# How can we chase unpaid balances ethically and lawfully?

URL: https://tymirahealth.com/resources/faqs/how-can-we-chase-unpaid-balances-ethically-and-lawfully
For: Finance | Billing and payments | Reviewed by Independent clinical reviewer, Registered mental health clinician, Kenya | Last reviewed 8 November 2026

**Answer:** Send clear, factual reminders and offer a payment plan first. Before using a debt collector or legal action, tell the person and give them a chance to pay, a standard found in the APA Ethics Code. Share only the name, contact details and amount owed, never diagnoses or session details. A debt collector processing your data acts as a data processor, so you need a written contract under the Data Protection Act. Do not withhold records needed for emergency care because of unpaid fees.

Sources: American Psychological Association: https://www.apa.org/ethics/code - Kenya Law: https://new.kenyalaw.org/akn/ke/act/2019/24 - Office of the Data Protection Commissioner: https://www.odpc.go.ke/faqs

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