Accommodations to switch from in-person to telehealth on short notice?
For context:
-I struggle with anxiety and agoraphobia (in addition to depression and non-hyperactive ADHD). I work from home and sometimes don't leave my apartment for days at a time.
-I've got major problems with executive dysfunction and tardiness.
-My therapist offers both in person and telehealth appointments
I've been seeing a therapist for the past ~6 months or so. I've been making a very sincere effort to get out, get showered, get to my appointments on time. I know this might seem basic but it's been a big deal for me and I've talked about it with my therapist.
There was one time, however, that I was going to be more than ten minutes late once I got to the office so before I left my apartment I texted and asked if I need to reschedule. She said that we would need to cancel the appointment b/c of insurance billing we can't do shortened appointments but she wouldn't charge me this time.
I asked her if I could switch to a phone session if a situation like this came up in the future. Like let's say it's five minutes till my appointment starts and I know I'll be past the ten minute mark when I get to the office since it takes me ~15-20 minutes to drive. This would solve the billable time issue with insurance, I would think? Still get the full time, I stay at home (not driving!) and do a phone session.
She said no because she needs 24 hours notice to switch from in-person to telehealth.
Recently she had to cancel an appointment the same day, approx. 4 hours before since she had been sick "the past couple of days." Her office terms state that if I cancel within 24 hours, however, I'll be charged the full out of pocket amount. She also has been late starting my appointments a few times (although under 10 minutes late) even when I was in the waiting room on time.
Now this week I was going to be more than 10 minutes late to an appointment again. I text her and sure enough this time she tells me I'll be charged the full amount and need to reschedule.
I was irked by this considering her recent same-day cancellation. She still won't accommodate a less-than-24 hour switch to a phone session for me, though. Am I right to think that this is a double standard?
Posted Mar 6, 2026, 9:49 PM UTC