Therapists in Bethesda, MD
Monica Bachabi
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814 (Online Only)
I'm Monica, a bilingual psychotherapist providing therapeutic services in Maryland. I believe in collaboration, acknowledging that clients are the experts of their own lives. My passion is empowering clients to overcome mental health barriers through challenge and education. Together, we'll lay the foundation by identifying your challenges, understanding your emotions, and recognizing your ability to reshape your thoughts. My goal is to empower you to advocate for yourself by fostering new insights and self-awareness. I understand that discussing past traumas can be daunting, but I'm here to support you through it.
I'm Monica, a bilingual psychotherapist providing therapeutic services in Maryland. I believe in collaboration, acknowledging that clients are the experts of their own lives. My passion is empowering clients to overcome mental health barriers through challenge and education. Together, we'll lay the foundation by identifying your challenges, understanding your emotions, and recognizing your ability to reshape your thoughts. My goal is to empower you to advocate for yourself by fostering new insights and self-awareness. I understand that discussing past traumas can be daunting, but I'm here to support you through it.
Dr Catherine L Dempsey
Psychologist, PhD, MPH
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I use an empathic warm approach to provide a safe environment for my clients. I know its hard to reach out for help and I make every effort to engage clients in treatment with phone consultations and flexible scheduling. I treat symptoms associated with trauma and stress, such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, loss, pain, and addictions for individual, couples and families.
I use an empathic warm approach to provide a safe environment for my clients. I know its hard to reach out for help and I make every effort to engage clients in treatment with phone consultations and flexible scheduling. I treat symptoms associated with trauma and stress, such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, loss, pain, and addictions for individual, couples and families.
Nisha Sachdev
Psychologist, PsyD, DrPH
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20815 (Online Only)
Are you experiencing challenging times? Do you feel stuck, sad, overwhelmed, or anxious? Do you feel like you need a space to process your thoughts and feelings? Working together, I can help you develop effective coping skills, improve your ability to communicate feelings and needs, and increase insight into your behavior. This will help strengthen your self-love and self-care. Through utilizing an approach centered around encouragement and support, I will help you explore the connection between your past and current experiences, environment, and/or behaviors that might be hindering you from reaching your fullest potential.
Are you experiencing challenging times? Do you feel stuck, sad, overwhelmed, or anxious? Do you feel like you need a space to process your thoughts and feelings? Working together, I can help you develop effective coping skills, improve your ability to communicate feelings and needs, and increase insight into your behavior. This will help strengthen your self-love and self-care. Through utilizing an approach centered around encouragement and support, I will help you explore the connection between your past and current experiences, environment, and/or behaviors that might be hindering you from reaching your fullest potential.
Nidhi Sampath
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20816
Opening up can be challenging for some individuals, so I make it a priority to create a safe, warm, and respectful environment. I am a compassionate and creative therapist who strives to ensure that you will feel heard and understood as you confront life's challenges. Therapy is an opportunity to find personal fulfillment, increased self-understanding, and the ability to self-reflect. I will help you in this journey and along the way we will identify unhealthy patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving, as well as strengthen meaningful relationships.
Opening up can be challenging for some individuals, so I make it a priority to create a safe, warm, and respectful environment. I am a compassionate and creative therapist who strives to ensure that you will feel heard and understood as you confront life's challenges. Therapy is an opportunity to find personal fulfillment, increased self-understanding, and the ability to self-reflect. I will help you in this journey and along the way we will identify unhealthy patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving, as well as strengthen meaningful relationships.
