Therapists in Bakersfield, CA
Leann R Kraetsch
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309
Are you ready to create your best possible life? Are you wanting to overcome what is standing in the way of making meaningful changes? You are not alone! There are moments in life where you can feel stuck, afraid, and not know what to do next. It is in those times where we seek guidance, support, sense of direction and purpose. I can help you create your new life story!
Are you ready to create your best possible life? Are you wanting to overcome what is standing in the way of making meaningful changes? You are not alone! There are moments in life where you can feel stuck, afraid, and not know what to do next. It is in those times where we seek guidance, support, sense of direction and purpose. I can help you create your new life story!
Jennifer Drewno
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93308
It is an honor to guide you on your journey. My passion is to support my clients in becoming more self-aware and increase peace of mind, and overall well-being. I have been so privileged to hear the stories and witness the deep transformations of my clients. You deserve a space where you are seen, heard, and validated. My therapeutic style is warm, nonjudgmental, and friendly. I create a safe space for you to explore challenging issues/events and my clinical approaches – Gestalt, Cognitive Behavior, Solution-focused, and Mindfulness therapy will support our work together.
It is an honor to guide you on your journey. My passion is to support my clients in becoming more self-aware and increase peace of mind, and overall well-being. I have been so privileged to hear the stories and witness the deep transformations of my clients. You deserve a space where you are seen, heard, and validated. My therapeutic style is warm, nonjudgmental, and friendly. I create a safe space for you to explore challenging issues/events and my clinical approaches – Gestalt, Cognitive Behavior, Solution-focused, and Mindfulness therapy will support our work together.
Sandra Guillen
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93313
Hi, my name is Sandra Guillen. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in the state of California and have a Master of Arts in Psychology with an emphasize in Marriage and Family Therapy degree from Chapman University.  I believe therapy is most beneficial when the client feels heard and supported. This is why I prefer a client center approach when practicing therapy. My focus is in trauma work to include PTSD and complex trauma.
Hi, my name is Sandra Guillen. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in the state of California and have a Master of Arts in Psychology with an emphasize in Marriage and Family Therapy degree from Chapman University.  I believe therapy is most beneficial when the client feels heard and supported. This is why I prefer a client center approach when practicing therapy. My focus is in trauma work to include PTSD and complex trauma.
Becca Ferguson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93301
I enjoy helping individuals and couples from 18 y/o through late adulthood. If you need help improving your life & your relationships, I can give you the tools you need! My clients tell me I am genuine and easy to talk to, and they feel they leave each session with realistic tools to improve their day to day lives. I like to work with a variety of individuals, couples, and families, on trauma, anxiety, depression and other issues, and I specialize in working with individuals with all types of sexual problems such as porn and sex addiction. I also love working with people with intellectual disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
I enjoy helping individuals and couples from 18 y/o through late adulthood. If you need help improving your life & your relationships, I can give you the tools you need! My clients tell me I am genuine and easy to talk to, and they feel they leave each session with realistic tools to improve their day to day lives. I like to work with a variety of individuals, couples, and families, on trauma, anxiety, depression and other issues, and I specialize in working with individuals with all types of sexual problems such as porn and sex addiction. I also love working with people with intellectual disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Samuel Moore
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93306
I have been practicing as a therapist since 2015. I have worked with individuals who are suffering from depression, anxiety, trauma, and attachment difficulties. I have extensive experience working with individuals who have suffered childhood abuse. I specialize in depression, anxiety, and trauma utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy and psychodynamic theory. I believe that if there is a leaky pipe in the ceiling, the best approach is to figure out what caused that pipe to leak and repair the traumatic experiences.
I have been practicing as a therapist since 2015. I have worked with individuals who are suffering from depression, anxiety, trauma, and attachment difficulties. I have extensive experience working with individuals who have suffered childhood abuse. I specialize in depression, anxiety, and trauma utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy and psychodynamic theory. I believe that if there is a leaky pipe in the ceiling, the best approach is to figure out what caused that pipe to leak and repair the traumatic experiences.
