Sliding Scale Therapy in Austin: $5 to $85 a Session

Everyone deserves access to mental health care, no matter what season of life they're in. As a teaching practice, we pair Masters-level interns with fully licensed clinical supervisors, so our interns get the best possible training and you get identity-affirming therapy at a rate you choose, anywhere from $5 to $85 a session. We're here to fill the gap for all people when finances are a barrier. No proof of income. No questions about your finances.

Choose your rateMeet our interns

How much does sliding scale therapy cost at Colors of Austin Counseling?

Sessions with our supervised Masters-level interns are $85 per 60-minute session, and you can choose any rate from $5 to $85 that fits your budget. We don't ask for pay stubs or proof of income. Sessions are in person at our Austin offices in Windsor Park and Rosedale, or virtual anywhere in Texas. Interns can't bill insurance, so every intern client pays the rate they choose.

How does sliding scale therapy work?

01

Choose your rate

Slide to the session fee that fits your budget, anywhere from $5 to $85. You don't need to prove your income or explain your choice.

02

Tell us how to reach you

Share your contact details, how you'd like to meet and any intern you'd like to work with. Please leave out health details. We'll talk through those privately.

03

Get matched

Our Client Care Coordinator reaches out within 2 business days to match you with an intern and schedule your first session.

04

Start therapy

Meet weekly or every other week, in person in Austin or virtually anywhere in Texas, with a licensed clinical supervisor guiding your care.

Choose your rate

Meet our therapy interns

Every intern is a Masters-level counseling or social work student supervised by a licensed clinician on our team. Choose someone whose focus speaks to you, or let our Client Care Coordinator match you.

Sara Safaie, therapy intern at Colors of Austin Counseling

Sara Safaie

She/her · Supervised by Alexandra DeHoff

Young adults and multicultural clients navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions and cultural adjustment.

Evelyn Ooi, therapy intern at Colors of Austin Counseling

Evelyn Ooi

She/her · Supervised by Marissa Lecaros

Adults, couples, teens, children and Asian American families. Family conflict, intergenerational trauma, grief and ADHD.

Rhiannon Woodward, therapy intern at Colors of Austin Counseling

Rhiannon Woodward

She/her · Supervised by Alyssa Ray

Adults and couples, including biracial, Indigenous and LGBTQ+ clients. Identity, relationships, grief and recovery.

Thomas Kelly, therapy intern at Colors of Austin Counseling

Thomas Kelly

He/him · Supervised by Chris Martinez

Men, people of color, LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent clients, teens, couples and families. Identity and relationships.

Choose your rate and request a session

Slide to the rate that fits your budget. There's no wrong answer and no proof needed. Please don't include health details here. We'll talk about what brings you in privately.

$45
$5$85

Every rate is welcome. Paying more when you can helps keep low rates open for someone else.

Thank you. Your request is in. Our Client Care Coordinator will reach out within 2 business days to match you with an intern.

Something went wrong while sending your request. Please try again or email connect@colorsofaustincounseling.com.

Frequently asked questions

How much does sliding scale therapy cost in Austin at COAC?

Sessions with our supervised interns are $85 for a 60-minute session, and you can choose any rate from $5 to $85. You pick the number that fits your budget, and that is the rate you pay each session.

Do I need to prove financial need?

No. We don't ask for pay stubs, tax returns or income questions. Choose the rate that works for you and we trust your choice.

Can I use insurance to see an intern?

No. Insurance companies don't reimburse interns, so intern sessions are self-pay at the rate you choose. You can pay with a credit card or an HSA or FSA card. If you'd rather use insurance, our licensed therapists are in network with most major plans.

Who are the therapy interns?

Our interns are Masters-level counseling and social work students in the final stage of their programs. Each one is chosen through an interview process and meets regularly with a licensed clinical supervisor at Colors of Austin Counseling who reviews their work.

Is therapy with an intern effective?

Yes. Interns carry smaller caseloads, are trained in current research-based approaches, and review their work with a licensed supervisor, so your care benefits from two clinicians' perspectives.

Who do the interns work with?

Adults, teens, couples, families and some children, depending on the intern. Our interns bring experience with BIPOC, multicultural, Asian American, Indigenous, LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent clients, and with anxiety, identity, life transitions, grief, family conflict and relationships.

Are sessions in person or online?

Both. Meet in person at 5800 Berkman Dr in Windsor Park or 4104 Marathon Blvd in Rosedale, or virtually from anywhere in Texas.

Can my rate change later?

Yes. If your finances change, let our billing team know and we'll update your rate going forward.

What if I can't afford $5 a session?

No one is turned away due to inability to pay. Let us know in the form and our Client Care Coordinator will talk through options with you.

Your healing shouldn't wait on your budget.

Choose your rate, meet a supervised intern and start therapy that honors all of who you are.

Choose your rateUsing insurance instead?

Now Offering Therapy Packages

Flexible Self-Pay options for In-Person and Virtual Care are here.
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