Sliding Scale Therapy in Canada: How to Offer It Without Burning Out
Jamie Letcher • September 25, 2025
Finding the balance between accessibility and sustainability
Sliding scale therapy comes from such a good place. You want counselling to be accessible, you want to live your values, and you care about the people in your community. But here’s the reality: without boundaries, sliding scale fees can leave you financially strained and emotionally drained. And that’s not sustainable for you or
for your practice.
At Wellnix, we often see therapists wrestle with this. You want to support clients who can’t afford your full fee, but you also need to protect your livelihood. The two can co-exist if you create a clear framework.
Why therapists offer a sliding scale
- Accessibility. Therapy is expensive, and not everyone has insurance coverage. Sliding scale spots open the door for people who might otherwise go without support.
- Alignment with values. Many therapists feel strongly about equity and justice, and a sliding scale reflects those commitments.
- Connection. Offering flexibility can strengthen your role as a supportive presence in your community.
The challenges
- Financial pressure. Too many reduced-fee spots can leave you struggling to cover your own expenses.
- Emotional burnout. Constantly adjusting your fee out of guilt or obligation can build resentment.
- Lack of clarity. Without structure, it’s easy to feel pressured to say yes every time someone asks.
How to make it sustainable
- Decide on the number of spots. Choose how many reduced-fee spaces you can truly offer (e.g. two or three). Once they’re filled, offer a waitlist or referrals.
- Set your minimum. Know the lowest fee you’re comfortable with. This avoids case-by-case stress and ensures your practice remains viable.
- Be transparent. Share your sliding scale policy upfront on your site or intake form. Clients appreciate clarity.
- Offer alternatives. Flexibility doesn’t always mean lowering your fee. Consider biweekly sessions, group offerings, or referrals to lower-cost agencies.
Why boundaries matter
Boundaries aren’t cold or unkind: they’re what make sliding scale sustainable. They protect your energy, your finances, and your ability to keep showing up for clients long-term.
Your well-being matters, too. You deserve to be fairly compensated for your work. A thoughtful sliding scale can honour your values while protecting your financial health; a balance that benefits both you and your clients.
Takeaway:
Sliding scale therapy can absolutely be part of a sustainable practice. The key is being intentional: setting limits, being transparent, and remembering that your needs count, too!
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Running a private practice means wearing a lot of hats, and that includes making sure your phone system works just as hard as you do. Whether you’re a solo therapist or managing a group practice, having a secure, professional, and easy-to-use phone setup can make a big difference. But with so many options out there, how do you know which one’s the best fit for your practice? We’ve rounded up three of the most popular phone systems used by Canadian therapists and ranked them based on features, price, and overall ease of use. 1. OpenPhone: Best for Growing Practices 🏆 Price: Starting at $17/month CAD Platform: Desktop and mobile app (iOS and Android) OpenPhone is one of the most therapist-friendly options out there, especially if you’re growing a team or planning to. It gives you a dedicated business number that works from both your computer and phone, so you’re never tied to one device. You can call, text, send voicemail, and even share access with a team member (like a virtual assistant). Why Therapists Love It ✔️ Seamless call and text integration ✔️ Shared inbox (perfect if you work with an admin) ✔️ Canadian numbers available ✔️ Voicemail transcription ✔️ Easy to use and scale Heads-Up To ensure PHIPA compliance, you’ll want the Business plan and a signed BAA if you work with clients outside of Ontario too. Best For Therapists who want a professional, flexible setup that can grow with them. 2. Fongo Works: Best Free Option 🏆 Price: Free (basic version) Platform: Desktop and mobile app (iOS and Android) Fongo has been a staple for Canadian therapists who want a professional number without the extra monthly cost. You can get a Canadian number for free, use it for calling and texting, and upgrade if you want features like voicemail transcription or call recording. Why Therapists Love It ✔️ It’s free ✔️ Works on your phone and computer ✔️ Easy to set up and start using ✔️ No separate phone needed Things to Note Fongo doesn’t offer as many integrations or shared access features, so it may be better suited for solo therapists. Best For Therapists just starting out or keeping costs low. 3. Telus Business Connect (by RingCentral): Good for Large Teams Price: Starting at $35/month CAD Platform: Desktop and mobile app (iOS and Android) Telus Business Connect is a robust option built for businesses that need more traditional phone infrastructure. It’s a solid choice if you have a larger clinic with multiple therapists and want more advanced call routing and team features. Why Therapists Use It ✔️ Established provider ✔️ Good for clinics with multiple locations ✔️ High-quality call system ✔️ Option to integrate fax and conference calls Drawbacks It’s pricier, has a steeper learning curve, and may be more than you need if you’re a solo or small group practice. Best For Larger group practices with complex needs. Our Verdict For most Canadian therapists, OpenPhone and Fongo are the clear winners. If you're ready to invest in a sleek, scalable solution, OpenPhone is worth it. If you’re just starting out and need something simple and affordable, Fongo is a great choice. Want help setting up your phone system or managing client calls? Wellnix offers virtual assistant support tailored to Canadian therapy practices so you can spend more time with clients, not troubleshooting tech. ✨ Book a free consultation today to learn more! ✨
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