I agree, FP. I think it is borderline inappropriate to be frequently encouraging someone to call but have a charge for it. As I wrote, it's like hawking her wares and services (like advertising her stuff during the time you are already paying her in session--you don't need to be paying her to be a salesperson to you). Kind of squicky, if you know what I mean. It would be better if she just didn't mention the calls now that she is charging. Too bad she doesn't have at least a shorter, free phone option (3 minutes free?). I remember reading a discussion on another board about a therapist who was always talking up his books/tapes during someone's session, and pressuring them to attend a rather pricey workshop to learn how to use the products. Your situation reminds me a bit of that--not as bad, but a little the same.

I also think it was rather cowardly of your T not to explain the new phone charge policy to you herself, rather than have her secretary do it.