Socially Responsible Psychotherapy Starting at $35
Two and half years ago, Flourish Counseling launched its Pay It Forward Program to provide deeply-discounted therapeutic support for those who were unable to afford the full cost of psychotherapy. The patronage of clients who are able to pay standard therapy fees makes this community support possible. The program also educates the community about the mental health crisis, which is causing therapeutic support to become increasingly unaffordable for many Americans.
Since the conception of the program, the national economic collapse has made it even harder for many to afford the support that they deserve. The two primary ways in which people pay for therapy are on the decline. As the unemployment rate rose, the number of Americans without medical insurance also increased. There are now roughly 800,000 uninsured individuals in Colorado, so fewer people are able to access mental health benefits through a medical insurance plan. As incomes decreased, discretionary funds disappeared for some households. Many modern parents find over 75% of their monthly income dedicated to fixed expenses such as housing, car payments, food and childcare. This makes it difficult to pay for therapy out-of-pocket as well. Problems often arise when there is no clear way as to how to pay for support to address them. The Pay It Forward program has been providing expert support to a broad range of clients throughout the recession and the benefits have been obvious in client’s lives. Yet the need for more affordable therapy is higher than ever.
Perhaps I listen to rock bands-for-social-change a bit too much. But the Flobots’ rhythmic chant runs through my mind anytime I envision the impact I want my psychotherapy practice to have on my community. - “Rise, together we rise, together we rise.” A lack of money seems like such a dumb and insignificant excuse for our society’s failings in the mental health field. It should be of vital importance to us that couples are able to find ways to stay together, that families achieve harmony, that individuals are able to find peace of mind, and that teens who don’t see the point in living are kept alive and given hope. We already know how to help others resolve their most personal issues. We just need innovative ways to make the solutions accessible.
Convinced we can still do better, Flourish Counseling is expanding its Pay It Forward program this January. Psychotherapist Elaine Avrus has joined the staff and will be dedicating her time and expertise to serving individuals, couples and families in the Pay It Forward program. She will be providing therapy on a sliding fee scale of $35 to $55 per session. With many therapists around Denver now charging up to $130 per session, the expanded affordable services at Flourish Counseling are sure to fill a great need in the community.
Click here to learn more about Elaine’s credentials. Or call 303-455-3767 to schedule a FREE initial consultation with her.