Therapists in Portland, OR

View neighborhoods in Portland
Photo of Evan Marx, LPC Intern in Portland, OR
Evan Marx
LPC Intern, MA, LPCI
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97215
My passion is working with men’s issues, LGBTQ folk, people living cross-cultural lives, creatives, and trauma, especially Religious Trauma. In healing my own childhood trauma, in my training, and guiding others, I know well the remarkable power of mind/body integration. I will be with you every step of the way as you emerge into a loving, connected and free self. My holistic approach is down-to-earth and gentle, centering in mindful awareness of the present moment and how your past is shaping it. I work with anxiety, depression, and trauma. Our work is collaborative to help you reconnect with innate strengths, resources and wisdom.
My passion is working with men’s issues, LGBTQ folk, people living cross-cultural lives, creatives, and trauma, especially Religious Trauma. In healing my own childhood trauma, in my training, and guiding others, I know well the remarkable power of mind/body integration. I will be with you every step of the way as you emerge into a loving, connected and free self. My holistic approach is down-to-earth and gentle, centering in mindful awareness of the present moment and how your past is shaping it. I work with anxiety, depression, and trauma. Our work is collaborative to help you reconnect with innate strengths, resources and wisdom.
(971) 256-6099 View (971) 256-6099
Photo of Michael J Irvine, Psychologist in Portland, OR
Michael J Irvine
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97232
I have experience working with individuals who have depression, anxiety, experienced trauma and/or currently struggling to cope with a range of symptoms that might include PTSD, shame, relationship stress, self-esteem, and addiction. I operate from contextual behaviorist approach as well as utilize Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) with my clients. I am also well versed in the 12-step recovery and have found that incredibly important in my work with individuals and family members affected by the disease of addiction.
I have experience working with individuals who have depression, anxiety, experienced trauma and/or currently struggling to cope with a range of symptoms that might include PTSD, shame, relationship stress, self-esteem, and addiction. I operate from contextual behaviorist approach as well as utilize Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) with my clients. I am also well versed in the 12-step recovery and have found that incredibly important in my work with individuals and family members affected by the disease of addiction.
(503) 386-0203 View (503) 386-0203
Photo of Molz Wirtz-Wold, Counselor in Portland, OR
Molz Wirtz-Wold
Counselor, MS, LMHC, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97203
Accepting clients as of 4/22/24. A therapist for 19 years, I am a good fit for people looking for a non-judgmental, open, directive and creative therapist. I support individual adults and couples/relationships from an attachment and relational approach. I am very experienced in supporting transgender, queer, polyamorous and/or sex positive clients. People looking for a safe space to be their authentic selves are welcomed. I am queer, transgender, autistic and have lived experience as a fat bodied person.
Accepting clients as of 4/22/24. A therapist for 19 years, I am a good fit for people looking for a non-judgmental, open, directive and creative therapist. I support individual adults and couples/relationships from an attachment and relational approach. I am very experienced in supporting transgender, queer, polyamorous and/or sex positive clients. People looking for a safe space to be their authentic selves are welcomed. I am queer, transgender, autistic and have lived experience as a fat bodied person.
(503) 379-9742 View (503) 379-9742
Photo of Valerie Mustonen, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Portland, OR
Valerie Mustonen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97229  (Online Only)
I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have been a therapist for 26 years. I worked in residential treatment, medical social work, outpatient therapy and private practice. I am someone who listens closely to your story and current needs to find solutions to ultimately help you achieve a healthy mental state. Each session will be directed by you to tackle long term issues or problems that come up each week. I have many different treatment approaches to help you see why you are experiencing difficulty in your life.
I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have been a therapist for 26 years. I worked in residential treatment, medical social work, outpatient therapy and private practice. I am someone who listens closely to your story and current needs to find solutions to ultimately help you achieve a healthy mental state. Each session will be directed by you to tackle long term issues or problems that come up each week. I have many different treatment approaches to help you see why you are experiencing difficulty in your life.
(503) 832-6375 View (503) 832-6375
Photo of Kathryn F Weymouth in Portland, OR
Kathryn F Weymouth
PhD
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97206
