At The Alternative Story, we view access to mental healthcare as a right rather than a privilege. Research indicates that the care gap in India for common mental illnesses is between 85% and 95%. This disparity is often driven by the high cost of private therapy and the intrusive nature of traditional financial aid.
To address this, we developed the #PayWhatYouWant (PWYW) model. This is not a discount or a temporary offer. It is an alternative business model rooted in trust and client agency.
How the Model Works
- Across All Tiers: PWYW is available across all three of our seniority tiers. We do not restrict this initiative to junior therapists.
- No Questions Asked: We do not require income slips or proof of financial hardship. We believe that requiring clients to “prove” their eligibility creates an unnecessary barrier to care.
- The Shared Floor: To ensure our therapists are paid fairly and the organization remains sustainable, we have a base price of Rs. 710. We update this base price from time to time to keep up with the costs of providing care and ensure the organization’s longevity.
- Free Therapy: If the base price is still a barrier, we offer free sessions through our Therapists-in-Training.
- The Roster System: Every therapist on our team maintains a specific roster for all their clients, including those paying full price and those using PWYW. This helps prevent burnout and ensures quality of care. Because we must limit the number of PWYW slots to remain sustainable, a therapist may sometimes have a full roster even if they are still accepting full-price clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is this initiative specifically for? Our study found that this model is a significant benefit for individuals earning minimum wage, those who do not have a regular income due to disability or illness, and individuals from marginalized communities.
- Can I switch between full price and #PayWhatYouWant? Yes. Financial situations change. If you need to move from full price to PWYW, or if you are now in a position to move to our standard rates, please discuss this with your therapist. These transitions are handled on a case by case basis.
- Why can’t I find PWYW under a particular therapist? Because each therapist manages their own roster, PWYW may be available with one therapist but not another. If you cannot find the PWYW category under a therapist, it means their current capacity for these slots is full. If we cannot accommodate you, we are happy to provide referrals to trusted professionals outside of our organization.
- Is the quality of care different? No. Our research shows that the PWYW model actually strengthens the therapeutic bond. You receive the same professional, trauma-informed care regardless of the amount you pay.
- How does this stay sustainable? Sustainability relies on a balance between our standard fees and PWYW contributions. While many clients pay the base price, we encourage those who can afford more to contribute what they can. This approach allows the community to support itself and helps keep the initiative available for others.
- Where can I read the research? We have published our findings on the efficacy and sustainability of this model. You can read our full paper here