Legal Question in Consumer Law in Utah

charges for counseling services not provided

My son is in a court ordered drug rehab which meets in the form of group therapy weekly. He is charged $35 a session but if he misses a session without letting them know in advance they charge $100. The provider gets to determine how long he is in treatment and how many sessions a week he must attend (pretty slick business practice wouldn't you say?) I want to know if he can be charged for services not provided. While it is true he signed the contract which of course he had to sign to get the court ordered treatment and he knew he was supposed to notify them, but it seems to me that in other professions/services one can not be charged for services not rendered. What is ''star decisis''(sp?--quit laughing) and does it apply here?


Asked on 1/20/07, 3:40 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Alvin Lundgren Alvin R. Lundgren, L.C.

Re: charges for counseling services not provided

Drug users are highly accomplished manipulators, who often convince those working and living with them that the user is not at fault. Therapists know that in order to treat a user that tough love is necessary to make sure they do not find excuses for their failure to put forth the necessary effort. Your son has apparently convinced you that this is unfair to him. I suggest that you tell him that if he misses a single session, or starts using again, that he is out of the house and totally on his own. You should also insist that as a condition of him getting support from you that he has to agree to take a urine analysis whenever you request. You request one every time he argues with you or shows any indication to not cooperating with treatment. You should get counseling on how to deal with children using drugs.

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Answered on 1/22/07, 11:23 am


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