Have you ever had a client pay you with a check and then it bounced?  And, then the client didn’t show up again for an appointment?  Nor does he answer his phone calls or emails?

I get this scenario presented to me all the time from mental health professionals . . . typically followed with the question “What should I do?”

If it hasn’t happened to you yet, it’s only a matter of time before part or all of this scenario shows up in your office, too.  Here’s what I suggest . . . .

If the Check Does Bounce . . . .

• Call your client (if you have permission to do so) to immediately discuss the matter.  It’s possible that it’s just a banking error and your client may be grateful to learn about it.
• If you cannot reach your client on the phone, send a letter to the client with a copy of the check enclosed.  Ask him / her to issue another check to you or call the office to make other arrangements.

When No Phone Calls or Emails are Returned . . . .

• It’s possible that your client has terminated with you – albeit not in the manner that you would have preferred.  He or she may never have felt like it was a good “fit.”  Or, s/he may be embarrassed about the bounced check.  Or, there may be another reason altogether.
• What’s important for you to do is to remain ethical and legal at all times.  Before you consider pursuing a financial debt, you need to consider whether or not you have the legal and ethical authority to do so.  Yes, as a business owner, you have the right to pursue a debt owed you.  However, as a licensed mental health professional . . . you may not have that authority because attempting to collect a debt may be viewed as placing you in a dual role that is not in the client’s best interest.
• When in doubt, consult with your more seasoned colleagues and the advice of a mental health attorney.  Don’t just assume anything.

If / When Your Client No Shows . . . .

• You have a bigger issue than just money if your client fails to show up for another appointment.  Now you need to consider your client’s welfare, too – regardless of any debt owed.
• Given the circumstances that you are aware of, you may need to contact law enforcement to request a “welfare check” or enlist the aid of a family member.  Make sure you take this step exactly as your particular jurisdiction requires.  You do not want to over-step or under-step.  The consequences of either could be devastating to both you and your client.

I know it is frustrating . . . especially for newer professionals . . . to have so many gray areas in our day to day practice.  That’s why it’s important to acknowledge that we get paid, in large part, to make judgement calls all day long every day.  There’s not a way to get around it.  And, when our clients don’t play by the rules that we’ve established, you can be sure that you’ll be required to make at least one or two judgement calls.  In my mind, it’s part of what justifies our fees . It’s why we earn “the big bucks.”