Ben Endres
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814
Deciding to take the step to come to therapy is often challenging. There are many reasons why people make the choice to seek out therapy and sometimes that reason isn't obvious and things just feel "off". Whatever your reason is, it is valid, and I would be honored to work through it with you. My experience thus far has centered around helping adolescents and adults navigate eating disorders, trauma, depression, anxiety, body image distress, relationship issues, healthy masculinity development, emotion regulation, work-related burnout, and stress in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
Deciding to take the step to come to therapy is often challenging. There are many reasons why people make the choice to seek out therapy and sometimes that reason isn't obvious and things just feel "off". Whatever your reason is, it is valid, and I would be honored to work through it with you. My experience thus far has centered around helping adolescents and adults navigate eating disorders, trauma, depression, anxiety, body image distress, relationship issues, healthy masculinity development, emotion regulation, work-related burnout, and stress in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
Shea Pines
Marriage & Family Therapist, LGMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20817 (Online Only)
Hello! My name is Shea Pines, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Are you tired of just existing in life? My goal is to help you live in the present, making choices that align with your goals and values. I’ve worked with couples, young adults, teens and adults. I specialize in anxiety, depression, IPV (intimate partner violence), physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. Let’s work together to get you the life you desire.
Hello! My name is Shea Pines, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Are you tired of just existing in life? My goal is to help you live in the present, making choices that align with your goals and values. I’ve worked with couples, young adults, teens and adults. I specialize in anxiety, depression, IPV (intimate partner violence), physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. Let’s work together to get you the life you desire.
Brooke Bralove Psychotherapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814
Through psychotherapy, every person has the capacity to grow and change and live the life they’ve always imagined. I can help you recognize and alter patterns in your life, develop new skills to enhance your relationships with family, friends, and partners, and move toward greater joy and personal fulfillment. I specialize in treating individuals and couples with anxiety & depression, low self-esteem, postpartum depression, parenting issues, sexual & physical abuse, domestic violence, trauma, and work-related stress. I also specialize in working with women who struggle to show up authentically in their lives.
Through psychotherapy, every person has the capacity to grow and change and live the life they’ve always imagined. I can help you recognize and alter patterns in your life, develop new skills to enhance your relationships with family, friends, and partners, and move toward greater joy and personal fulfillment. I specialize in treating individuals and couples with anxiety & depression, low self-esteem, postpartum depression, parenting issues, sexual & physical abuse, domestic violence, trauma, and work-related stress. I also specialize in working with women who struggle to show up authentically in their lives.
Afa Alizada
Counselor, LGPC, NCC, MEd
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20814 (Online Only)
You’re introspective and self-aware. You may recognize self-sabotaging patterns and self-limiting beliefs that keep repeating in your professional life or intimate relationships. You may have even read self-help books or tried therapy before, and still struggle with low self-esteem, shame, anxiety, sadness, anger, or self-destructive behaviors. A part of you wonders if what happened to you has damaged you beyond “repair.” And yet, there’s a part inside that’s yearning for deep healing and knows it’s possible to feel radiantly alive, fulfilled, deeply connected, confident, and calm.
You’re introspective and self-aware. You may recognize self-sabotaging patterns and self-limiting beliefs that keep repeating in your professional life or intimate relationships. You may have even read self-help books or tried therapy before, and still struggle with low self-esteem, shame, anxiety, sadness, anger, or self-destructive behaviors. A part of you wonders if what happened to you has damaged you beyond “repair.” And yet, there’s a part inside that’s yearning for deep healing and knows it’s possible to feel radiantly alive, fulfilled, deeply connected, confident, and calm.
Mary Randall Ingate
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, MC
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20817
Not accepting new clients
We all have periods of struggle navigating life; work; and relationships. In my practice I focus on helping individuals and families identify troubling issues while increasing self understanding; coping skills and compassion for themselves and others with the goal of improving relationships and moving forward in life in accordance with their individual goals and values. In my 30+ years of practice I have worked with people from many different cultures including the LGBTQ+ community who are struggling with anxiety; mood disorders; and addiction issues. I am committed to helping and working collaboratively with my clients.
