means access services while keeping my work sustainable. Its purpose is economic justice: when everyone engages thoughtfully, each person contributes a similar percentage of their resources. We structure our sliding scale so that the upper tiers of the scale subsidize the lower tiers.
The true cost of a session falls near the middle of the scale and reflects fair wages, insurance, supplies, facilities, software, and continuing education. Paying according to one’s resources creates a more equitable, diverse, and sustainable community.
How to Decide How Much to Pay
A sliding scale requires honest and thoughtful consideration of the complexities of income, wealth, class, race, and other forms of inequity that affect an individual’s ability to pay.
Consider paying less on the sliding scale if you:
Have significant debt
Have significant medical expenses
Have educational expenses
Receive public assistance
Have immigration-related expenses
Are a senior citizen with a fixed income
Are supporting children or have dependents
Consider paying more on the scale if you:
Own the home you live in
Have investments, retirement accounts, or inherited money
Travel recreationally
Have access to family resources in times of need
Share most of your expenses with your partner
Work part time by choice
Below is a great graphic from wortsandcunning.com regarding sliding scales:
