This is one of the main reasons I prefer to be paid at the beginning of the session. That way if the client has forgotten her checkbook, we can address it on her time rather than dealing with it after the session is over (on your time).

My informed consent (office policies) states:

I accept cash, checks, MC, VISA, American Express and Discover cards. If you decide to pay by check, please have your check prepared ahead of time. This gives us the opportunity to make the best use of our time together.

At the first session, I tell the client that I expect the check at the beginning of the session. That way the financial stuff is out of the way and we can focus on the client.

Then if the client comes in for her session and doesn't hand me a check, I say "Were you planning to pay by credit card today or did you want to write a check?" If they say "check", I offer her a pen. I don't start the session until she has completed the check.

This way, if the client comes in without a check and then tells me she doesn't have her checkbook, I have several options:

• I can tell her I will happily accept a credit card today.
• I can tell her where the nearest ATM is so she can get some cash or
• I can say "I am willing to let you be one payment behind but only one payment. This means we can have our session today but I will need to be paid for both sessions before our next session."

You may have other ideas. These are just some that many of us have used. If the client shows up for the next session without her money, then something else is going on. Use your therapy skills to deal with it in the way that you see fit.

The bottom line is that you don't want to be providing services that you don't get paid for. Don't be a creditor for your clients unless that is the business you want to be in. You deserve to paid!

Thanks for a great question!