Therapy on a Budget: How to Find Sliding Scale Counseling in California
Finding a therapist in California can feel like searching for water in the desert, especially when you're navigating limited income, stress, and a system that often puts healing behind a paywall.
At Stillpoint Therapy Collective, we believe that mental health care should be accessible, relational, and collaborative, not just available to the few who can afford it.
What Is Sliding Scale Therapy?
Sliding scale therapy means that a therapist adjusts their session rate based on your financial situation. It's one way we try to meet people where they are - financially and otherwise.
At Stillpoint, several of our associate therapists offer sliding scale therapy as low as $50 per session. These clinicians are deeply skilled, values-aligned, and are in regular supervision, consultation, and training to make sure they are providing high-quality care to their clients.
Where to Find Affordable Therapy in California
Here are some options if you’re seeking low-fee or sliding scale therapy, whether through Stillpoint or elsewhere.
1. Online Therapist Directories (Use the Fee Filter!)
TherapyDen – Filter by “sliding scale” and “LGBTQIA+ affirming”
Open Path Collective – Offers therapy at $40–$70 per session
Inclusive Therapists – Culturally responsive, justice-oriented providers
2. Graduate School Clinics + Training Institutes
These clinics often offer very low-cost therapy with student therapists in training.
The Wright Institute Clinic (Berkeley)
The Psychotherapy Institute (TPI)
CIIS Counseling Center (San Francisco)
Access Institute for Psychological Services (SF)
Many of these offer both in-person and virtual therapy sessions across California.
3. LGBTQIA+ Centers + Community Orgs
If you’re looking for queer and trans-affirming therapy, local centers are a great starting point. Some offer internal therapy programs or can refer you to affirming providers.
Pacific Center (Berkeley)
SF LGBT Center
LGBTQ+ youth and community spaces across the Bay Area
How We Do Sliding Scale at Stillpoint Therapy Collective
We’re a California-based therapy collective with a social justice orientation, trauma-informed training, and deep care for the communities we serve. We work with:
LGBTQIA+ folks navigating identity, transition, belonging, and relationships
People living with complex trauma, chronic stress, and burnout
Clients exploring somatic therapy, nervous system healing, and body-based approaches
Those seeking therapy that is relational, affirming, and deeply human
If you’re looking for low-cost therapy in California, our therapists may be a great fit. We currently have sliding scale openings available and would love to connect for a free consultation to see if it’s a good match.
You Deserve Support
Therapy shouldn’t be a luxury or a last resort. Whether you’ve worked with a therapist before or are just beginning to explore the idea, there are options for care that honor your humanity and your budget.
If you’re looking for affordable, affirming therapy in California, we’re here. And if we’re not the right fit, we’ll help you find someone who is.