My clients are high functioning individuals who want help getting unstuck in some area of their lives, are seeking direction, and want help in alleviating pain, whether it is physical, emotional, psychological, relational, or spiritual. It's not unusual for them to have tried different therapies before coming to me, and most find that the combination of approaches that I use creates a healing synergy that they have not found elsewhere. In fact, my business card says "Deep Healing for Body, Mind, and Spirit." See my website at kweymouth.com for details.
My clients are high functioning individuals who want help getting unstuck in some area of their lives, are seeking direction, and want help in alleviating pain, whether it is physical, emotional, psychological, relational, or spiritual. It's not unusual for them to have tried different therapies before coming to me, and most find that the combination of approaches that I use creates a healing synergy that they have not found elsewhere. In fact, my business card says "Deep Healing for Body, Mind, and Spirit." See my website at kweymouth.com for details.
(503) 376-8719 View (503) 376-8719
Photo of Shane D Kennington, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Portland, OR
Shane D Kennington
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW, CDWF
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97221
ARE YOU WANTING A MORE AUTHENTIC WHOLEHEARTED LIFE? I am a certified Daring Way facilitator who works with clients to develop shame resilience skills and a courage practice that transforms the way they live, love, parent, and lead. Dr. Brene Brown's The Daring Way(tm) curriculum is a highly experiential methodology developed to help men, women, and adolescents learn how to show up, be seen, and live braver more authentic lives. Using this methodology I work collaboratively with my clients to support them around challenges with stress, depression, anxiety, relationships, work, and recovery from addictions.
ARE YOU WANTING A MORE AUTHENTIC WHOLEHEARTED LIFE? I am a certified Daring Way facilitator who works with clients to develop shame resilience skills and a courage practice that transforms the way they live, love, parent, and lead. Dr. Brene Brown's The Daring Way(tm) curriculum is a highly experiential methodology developed to help men, women, and adolescents learn how to show up, be seen, and live braver more authentic lives. Using this methodology I work collaboratively with my clients to support them around challenges with stress, depression, anxiety, relationships, work, and recovery from addictions.
(971) 256-8095 View (971) 256-8095
Photo of Adrien Wolmark, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Portland, OR
Adrien Wolmark
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSS, PhD, LCSW
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97232
Whether exploring counseling for the first time, or seeking a new therapist or clinical supervisor, thank you for considering me. I am kink aware and sex and body positive and have focused much of my practice on trans, non-binary and queer health. I offer individual counseling to adults and teens 13+ and couples/relationship counseling. I believe people are innately driven to grow and overcome obstacles through the resolution of trauma and other adverse experiences. Sometimes, we need support navigating barriers to our progress. My 30+ years’ experience as a therapist establish a foundation you can trust.
Whether exploring counseling for the first time, or seeking a new therapist or clinical supervisor, thank you for considering me. I am kink aware and sex and body positive and have focused much of my practice on trans, non-binary and queer health. I offer individual counseling to adults and teens 13+ and couples/relationship counseling. I believe people are innately driven to grow and overcome obstacles through the resolution of trauma and other adverse experiences. Sometimes, we need support navigating barriers to our progress. My 30+ years’ experience as a therapist establish a foundation you can trust.
(503) 647-6131 View (503) 647-6131
Photo of Jake Hamilton in Portland, OR
Jake Hamilton
ND, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97211
I’m interested in working with people who would like to take a holistic look at their mental health. This can include an interpersonal counseling approach as well as testing for and treating any potential underlying physiological causes of mental and emotional symptoms. I particularly enjoy working with people with mood disorders, ADHD, anxiety, and OCD.
I’m interested in working with people who would like to take a holistic look at their mental health. This can include an interpersonal counseling approach as well as testing for and treating any potential underlying physiological causes of mental and emotional symptoms. I particularly enjoy working with people with mood disorders, ADHD, anxiety, and OCD.
(971) 351-3213 View (971) 351-3213
Photo of Caitlin Kiley, Counselor in Portland, OR
Caitlin Kiley
Counselor, LMHC, LPC, MA
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97212