Rhonda Carol Van Cleve
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309
Recovery is not for people who need it, it is for people who want it! I want to be along this journey with you! I will walk along side you each step of the way, encouraging you to be your best self. Children and teens are my passion, adults suffering from depression, anxiety, self-injurious behavior, and or trauma. I have extensive training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution Focused Perspectives.
Recovery is not for people who need it, it is for people who want it! I want to be along this journey with you! I will walk along side you each step of the way, encouraging you to be your best self. Children and teens are my passion, adults suffering from depression, anxiety, self-injurious behavior, and or trauma. I have extensive training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution Focused Perspectives.
Georgina Kasih
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93313
My name is Georgina Kasih, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Southern California, and I work with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults and specialize in the areas of relationship issues, trauma, anxiety, grief & loss, ADHD, and ASD. I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Problem-Solving Therapy, CBT, Seeking Safety, and somatic therapy techniques, among many other strategies, to help my clients achieve their personal goals. My therapeutic approach is tailored specifically to the needs of my clients.
My name is Georgina Kasih, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Southern California, and I work with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults and specialize in the areas of relationship issues, trauma, anxiety, grief & loss, ADHD, and ASD. I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Problem-Solving Therapy, CBT, Seeking Safety, and somatic therapy techniques, among many other strategies, to help my clients achieve their personal goals. My therapeutic approach is tailored specifically to the needs of my clients.
Estela Ballard
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93313 (Online Only)
Greetings! Bienvenidos! My passion is working with individuals who want to feel more hope and a sense of agency in their lives. Due to a difficult childhood or traumatic events, your voice may not have been heard or respected resulting in buried pain and silent struggles. My focus is helping individuals develop their voice and find an inner strength they may not realize already exists. I have a particular interest in treating intergenerational trauma, religious trauma, narcissistic abuse, and victims of high control groups/individuals.
Greetings! Bienvenidos! My passion is working with individuals who want to feel more hope and a sense of agency in their lives. Due to a difficult childhood or traumatic events, your voice may not have been heard or respected resulting in buried pain and silent struggles. My focus is helping individuals develop their voice and find an inner strength they may not realize already exists. I have a particular interest in treating intergenerational trauma, religious trauma, narcissistic abuse, and victims of high control groups/individuals.
Teddi Michele Plummer
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93306
I work with adults; I specialize in anxiety, stress, PTSD, trauma, schizophrenia-auditory/visual hallucinations, bipolar, OCD, depression, panic attacks, BPD, self-harm (cutting), dual diagnosis, co-occurring disorders including alcohol/substance abuse/behavioral addictions, and multiple layers of issues (I am a certified SMART Recovery Facilitator). As a therapist, I value my client’s faith and/or spirituality and acknowledge how a person’s faith can significantly cultivate a positive outcome.
I work with adults; I specialize in anxiety, stress, PTSD, trauma, schizophrenia-auditory/visual hallucinations, bipolar, OCD, depression, panic attacks, BPD, self-harm (cutting), dual diagnosis, co-occurring disorders including alcohol/substance abuse/behavioral addictions, and multiple layers of issues (I am a certified SMART Recovery Facilitator). As a therapist, I value my client’s faith and/or spirituality and acknowledge how a person’s faith can significantly cultivate a positive outcome.
Rhonda Ince
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93313
In-person and virtual services available, I have a passion for helping others, and take pleasure in helping people learn to manage their circumstances and live a happy and healthy life. I use holistic healing strategies in therapy and addresses each client through the lens of mind, body, and spirit. I enjoy expanding the mind with new ideas and practices by being an active learner in this regard which allows me to continue bringing fresh perspectives and healing strategies into sessions. I am fascinated with the brain and body working in unison, which can lead to swift healing and rapid achievement of the therapy goals of her cli
In-person and virtual services available, I have a passion for helping others, and take pleasure in helping people learn to manage their circumstances and live a happy and healthy life. I use holistic healing strategies in therapy and addresses each client through the lens of mind, body, and spirit. I enjoy expanding the mind with new ideas and practices by being an active learner in this regard which allows me to continue bringing fresh perspectives and healing strategies into sessions. I am fascinated with the brain and body working in unison, which can lead to swift healing and rapid achievement of the therapy goals of her cli
Samantha Hill
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PsyD, LCSW, CCTP-II
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93309 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Let’s get through this time and start your journey to a better version of you! My specialty is helping people deal with anxiety, stress, unhealthy/excessive behaviors or a traumatic event. You may have tried therapy many times in the past without the results you want. I'll help you learn ways to cope with anxiety, depression, relationship problems, low confidence, isolation, and uncertainty. We'll figure out what matters most to you, set goals, and set a path to action so you'll see results!
