Originally Established: January 2019​

Last Updated: January 2026

At Golden Lotus Counseling & Psychotherapy, the provision of pro bono, low-bono, and sliding-scale services is an ethical imperative and a core component of the practice’s mission. This approach is grounded in the belief that access to high-quality mental health care should not be determined solely by financial capacity, and that clinicians have a responsibility to reduce systemic barriers to care whenever possible.

Based on training, licensure, and clinical experience, services at GLCP are consistent with prevailing market rates for outpatient psychotherapy. However, the practice is intentionally structured to prioritize access and equity over profit. Clients are offered the opportunity to receive quality therapy at anywhere between 50-100% of the full cost of counseling services, based on individual financial circumstances.

Fee agreements are established collaboratively between the client and practice staff and operate on an honor system, reflecting mutual trust, transparency, and respect. In select cases, services may be provided at no cost when financial hardship would otherwise prevent access to care. The practice also maintains flexibility to waive outstanding balances when continued billing would pose a burden to the client.

All sliding-scale, low-bono, and pro bono arrangements are reviewed every six (6) months throughout the course of treatment to ensure that fee agreements remain appropriate, ethical, and responsive to the client’s evolving circumstances.

This policy reflects a sustained commitment to equity, justice, and ethical clinical practice, and has been consistently upheld since its establishment in January 2019.