We all have periods of struggle navigating life; work; and relationships. In my practice I focus on helping individuals and families identify troubling issues while increasing self understanding; coping skills and compassion for themselves and others with the goal of improving relationships and moving forward in life in accordance with their individual goals and values. In my 30+ years of practice I have worked with people from many different cultures including the LGBTQ+ community who are struggling with anxiety; mood disorders; and addiction issues. I am committed to helping and working collaboratively with my clients.
Laura Krause
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814 (Online Only)
Laura has 14+ years of experience supporting those with anxiety, depression, postpartum depression, caregiver-child relationship struggles, adoption and foster care issues, complex-PTSD, PTSD, dissociation, and abuse (emotional, verbal, physical, sexual and religious abuse).
Laura has 14+ years of experience supporting those with anxiety, depression, postpartum depression, caregiver-child relationship struggles, adoption and foster care issues, complex-PTSD, PTSD, dissociation, and abuse (emotional, verbal, physical, sexual and religious abuse).
Nancy Brutsché
MSN, RN, PMHCNS, BC
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814
MINDFULNESS-BASED SOMATIC PSYCHOTHERAPY & INTERNAL FAMILY SYSTEMS: "What lies behind us and what lies ahead of us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." [Ralph Waldo Emerson]. All that you seek already lies within you. It is my great pleasure to assist you in opening up to your wholeness. Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship issues, chronic illness, pain, feeling stuck, existential/spiritual issues or simply seeking what you have been missing or what calls you, I am here to help you find the freedom, peace, love and joy you desire. I DO NOT PRESCRIBE NOR MANAGE MEDICATIONS.
MINDFULNESS-BASED SOMATIC PSYCHOTHERAPY & INTERNAL FAMILY SYSTEMS: "What lies behind us and what lies ahead of us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." [Ralph Waldo Emerson]. All that you seek already lies within you. It is my great pleasure to assist you in opening up to your wholeness. Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship issues, chronic illness, pain, feeling stuck, existential/spiritual issues or simply seeking what you have been missing or what calls you, I am here to help you find the freedom, peace, love and joy you desire. I DO NOT PRESCRIBE NOR MANAGE MEDICATIONS.
15 Second Videos
Afa Alizada
Lorraine M. Harpur
Wendy-Nia Griffin
Stephanie 'stevie' Shuchart
Cheryl Torpey
Jill Ginsburg At Postpartum Wellness
Meg Blattner
David B Sacks
Brittany LaFleur
Fabiola Jamieson
Robin S. Smith
Aleenia Nakamura
Jeannie Dougherty
Joey Salvatore
Rebecca Aloni
Sharilyn Wiskup Hafkin
Jennifer Pertofsky-Plotnek
Caryn Malkus
Leanna Brisson
Len Guedalia
Comeback Counseling: Trauma-Informed Therapy
Avesta Ketamine & Wellness
PlayfulLeigh Psyched, LLC
Melissa Melendez
Micah Saviet
Carey Heller
Pamela G. Luttig
Katie O'Mailey
Alex Hittman
Phyllis Burson
Cindy Bull Crane
Caitlin Magidson
Taylor Allie
Adrienne Claire Jeffries
Reuven Rosen, LMSW - Teen and Family Therapist
Constance Angiuli
Lindsey Berisha
Matt Korbon
Nick Talisman
Sapna Singh
Joshua O'Connor
Amanda Shrekenhamer
Lily Kaufmann
Brooke Shafer
Kristin G Sweeney
Joy Martini
Darren Bernal
Brandy Walker
Jaimie Fowler
Jennifer Rollin
Donna T Kimmel Phd
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814 (Online Only)
I counsel individuals, couples and families born before 1981. Since our thoughts, feelings, beliefs, attitudes and behavior are generated by our brain, that's my focus - your brain. Whatever problems you have, whatever stressors you suffer, they can only be managed by how you think about them and what you do. That's the essence of Cognitive-Behavior Therapy. So, I strive to help you "change your mind" so you are self confident, self reliant, and resilient in facing your challenges. Let's get on with it! Life is short! Learn more at www.DonnaKimmelPhD.com. Questions/Comments: DrK@DonnaKimmelPhD.com; 240-277-4427.
