Most government-funded mental health centers and some private therapists, however, offer sliding fee scales in order to make treatment more affordable for low-income individuals or those who have difficulty paying the full price of treatment due to other factors.

In order to qualify for a lesser fee for your treatment, you’ll most likely need to fill out a detailed questionnaire as to your financial background and may perhaps need to provide documents that support your claims, such as tax returns.

 

Sliding fee scales are primarily based on income though doctors will take into consideration other determining factors such as the size of your family.  Clinics and other mental health facilities are responsible for advertising the fact that they offer a sliding fee scale and patients are encouraged to apply for consideration at the onset of treatment, though many facilities will allow you to participate in one session before addressing payment issues.

If you cannot find notice in regards to this method of payment, it’s important to ask a staff member before committing to any other payment plan.

Be sure to read all the guidelines pertaining to the sliding fee scale offered by any particular facility. There could be rules regarding late payments and unpaid balances that may affect your ability to continue treatment on this pay schedule if you default.

If you are receiving contributions towards your treatment from private medical insurance or government-funded programs like Medicare and Medicaid, your eligibility for payment on a sliding fee scale may be effected.  Consult the clinic staff, your insurance company, Medicaid, or Medicare for more information.