Reading the email below, I applaud myself for knowing even back then I was allowing myself 30 minutes between clients to either clear my head, type up a note, or do billing. I have since then implemented a firm rule with youth/young adults. They must be present for 30-minutes of a 50-minute session. I also informed them if they are tardy more than three sessions, 30 minutes appointments will become permanent and they will still be billed at a 50-minute rate. I have also learned to extend my family sessions to 80 minutes, which, allows everyone to have a voice, reflect, and process in a safe manner.

Hi _!, I was supposed to meet with _ from 6:00-6:50 and _ from 7:30-8:20. _s mom arrived promptly at 6:00 and informed me that _ was enroute. At 6:20 _had not arrived. I asked Ms. _ if _would want to reschedule, and she was unsure what _ would want to do. Question- is there a certain amount of time that you wait for a late client before you tell them they need to reschedule? _ eventually arrived at 6:23 with her girlfriend. Ms. _seemed really dismayed by this and _ and I had a session until 6:50. _ canceled on me Tuesday as well, even though we had scheduled our original Thursday appointment for Tuesday upon her request (as her grandfather was admitted to the hospital on Thursday). During our next teleconference I would be greatly interested in how other therapists have gotten clients to respect their time. I would also like to revisit how _ handled her client who wanted to obtain a tattoo. _ spoke about getting one and plans to do it on Friday, and I am concerned that he is not going about it in the most sanitary manner.