Let’s get through this time and start your journey to a better version of you! My specialty is helping people deal with anxiety, stress, unhealthy/excessive behaviors or a traumatic event. You may have tried therapy many times in the past without the results you want. I'll help you learn ways to cope with anxiety, depression, relationship problems, low confidence, isolation, and uncertainty. We'll figure out what matters most to you, set goals, and set a path to action so you'll see results!
15 Second Videos
Mesha Muwanga
Mark Dominguez
Bethany Zoeller
Veronica Cardona
Howard Acosta
Ryan Thomas Juarez
Kanule Martin
Dwight Jerome Norman Jr
Yuli Avila
Healing Your Heart Counseling, LLC
Genesis Psychotherapy
Solutions Family Counseling Center
Shahzad K Chaudhry
Amy Noall
Dr. Lauture Massac, Ph.D.
Carmen Lorenzo Baker
Teen Therapist Stephanie Santos
Cindi Lane-Pompa
Ready, Set, Grow Psychological Services, PC
David Crespo Christian Counselor
Alison Gomez
Tiffany Bell
Bridges Therapy Group of CA
Serenity Psychotherapy LLC
Glenda G. Love
Scott D Altamirano
Johnny Asencion Cuestas
Scott Altamirano
Veronica Correa Perin
Soeun Park
Scott D Altamirano
Scott Altamirano
Monica de la Cruz Lopez Leal
Danielle Duran MA
Danielle Kumanchik
J. Lancaster
Kiah Marks
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93307
I am a licensed clinical social worker that specializes working with women and children. With a strong sense of compassion and counseling skills, a space is created that leads to successful treatment outcomes and a transformative therapeutic experience. This is because I acknowledge the importance of healing as women in effort to create healthy relationships with ourselves, partners and children in our lives. I draw from a variety of methods that are best fit to your needs and current stage in life.
I am a licensed clinical social worker that specializes working with women and children. With a strong sense of compassion and counseling skills, a space is created that leads to successful treatment outcomes and a transformative therapeutic experience. This is because I acknowledge the importance of healing as women in effort to create healthy relationships with ourselves, partners and children in our lives. I draw from a variety of methods that are best fit to your needs and current stage in life.
Joan Romeo
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93308
Hi there, I'm Joan, a licensed marriage and family therapist. I have been working in mental health for nearly 20 years. I spent 15 years working with the most seriously mentally ill patients and in-crisis services. After I retired 2 years ago, I choose to do teletherapy in order to reach those populations that have been underserved. I take a holistic approach to therapy which includes nutrition, mindfulness, play, and self-care. My usual approach is to start with mindfulness and building coping skills and integrate CBT into the process.
Hi there, I'm Joan, a licensed marriage and family therapist. I have been working in mental health for nearly 20 years. I spent 15 years working with the most seriously mentally ill patients and in-crisis services. After I retired 2 years ago, I choose to do teletherapy in order to reach those populations that have been underserved. I take a holistic approach to therapy which includes nutrition, mindfulness, play, and self-care. My usual approach is to start with mindfulness and building coping skills and integrate CBT into the process.
Theodore Richard
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Let the healing begin. Are you plagued with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, martial/relationship problems? Does it seem like your problems are never ending? If your answer is "yes" to any of the questions that were posed, the first step is calling me and together we can develop a plan to address your concerns.
Let the healing begin. Are you plagued with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, martial/relationship problems? Does it seem like your problems are never ending? If your answer is "yes" to any of the questions that were posed, the first step is calling me and together we can develop a plan to address your concerns.
