I was recommended a general therapist at this clinic by a professional who found her online. I waited about a month for the appointment.
I was given the paperwork and told it needed to be completed before intake. It seemed pretty standard until I came across two of the pages.
Now, Ive been to maybe five or six clinics, both private and public, due to moving cities and having different therapists for specialized treatment. But I've never come across a policy with such a business-like mentality. I understand cancellation and no-show fees, I really do, for a private practice. But,
1) $50 is outrageous.
2) Motivation and time management is a mental health issue many struggle with.
3) If you're 15 minutes late, you'll be charged and turned away. But if they're 30 minutes late and you decide to leave, you're considered a no-show and charged $50. You have to set aside 2 hours out of my day just in case. Not realistic for some people trying to make an honest change and get help.
4) You will be discharged for three "missed" appointments. Forgiveness and acceptance is their policy, but only twice. The thought of being discharged with a therapist you spent years gaining trust with over a policy like this is ridiculous to me.
5) The bottom line raises red flags for me. I do agree and understand that you cant start a fight in their office- this is standard in any clinic! But going into specifics about "arguing, shouting, or aggressive behavior will not be TOLERATED" makes me believe they are not capable of deescalation and will not cater to people suffering from trauma responses, manic episodes, anger issues, psychosis, or any other "difficult" mental health issues that can be deemed "aggressive" from an outside perspective.
Their office was chic with new leather couches, espresso machines, barstools, modern woodwork, the works. It makes me wonder where the money for meaningless "boujee" decor comes from.
Not pictured as well was a line about my case being subject to peer review without my consent- I'm not sure if that was worded terribly or is terrible. I would not feel comfortable having the whole office know why I am there.
All in all, I showed this page to a friends mother who has been in the mental health field for over 30 years because I was unsure if I was overreacting or being over analytical. She said that this clinic is likely not as people-oriented as others and more focused on business rather than care. She assured me the fees were "not nice but not unheard of."
It felt like a gentrified depression clinic and I plan to look into somewhere else with a more welcoming atmosphere. To anyone currently going there- I'm sure it is a nice, productive place for you but personally it did not fit my needs or ideas of therapy. read more