Understanding Our No-Show and Late Cancellation Policy: Supporting Our Clinicians and Your Care
At Intentional Therapy PLLC, we're committed to providing consistent, high-quality mental health care to our community. Part of that commitment involves policies that protect both our clients and our dedicated clinicians. We want to share why we have a $75 no-show and late cancellation fee, and how this policy supports the therapeutic relationship you've built with your provider.
The Real Cost of Missed Appointments
When you schedule a therapy session, your clinician reserves that time exclusively for you. They've turned away other clients who needed that slot, prepared for your session, and committed their professional expertise to your care. Our clinicians are compensated when sessions are completed, which means a missed appointment directly impacts their livelihood.
Mental health professionals deserve fair compensation for their time and expertise. The no-show and late cancellation fee helps ensure that our therapists can continue providing the compassionate, skilled care you depend on.
Why Zocdoc Appointments Have the Same Policy
Many clients discover us through Zocdoc, which we appreciate. However, there's an important financial reality: Zocdoc charges us a fee for every appointment booked through their platform. Unfortunately, when appointments are cancelled or missed, Zocdoc is notorious for not providing refunds on these fees.
This means when a client books through Zocdoc and doesn't show up or cancels late, we've paid for that booking slot without any service being rendered. The $75 fee helps offset these platform costs that we've already incurred on your behalf.
We Make Every Effort to Confirm Your Appointment
We don't take this policy lightly. Our team reaches out multiple times before your scheduled appointment to confirm your attendance. We send:
Email confirmations
Text message reminders
Phone call follow-ups when needed
These touchpoints are designed to help you remember your appointment and give you ample opportunity to reschedule if something comes up. We understand that life happens, but we need reasonable notice to fill your time slot with another client who needs care.
How to Avoid the Fee
The best way to avoid a no-show or late cancellation fee is simple: provide us with at least 24 hours' notice if you need to reschedule. This gives us time to offer your slot to another client on our waiting list and ensures your therapist's time is respected. You can also reschedule within the same week to avoid the fee; however, please note that if you cancel that second appointment, that late cancellation or no-show fee applies.
If you're unsure about your schedule, we encourage you to:
Set multiple reminders on your phone
Add appointments to your digital calendar
Respond promptly to our confirmation messages
Call us as soon as you know you can't make it
Our Commitment to You
This policy isn't about generating revenue. It's about creating a sustainable practice where talented clinicians can afford to stay in the profession and continue serving you. When therapists are fairly compensated and respected, they can bring their best selves to your sessions, which ultimately benefits your mental health journey.
We value your partnership in making therapy work for you. If you have questions about our cancellation policy or need to reschedule an appointment, please don't hesitate to reach out to our office. We're here to support you.
At Intentional Therapy PLLC, we believe in transparent communication about our policies. If you have concerns about making your appointments or need to discuss your scheduling needs, please contact us. We're committed to working with you to make therapy accessible and effective.
For more information, check out our fees and insurances!
