Therapist doubled her rate for rich clients, then quietly used it for a kind reason

It's truly exhausting to live in a world that is just too demanding. From work to household responsibilities and childcare duties, it's almost impossible to take a day off and relax. This explains why many people are inclined towards taking therapy nowadays. Having said that, not everybody can afford to hire a therapist. In fact, a survey by Verywell Mind found that 37% of Americans who used to be in therapy said they stopped because of financial reasons. The study also found that 38% have had to rely on someone else to afford therapy. Kenya Crawford (@cultivatinghealers), a therapist, understands it better than anybody else. On December 16, she revealed she 'doubles her rate' for her rich clients, but it's for a very empathetic reason.

Crawford had two batches of clients — an economically privileged group and not-so-financially stable ones. The therapist realized it would be great if both batches could help each other without actually talking to each other. Crawford said she found an "anti-oppression" rate structure and started asking her rich clients if they could pay more for those who can't afford therapy. Surprisingly, many of her clients happily embraced the opportunity and agreed to pay more. "And other clients of mine felt this deep gratitude to know that they were in a practice that really valued them," she said. Crawford explained how some of her clients who got better financially later reached out to her, saying they wanted to pay more, so people who were in a precarious financial situation could afford therapy sessions without a burden. The therapist said she always makes sure to lead her business in a way that her community genuinely benefits. "You don’t have to go searching for a community to support — Pour into the communities you’re already a part of," she wrote. 

Meanwhile, reacting to the therapist's video, @jamilahthealchemist commented, "This is what you call thinking outside of the box; I love it!" @manuela_alecp wrote, "My therapist does this too. It was one of the reasons I chose to work with her." @cpifyouplease shared, "I absolutely love this model and hope to implement it in my own practice one day." @toby.everhart commented, "I'm so grateful my therapist also practices this! Because other people have paid more, I've been able to continue going to therapy after a major financial disaster. Once I'm back on my feet, you BET I'm going to ask to pay more."

Similarly, @wealthisgrace wrote, "I’ve done scholarships before where I adjust pricing based on need, and I love it because you’re actually empowering your clients to BE a part of it! It enrolls them into being in a place of leadership and connection with the community." @k.aspara wrote, "I have been thinking of doing this for years but always find it hard to charge more. I always end up thinking, 'Well, why would they donate when I can donate my time?' Obviously, the answer is sustainability; this idea of patients sponsoring others is so good. It's just so hard to ask. I have trouble just charging anything."

You can follow Kenya Crawford, LMHC (@cultivatinghealers) on Instagram for more therapy-related content.

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