Policy Statement:
Vivus Counseling Services is committed to providing equitable access to quality behavioral health care regardless of clients’ financial circumstances. We offer a sliding fee scale for treatments and services based on household income and family size, aligned with federal poverty guidelines (FPL), Colorado State Law, and Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) policy requirements.
Eligibility:
- Clients with household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level may qualify for sliding scale rates.
- Clients must submit:
- Completed Sliding Fee Application
- Proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, benefit statements)
- Proof of household size.
Covered Services:
The sliding scale applies to:
- Individual and group therapy sessions
- Mental health assessments
- Domestic violence evaluations and treatments
- Clinical assessments
- Other services provided by Vivus Counseling, unless excluded by specific funding sources or contracts.
Determination and Calculation:
- Eligibility and rates are determined using the current federal poverty guidelines.
- Discounts are calculated based on a tiered structure and approved by administrative staff.
- Clients will be informed of the rate before the start of services.
Payment Expectations:
- Payment is due at the time of service unless other arrangements are approved.
- For court-mandated services, payment plans may be arranged but must align with court deadlines.
- Failure to provide updated income documentation may result in a return to the full standard rate.
Review and Renewal:
- Eligibility will be reviewed annually or upon client request due to significant financial changes.
- Clients must notify Vivus Counseling within 30 days of income changes to update eligibility.
Confidentiality:
All financial information provided for sliding scale determination is kept strictly confidential in compliance with HIPAA, Colorado privacy laws, and BHA standards.
Non-Discrimination:
Vivus Counseling does not discriminate based on age, race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, national origin, or any protected category in administering the sliding scale.
Dispute Resolution:
Clients may request a review if they disagree with the sliding scale determination by submitting a written request to the Administrative Director within 14 days of receiving the determination.
Posting Requirement:
This policy will be:
- Available in the office lobby and included in the client intake packet to ensure transparency.
- Posted on the Vivus Counseling website.