A Guide to Reduced Cost & Sliding Scale Therapy in Milwaukee
If you're in Milwaukee and seeking affordable and accessible sliding-scale therapy, this short guide will help you navigate some of the resources available. This guide covers
services from therapists like me who offer reduced rates based on need
useful tips to assess the best reduced-cost therapy option for you
a list of sliding scale and pay-what-you-can therapy options in Milwaukee.
I understand that everyone's situation is unique, and before we dive deeper into the specific sliding scale and pay-what-you-can therapy options available in Milwaukee, it's important to understand what these terms actually mean.
Bronze Vessels with Moveable Handles, Found in Pompei
What is sliding scale therapy?
Sliding scale therapy refers to a pricing model where the cost of therapy sessions is based on the client's income or ability to pay. Therapists who offer sliding scale services will typically have a range of session fees, with the lower end of the scale reserved for clients with limited financial resources. This allows individuals from all income levels to access the mental health support they need. Proof of income is usually required for sliding scale therapy.
What is pay-what-you-can therapy?
Pay-what-you-can therapy, on the other hand, is a more flexible pricing model where clients are invited to pay whatever they can afford for their therapy sessions within a range set by the therapist. Sometimes this range includes pro-bono services, but often it starts at a number that allows the therapist to cover all of their business expenses while taking home a modest hourly wage. This model is designed to remove financial barriers and make mental health services accessible to as many people as possible. Therapists who offer pay-what-you-services may have a suggested donation amount or provide tools to help clients pay what they truly can.
I use Alexis Cunningfolk’s model called the green bottle to help clients determine their need for reduced cost therapy. While most of us do not have the financial security we would like, it is valuable to compare your financial security in relative terms. The green bottle allows you to quickly visualize your capacity to pay without causing significant financial stress. This is what distinguishes pay-what-you-can from a name-your-price model.
The Green Bottle
Designed by Alexis Cunningfolk
Milwaukee clinics with sliding scale options
Clinics staffed by counseling or psychology students often offer reduced rates. Clinicians in training are supervised by licensed psychologists. The Wisconsin School of Professional Psychology Clinic offers sliding scale appointments based on income. Contact them for more information about specific pricing. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Psychology Clinic offers sliding scale services ranging from $10-$70 per session based on income. The Medical College of Wisconsin’s Center for Psychotherapies provides short-term symptom relief oriented psychotherapy, supportive psychotherapy, and long-term insight-oriented psychotherapy at sliding scale rates as low as $15 per session.
The 16th Street Community Health Center offers comprehensive medical and wellness services at a sliding scale, focusing on providing high-quality care to underserved communities. Its programs include primary care, dental services, behavioral health support, and preventive care, all aimed at improving overall health and well-being.
Catholic Charities Community Counseling Services offers culturally competent mental health care to individuals of all faiths, with bilingual therapists available. They provide a range of services, including sliding scale options, to ensure accessibility and support for those who need it.
Online resources for finding sliding scale therapy or pay-what-you-can therapy options
In addition to contacting local clinics directly, there are also a number of online resources that can help you find sliding scale and pay-what-you-can therapy options in Milwaukee.
One such resource is the Psychology Today website, which allows you to search for therapists in your area based on various criteria, including whether they offer sliding scale or pay-what-you-can services. You can filter your search results by location, specialty, insurance coverage, and more to find the right fit for your needs.
Another helpful online tool is the Open Path Collective, a non-profit organization that connects individuals with affordable therapy options. Through their website, you can search for therapists in Milwaukee who offer sliding scale or reduced-cost services, with session fees ranging from $30 to $70. This can be a great option for those who don't have insurance or are looking for more affordable out-of-pocket options.
Tips for navigating the sliding scale and pay-what-you-can therapy process
Navigating the process of finding and accessing sliding scale or pay-what-you-can therapy in Milwaukee can be a bit daunting, but there are a few key tips that can help make the process a bit smoother.
First and foremost, it's important to be honest and upfront about your financial situation when speaking with potential therapists or clinics. They will typically ask for information about your income, expenses, and other financial factors in order to determine an appropriate sliding scale or pay-what-you-can rate. Be prepared to provide this information, and don't be afraid to advocate for the level of support you need.
It's also a good idea to have a clear understanding of your own budget and what you can realistically afford to pay for therapy. This will help you narrow down your options and ensure that you find a provider who can truly meet your financial needs. Don't be afraid to negotiate or ask for a lower rate if the initial offer is still out of your reach.
Another important tip is to be persistent if the first few providers you contact don't have availability or don't seem like a good fit. Sliding scale and pay-what-you-can therapy options can be in high demand, so it may take some time and effort to find the right provider. Keep reaching out to different clinics and organizations, and if they don’t offer availability, ask for referrals or recommendations.
Taking the first step towards affordable and accessible mental health support
Finding affordable and accessible mental health support can be a daunting task, but I hope that this guide provided you with some ideas. I made it because I have benefited from discounted therapy services at certain times in my life and I want people to have the ability to attend counseling. I reserve 10 pay-what-you-can slots and 2 pro-bono slots to increase access to therapy in the Milwaukee area. Please contact me to inquire about whether I have availability for a new pro-bono or pay-what-you-can client.