Sliding Scale Policy and Procedures

Updated January 2024

1. All clients, new and existing, must complete the Reduced Rate Services Application Form before accessing reduced rate services.

2. Sliding scale rates range from $60 to $100 per 50 minute session, depending on the practitioner’s base rate and client’s financial needs.

3. In order to access reduced rate services, the client must meet the three minimum requirements:

1. The client does not have access to extended benefits or insurance directly or as a spouse or dependent of someone who is insured.

1. If the client’s benefits become exhausted and there are barriers to continuing services at the full rate, the client and practitioner can determine a reduced rate until a new insurance policy period begins.
2. A client does not qualify for reduced rate services if they hold an insurance policy that covers services from mental health professionals with titles or designations other than what Aroha counsellors holds (ie: the insurance policy covers psychologists but not social workers).

2. The client does not have access to free mental health services that meet their needs through other programs such as Employee and Family Services Programs (EFAP), student counselling services, victim services, child and family services, and otherwise.
3. Paying the full rate for mental health services will compromise your ability to meet basic needs such as food, housing, utilities, transportation, and caring for loved ones.

4. Clients are not required to provide any documentation to support their financial need.

5. Upon completion of the Reduced Rate Services Application Form, rates are determined by the practitioner and client on a case-by-case basis. Factors that contribute to setting the rate can include annual income, access to benefits, debt, having dependents or caring for loved ones, employment barriers, immigration status, and disability.

6. Practitioners are required to set limits on how many sliding scale clients they retain in their caseload. For this reason, there may be a wait period when accessing sliding scale services.

7. Once a sliding scale rate has been determined, clients can continue to book standard rate sessions via the online booking system and the fee will be adjusted to the agreed upon rate thereafter.

8. Once 6 weeks have passed without the client booking a session, the client may be placed back on the waiting list to accommodate others awaiting access to reduced rate services.