Abigail Morse
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93307
Hi there, I'm Abby Morse! As a licensed clinical social worker, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating through stressful life changes, addressing self-esteem concerns, and managing anxiety. With a dedicated focus on action and solution-oriented strategies, I approach therapy with empathy, compassion, and a non-judgmental stance. My primary objective is to meet you wherever you are on your therapeutic journey, forming a strong alliance to ensure that your unique needs, well-being, and individuality are at the forefront of our collaborative work.
Hi there, I'm Abby Morse! As a licensed clinical social worker, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating through stressful life changes, addressing self-esteem concerns, and managing anxiety. With a dedicated focus on action and solution-oriented strategies, I approach therapy with empathy, compassion, and a non-judgmental stance. My primary objective is to meet you wherever you are on your therapeutic journey, forming a strong alliance to ensure that your unique needs, well-being, and individuality are at the forefront of our collaborative work.
Roe Sanchez, LMFT, RPT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, RPT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309
Waitlist for new clients
Do you constantly worry about different things? are you tired of overthinking? Do you want to process a painful life event that has left you hurt or afraid? Do you want to make sense of how to align with your spiritual beliefs? Are you wondering why your relationship is not working out or if you should stay together? You've had enough of the same patterns and are ready to make some changes in your life. Does your child have frequent emotional outbursts? Does your child/ teen have social anxiety? I see adults, teens, and children who deal w/ anxiety, panic attacks, trauma, phobias, selective mutism, low self esteem, grief, and ADHD.
Do you constantly worry about different things? are you tired of overthinking? Do you want to process a painful life event that has left you hurt or afraid? Do you want to make sense of how to align with your spiritual beliefs? Are you wondering why your relationship is not working out or if you should stay together? You've had enough of the same patterns and are ready to make some changes in your life. Does your child have frequent emotional outbursts? Does your child/ teen have social anxiety? I see adults, teens, and children who deal w/ anxiety, panic attacks, trauma, phobias, selective mutism, low self esteem, grief, and ADHD.
Stephanie H Espinosa
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93309 (Online Only)
Welcome, my name is Stephanie H. Espinosa and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Congratulations on taking the first step towards a better you! Often times, the pressures of life, our core beliefs and societal influences can significantly impact our lives in an adverse way. As a result, we often get stuck in self-destructive cycles and lose hope that our lives can be different. We habitually self-medicate with food, alcohol, drugs, work and/or sex to seek a moment of escape and even happiness.
Welcome, my name is Stephanie H. Espinosa and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Congratulations on taking the first step towards a better you! Often times, the pressures of life, our core beliefs and societal influences can significantly impact our lives in an adverse way. As a result, we often get stuck in self-destructive cycles and lose hope that our lives can be different. We habitually self-medicate with food, alcohol, drugs, work and/or sex to seek a moment of escape and even happiness.
Gabriel Ruiz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PPSC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93313 (Online Only)
Hi there, my name is Gabriel Ruiz. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California. I completed both my bachelor's in psychology and my Master of Social Work (MSW) at California State University, Bakersfield. I am currently working on obtaining my Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) at Simmons University in Boston, Massachusetts. Our time together isn’t necessarily to rid ourselves of “bad” feelings but to gain the ability to experience a wider range of emotions. I work with children, adolescents, and adults who have various mental health needs. My approach to therapy is focused on creating a safe, brave, and affirming space.
Hi there, my name is Gabriel Ruiz. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California. I completed both my bachelor's in psychology and my Master of Social Work (MSW) at California State University, Bakersfield. I am currently working on obtaining my Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) at Simmons University in Boston, Massachusetts. Our time together isn’t necessarily to rid ourselves of “bad” feelings but to gain the ability to experience a wider range of emotions. I work with children, adolescents, and adults who have various mental health needs. My approach to therapy is focused on creating a safe, brave, and affirming space.
