How Sliding Scale Therapy Works AT Vancouver therapy collective

At Vancouver Therapy Collective, we believe counselling should be available to anyone who needs it. Cost is often a barrier to those looking for therapy, and our sliding scale model is one way we make it more accessible to everyone. A sliding scale means that the fee for a session is not fixed but instead is based on what a client can reasonably afford. This allows people with different financial situations to access quality care without worrying that therapy is out of reach.

Here is how sliding scale therapy works with us:

• Income-based pricing
  Session fees usually fall between $70 and $110 for a 50-minute session. The amount is determined by looking at each person’s personal income and resources, so fees are tailored to individual circumstances.

• Free intake call
  New clients start with a 15-minute intake call at no cost and no obligation. During that time, we look at the client’s monthly income and ask about any extended health benefits. This helps us place the client on the scale. Most people contribute around 11 percent of their monthly income toward therapy.

• No intake or set-up fees
  Clients do not pay anything until they begin their first session. The intake call is free, and the agreed session rate is only invoiced once therapy starts. This fee does not change over time.

• Practicum students and supervision
  Sliding scale therapy is provided by graduate students in the final stage of their counselling training. They bring energy and fresh perspective to the work, and they are closely supervised by Dr. Christopher Brown, RCC, our Clinical Director. This structure ensures that every client receives high quality care that meets professional standards.

• Flexible and accessible formats
  Clients can choose to attend sessions in person at our Kitsilano office or online from anywhere in British Columbia. In addition, we offer sessions throughout the day, evening, and weekend. All options are included within the sliding scale model and do not impact the agreed upon price.

• Commitment to inclusion
  The sliding scale is about more than affordability. It reflects our belief that therapy should be accessible to people from different financial backgrounds, life stages, and communities.

Sliding scale therapy at the Vancouver Therapy Collective is part of our larger mission to reduce barriers to counselling. By offering transparent pricing, flexible access, and strong clinical supervision, we make it possible for more people to benefit from therapy when they need it most.