How Ivy Session Payments Work and What to Do If You Miss One
What Ivy Session is and how payment works
Ivy Session is a telehealth platform that connects you with licensed therapists and counselors for online mental health sessions. When you book a session, you pay either per appointment or through a subscription plan, depending on which option you chose when you signed up. Payment is usually charged to a credit card, debit card, or bank account on file when you book the session or at the start of your subscription period.
The payment process is straightforward: Ivy Session stores your payment method securely and charges it automatically when a session is scheduled or when your subscription renews. You should receive a receipt or confirmation email after each charge. If you signed up for a subscription, the charge recurs on the same day each month (or billing cycle) until you cancel.
Unlike some medical bills that arrive weeks later, Ivy Session charges happen immediately or within a day of your session. This means you know right away if there was a problem with your payment method — and you'll need to fix it before your next session or subscription renewal.
Key Takeaways
- Ivy Session charges your payment method either per session or on a recurring schedule if you have a subscription plan.
- If a charge fails, Ivy Session will usually notify you by email and may block your next session until you update your payment information.
- You can update your payment method anytime in your account settings without contacting support.
- If you want to stop being charged, you must cancel your subscription through your account — simply not booking sessions will not prevent recurring charges.
- Ivy Session does not typically offer refunds for completed sessions, but you can pause or cancel your subscription to stop future charges.
What happens when a payment fails
If your credit card, debit card, or bank account is declined, Ivy Session will send you an email notification. The notification usually includes the reason the charge failed — for example, insufficient funds, expired card, or the card issuer blocking the transaction. You typically have a window of time (often a few days) to update your payment method before Ivy Session cancels your upcoming session or suspends your account.
A failed payment does not automatically cancel your subscription. If you have a recurring plan, Ivy Session will try to charge you again on your next billing date. If that charge also fails, your account may be suspended, and you won't be able to book or attend sessions until the payment issue is resolved. The longer you wait to fix it, the more behind you may fall if you're trying to maintain ongoing therapy.
The best move is to update your payment method as soon as you see the failure notification. Log into your Ivy Session account, go to your billing or payment settings, and add a new card or bank account. Once the new payment method is saved, Ivy Session will usually attempt to charge it again automatically.
How to update or change your payment method
You can change your payment information without calling anyone. Log into your Ivy Session account on the website or app, then look for a "Billing," "Payment," "Account Settings," or "Subscription" section — the exact label varies depending on which version of the platform you're using. Once you're there, you should see an option to add a new card or bank account or to edit your existing payment method.
When you add a new payment method, Ivy Session will verify it with a small test charge (usually a few cents) that appears on your statement. This charge is reversed automatically once verification is complete. After that, your new payment method becomes active for future sessions or subscription renewals.
If you're switching from one card to another but keeping the same subscription, update your payment method before your next billing date. If you wait until after a charge fails, you may miss a session or face a suspension while the new method is being verified.
Canceling your subscription to stop charges
If you want to stop being charged by Ivy Session, you must actively cancel your subscription. Simply not booking sessions will not prevent recurring charges — your subscription will continue to renew and charge your payment method on schedule. To cancel, log into your account and look for a "Manage Subscription," "Billing," or "Cancel Subscription" option. Follow the prompts to confirm the cancellation.
Most subscriptions are canceled immediately, meaning no further charges will occur after you confirm. However, some plans may allow you to use the service through the end of your current billing period before the cancellation takes effect. Ivy Session should send you a confirmation email once the cancellation is complete.
If you think you might want to use Ivy Session again in the future but want to pause charges now, check whether the platform offers a "pause" or "freeze" option instead of full cancellation. This lets you temporarily stop charges without losing your account history or therapist relationship.
Refunds and credits for sessions you've already paid for
Ivy Session's refund policy depends on the reason you're requesting one. If you paid for a session and attended it, refunds are generally not available — the service has been delivered. However, if you paid for a session and then canceled it before it took place, you may be able to get a credit toward a future session or a refund to your original payment method, depending on how far in advance you canceled and Ivy Session's specific policy at the time.
If you believe you were charged in error — for example, you were charged twice for the same session or charged after you canceled your subscription — contact Ivy Session's support team with your receipt or confirmation email. They can review the charge and issue a refund or credit if the error is confirmed. Keep records of all your confirmation emails and statements so you have proof of what you paid and when.
Subscription charges are also generally non-refundable once the billing period has started, but if you cancel within a very short window (often 24 to 48 hours) after being charged, some platforms will make an exception. It's worth asking, especially if you canceled immediately after being charged.
Understanding your Ivy Session receipt and statement
When Ivy Session charges your payment method, the charge will appear on your credit card statement or bank statement under the merchant name "Ivy Session" or a similar variation. The description might say "Ivy Session Subscription," "Ivy Session Session," or just "Ivy Session" depending on your bank and the type of charge. The amount will match the price of your subscription plan or per-session fee.
Your receipt email from Ivy Session will include the date of the charge, the amount, the type of plan or session, and your account details. Save these emails, especially if you think there's a discrepancy. If you see a charge you don't recognize, compare it to your Ivy Session account to confirm it matches your plan. If it doesn't, contact Ivy Session support right away with your receipt and statement.
If you're on a subscription, you should see the same charge appear on the same day each month. If the amount changes unexpectedly or charges appear more frequently than your plan allows, log into your account to check your subscription settings or contact support to investigate.
What to do if you can't afford your Ivy Session payments
If your subscription cost is becoming difficult to manage, you have several options. First, check whether Ivy Session offers a lower-cost plan or a pay-per-session option instead of a subscription. Switching to a cheaper plan or paying only for sessions you actually use can reduce your monthly charge. You can make this change in your account settings without losing your therapist or session history.
Second, look into whether your health insurance covers Ivy Session or similar telehealth therapy. Some insurance plans reimburse telehealth mental health visits, which could reduce your out-of-pocket cost significantly. Check your insurance card or call the number on the back to ask whether Ivy Session is in-network or whether they cover online therapy at all.
Third, if you need to stop paying temporarily, cancel your subscription to prevent further charges, then reach out to your therapist directly if you have an ongoing relationship with them. Many therapists can discuss lower-cost options, sliding-scale fees, or ways to continue care without the platform subscription. You can always restart your Ivy Session subscription later when your situation improves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund if I paid for a session but didn't attend?
It depends on when you canceled. If you canceled before the session time, you may be able to reschedule or receive a credit toward a future session. If you missed the session without canceling, Ivy Session typically does not refund the charge. Contact their support team with your confirmation email to ask about your specific situation.
What if my bank account information is outdated and a charge fails?
Log into your Ivy Session account and update your payment method as soon as you see the failure notification. Ivy Session will usually retry the charge automatically once you've added a new card or account. If you don't update it, your subscription may be suspended and you won't be able to book sessions.
Does Ivy Session charge on the same day every month?
Yes, if you have a subscription plan, Ivy Session charges your payment method on the same day each month (or billing cycle). The exact day depends on when you first signed up. You can see your billing date in your account settings.
How do I stop Ivy Session from charging me?
You must cancel your subscription through your account settings. Simply not booking sessions will not stop charges. Once you cancel, no further charges will occur, though you may be able to use the service through the end of your current billing period depending on the plan.
Will Ivy Session charge me if I pause my therapy?
If you have a subscription, yes — charges will continue unless you cancel or pause your subscription. Check your account to see if Ivy Session offers a pause option. If not, you'll need to cancel to stop charges, then restart your subscription when you're ready to resume therapy.