Reduced Rate Therapy | Manhattan New York

Sliding Scale & Affordable Therapy NYC

What Is a Sliding Scale Therapy?

A sliding scale is a flexible payment system designed to make therapy more accessible by accounting for the economic inequalities created by larger social structures. In a capitalist society, financial access and opportunity are often shaped by factors such as race, gender identity, disability or ability status, immigration background, primary language, caregiving responsibilities, and access to generational wealth. Because of these systemic influences, there is no single formula that can accurately determine what each person can afford.

Instead, a sliding scale invites clients to pay a fee that aligns with their current financial resources. Those with greater financial privilege contribute more, which helps subsidize care for individuals who have less access to wealth or financial stability. This structure allows the practice to sustainably offer services while expanding accessibility and reducing financial barriers to therapy..

How Do I Choose What to Pay?

The Green Bottle model helps broaden how we think about financial privilege, responsibility, and access. It acknowledges that our relationship to money is shaped not only by income, but also by factors like caregiving roles, debt, generational wealth, disability-related expenses, and other systemic influences.

Please use the Green Bottle chart to reflect honestly on your current financial situation and determine the fee that feels both sustainable and respectful of your resources. You are invited to choose the rate that best matches your capacity, rather than what you think you should be able to pay.

This image and framework was originally created by Alexis J. Cunningfolk | www.wortsandcunning.com with additions from Britt Hawthorne | www.embracingequity.org

Fee Schedule

The Green Bottle Sliding Scale
for Fully Licensed Therapist

Full Bottle (Tier 3)
$200 per 50-min individual session
$250 per 60-min couples session

Partial Bottle (Tier 2):
$150 per 50-min individual session
$200 per 60-min couples session

Empty Bottle (Tier 1):
$100 per 50-min individual session
$170 per 60-min couples session

The Green Bottle Sliding Scale
for Associate Therapist

Full Bottle (Tier 3)
$150 per 50-min individual session
$180 per 60-min couples session

Partial Bottle (Tier 2)
$115 per 50-min individual session
$140 per 60-min couples session

Empty Bottle (Tier 1)
$70 per 50-min individual session
$80 per 60-min couples session

We do not ask for proof of income when selecting your fee level. We ask that you pay at the highest rate you can afford and feels right to you.

  • If you’re looking for affordable therapy or reduced-fee therapy, you can request a sliding scale spot by following below steps:

    1. Indicate your interest on the consultation or inquiry form and indicate which tier based on the Green Bottle Sliding Scale you align with the most.

    2. Meet briefly with a therapist or admin to review your options and confirm eligibility.

    Our goal is to create clear, accessible pathways for clients seeking sliding scale therapy in NYC or at a reduced rate.

  • Each therapist offers a limited number of sliding scale appointments. Because these reduced-fee spots are in high demand:

    • If all sliding scale slots are filled, we will add you to our waitlist;

    • Or, when appropriate, we can provide referrals to low-cost or community-based mental health resources.

    This ensures clients with the highest level of financial need are prioritized while maintaining sustainable care for all.

  • Our sliding scale therapy structure is designed to support clients during periods of financial strain. Since financial circumstances can shift, we reassess sliding scale eligibility every 6 months.

    During reassessment:

    • If your financial situation improves, you may transition to our standard rate or move to a higher tier within the scale.

    • If your financial situation becomes more challenging, we are happy to review your fee and adjust when possible.

    We handle this process with respect, transparency, and care in order to make therapy remains accessible while supporting the long-term sustainability of our practice.