If Your Sliding Scale is Killing You...

...specify a limit.

For the past 3 years, every "sliding scale" opportunity for my therapy clients has come with a session limit.

It felt counterintuitive at first, but it’s been the great burnout prevention for me. It also protects their autonomy.

Having us BOTH remain aware of the limitations of the arrangement injects predictability and shared responsibility into the time.

I’ve found that these clients do exceptionally well. They are thoughtful, every single session, about getting the most out of the experience (and Intensive EMDR is very much an experience!).

If you're a therapist and your sliding scale is bumming you out, it might be time for a revamp.

Instead of a traditional sliding scale, consider these shifts:

• Offer specific "Scholarship" discounts or limited-time arrangements.

• Schedule check-ins on a regular basis (every 12 sessions or every 90 days) rather than basing them on "feelings."

• Maintain referral relationships at every price range and point on the continuum of care. Networking isn't selfish, it's part of your clinical responsibility.

I know we therapists love sending clients off with a clear sense of what they did and what they want to do next, no matter how they were referred or how they paid.

Here's one tool I use to make that happen:

Check it out, download it once, and make and share as many copies as you want for your clients.