In today's fast-paced world, the significance of punctuality, especially in professional settings such as therapy, cannot be overstated. One individual, reflecting on their experience with an online therapist, shared a disheartening encounter that has raised eyebrows regarding the standards of mental health professionals.

The patient, who goes by the username BraveLittleEcho, recounted a series of online appointments where they consistently logged in on time, only to face repeated delays from their therapist. While it is not uncommon for therapists to occasionally run late due to unforeseen circumstances, the situation escalated when the therapist was tardy by a hefty 20 minutes. This prompted the patient to inquire about the delay, only to be met with a defensive response claiming that they were the late one.

The timeline of events was detailed further by the patient, who pointed out that they had never faced such issues with two previous providers, suggesting that this might not be a standard practice within the industry. The patient noted, "I told her I didn't think that was the case and started texting her screenshots of the page showing how long I'd been waiting." This exchange highlights a significant concern regarding accountability in the therapeutic relationship.

According to the patient, after the 20-minute mark, the therapist logged onto the call visibly flustered and maintained an accusatory tone, repeatedly insisting that the patient was the one arriving late. This behavior not only undermined the therapeutic environment but also suggested a deeper issuepossibly related to the therapist's understanding of their own time zone, as the patient speculated that the therapist might have provided incorrect information about their location.

The culmination of this experience left the patient feeling disillusioned. They expressed that while being late is one thing, the therapist's decision to shift the blame onto the patient was crossing a line. The patient concluded their reflection by stating, "I'm pretty sure she was a terrible therapist anyway, but that was the final blow." This statement encapsulates a growing concern about the standards of care and professionalism in the mental health field.

This incident raises crucial questions about the responsibilities of therapists in managing their time effectively and ensuring clear communication with their clients. As an increasing number of individuals seek therapy through online platforms, it is essential for mental health professionals to uphold not only their qualifications but also their commitment to providing respectful and accountable care.