Sliding Scale Policy
Pro Bono work is available to established patients who come upon financial hardship while already in treatment (including but not limited to bankruptcy, potential loss of home, loss of job, change of a support person paying for visits to client needing to pay for visits unexpectedly) AND it is determined that client would have challenges accessing care otherwise or it would be detrimental to patients mental health to change providers from one they feel there is strong therapeutic rapport. Pro bono patients must also consent to PMHNP student observation and involvement in their care.
Limit 2 spots per practitioner
In the case that a new patient is in the same household as an established patient and the established patient’s rates are lower than the current sliding scale (due to this being a long term patient who was part of the original rate system), that new patient may be eligible for a matched rate of their family member (unless that intake rate has been retired, then they will be offered the next rate up). At this time the 350 intake has been retired. Eligibility includes: the family feeling that there would be great benefit from their family member seeing the same provider (established trust or similar presentation) and they are having challenges affording or finding specialized care elsewhere. This policy was built keeping in mind that when families are cared for, individual patients experience better outcomes.
All pro bono cases, regardless of provider, should be transitioned to another provider after 3-6 months (based on treatment plan and provider discretion) to allow for pro bono slots to be open to others needing it. Unless the patient is unable to transition, in the opinion of the provider then re-evaluation will occur after another 6 months.
A Note on price increases for all practitioners. In the event that a patient discloses financial hardship and states that stress would be exacerbated by annual rate increases, they may stay at their current rate. This will be re-evaluated every 6 months.
Policy Last Updated: 09/2024
New Policy added in response to the Los Angeles Fire. Rooted clinicians will open 2 spots each for new or established patients to help those who lost their provider or were displaced due to the Los Angeles Fire in efforts to help the community in crisis. This will be temporary mental health services to bridge clients to a regular clinician. These pro bono slots will be open from 01/2025-03/2025 as this is a temporary way to support our community in crisis.
Policy Last Updated: 01/2025
Policies are subject to change anytime.