This sounds similar to my T. He said that he only charged one client $5 a session for a few months when he was in a really bad place. And how some clients pay less than half his regular fee (in some cases, they were seeing him as teens, when their parents paid, then continued when they went to college or were on their own). He shared that when there was a chance my H could get laid off (he makes more than me, and our insurance is through him), and I asked in a panic if there was any way I could keep seeing him at a reduced rate if that happened. He said yes, that we'd work something out.


He has actually given me a somewhat reduced rate ($25 under his usual rate) since my insurance changed its reimbursement level a couple years ago (he's out of network, but I get partial reimbursement from insurance). Then, when I had to replace my car unexpectedly last summer (and was unable to sell or get insurance payout for the old one--long story involving water damage), I asked if he could reduce it a bit further, and we compromised on a temporary rate (about an extra $20 off). Then I asked a few times about possibly extending that rate, and he agreed, eventually saying we would go back to the original discounted rate in May, which we did.

So I would ask for sure. You could always ask for it to be a temporary period if you think he'd be more agreeable to that, like "Can you give me this rate for 3 to 6 months?" then reevaluate after. I'd also suggest having a particular rate in mind when you ask him. Another option, if he's not willing to reduce your rate (or to not reduce as much as you'd need), is to see if he'd be willing to let you carry a balance that you could pay back when your financial situation changes.