Sliding Scale and Low Cost Pay Structures

Both the low cost and sliding scale pay structures utilize communal support as a way to balance service rates for all. This information has been greatly informed by both the impacts of Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina and surrounding states, as well as the ongoing political climate. It is my intention to use both structures as an attempt to meet the different financial needs of the individuals who are wanting to or are currently participating in my services. Pay structures like these are possible, in part, by each individual intentionally assessing their own financial needs and/or privilege, and honestly choosing the amount they feel able to commit to. I recognize that individuals may need to adjust their chosen rate at any point during services.

If you use a sliding scale or low cost spot, and really can afford to pay the full fee, you are limiting access to care for those who need financial flexibility. Being honest about your financial situation enables the growth of more equitable and financially sustainable communities. The cost of therapy reflects a respect and commitment to the work of practitioners in healing fields who have professional costs and living expenses. When paid fairly, practitioners are able to dedicate more resources to each therapy participant and can provide more free and low cost offerings.

ONLINE SERVICES

gender affirming voicework

(50 minute sessions)

  • Full rate:

    • $120.00 per session

  • Sliding scale:

    • $50.00 - $115.00 per session

  • Low cost:

    • Rate decided by participant and facilitator

music therapy sessions

(50 minute sessions)

  • Full rate:

    • $120.00 per session

  • Sliding scale:

    • $50.00 - $115.00 per session

  • Low cost:

    • Rate decided by participant and facilitator

50 minute focused music lessons

  • Full rate:

    • $75.00 per lesson 

  • Sliding scale:

    • $50.00 - $70.00 per lesson

  • Low cost:

    • Rate decided by participant and facilitator

For all services, a FREE 15-20 minute zoom or phone consultation is required.

FAQs

  • As a music therapist, I am not in-network to bill directly for any service I offer. This is solely due to licensing restrictions and standards that insurance have in place at this time.

  • As a music therapist, I am not in-network to bill directly for any services. This is solely due to licensing restrictions and standards that insurance have in place at this time.

    If this is something you'd like to pursue, you would pay the full cost of each session at the time of the session. I will then provide you with a superbill, which you would be responsible for submitting directly to your own insurance for reimbursement. A superbill is essentially a more in-depth bill that includes a medical diagnosis and other identifying information to determine medical necessity. At that point, your insurance would potentially reimburse you directly, if they accept and approve the bill (at a partial or full rate).

    Please note that it is not guaranteed that your insurance provider will reimburse for services (whether partially or fully), and if they do not provide any reimbursement, you are ultimately responsible for any costs not covered by your insurance provider.

    Note: Gender affirming voicework might require a specific voice-related diagnosis in order to be deemed medically necessary (e.g., R49.8 – Other voice and resonance disorder). I recommend getting a referral from your PCP or another medical provider with a specific voice-related diagnosis to increase the likelihood of these services being covered.

    I also recommend contacting your insurance provider using the number on the back of your insurance card to answer the following questions:

    1. What are my out-of-network benefits for voice services and/or music therapy? Does music therapy require prior authorization before billing?

    2. Do you cover the below codes? What is required to cover these codes?

      92524 - Behavioral and qualitative analysis of voice and resonance

      92507 - Treatment of speech, language, voice, communication, and/or auditory processing

    3. What is my deductible, if any?

    4. What is my copayment and/or coinsurance responsibilities, if any?

  • Potential pros:

    1. Your financial commitments for each session would potentially decrease (pending what out-of-network benefits you have and how we're attempting to bill for services).

    2. This may allow you to meet more frequently to address your needs.

    Potential cons:

    1. Billing insurance requires operating within a medically pathologizing system. While this can potentially improve the financial accessibility of services, it does require a diagnosis to be given to you and stricter requirements from insurance companies about how we operate. That might not align with your values and understanding of our work together.

  • For my services are offered virtually, I use a HIPAA-compliant Zoom platform.

    Physical space requirements:

    When we meet virtually, I ask that you be in a private space with no one else in attendance (i.e., no family, friends, strangers). The presence of others can create distractions that make it hard to focus, and it also impedes on our ability to make this a confidential space that's just for you!

    Technology requirements:

    You will need to have some device that has access to WiFi or internet to access sessions. Laptops or desktop computers with a microphone and webcam work best but tablets and mobile phones are also an option.

    I recommend that you download Zoom on your device for the best experience. While you can use the web browser version of Zoom, the connection is often spotty, and we often do not have the same ability to adjust audio settings for the best music experience. If we plan to use music in our sessions, I will support you in setting up Zoom for the best experience.

    Additionally, any music-based sessions tend to go better if you're able to wear headphones. You don't need anything fancy though!