I counsel individuals, couples and families born before 1981. Since our thoughts, feelings, beliefs, attitudes and behavior are generated by our brain, that's my focus - your brain. Whatever problems you have, whatever stressors you suffer, they can only be managed by how you think about them and what you do. That's the essence of Cognitive-Behavior Therapy. So, I strive to help you "change your mind" so you are self confident, self reliant, and resilient in facing your challenges. Let's get on with it! Life is short! Learn more at www.DonnaKimmelPhD.com. Questions/Comments: DrK@DonnaKimmelPhD.com; 240-277-4427.
Stephanie Helwig
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814
Feeling chronic negative emotions such as sadness, anger, anxiety, or loneliness is often a sign that something in our relationships has gone awry. By the time we attend psychotherapy, the task of altering our relationships may feel difficult or impossible to navigate alone. As a psychodynamic therapist, I am interested in how your early relationships impact your personality, worldview, attachment, perceptions, and coping mechanisms. Through compassion, challenge and sometimes humor, I aim to help my patients gain insight, learn new ways of relating to others, and implement change in order to heal, grow, and flourish.
Feeling chronic negative emotions such as sadness, anger, anxiety, or loneliness is often a sign that something in our relationships has gone awry. By the time we attend psychotherapy, the task of altering our relationships may feel difficult or impossible to navigate alone. As a psychodynamic therapist, I am interested in how your early relationships impact your personality, worldview, attachment, perceptions, and coping mechanisms. Through compassion, challenge and sometimes humor, I aim to help my patients gain insight, learn new ways of relating to others, and implement change in order to heal, grow, and flourish.
Megan Lestino
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814 (Online Only)
I am a person-centered therapist, meaning, my therapeutic methods are based on a trusting relationship and techniques responsive to your specific needs. I am also a Play Therapist. Thinking: "Isn't that just for kids?" Fair, but: Nope! I believe and research supports that everyone can benefit from playful expression and finding ways to express themself that are comfortable and joy-filled. With adults that often looks like games, storytelling, and art or other creative expressions - but always only when you are comfortable.
I am a person-centered therapist, meaning, my therapeutic methods are based on a trusting relationship and techniques responsive to your specific needs. I am also a Play Therapist. Thinking: "Isn't that just for kids?" Fair, but: Nope! I believe and research supports that everyone can benefit from playful expression and finding ways to express themself that are comfortable and joy-filled. With adults that often looks like games, storytelling, and art or other creative expressions - but always only when you are comfortable.
Faith E Weidler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20814
Not accepting new clients
I enjoy working with adolescents and adults around a variety of issues, including life transitions, anxiety, depression and trauma. My goal is to help individuals chart their own course by increasing awareness of how past experiences continue to resonate; to draw on their resilience, strengths and skills; and, to modify unhelpful patterns of thinking and behavior that cause distress so as to bring about lasting change. My approach involves joining with clients with curiosity, gentle humor, and warmth. Treatment approaches follow theory, best practices, and is practical. Clients typically report improvement after a few sessions.
I enjoy working with adolescents and adults around a variety of issues, including life transitions, anxiety, depression and trauma. My goal is to help individuals chart their own course by increasing awareness of how past experiences continue to resonate; to draw on their resilience, strengths and skills; and, to modify unhelpful patterns of thinking and behavior that cause distress so as to bring about lasting change. My approach involves joining with clients with curiosity, gentle humor, and warmth. Treatment approaches follow theory, best practices, and is practical. Clients typically report improvement after a few sessions.
Joan Prince
Licensed Professional Counselor, NCC, LCPC, LPC, SEP
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20816 (Online Only)
In my years of working with diverse populations, I've learned what we all have in common is difficulty at times with the human experience. Whether it's a mood disorder or debilitating anxiety or addiction, we suffer and need help at these times. From identity issues to discomfort in one's own skin, we know when we're not living fully. Our innate resilience and joy become buried under layers of defenses, but they're still there. Let's uncover them together.
