Green bottle method

At March Forth Therapy PLLC, I use the Green Bottle Method—a community-driven, values-based approach to fee-setting created by Alexis J. Cunningfolk. Instead of a one-size-fits-all rate, this model offers three tiers so people can choose the fee that best reflects their access to resources, financial stability, and lived circumstances.

Why does this matter? Well, we live in a capitalist system where the cost of doing business—rent, licensing, insurance, taxes, continuing education, scheduling software, clinical tools—is extremely real. As a therapist in solo practice, I don’t have the infrastructure of a larger clinic to absorb these costs. For my work to be sustainable (and for me to continue offering high-quality care for the long-term), I have to balance accessibility with the realities of running a business.

This is why the Green Bottle Method works:
It lets us create fairness without pretending that everyone’s financial capacity is the same. Every tier is respected. And together, they help make therapy more accessible, sustainable, and rooted in shared humanity.

For more information on implementing the Green Bottle Method, you can visit Cunningfolk’s original blog post: The Sliding Scale: A Tool of Economic Justice.

What in the world is the green bottle method?

  • Generous Tier

    $250–$300

    This tier is for clients who can comfortably give a little extra. Paying at this level helps support the practice and keeps therapy accessible for others who may need the lower tiers. It’s a way to contribute to the community of care while investing in your own growth.

  • Standard Tier

    $200–$250

    This is the standard, fair rate for clients who can comfortably pay for therapy. It’s for those who value the work and want a rate that reflects a balance between accessibility and sustaining the practice.

  • Support Tier

    TBD / lower rate

    This tier is for clients who need the most financial flexibility. It’s designed to make therapy accessible to anyone who wants support but may have limited resources. Choosing this tier is completely valid and welcomed—you’re still getting the same quality care, just at a rate that works for you.

****Please note, above is for 53 minute regularly occurring therapy sessions. The first session will cost higher (+$25-$50) as it includes assessment and treatment planning for a 90-120 minute intake appointment.

I reserve 20% of my practice for the lowest/support tier so I can keep care accessible and keep my small business afloat.

And truly: the more folks who choose the generous and standard tier, the more support-tier spots I can offer.

No guilt, no fanfare—just a shared, sustainable way to make therapy reachable for more people.

Accepted forms of payment:

Cash, Check, Credit card (American Express, Discover, Mastercard, or Visa), Flexible Savings Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA).

See below for info on using OON benefits.

Got out of network benefits?

I get it! Insurance benefits = COMPLICATED & MYSTIFYING.

Even though I’m not in-network with insurance, you may still be able to use your out-of-network benefits to get partial reimbursement for therapy. Many PPO insurance plans will cover a percentage of your session cost (sometimes up to 80%!) once you’ve met your deductible.

If you choose to use these benefits, I’ll provide you with a superbill—a detailed receipt with all the information your insurance company needs to process a claim. You simply submit it to your insurer, and if eligible, they’ll reimburse you directly.

During consult and the first session we can discuss this more in length and I can help you, to the best of my ability, in navigating out of network benefits.

Before we meet, it can help to ask your insurance:

  • Do I have out-of-network mental health coverage?

  • What percentage of the session fee is reimbursed?

  • What’s my deductible, and how much has been met?

  • How do I submit a superbill?

A quick call can clarify what your plan covers and how to get reimbursed.

Codes to know when inquiring about OON benefits:

CPT Billing Code 90791 (first intake appointment)

CPT Billing Code 90837 (follow up appointments)

I have partnered with Mentaya to help clients use their out-of-network benefits to save money on therapy. Use this tool below to see if you qualify for reimbursement for my services.

For out-of-network coverage, many plans ask you to meet a deductible before reimbursement kicks in. Your reimbursement rate varies by insurer. Please keep in mind that with out-of-network care, you’ll pay upfront for sessions and then receive reimbursement once your insurance completes their review.

Note: All numbers are estimates. Final reimbursement is based on your insurance’s “allowed amount.”