Aquí Counseling PLLC / Giselle Palacios, MS offers a 4-tiered fee structure (or a sliding scale) for all clients paying out-of-pocket for services.
While these rates do not apply to clients paying for services using their health insurance, I ask all clients to review this structure, whether they pay out of pocket or are covered by insurance that I accept. Periodically, I have clients whose health insurance coverage changes, so it is helpful for all clients to be aware of my fees.
The purpose of offering a tiered sliding-scale structure for therapy is to increase access to services for individuals who cannot otherwise afford them. The goal is to provide a reduced rate to individuals experiencing financial hardship, who are systemically disenfranchised, or who lack access to generational wealth.
Additionally, you may choose to pay more than the actual cost of service to increase my ability to see more clients under the reduced-rate tiers of this scale. Please see below.
Aquí Counseling PLLC / Giselle Palacios, MS, does not ask for proof of income to establish your rate. In the spirit of fostering a relationship built on trust and transparency, clients are asked to truthfully evaluate themselves and determine the rate they feel is most sustainable and appropriate for them.
Choosing a category does not guarantee that this will be your agreed-upon rate. There is a limit on the number of clients the practice can serve at reduced rates at any given time, and you may be placed on a wait list depending on that availability.
4-Tiered Sliding Scale Categories
Tier 1: $200/session
Cost of services + an increase. Choosing Tier 1 means covering the true cost of your care and helping fund reduced-rate sessions for other clients — a form of reparations and wealth redistribution in action.
- I want to use my resources to actively invest in my community and increase access to care for others.
- I am comfortably able to meet all of my basic needs, with room to spare.
- I own my home outright, own multiple properties, or have a vacation home.
- I have significant financial savings and/or generational wealth, including money or property I have inherited or expect to inherit.
- I have a strong safety net of financially stable or wealthy family and friends.
- I have substantial expendable income and can travel or take vacations freely.
Tier 2: $160/session — standard cost of services
- I am comfortably able to meet all of my basic needs*.
- I may have some debt, but it does not prevent me from meeting basic needs.
- I own my home or rent a higher-end property.
- I own or lease a car.
- I am either employed or do not need to work to meet my needs.
- I have attended private education institutions or have an advanced degree.
- I have reliable access to health care and can afford it.
- I have access to financial savings, including for education, retirement, and unforeseen emergencies.
- I have a safety net composed of “financially stable” or wealthy family and friends.
- I have expendable income.**
- I can afford to take time off to travel and go on vacation.
Tier 3: $120/session
- I may stress about meeting my basic needs, but still regularly achieve them.
- I belong to a disenfranchised or marginalized community (immigrant, BIPOC, Queer, disabled, or living in poverty).
- I may have some debt, but it does not prevent me from meeting basic needs.
- I own or lease a car.
- I am employed.
- I have access to health care, though sometimes it can strain my budget.
- I might have access to financial savings.
- I have some expendable income.
- I can buy some new items and thrift others.
- I can take a vacation occasionally. I may choose low-budget travel or activities.
Tier 4: $90/session
- I frequently stress about meeting basic needs and don’t always achieve them.
- I belong to a disenfranchised or marginalized community (immigrant, BIPOC, Queer, disabled, or living in poverty).
- I have debt, and it sometimes prohibits me from meeting my basic needs.
- I rent lower-end properties or have unstable housing.
- I do not have a car or limited access to one, but I am not always able to afford gas.
- I am unemployed or underemployed.
- I qualify for government assistance, including food stamps and health care.
- I have no access to savings.
- I have no or very limited expendable income.
- I rarely buy new items because I cannot afford them.
- I cannot afford a vacation or do not have the ability to take time off without financial burden.
*Basic needs include food, housing, transportation, child care and health care, for myself and those dependent on me.
**Expendable income might mean I am able to eat out regularly, buy tickets to cultural events, buy new clothes, electronic devices, or recreational vehicles, have more than one car, or travel to other parts of the country or globe.
Decide what rate is appropriate for you by considering the statements above each category.
- Tier 1 – $200/session
- Tier 2 – $160/session
- Tier 3 – $120/session
- Tier 4 – $90/session
By considering the statements above and selecting a category, you confirm that this is the rate you would like to be considered for. By signing below, you are attesting that you have answered honestly and are consenting to this practice policy.