The “Green Bottle” Policy
A Tool for Economic Justice
I believe that therapeutic support should be accessible while also ensuring the long-term sustainability of my practice. To balance these values, I utilize an economic justice sliding scale structure known as the "Green Bottle," originally developed by Alexis J. Cunningfolk (www.wortsandcunning.com). This model relies on self-determination instead of invasive income verification.
Below, you will see each tier with a general description of financial experiences individuals may have. The self evaluation prompts are not exhaustive, and are meant to give an example of tiers. I trust you to honestly evaluate your financial privilege, assets, and systemic advantages to identify the tier reflecting your economic reality. All services will be offered at the standard rate, unless otherwise discussed and arranged.
Choosing your tier thoughtfully ensures my specialized labor and experience are fairly valued, keeping this practice sustainable so I can continue offering these very limited equitable slots to those in need. Please let me know if you have any questions or would like to request a change in your tier. I maintain a waiting list for clients in need of a sliding scale fee.
The Fee Tiers & Self-Evaluation Checklists
Tier 1: The Pay It Forward Rate (Community Care)
This tier is designed for individuals who experience substantial financial privilege and abundance. Choosing this tier means you are actively investing in community access, directly supporting and sustaining the equitable slots available for those facing financial hardship.
● 55-Min Individual Session: Self-Determined Rate (Any amount above $180 is appreciated).
● Other Session Formats: Prorated based on your chosen individual session rate as indicated above.
Self-Evaluation Prompts (Choose this tier if most apply):
○ I comfortably meet all of my basic financial needs and have significant savings and/or investments.
○ I have expendable income for regular travel, dining out, and luxury purchases.
○ I own my home or property(ies), rent a higher-end property, or I have access to generational wealth and family assets.
○ I have an insurance plan that covers my healthcare or the financial flexibility to pay out-of-pocket.
○ I do not have to work, or I am securely employed in a high-earning position, or I am provided for by someone who fits this criteria.
Tier 2: The Full Fee Rate (Standard Practice Fee)
This tier represents the standard cost of running my practice. It is designed for individuals who are securely employed/financially stable and can invest in therapy without significant financial strain.
● 55-Min Individual: $180 | 85-Min Individual: $270 | Standard Class: $60
● 3-Hour Individual KAP: $540 | 3-Hour Group KAP: $270 (per person)
Self-Evaluation Prompts (Choose this tier if most apply):
○ I meet all basic needs (housing, food, healthcare, transit) consistently.
○ I am gainfully employed with steady, predictable income.
○ I have a financial safety net and disposable income for hobbies, leisure, travel, etc.
○ I may rent my home, but my housing situation is stable and secure.
○ I can afford this health investment without impacting my ability to meet basic needs.
Tier 3: The Supported Fee Rate (Moderate Financial Shift)
This tier is designed for individuals who are currently navigating a sudden, temporary financial shift or are experiencing moderate financial hardship. You are managing your essentials but lack disposable income or a financial cushion.
● 55-Min Individual: $150 | 85-Min Individual: $225 | Standard Class: $50
● 3-Hour Individual KAP: $450 | 3-Hour Group KAP: $225 (per person)
Self-Evaluation Prompts (Choose this tier if most apply):
○ I cover my basic needs but regularly experience concerns over monthly budgets and bills.
○ I have steady income but zero disposable budget for travel or dining out.
○ I carry significant debt that limits financial flexibility.
○ I lack substantial savings and would be deeply set back by an unexpected emergency.
○ Paying the standard full fee would place a heavy strain on my monthly living expenses to meet my basic needs.
Tier 4: The Accessible Fee Rate (Significant Financial Strain)
This tier is designed for individuals facing systemic economic barriers, underemployment, or severe financial strain. If paying the full fee would mean sacrificing basic necessities, this tier provides an accessible pathway to care.
● 55-Min Individual: $130 | 85-Min Individual: $195 | Standard Class: $40
● 3-Hour Individual KAP: $390 | 3-Hour Group KAP: $195 (per person)
Self-Evaluation Prompts (Choose this tier if most apply):
○ I frequently struggle to meet my basic needs, such as secure housing, food, electricity, or healthcare.
○ I am currently unemployed, underemployed, or my income is highly unstable.
○ I qualify for public assistance programs (such as food stamps or Medicaid/Medi-Cal).
○ I have no savings, no access to family financial support, and no generational assets.
○ Paying a standard out-of-pocket rate for therapy is entirely out of reach without a deeply adjusted rate.
I recognize that there are individuals for whom this rate is still difficult. If this is you, I will support you with referrals to or help with identifying a provider who may be a better fit for your needs.
Practice Guidelines & Sustainability
● Limited Slots: Slots on the Supported and Accessible fee tiers are limited in both total number and duration. They are designed to offer meaningful, temporary relief during times of hardship rather than indefinite flat-rate discounts. Clients offered a sliding scale rate will receive a new Good Faith Estimate for the correct rate.
● Ongoing Review: Because life and economic landscapes shift, your tier assignment is not permanent. We will review your financial agreement on a quarterly basis to ensure your fee remains appropriate for your current situation and sustainable for the practice. If you have a significant change, and are able to move a tier, please let me know so that I may provide the tier slot to an individual on the waitlist.
● Proactive Communication: If you are an active client and experience a sudden, unexpected change in your financial health, please bring it into our session right away. Money and its impact on our mental state is an important, welcomed topic in this space, and we will work together to find a supportive path forward.