Why do therapists charge no-show fees? 

Cancellation policies with fees for no-shows or late cancellations are an industry standard practice for therapists. Many clients ask us why we charge a fee, and the truth is there are a variety of reasons for this policy. Some of these reasons are personal, some are clinical, and some are strictly financial. In this article, we’ll walk you through why we charge a fee for violations of our cancellation policy. 

Time and resources: 

Therapists dedicate a specific amount of time for each client session. When a client fails to show up without prior notice, it not only means a loss of income for the therapist but also a wasted slot that could have been used to help another client. Therapists invest time and resources in preparing for sessions, and a missed appointment can disrupt their overall schedule. 

Professionalism and Respect: 

Charging a no-show fee can reinforce the importance of respecting the therapist’s time and commitment. It encourages clients to be responsible for their appointments and fosters a sense of professionalism in the therapeutic relationship. Having clear expectations and consequences for missed appointments creates a fair and equitable approach for all clients.

Financial Security: 

Therapists work on a fee-for-service basis, meaning a therapist isn’t paid for a session that doesn’t occur. If too many clients cancel in a given week, it can be dangerous for a therapist’s financial security. Your therapist is not a rich person. Insurance companies under-value mental health and reimburse at a much lower rate for psychotherapy than many other common medical procedures. No-show fees help account for some of the losses a therapist incurs when patients cancel without sufficient notice to schedule someone else in that time slot. 

Encouraging Accountability: 

Your schedule is an intentional part of your treatment plan. Sticking to that schedule is an important part of ensuring therapy is effective. No-show fees can motivate clients to take their therapy commitments seriously. Furthermore, knowing there are consequences for missed sessions encourages clients to communicate in advance if they need to reschedule or cancel.

Are there exceptions? 

Of course. We occasionally make exceptions for emergencies that arise. An exception is up to the discretion of your therapist and their clinical director. Even if you’re unable to communicate before missing an appointment, it’s good practice to be honest and communicative with your therapist after the fact.