Green Bottle
Accessibility Model
The Green Bottle Method, based on the work of Alexis J. Cunningfolk and Kate Boot
This practice offers services on a sliding scale using the Green Bottle Method, originally developed by Alexis J. Cunningfolk.
This is a model built on trust, self-determination, and shared responsibility for the sustainability of care. I do not ask my clients to disclose income, pay stubs, or other financial documentation, but ask that my clients reflect honestly on their own financial circumstances and self-select the fee tier that fits.
Because there is no income verification required for any tier, and you are trusted to choose the tier that most accurately reflects your current financial reality, I trust that you will keep in mind that as your circumstances change over time, your tier may, too. That is, if you find yourself in a better financial situation, I would ask that you then pay more so that someone else can use the lower-fee slot. All fee agreements will be reviewed annually with each client.
The Green Bottle model reminds us that paying for some services may require adjusting spending, cutting back on non-essential purchases like dining out or small luxuries. It could be considered a sacrifice to do this; a choice to invest in something meaningful. However, if making a payment would cause hardship, or not being able to afford essentials like food, housing, or transportation, then that is not sacrifice, but financial strain.
How the Green Bottle Method works:
A full bottle represents financial security and privilege; a half-full bottle represents relative stability with some constraints; a nearly empty bottle represents significant financial hardship.
Read the descriptions below and choose the tier that best matches where you are right now.
I am comfortably able to meet all of my basic needs (housing, food, healthcare, transportation) and have discretionary income left over.
I may have some debt, but it does not limit my ability to meet my needs or make choices about how I spend my money.
I have savings, assets, or a financial safety net I could draw on in an emergency.
I have consistent access to healthcare, including mental health care, and could pay full fee for services elsewhere if needed.
Tier 1: $130 / session
Full Bottle
Tier 2: $95-105 / session
Half Full Bottle
I am generally able to meet my basic needs, but with less flexibility.
I may be carrying debt that affects my choices, living paycheck to paycheck at times, or supporting others financially.
I do not have significant savings or a reliable safety net.
My access to paid services, including healthcare, is inconsistent or requires careful budgeting.
Tier 3: $75 / session
Near Empty Bottle
I am currently experiencing significant financial hardship.
I struggle to consistently meet my basic needs, I have little to no savings, and unexpected expenses create real strain.
I may be unemployed, underemployed, a student, disabled, a single caregiver, or otherwise navigating circumstances that limit my income and financial stability.
Paying the full fee for services would come at the cost of meeting a basic need.
Practice guidelines:
• Self-selection: You choose your tier. No documentation, justification, or explanation is required or requested.
• Reassessment: Your financial circumstances may shift — for better or worse — and your tier can shift with them. You're welcome to revisit your tier at any time by simply letting me know; I ask that we check in about it at least once a year.
• Limited spots: Reduced-fee spots (Tier 2 and Tier 3) are limited, since they are made possible by clients paying at Tier 1. If you are able to move up a tier at any point, doing so helps keep this model sustainable for others.
• No penalty: Your fee tier has no bearing on the quality, length, or content of the care you receive. Every client receives the same standard of care regardless of tier.
• Confidentiality: Your chosen tier is kept as confidential as any other part of your care.