Payment schedules do not affect attendance/completion of group behavioral parent training

Though previous research suggests that attendance at individual therapy is not impacted by amount or source of payment for services, such research is relatively sparse and clinician concerns remain. The present study explores the connection between payment of fees and attendance at group treatments—a previously unexplored area. Participants in a 10-week behavioral parent training (BPT) program varied in timing of payment of fees as well as amount of fees based on income. The varying payment schedules did not affect attendance to sessions at which payments were due nor did payment schedules affect completion of the program. A small relationship was found between income group and attendance. The results are discussed in their relation to the larger literature on fees and attendance at psychotherapy