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![Sliding Scale Therapy](/assets/hero-relationship-qdbTbemT.jpg)

Guide

# Sliding Scale Therapy 

A sliding scale is exactly what it sounds like: a fee that adjusts based on what a client can realistically pay, so that therapy is not reserved only for people with comfortable margins. I offer a sliding scale for eligible clients, because the people who most need support are often the ones stretched thinnest.

## What a Sliding Scale Is 

Rather than one fixed rate for everyone, a sliding scale sets the fee according to financial circumstances. The therapist holds a certain number of reduced-fee spots, and clients who qualify pay less than the standard rate. The work itself is identical — same sessions, same care. Only the number changes.

Sliding scale spots are limited by nature, since a practice can only hold so many. When they are full, that is worth saying honestly rather than pretending otherwise.

## Who It Is For 

A sliding scale exists for people whose finances make the full fee genuinely out of reach — not merely inconvenient. That might mean a season of reduced income, the costs of a separation, caregiving expenses, student debt, or simply the arithmetic of a life where there is not much left over. If paying the full fee would mean not coming at all, that is exactly what the scale is for.

## How to Ask Without Embarrassment 

Here is the part I most want you to hear: asking about a sliding scale is not an imposition, and it will not change how I see you. Therapists offer it because we want to be asked. A simple sentence is enough — do you have any sliding scale availability right now? That is the whole conversation opener.

If my reduced-fee spots are full, I will tell you directly, and we can talk about timing or other options. Money is a real part of the therapy conversation, and it deserves plain treatment like everything else.

## Related Reading

-   [Using Out-of-Network Benefits Read more → ](/guides/out-of-network-benefits-and-superbills)
-   [Your Good Faith Estimate Read more → ](/guides/good-faith-estimate-explained)
-   [What to Expect in Your First Session Read more → ](/guides/what-to-expect-in-your-first-session)

Sharon Meyers is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker offering telehealth sessions to adults located anywhere in California.

In Case of Emergency

This website is for informational purposes only. This practice is not a crisis service. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please do not wait for a reply.

-   Call [911](tel:911) or go to your nearest emergency room if you are in immediate danger.
-   Call or text [988](tel:988) to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
-   Text HOME to [741741](sms:741741) to reach the Crisis Text Line.

## If cost is the barrier, say so. 

Reach out for a free consultation and ask about current sliding scale availability.

[Schedule a Free Consultation](/begin-here)

### Sharon Meyers Therapy

LCSW #106887  
Online therapy throughout California  
Office located in Berkeley, CA

Quick Links

-   [Home](/)
-   [About](/about)
-   [Specialties](/specialties)
-   [FAQ](/faq)
-   [Blog](/blog)
-   [Contact](/begin-here)
-   [Therapy For](/therapy-for)
-   [Online Therapy](/online-therapy)
-   [Guides](/guides)

Contact

-   [(415) 335-7446](tel:4153357446)
-   [sharon@sharonmeyerstherapy.com](mailto:sharon@sharonmeyerstherapy.com)

[Psychology Today](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/sharon-meyers-berkeley-ca/1080260)

**In case of emergency:** call or text [988](tel:988) or go to your nearest emergency room. This website is for informational purposes only.

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