My ideal client is someone who is ready to engage in reclaiming their personal power. Therapy is just as much about unlearning, as it is learning. I enjoy working with folks who have a history of "people pleasing" and who have experienced emotional abuse. In particular I enjoy working with those who have experienced narcissistic abuse, and are looking to come back into contact with feeling grounded in their own reality again.
My ideal client is someone who is ready to engage in reclaiming their personal power. Therapy is just as much about unlearning, as it is learning. I enjoy working with folks who have a history of "people pleasing" and who have experienced emotional abuse. In particular I enjoy working with those who have experienced narcissistic abuse, and are looking to come back into contact with feeling grounded in their own reality again.
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Polly Burton
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97216  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I believe we all need and want to feel connected to other people. Our relationships can bring the greatest joy and yet can serve as our greatest source of pain. I come along side you to identify patterns, perceptions and communication that can help or hinder your relationships, and can affect your mind, body, and spirit. Working together, we will activate your own strengths, equip you with practical tools for coping and thriving, and release those burdens that have prevented you from trusting, connecting and expressing your emotions to others in a constructive way.
I believe we all need and want to feel connected to other people. Our relationships can bring the greatest joy and yet can serve as our greatest source of pain. I come along side you to identify patterns, perceptions and communication that can help or hinder your relationships, and can affect your mind, body, and spirit. Working together, we will activate your own strengths, equip you with practical tools for coping and thriving, and release those burdens that have prevented you from trusting, connecting and expressing your emotions to others in a constructive way.
(971) 314-4832 View (971) 314-4832
Photo of Ann E Langston, Marriage & Family Therapist in Portland, OR
Ann E Langston
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97214  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I offer experience and expertise dealing with recovery from effects of child abuse, family violence, substance abuse, divorce and other life cycle trauma. I use an eclectic therapuetic style including experiential and cognitive means. Developing your personal genogram is a powerful tool to guide you on your journey toward wellness. Personal growth and recovery involves a willingness to challenge yourself to try something different. Everyone deserves to feel more comfortable "in their own skin."
I offer experience and expertise dealing with recovery from effects of child abuse, family violence, substance abuse, divorce and other life cycle trauma. I use an eclectic therapuetic style including experiential and cognitive means. Developing your personal genogram is a powerful tool to guide you on your journey toward wellness. Personal growth and recovery involves a willingness to challenge yourself to try something different. Everyone deserves to feel more comfortable "in their own skin."
(503) 734-0688 View (503) 734-0688
Photo of David Marcus, Licensed Professional Counselor in Portland, OR
David Marcus
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97209  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, as a Person of Color I often struggled in spaces where I often did not see people who looked like me, or have my experiences be validated or understood. My passion is to create a space for every individual to be seen for who they are and valued for their experience where the world sometimes says otherwise. I have dedicated my career in supporting those who have struggled with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and more to heal and work through their adverse experiences to support them becoming stronger advocate and individuals to thrive in their communities and relationships.
Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, as a Person of Color I often struggled in spaces where I often did not see people who looked like me, or have my experiences be validated or understood. My passion is to create a space for every individual to be seen for who they are and valued for their experience where the world sometimes says otherwise. I have dedicated my career in supporting those who have struggled with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and more to heal and work through their adverse experiences to support them becoming stronger advocate and individuals to thrive in their communities and relationships.
(971) 999-3252 View (971) 999-3252
Photo of Diane C Steinbrecher, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Portland, OR
Diane C Steinbrecher
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CHT, MSWAC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97202  (Online Only)
I trust that whatever appears in the mind, body, and emotions has its purpose and wants to be deeply heard, honored, understood, and embraced; that all the Psyche expresses are attempts toward our wholeness and realizing the jewel of our Essential Being. With this compassion and care, healing can unfold, patterns and beliefs transformed, and we can live our true potential and purpose, innate wisdom, and experience happiness, peace, and joy.