Ana Zalles
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309
I am Ana Zalles, LMFT 137168. I am a multi-dynamic and integrative therapist. I have a background in Trauma, CBT, DBT and multiple other EBP approaches to range ages 3-65+ . I enjoy expanding my treatment expertise and currently training on EMDR and Psychedelic Assisted Treatment. I feel comfortable with clients from all ages and cultural back grounds. I have an extensive training and treatment focus with survivors of trauma, anxiety and depression.
I am Ana Zalles, LMFT 137168. I am a multi-dynamic and integrative therapist. I have a background in Trauma, CBT, DBT and multiple other EBP approaches to range ages 3-65+ . I enjoy expanding my treatment expertise and currently training on EMDR and Psychedelic Assisted Treatment. I feel comfortable with clients from all ages and cultural back grounds. I have an extensive training and treatment focus with survivors of trauma, anxiety and depression.
Stacey Tisler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93312
Hello, my name is Stacey. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Bakersfield, California. I am passionate about my work and providing an opportunity to help individuals and families cope with life's challenges and work towards healing and creating a life worth living. I work well with children, adolescents, and young adults; however, I have the ability to engage with and work with any age group. I also have the ability to engage with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and ethnicities.
Hello, my name is Stacey. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Bakersfield, California. I am passionate about my work and providing an opportunity to help individuals and families cope with life's challenges and work towards healing and creating a life worth living. I work well with children, adolescents, and young adults; however, I have the ability to engage with and work with any age group. I also have the ability to engage with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and ethnicities.
See more therapy options for Bakersfield
Nearby Searches for Bakersfield
See More TherapistsHow does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Bakersfield, CA
500+
Average cost per session
$140
Therapists in Bakersfield, CA who prioritize treating:
91% | Anxiety |
88% | Depression |
77% | Coping Skills |
72% | Self Esteem |
67% | Relationship Issues |
67% | Stress |
60% | Grief |
Average years in practice
11 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
87% | Aetna |
83% | Cigna and Evernorth |
83% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Therapists in Bakersfield, CA see their clients
83% | In Person and Online | |
17% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
80% | Female | |
19% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in Bakersfield?
Search for nearby therapists or counselors by inputting your city, town, or suburb; or zip code; or a provider’s name into the search bar. From there, you can filter providers by the issues they treat, cost, insurance, gender, and other factors to find providers who are well-suited to your needs. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or zip code into the search bar.
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?
The Psychology Today directory lists providers who offer legitimate mental health services to the public, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counselor?
Therapists, psychologists, and counselors are all licensed mental health professionals. In the US, psychologists have earned a doctoral degree. The terms “therapist” and “counselor” are used somewhat interchangeably, but generally therapists offer longer-term, mental health care, while counselors offer shorter-term care that may focus on one domain, such as marriage, career, or academic challenges.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
What type of therapy is right for me?
The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.
How much does therapy cost?
The cost of therapy depends on a number of variables, including location and the therapist’s experience and training. On average, a therapy session in the United States could cost between $100 and $200 or more. If you have insurance, the expense of mental health care is typically lower, but it varies based on your insurance plan details and whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network mental healthcare provider.
What are more affordable or low cost therapy solutions?
Many therapists offer sliding scale payments, usually on a limited number of slots, which consists in an agreement between the therapist and a client to pay a reduced rate. Therapists who provide such arrangements often consider the client's income or ability to pay, but the extent of the discount is ultimately at the therapist's discretion. Furthermore, while group therapy may have different goals and benefits compared to individual therapy, it can be a more affordable solution to address certain types of issues.
Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?
Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.
Is online therapy a good option?
Therapy conducted online can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your zip code.
Are therapy sessions confidential?
Confidentiality is a crucial part of the therapeutic relationship. Therapists in the United States are bound by the regulations set out by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), which aims to protect sensitive health information. With very few exceptions, a therapist will only discuss their client with others when the client has given their written permission. The instances in which a therapist would be required to disclose personal information are: if a client poses a danger to themselves or others, if the therapist suspects the abuse of a child or an elderly or otherwise dependent adult, or if they are legally forced to by court order. These exceptions to the confidentiality agreement are usually discussed with a client before their first session.