In my years of working with diverse populations, I've learned what we all have in common is difficulty at times with the human experience. Whether it's a mood disorder or debilitating anxiety or addiction, we suffer and need help at these times. From identity issues to discomfort in one's own skin, we know when we're not living fully. Our innate resilience and joy become buried under layers of defenses, but they're still there. Let's uncover them together.
Alexis de la Rosa
Counselor, MS, LGPC
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814
Navigating pivotal life transitions such as career shifts, new parenting roles, or relationship changes can be daunting. Many seek clarity and support when feeling stuck or dissatisfied, aiming to realign their lives with true aspirations. The journey involves understanding these changes, fostering personal growth, and enhancing emotional well-being. My practice offers a nurturing environment for this exploration, providing the insight and skills needed to thrive through transitions and lead a fulfilling, interconnected life.
Navigating pivotal life transitions such as career shifts, new parenting roles, or relationship changes can be daunting. Many seek clarity and support when feeling stuck or dissatisfied, aiming to realign their lives with true aspirations. The journey involves understanding these changes, fostering personal growth, and enhancing emotional well-being. My practice offers a nurturing environment for this exploration, providing the insight and skills needed to thrive through transitions and lead a fulfilling, interconnected life.
Nadine Lavender-Petersen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814
Following my natural character of curiosity and compassion for others, my inclinations led me straight to the field of psychotherapy where I have been practicing for over 36 years. I have been privileged to work in clinic, hospital, and school settings. My work is insight-oriented and I am eager to work with individuals and couples who can engage in collaborative work, who are curious about their inner workings, and are desirous to become deeply authentic while travelling their unique path.
Following my natural character of curiosity and compassion for others, my inclinations led me straight to the field of psychotherapy where I have been practicing for over 36 years. I have been privileged to work in clinic, hospital, and school settings. My work is insight-oriented and I am eager to work with individuals and couples who can engage in collaborative work, who are curious about their inner workings, and are desirous to become deeply authentic while travelling their unique path.
Idith Kahn
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814
As a clinical psychologist, a graduate of the George Washington University, I provide therapy and assessment services to adults, children and adolescents. I am also part of the clinical faculty in the Professional Psychology program (Psy.D) at George Washington University.
As a clinical psychologist, a graduate of the George Washington University, I provide therapy and assessment services to adults, children and adolescents. I am also part of the clinical faculty in the Professional Psychology program (Psy.D) at George Washington University.
Keisha M. Watson
Counselor, LCPC, NCC, ACS
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20817 (Online Only)
Bright Journey Counseling provides empathetic, yet focused coping strategies to offer hope, positive thinking and realization that change is possible. I am passionate about working with young adults and women that have developed unhealthy behaviors and interpersonal relationships related to past trauma experiences. I bring over a decade of clinical experience providing psychotherapy to children, teens and adults in various clinical settings including community-based, outpatient treatment center, private and group practice.
Bright Journey Counseling provides empathetic, yet focused coping strategies to offer hope, positive thinking and realization that change is possible. I am passionate about working with young adults and women that have developed unhealthy behaviors and interpersonal relationships related to past trauma experiences. I bring over a decade of clinical experience providing psychotherapy to children, teens and adults in various clinical settings including community-based, outpatient treatment center, private and group practice.
See more therapy options for Bethesda
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Bethesda, MD
1,000+
Average cost per session
$180
Therapists in Bethesda, MD who prioritize treating:
94% | Anxiety |
90% | Depression |
78% | Relationship Issues |
74% | Self Esteem |
66% | Coping Skills |
64% | Trauma and PTSD |
61% | Grief |
Average years in practice
13 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
63% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
63% | CareFirst |
57% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Therapists in Bethesda, MD see their clients
60% | In Person and Online | |
40% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
82% | Female | |
17% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in Bethesda?
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.