top of page

Appointment Scheduling & Cancellation Policy

Like most service professionals, I rely on the income generated by my practice to continue providing quality care. I generally connect with 6 to 8 clients a day, so a late cancellation or no-show can have a significant financial impact on my practice. It also means I can't offer that spot to another client, maybe someone on a waiting list or in urgent need. Therefore, I charge the full session fee when sessions are cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice and I am firm on this policy.

 

I understand that life can be unpredictable, and occasional cancellations are inevitable. For this reason,provide session modification options to help you make the most of both of our time and investment when unexpected situations arise with limited notice. My goal is to provide a workable solution that offers flexibility while still maintaining fairness and sustaining my practice.

Calendar

Cancellations & No-Shows

My policy is that clients provide a minimum of 24 hours' notice prior to the cancellation of an appointment to avoid any charges.

​

***Example: For an appointment set at 3:00 pm on a Tuesday, the latest acceptable notice for cancellation without incurring a fee is by 3:00 pm on the preceding Monday.***

​

In the event of either a no-call/no-show or a cancellation made with less than the mandated 24 hours' notice, clients will be held responsible for the payment of the full session fee.

 

Please be aware that I cannot bill certain services (i.e., EAP or Victims Compensation) for missed appointments, and out-of-network reimbursement does not apply to these cancellation fees.

​

Exception to the Policy

My 24-hour cancellation policy has a single exception for genuine emergencies. This includes situations like car accidents, a family member's passing, or severe illness. Please note that work-related conflicts do not qualify as emergencies. Even if missing a session was unintentional, this policy stands. However, if bad weather strikes or minor health concerns like cold or flu symptoms arise, we can seamlessly transition to an online session.

​

Old Alarm Clock
Anchor 1

Options for Short-Notice Changes

Life can certainly be unpredictable, and I want you to feel assured that I understand the need for flexibility when circumstances arise. If you find yourself needing to modify your schedule with less than 24 hours’ notice, please know that there are options available to you. My goal is to ensure that both your investment and my time are respected, while also accommodating the needs of all clients and upholding my financial obligations.

​

Here are a few alternatives I offer:

 

Telehealth Appointments: If making it to the office is challenging, I offer telehealth appointments. This way, you can still receive the support you need from the convenience of your chosen location. Additionally, for my younger clients, there's the opportunity to participate in my virtual playroom during online sessions. 

 

For Parents of Child Clients: In situations involving a child’s illness or unexpected schedule changes, I suggest parent consult meetings. These can be conducted in person or online, and ensure that progress is maintained while accommodating the child’s circumstances.

 

Couples/Family Sessions: For couples or family sessions, if one partner/member can't make it, the other(s) can still attend. This ensures that progress isn't hindered by scheduling conflicts.

Meredith Hammond

Counseling & Consulting

bottom of page