Should I pay for cancelled session?

I've had other T's in the past who stated that if I cancel a session less than 24-hours, 48-hours, whatever, then I would be responsible for the cost. But my current T has never stated any policy regarding cancellations or missed sessions.

I am very conscientious about giving advance notice if I need to miss a session with perhaps two exceptions in the past year. In one case I cancelled the night before because I had to report for jury duty that I forgot to tell him about and other time I didn't show for a session because I couldn't face talking about my trauma. In the first case, I did not pay T for the session and in the second case I did pay. T never commented on payment for either time.

On Saturday morning I left a phone message for him telling him that I'm not coming in for my Monday afternoon appointment. I assume he won't get this until Monday morning and that it is unlikely he could rebook this time slot (although I could be wrong about both these assumptions). Do you think I should pay for this cancelled session? (Money is definitely a concern for me.)

Under those circumstances I would pay. But you should talk to T about it.

I wouldn't. Even if he had a clear policy about 24 or 48 hr notice, you did that. I've never heard of a stipulation that weekends don't count. Plus, it would be his responsibility to check his voice mail in case there are cancellations.

I think you need to clear it up with your T at the next session so you know either way; and for now since it isn't established it would be your decision.

I would be inclined not to pay, but I would talk to T about it so you know for the future.

I wouldn't pay, you gave 48h notice and I think that's more than fair. My T's policy is 24h notice with no special stipulations about weekends.

Your T probably doesn't have a rule about it because they never told you about it. I wouldn't pay unless they brought it up.

Just ask. I suspect it will be fine and no payment will be expected, particularly since you don't appear to have a history of lots of last minute cancellations.

Usually clients have to (for legal protection) fill out a ton of forms during intake. This is where all of my doctors, Therapists, etc. mentioned their "missed appointment policy" and you have to sign, signifying you agree and understand. Do you remember reading such a thing? I know it's easy to forget because there are usually so many pages to read and fill out. Bring it up with him during the next session. You'll feel better knowing his stance on the matter. It probably won't hurt to mention money is an issue for you as well. Always keep your T "in the know" and it is likely they will somehow work with you.

The way I see it, Saturday is still 48 hours (give or take) from your appointment on Monday. We cannot predict the future and usually do not know or expect an emergency, or something of higher priority to come up over the weekend. As for the appointment missed due to fear of the discussion matter, I would personally pay whatever fee necessary for a situation like that.

If you have to pay, he should tell you.

Also, your concern that he wont get the message before Monday- is not really your concern. I think Ts should be calling in and checking messages.

Thanks for your responses. I guess I'll ask him directly but part of me wants to let it slide and see if he brings it up.

The strange thing is, he never asked me to fill out any forms when I started seeing him. Nothing - not just no policies but also no consent to treat, no emergency contact number, no history, etc. this stuck me as strange at the time but I had been searching for a compatible therapist for some time, and was sick of filling out those forms. (He doesn't accept insurance and works for himself in private practice.)

The marriage counselor we see has the 24 hour cancellation policy, and he states that weekends count. So if you have a Monday morning appointment, you just have to call by Sunday morning.

I would simply ask what his policy is. I know that my T would probably be able to fill even a last minute cancellation with another client (she's done that with me - had another client cancel and I took the spot same day).

It's very unusual for a T not to have you fill out any forms. My T is in private practice and doesn't take insurance. I still had to fill out a basic info sheet, history form, consent to treat, and sign some confidentiality and policy forms. You might ask your T if this is something that got overlooked in your initial appointments.

You should just ask. The practice I go to has a 48 business day policy, but each clinician uses their own judgement as to whether to charge. If there is a policy in place, they should tell you.

I would be concerned about this. Maybe bring this up as well and ask why. I know my T keeps the amount of forms as low as possible, but there are a few required by law, and it's important to check that he is complying with the law.

One t I went to see was a full weeks notice otherwise you had to pay and another was 72 hours which I think is a bit extreme. I think you have given him enough notice and it is up to him if he checked his messages- you gave him notice so I wouldn't pay

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This seems off. He is absolutely screwed if anyone files accusations against him. Those documents are life lines for practitioners in those situations. I would be suspicious of this and question it. Are you positive he's licensed? Have you looked it up?

I see lcsw's and I interviewed a lot of them over the last few years. More did not have paperwork to fill out at first appointment than did.

I've seen three therapist in the last two years. One for individual and two for group. None them asked me to fill out forms or emergency contact, etc., or anything like that. None of these therapist take insurance, and yes, they are all licensed by the state we live in.

I filled out a bunch of paperwork prior to my first appt with current T, I wish I had asked for copies of it at the time, but I didn't.

Me too! /:

I go to a group practice so they have a bunch of paperwork with policies, fees, everything. But I've also been to a couple that had no paperwork. I think 24-48 hour notice is reasonable.

He is definitely licensed - I checked into that. I had wondered how common it is to not fill out paperwork, so it is interesting to hear other peoples experiences.