Effective Date: November 12, 2025

The Tempered Way is currently working on credentialing with Colorado Medicaid, Aetna, and United Healthcare.

At The Tempered Way Therapy LLC, we believe that mental-health care is a human right — not a luxury. While we are a small business with real operational costs, we are also a values-driven practice grounded in equity, compassion, and community care.

To honor those values, we offer a limited number of reduced-fee (sliding scale) therapy spots for clients experiencing financial barriers to care. Our sliding scale is based on the Bottle Method, a dignity-centered, self-assessment model that supports transparency and fairness without invasive financial documentation.

Eligibility & Process

Sliding scale availability is based on:

• Financial hardship

• Gaps in insurance coverage

• High deductibles or out-of-pocket burdens

• Life transitions (job loss, medical bills, caregiving, single parenting)

• Systemic barriers to care or marginalized identities

• Student status or part-time income stability

Eligibility is determined collaboratively through an honest, good-faith conversation.

We do NOT require:

• Tax returns

• Pay stubs

• Proof of hardship

• Bank statements

We trust you to assess your financial reality and communicate openly about what is sustainable for you.

The Bottle Method

A Self-Assessment Tool for Financial Transparency

The Bottle Method (by Alexis J. Cunningfolk) is a reflective framework that helps one identify their financial capacity in a way that honors context, privilege, and lived reality — not just income.

(Full Bottle → Middle Bottle → Lower Bottle)

Below is a summary of each category.

Full Bottle — Full Fee

$165 per 53-minute session

You may fall into the Full Bottle if:

• You consistently meet basic needs without strain

• You have stable income and financial security

• Unexpected expenses are manageable

• You engage in leisure travel, dining out, or saving without hardship

• Paying full fee does not significantly impact your wellbeing

Middle Bottle — Middle Tier

$115 – $140 per 53-minute session

You may fall in the Middle Bottle if:

• You can meet basic needs but with budgeting

• You have modest financial stability but unexpected expenses create stress

• You can pay more than the lowest tier but not the full fee without strain

• You sometimes need to prioritize or delay spending decisions

• High: $140

• Mid: $130

• Low: $115

Lower Bottle — Reduced Fee

$75 – $100 per 53-minute session

You may fall in the Lower Bottle if:

• Meeting basic needs is a struggle or inconsistent

• You experience financial insecurity or instability

• You have significant debt, medical expenses, or rely on public assistance

• Paying full fee would prevent you from accessing therapy at all

• You experience systemic barriers to financial security

You are encouraged to claim this option without shame. The scale exists because everyone deserves care.

• High: $100

• Mid: $90

• Low: $75

Fee Structure Summary

Sliding scale spots are limited and evaluated approximately every 6 months. Clients are expected to notify their therapist if their financial situation changes.

Ethical Alignment

This policy aligns with:

NASW Code of Ethics

• “Assist clients in obtaining needed services through available resources.”

• “Ensure access to services for people who are disadvantaged or vulnerable.”

ACA Code of Ethics (A.10.c.)

• Consider clients’ financial status and community standards when establishing fees.

• Avoid exploiting clients financially.

Sliding scale is an ethical, justice-oriented practice.

Limitations

• Sliding scale availability is limited and not guaranteed.

• Priority may be given to individuals with systemic barriers to care.

• Reduced rates apply to ongoing psychotherapy sessions, not specialized services such as:

  • Court letters

  • Legal documentation

  • Extended reports

  • Emergency sessions

  • Crisis intervention

  • 90-minute EMDR intensives

How to Request a Sliding Scale Spot

If you’re interested in a reduced fee:

1. Bring it up during your consultation or initial session.

2. Reflect honestly on the Bottle Method categories.

3. We will collaborate to determine a rate that is sustainable for both you and the practice.

If no sliding scale spots are available, we will offer referrals to low-cost or community-based providers.

Our Belief

Sliding scale is a collective commitment.
It reflects our belief that healing should be accessible, that care must be equitable, and that dignity is fundamental.
We trust you to assess your needs with honesty — and we will meet you with transparency, respect, and compassion.