I work in a suite with other psychologists, but there is no receptionist, and I have no staff.  These written office procedures are a time saver.  

1.  Arriving/Starting the session

If you arrive early for your appointment, just wait in the waiting room.  I'll open the door when it's time for the session to start. 

If you are on time and my door is open, Come on in!  

If you are more than about 10 minutes late, I might close the door, but there will be a note on the door that says "Please Knock", so just knock when you show up!    If the door is closed and there's no sign, don't knock.  Please just wait. 

2.      Cancellations

Cancellations and rescheduling must be done in person or through voice mail, NOT email as I don't check it that often.    

There is no charge for a cancellation made AT LEAST 24 hours in advance.  The more notice you can give me, the better. 

If you cancel with less than 24 hours notice, you will be charged unless it is for an emergency.  Having to stay at work is NOT an emergency.  Minor aches and pains or "just don't fell too well" are not emergency illnesses.  Snow, accidents, extreme illness, and child care problems are in the category of emergencies.  

If Fairfax County closes for weather, I will probably close too.  We’ll just need to contact each other to reschedule. 

On a rare occasion, I might need to cancel the day of, or day before an appointment.     If I have your permission to contact you, I will, either by voice or email.    

3.      Payment

I ask for payment at every session.  I will prepare your receipt in advance, and if you write your check in advance, we can quickly trade payment for receipt at the beginning of the session.  If you need to write a check, you can do that in the waiting room, and put it in the green folder in the holder on my door.  If you forget your payment on a day payment is due, please just mail it in, or drop it off in the green folder.  Some people like to pay for several sessions in advance; that’s fine.