Missed Appt Due To Stomach Flu, Therapist Charged Me

[The Albatross]

I would say something about having therapy partly to see the world as a fairer place and that their policy does the opposite.

What? I am not aware, nor have I ever been inclined to think that being in therapy is partly to view the world as a fairer place.

 

[Abstract]

Maybe I worded that badly Alba. To me it is partly about getting away from seeing everything and everyone as bad and unsafe or dangerous (a PTSD filter really) and when I am treated unfairly that sets off all those thoughts more not less.

 

[The Albatross]

Hmmm, well. I fail to see how being upset or angry about being billed for a cancellation for service with less than 24 hours notice stems from the idea that "everything and everyone is bad, unsafe, or dangerous". But we are distinctly two different people in that respect.

I would likely not waste a session on it, but I would likely air my grievance in writing to my shrink. I would pay the bill and I would chalk it up as a "lesson learned" and let it go and leave it be. Even though funds are tight for many here, and me too... it is a bump in the road, not a mountain.

 

[BloomInWinter]

Treatment facilities must make enough money to stay open or they help nobody.

Alas, facilities dealing with mental health patients face even greater challenges than many other adjunct healthcare specialities. Many patients will skip appointments for various reasons.

When an appointment is unable to be kept with less than 24 hour notice, it is difficult to fill that slot for another patient on such short notice. So, our 'slot' sits empty, costing the facility money. Hence, it becomes more difficult for that facility to stay open. ...and this happens frequently.

Our therapists and their staff are not mind-readers. There is no way for them to discern which patients are canceling appointments for illness versus which patients just don't want to show up. That is why there needs to be a firm policy which covers both scenarios to protect the facility and ensure they can meet their operating expenses.

There is also an evidence-based reason for such a policy. Knowing there is a charge encourages patients to follow-through by coming to appointments even when they are feeling afraid, anxious, angry, etc. because there is a consequence. This cuts down on therapeutic interruptions due to emotional affect regulation issues.

It is not personally directed at any one of us. They have an obligation to all their patients. If we purchased a medicine but didn't use it, we can't return it for a refund.

I've had no problem paying for my appointment times when I've had to cancel, because I want the facility to be there for me when I need it. Thankfully, I haven't had to cancel a whole lot without the 24 hour notice.

It's perfectly ok to be mad, sad, or whatever we feel about this. But there are perfectly valid reasons for this policy, and spending our therapy time on this issue isn't going to change those reasons.

We don't have to like it. But, it's not pointed at us. :)

 

[Abstract]

I did not say "stems" and did not mean it either. I rather meant that when I feel unfairly treated I feel unsafe and can see others as unsafe. It's a slippery slope I have to fight against. You are very reasonable of course. I shall take it that you were not putting down my experience and were merely stating your different reactions. I am always very connected to logic and what I "should" be feeling and in the past thought that was what I did feel. Thank goodness I now have the self awareness and compassion to acknowledge those less than ideal reactions as that promotes healing for me. And in a way that purely functioning on logic never did.

 

[Nicolette]

when I am treated unfairly

Being billed for a cancellation within 24 hours, with full knowledge of the policy in advance, is not being treated unfairly - it is being treated in accordance to what was explained.

Being given a 50% reduction in the fee is actually being treated more than reasonably and if not, favourably... fortunate if you ask me.

 

[Abstract]

I actually have worked in environments over very many years where there were 24 hr cancellation policies. All would have waved cancellations fees in a situation where the person was unable to give 24 hrs notice.

I hesitated answering as I don't want to say anything that could encourage cunuchlady to feel upset and do totally believe (from knowing people who work for them) that with these organisations there would normally not be a concession made. Do I think that is personal? Of course not. Do I support the right of the organisation to make the policy? Yes I do. Do I feel it is fair? No I do not.

However, if the organisation had a policy that charged for all cancelled treatments then I would say it is fair. I have had therapy with organisations like that. One pays for all weekly or twice weekly appointments regardless of any eventuality including holidays. Did I feel unfairly treated? Never. I went on holiday for 6 weeks at one point for certain reasons and paid for all those cancelled appointments.


Please also note that I said "feel" unfairly treated.

I do believe that this will just simply be about the organisations policy and hope that helps cunuchlady to feel better about it.