Therapist is over ten minutes late for first appointment - red flag?

[Anonymous]

I live over half an hour from the office and made sure to be five minutes early. Our appointment was at nine. The therapist still hasn’t come out - this is the first session. WWYD?

[Anonymous]

Well, that’s really bad. I’d see if it ends up being some extraordinary circumstance. If the person is a good match, I’d probably let it go for one time, but if it happens again, I’d look for someone new.

[Anonymous]

If they are very apologetic, have an explanation, and make the time up to you either in this session (if you can stay late) or at the next session at your convenience, no.

If they act like it's no big deal, yes. I dropped a therapist after one session because he showed up 10 minutes late and was just like "sorry I'm running behind" and the slid right past it. No. More than any other healthcare appointment, you are paying for time with a therapist and they owe you the full 50 minutes or whatever it is.

[Anonymous]

Unless it’s an extraordinary circumstance, I’d find a different therapist.

[Anonymous]

I had a therapist who was routinely late. Not in a “session ran over” sense but she couldn’t get to her office on time. I gave her three chances and then moved on.

[Anonymous]

I’d be ok with it assuming she made up the time and it was a rare occurrence. I think it’s unprofessional if it happens repeatedly and unacceptable if you get a shorter session. It’s a shame that it’s your first impression.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’d be ok with it assuming she made up the time and it was a rare occurrence. I think it’s unprofessional if it happens repeatedly and unacceptable if you get a shorter session. It’s a shame that it’s your first impression.

This. What did she say OP?

[Anonymous]

That depends. What do you want your therapist to do if you are in crisis and at the end of your session?

[Anonymous]

This is your first meeting? If so, I wouldn’t hold it against them.

There are so many reasons why therapist might be running late. For this first time I wouldn’t even ask. I would hope the therapist would offer up a reason though. If I liked the care I received I would continue on. If this happens again, I’d address it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’d be ok with it assuming she made up the time and it was a rare occurrence. I think it’s unprofessional if it happens repeatedly and unacceptable if you get a shorter session. It’s a shame that it’s your first impression.

This. What did she say OP?

She didn’t even mention it. She was 20 minutes late, and the “intake” was fifteen minutes. They want to bill me $150. It was not a good experience.

[Anonymous]

I’m sorry and hoping that you’ll find a better therapist.

[Anonymous]

I’m sorry OP. Lots of therapy is a scam as far as I’m concerned. There are few guardrails for the practice of therapy and even fewer evidence based studies showing benefit. Exercise, sleep, eat healthy, make friends, and meditate. CBT for severe issues. The rest is mainly BS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’d be ok with it assuming she made up the time and it was a rare occurrence. I think it’s unprofessional if it happens repeatedly and unacceptable if you get a shorter session. It’s a shame that it’s your first impression.

This. What did she say OP?

She didn’t even mention it. She was 20 minutes late, and the “intake” was fifteen minutes. They want to bill me $150. It was not a good experience.

Not a chance Im paying for a 50 minute session when she was MIA for 20 minutes. Don't pay the full bill they need to adjust it.

[Anonymous]

Pay only 60% of the bill and be glad you get off that lightly from a potentially very bad mismatch.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’d be ok with it assuming she made up the time and it was a rare occurrence. I think it’s unprofessional if it happens repeatedly and unacceptable if you get a shorter session. It’s a shame that it’s your first impression.

This. What did she say OP?

She didn’t even mention it. She was 20 minutes late, and the “intake” was fifteen minutes. They want to bill me $150. It was not a good experience.

DO NOT PAY THAT FULL BILL!!!

Find a new therapist
Do not see this person again not only are they rude, they're also commiting fraud by trying to change the full amount. That bill should have been adjusted AND therr should have been an apology.