How Pay What You Can works
A self-pay marketplace where prices and session lengths are stated upfront. Clients name what they can pay. Clinicians name what they can offer. Both sides see exact terms before making contact.
Two parallel directories
Unlike most therapy directories that only list providers, Pay What You Can has two sides — clients on the left, clinicians on the right. Each side has its own listings and its own audience browsing.
What Clients Can Pay
Clients post what they can afford for a specific session length. A graduate student might post $30 for 30 minutes because that's what fits their budget. A part-time worker might post $15 for 5 minutes for a brief check-in.
Audience: clinicians browsing for clients to serve.
For clients — 3 steps
Browse clinician offerings
Open the right column on the home page. Select filters to find a clinician. Clinicians will have different fees for the same amount of time. Select based on what you can afford. Always check their credentials prior to meeting with the provider. Click to check their status on the California board that governs the profession.
Contact clinicians you like
Click any listing to send a brief message. The clinician receives it directly and can reply directly to you. The communication is based outside the platform. Make sure you know the professional is legitimate before you meet in person. Visit their website and check their credentials.
Post your own request (optional)
If nothing in the directory fits, post what you can afford for what session length. Clinicians browse the left column looking for clients to serve. They may reach out directly.
What Clinicians Charge
Clinicians post their offered rate for a specific session length. A licensed therapist might post $40 for 30 minutes at a deliberately accessible rate. A psychiatrist might post $50 for 15 minutes for medication check-ins.
Audience: clients browsing for affordable care.
For clinicians — 3 steps
Post what you offer
Submit a single offering: a specific rate for a specific session length, with your name, credential, mode (virtual or in-person), and languages spoken. Your listing appears in the right column.
Browse client requests
Open the left column on the home page. Filter by minimum price floor, session length, or other criteria. Reach out directly to anyone whose request fits what you offer.
Renew if you want
Listings expire after 30 days to keep the directory fresh. You can repost anytime. No subscriptions, no commitments.
Ready to start?
Take one minute to post, or browse what's already there.