Dealing with therapists who don't show up for appointments and are never available by phone can be frustrating and challenging. Here are some steps you can take to address this situation:
Communication: Reach out to the therapist through various means of communication (email, voicemail, or any other official channels) to express your concerns and inquire about the reason for their absence. There might be valid reasons, such as an emergency, that you are unaware of.
Document the issue: Keep track of all the instances where the therapist did not show up or was unavailable. Note down the dates and times of missed appointments and any communication attempts you've made. This documentation can be useful if you need to escalate the issue later.
Check the therapist's policies: Review the therapist's cancellation and rescheduling policies to see if they have any specific guidelines for such situations. It might provide insights into how to handle the issue.
Contact the therapist's supervisor or manager: If the therapist works in a larger practice or organization, try reaching out to their supervisor or manager to report the problem and seek a resolution.
Request a meeting or switch therapists: If possible, request a face-to-face meeting to discuss your concerns with the therapist directly. If the issues persist or you are not satisfied with their response, consider asking for a referral to a different therapist within the same organization.
Seek feedback from other clients: If you know other clients of the therapist, discreetly inquire about their experiences. If they are facing similar issues, it may strengthen your case for addressing the problem.
Contact the licensing board or professional association: If the therapist is licensed, you can contact the appropriate licensing board or professional association in your area to file a complaint or seek guidance on how to address the situation.
Seek support from other professionals: Consult with other mental health professionals to gain insight into the best course of action and explore other therapy options.
Consider finding a new therapist: If the issues persist and communication attempts fail, it might be time to look for a new therapist who can provide the support and reliability you need.
Remember, your mental health and well-being are essential, and it's crucial to have a therapist who is available and reliable. Don't hesitate to advocate for yourself and seek support from appropriate channels to resolve the issue.