I trust that whatever appears in the mind, body, and emotions has its purpose and wants to be deeply heard, honored, understood, and embraced; that all the Psyche expresses are attempts toward our wholeness and realizing the jewel of our Essential Being. With this compassion and care, healing can unfold, patterns and beliefs transformed, and we can live our true potential and purpose, innate wisdom, and experience happiness, peace, and joy.
(503) 388-5760 View (503) 388-5760
Photo of Danesh Oleshko, Marriage & Family Therapist in Portland, OR
Danesh Oleshko
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, LLM, CADC I
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97217  (Online Only)
My commitment is to offer effective therapy. As a person seeking therapy, you need a counselor who can understand and meet you where healing and growth is waiting to take place within you. Let's connect and find out if that counselor is me. I offer depth therapy that is emotionally sensitive, trauma-informed and transpersonal: integrating soul-searching and the management of daily life & relationships. My practice is integrative: weaving elements of nature therapy, body-centered expression and a receptive, feminine/masculine balanced approach.
My commitment is to offer effective therapy. As a person seeking therapy, you need a counselor who can understand and meet you where healing and growth is waiting to take place within you. Let's connect and find out if that counselor is me. I offer depth therapy that is emotionally sensitive, trauma-informed and transpersonal: integrating soul-searching and the management of daily life & relationships. My practice is integrative: weaving elements of nature therapy, body-centered expression and a receptive, feminine/masculine balanced approach.
(541) 204-8870 View (541) 204-8870
Photo of Misty Bottorff, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Portland, OR
Misty Bottorff
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97203  (Online Only)
I enjoy working with diverse populations and providing a safe place for all. I am trauma-informed and come from a strengths-based approach, using a variety of modalities including Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and solution-focused therapy. I am honored to work with individuals who trust me with their stories and enjoy walking alongside my clients as they go through the therapeutic process.
I enjoy working with diverse populations and providing a safe place for all. I am trauma-informed and come from a strengths-based approach, using a variety of modalities including Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and solution-focused therapy. I am honored to work with individuals who trust me with their stories and enjoy walking alongside my clients as they go through the therapeutic process.
(971) 257-1605 View (971) 257-1605
Photo of Jennifer Morris, Licensed Professional Counselor in Portland, OR
Jennifer Morris
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97219
Sometimes you may have a specific problem for which you are seeking help - like low mood, worry, sleep problems, or trouble at home or work - and sometimes you just want to explore yourself or develop ways to live a fuller, happier life. As your therapist, my goal is to help you clearly identify and explore the issue, and provide the assistance, guidance and coping skills to address an array of mental, emotional and general life issues, and restore hope. It is truly a pleasure to help you explore what's important to you and appreciate yourself in the world.
Sometimes you may have a specific problem for which you are seeking help - like low mood, worry, sleep problems, or trouble at home or work - and sometimes you just want to explore yourself or develop ways to live a fuller, happier life. As your therapist, my goal is to help you clearly identify and explore the issue, and provide the assistance, guidance and coping skills to address an array of mental, emotional and general life issues, and restore hope. It is truly a pleasure to help you explore what's important to you and appreciate yourself in the world.
(503) 741-2673 View (503) 741-2673
Photo of Melissa Chernaik, Licensed Professional Counselor in Portland, OR
Melissa Chernaik
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97214
Waitlist for new clients
Just being human in this world can be confusing, exhausting and heartbreaking. We all feel stuck sometimes—in old patterns, painful feelings, anxious thoughts, or harsh beliefs about ourselves or others. And therapy is a great place to change those things. But I believe the true magic of therapy is in learning to feel—really feel in your bones—how whole and worthy you actually are, no matter how stuck or broken you might feel today. My job is to support and challenge you to get to know and accept all parts of yourself (yes, even that harsh inner critic). Together, we'll heal old wounds so you can feel more balanced and integrated.
