The Exact Phrases to Use When a New Client Asks for an Uncomfortable Accommodation You Can’t Offer

When you’re new to private practice, every client feels precious.
You want to show up well. You want to be flexible. You want to build trust.
And sometimes that pressure makes it hard to say no.

Especially when the request feels small.

“Can I just text you if something comes up?”
“Could we meet a little later in the evening?”
“Would you be open to longer sessions for the first few appointments?”

You pause.
You want to help.
But your gut says no and then the guilt kicks in.

The fear here isn’t about the ask.
It’s about what saying no might mean.
Will they leave?
Will they think I don’t care?
Will they think I’m not accommodating enough?

This is where a lot of new PMHNPs bend.
They say yes when they’re not comfortable.
They adjust, even when it doesn’t work for them.
And over time, their practice starts to feel like it belongs to everyone but them.

So let’s stop that here.

You’re allowed to hold your boundaries.
And you can do it with clarity, warmth, and professionalism.

Here are a few exact phrases to keep in your back pocket:

When a client asks to text you between sessions:

“For privacy and documentation reasons, I keep all communication inside the portal. That helps protect both of us and keeps everything organized.”

When a client asks for evening hours you don’t offer:

“I completely understand needing later availability. My current schedule runs until 5:00 PM, and I’m not able to extend beyond that. If that doesn’t work, I’m happy to help you find someone with evening openings.”

When a client asks for extended intakes or longer sessions:

“I structure intakes at 60 minutes to make sure we’re focused and consistent. If you ever feel like there’s more to cover, we can always schedule a follow-up to continue.”

Notice how each response is clear, direct, and kind.
You don’t need to over-explain.
You don’t need to apologize.
You don’t need to rearrange your life to keep someone happy.

Saying no doesn’t make you inflexible.
It makes you clear about your limits and that builds trust.

Inside Strong Roots, this is one of the most common mindset shifts we walk through:
You can be a supportive provider and have firm boundaries.
You can say no without burning bridges.
You can build a business that supports your life, not drains it.

And every time you hold a boundary like this, it gets easier.

So the next time a request comes in that doesn’t feel aligned, take a breath.
Then say what you need to say.
You don’t have to explain your worth. You just have to stand in it.

If you’re feeling stuck or unsure where to start, come join us inside Strong Roots Mentorship. We take you step by step from ground zero to seeing patients and beyond, without the overwhelm.