What happens if I miss a therapy session?

A: The answer is in the written cancellation policy. Therapists set different notice windows, fees, emergency exceptions and rescheduling rules. Ask what you would owe before treatment begins and keep a copy of the agreement.

Worked example: a Tuesday-morning cancellation of a Wednesday 4 pm session at $180 = $180 out of pocket. A Sunday cancellation of the same session = $0.

And if the bill is one you cannot pay at all, that is a different conversation with better protections than most people know — including the fact that a therapy bill cannot lawfully appear on a California credit report. What happens if you can't pay →

Do this: ask at intake: "What's your cancellation window, and do you waive it for illness or emergencies?" Most therapists flex for real emergencies and first offenses — and many offer a telehealth or reschedule option inside the window. Get the policy in writing and set a calendar reminder 48 hours before your slot.

Sources: California BBS patient-rights materials identify fees, payment, insurance reimbursement, scheduling and cancellation policies as terms to discuss before therapy: BBS public materials (PDF).