Sliding Scale Therapy in California
Affordable Online Therapy for All Californians, Starting at $15 Per Session
Finding affordable therapy in California should not feel impossible. At Sentio Counseling Center, we believe everyone deserves access to quality mental health care regardless of income. As a nonprofit counseling center, we offer sliding scale therapy throughout California with fees as low as $15 per session based on your financial situation.
What Is Sliding Scale Therapy?
Sliding scale therapy adjusts the cost of each session based on what you can afford. Rather than charging a fixed rate, we work with you to determine a fee that fits your budget. Our sliding scale ranges from $15 to $90 per session, with most clients paying somewhere in between based on household income and expenses.
This model allows us to serve individuals, couples, and families who might otherwise go without mental health support. You do not need to prove hardship or provide extensive documentation. We trust that you know your financial situation best.
Why Choose Sentio Counseling Center?
Sentio Counseling Center is a California nonprofit organization dedicated to making therapy accessible statewide. Here is what makes us different:
Truly Affordable Rates Our $15 minimum sliding scale is among the lowest in California. Unlike other low cost therapy options that start at $40 or $60, we work with clients at every income level. If you are struggling financially, we will find a rate that works.
Online Therapy Across All of California We provide telehealth therapy to clients anywhere in California. Whether you live in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento, Fresno, or a rural community, you can access our services from home. No commute, no travel costs, no geographic barriers.
Therapy in Spanish and Mandarin Chinese We offer therapy in multiple languages including English, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese. Finding a bilingual therapist who also offers affordable rates can be extremely difficult. Our multilingual clinicians provide culturally responsive care in your preferred language.
Nonprofit Mission, Not Profit Motive As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, our goal is serving the community rather than maximizing revenue. Every dollar supports our mission of expanding access to mental health care for underserved Californians.
Who We Help
Our therapists work with adults, couples, and families facing a wide range of concerns:
Individual therapy for depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, grief, life transitions, relationship issues, self esteem, identity exploration, and personal growth
Couples therapy for communication problems, conflict resolution, rebuilding trust, intimacy concerns, premarital counseling, and relationship strengthening
We welcome clients from all backgrounds, identities, and life circumstances. Our clinicians are trained to provide affirming, culturally sensitive care.
How Sliding Scale Fees Work at Sentio
When you contact us, we will discuss your financial situation and agree on a session fee together. We consider factors like household income, number of dependents, major expenses, and current financial pressures. The process is simple and confidential.
Our sliding scale fee structure:
$15 to $30 per session for clients with significant financial hardship
$31 to $60 per session for clients with moderate income
$61 to $95 per session for clients with higher income who want to support our nonprofit mission
You choose what you can sustainably afford. We never turn someone away solely because of inability to pay.
How to Get Started
Beginning therapy at Sentio Counseling Center is straightforward:
Complete our brief online intake form
Our team will contact you within one business day
We will discuss your needs, availability, and sliding scale fee
You will be matched with a therapist who fits your preferences
Schedule your first session and begin meeting online
Most clients begin therapy within one to two weeks of their initial inquiry.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sliding Scale Therapy
Do I need to show proof of income? No. We use an honor system. You tell us what you can afford, and we trust your assessment of your own financial situation.
Is online therapy as effective as in person therapy? Research consistently shows that online therapy is equally effective as in person therapy for most concerns. Many clients actually prefer the convenience and comfort of meeting from home.
What if my financial situation changes? We can adjust your fee at any time. If you experience a job loss, unexpected expense, or improvement in finances, just let us know and we will revisit your sliding scale rate.
Do you accept insurance? We are a private pay practice and do not bill insurance directly. However, many clients successfully submit our receipts to their insurance for out of network reimbursement. We can provide superbills to support this process.
Can I really get therapy for $15? Yes. Our $15 minimum is real and available to clients who need it. As a nonprofit, our priority is access rather than profit.
How do I request a Spanish speaking or Mandarin speaking therapist? Simply note your language preference on the intake form or mention it when our team contacts you. We will match you with a bilingual clinician.
Affordable Therapy Should Not Mean Lower Quality
Some people worry that low cost therapy means inexperienced therapists or rushed sessions. At Sentio, that is not the case. Our clinicians receive extensive training in evidence based approaches and ongoing supervision to ensure high quality care. Every client receives the same attentive, professional service regardless of their sliding scale rate.
We are committed to providing therapy that actually helps, not just therapy that checks a box.
Take the First Step Today
You deserve support. Financial barriers should not stand between you and better mental health. Whether you are dealing with anxiety, relationship struggles, depression, trauma, or simply need someone to talk to, we are here.