Just being human in this world can be confusing, exhausting and heartbreaking. We all feel stuck sometimes—in old patterns, painful feelings, anxious thoughts, or harsh beliefs about ourselves or others. And therapy is a great place to change those things. But I believe the true magic of therapy is in learning to feel—really feel in your bones—how whole and worthy you actually are, no matter how stuck or broken you might feel today. My job is to support and challenge you to get to know and accept all parts of yourself (yes, even that harsh inner critic). Together, we'll heal old wounds so you can feel more balanced and integrated.
(503) 925-4041 View (503) 925-4041
Photo of Amy Schumaker, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Portland, OR
Amy Schumaker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97232
Amy has a passion of helping others. She understands that starting therapy can be difficult and she views seeking therapy as starting a journey. Each of our journeys take a pair of shoes and sometimes we need to find new ones. Amy will walk with you on this new journey and help find the right pair of shoes that will hopefully make the journey a little bit easier. Amy approaches each session using various evidence based treatment models.
Amy has a passion of helping others. She understands that starting therapy can be difficult and she views seeking therapy as starting a journey. Each of our journeys take a pair of shoes and sometimes we need to find new ones. Amy will walk with you on this new journey and help find the right pair of shoes that will hopefully make the journey a little bit easier. Amy approaches each session using various evidence based treatment models.
(503) 917-3254 View (503) 917-3254
Photo of Madison Weiss, Professional Counselor Associate in Portland, OR
Madison Weiss
Professional Counselor Associate, MA, R8411
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97232  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
You may be someone who seeks the equilibrium, safety, inner strength and peace of mind which can emerge from living more authentically. You may even know the road to get there, but have experienced times of difficulty, moving you away from where you want to be internally or relationally. You may be ready to engage in delving more deeply into yourself. Therapy can help you reach your goals. It can help you refine fine your communication skills, and teach you new ones. Face your feelings, and learn to move through them in a safe space that is completely yours. Get a better sense of who you are and who you want to be in the world.
You may be someone who seeks the equilibrium, safety, inner strength and peace of mind which can emerge from living more authentically. You may even know the road to get there, but have experienced times of difficulty, moving you away from where you want to be internally or relationally. You may be ready to engage in delving more deeply into yourself. Therapy can help you reach your goals. It can help you refine fine your communication skills, and teach you new ones. Face your feelings, and learn to move through them in a safe space that is completely yours. Get a better sense of who you are and who you want to be in the world.
(503) 852-9338 View (503) 852-9338
Photo of Renée Lynn Anderson, Pre-Licensed Professional in Portland, OR
Renée Lynn Anderson
Pre-Licensed Professional, CSWA, MSW
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97202
You may enjoy working with me if you are seeking support for family dynamic issues, trauma related issues, relationship conflict, anxiety, depression, child welfare involvement, parent-child relationship support or would like to expand upon your parenting techniques. Or if you identify as a new parent, teen parent, teen (13 years or older) or a survivor of childhood trauma. My therapeutic style / modalities used include play therapy, motivational interviewing, family systems, mindfulness, narrative therapy, internal family systems therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy.
You may enjoy working with me if you are seeking support for family dynamic issues, trauma related issues, relationship conflict, anxiety, depression, child welfare involvement, parent-child relationship support or would like to expand upon your parenting techniques. Or if you identify as a new parent, teen parent, teen (13 years or older) or a survivor of childhood trauma. My therapeutic style / modalities used include play therapy, motivational interviewing, family systems, mindfulness, narrative therapy, internal family systems therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy.
(503) 749-6726 View (503) 749-6726

How does your Therapist compare?

Number of Therapists in Portland, OR

3,000+

Average cost per session

$160

Therapists in Portland, OR who prioritize treating:

91% Anxiety
85% Depression
78% Relationship Issues
76% Self Esteem
74% Trauma and PTSD
71% Stress
67% Life Transitions

Average years in practice

10 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

55% PacificSource
47% Aetna
38% BlueCross and BlueShield

How Therapists in Portland, OR see their clients

56% In Person and Online
44% Online Only

Gender breakdown

75% Female
21% Male
4% Non-Binary
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling

How can I find a therapist in Portland?

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

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.

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.

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.