Therapists in Naperville, IL

Photo of Karri Christiansen, Drug & Alcohol Counselor in Naperville, IL
Karri Christiansen
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, MSW, LSW, CADC
Verified Verified
Naperville, IL 60563
Karri has a passion for helping people find their way from mental illness to mental wellness. Karri believes that everyone has a story to tell and that through the work of recovery, people living with mental illness and substance use disorders can rewrite the ending to their own stories.
Karri has a passion for helping people find their way from mental illness to mental wellness. Karri believes that everyone has a story to tell and that through the work of recovery, people living with mental illness and substance use disorders can rewrite the ending to their own stories.
(708) 980-0408 View (708) 980-0408
Photo of Barb Bechtel, Marriage & Family Therapist in Naperville, IL
Barb Bechtel
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, LCPC
Verified Verified
Naperville, IL 60540  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
The decision to come to therapy is often a difficult step to take. Life by nature is not easy to navigate. We all get stuck now and again, and you can't read the label when you are stuck inside the jar. I have been helping people open the jars, read and understand the labels, unstick them and apply new labels, for 20 years, and I would be happy to help you and/or your family, too.
The decision to come to therapy is often a difficult step to take. Life by nature is not easy to navigate. We all get stuck now and again, and you can't read the label when you are stuck inside the jar. I have been helping people open the jars, read and understand the labels, unstick them and apply new labels, for 20 years, and I would be happy to help you and/or your family, too.
(630) 672-5129 View (630) 672-5129
Photo of Cheryl Frommelt, Marriage & Family Therapist in Naperville, IL
Cheryl Frommelt
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LCPC, LMFT
Verified Verified
11 Endorsed
Naperville, IL 60563
I have 30 years working with Individuals, Couples and Families as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist as well as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. I am a Certified Rapid Resolution Therapist. I am passionate about helping people achieve balanced and healthy lives. I see myself as a collaborator and work along side my clients to effectively help them obtain their goals. I have a fundamental belief that people have the ability to help themselves. I believe respect for others, along with compassion and humor provide an ideal environment in which clients can express themselves.
I have 30 years working with Individuals, Couples and Families as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist as well as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. I am a Certified Rapid Resolution Therapist. I am passionate about helping people achieve balanced and healthy lives. I see myself as a collaborator and work along side my clients to effectively help them obtain their goals. I have a fundamental belief that people have the ability to help themselves. I believe respect for others, along with compassion and humor provide an ideal environment in which clients can express themselves.
(630) 426-3509 View (630) 426-3509
Photo of Dr. Christine McGrath, Psychologist in Naperville, IL
Dr. Christine McGrath
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Naperville, IL 60563
Dr. McGrath is an experienced clinician with over a decade of successfully working with children, adolescents, and adults with a variety of concerns. Her clinical experience is expansive. She has led social skills groups for pre-adolescent and adolescent boys and girls; conducted ADHD assessments and psychological evaluations; administered intelligence screenings for gifted children, and has led grief and bereavement groups for adolescents in private and public schools. In addition, she has taught undergraduate courses at Wheaton College.
Dr. McGrath is an experienced clinician with over a decade of successfully working with children, adolescents, and adults with a variety of concerns. Her clinical experience is expansive. She has led social skills groups for pre-adolescent and adolescent boys and girls; conducted ADHD assessments and psychological evaluations; administered intelligence screenings for gifted children, and has led grief and bereavement groups for adolescents in private and public schools. In addition, she has taught undergraduate courses at Wheaton College.
(630) 230-1975 View (630) 230-1975
Photo of Caroline Egbers, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Naperville, IL
Caroline Egbers
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, MAAT
Verified Verified
Naperville, IL 60563
Are you looking for someone with whom you can comfortably explore the barriers to your happiness? Does anxiety or depression negatively affect your day to day life? Are your relationships leaving you feeling empty and exhausted? If so, I can help. I am a compassionate and empathetic counselor who works with clients to identify the circumstances that are preventing them from moving forward and living their best life. My approach is warm, real and normalizing. I am funny and able to make you comfortable in sessions. I specialize in working with teens and adults in a way that is simple and easy.
Are you looking for someone with whom you can comfortably explore the barriers to your happiness? Does anxiety or depression negatively affect your day to day life? Are your relationships leaving you feeling empty and exhausted? If so, I can help. I am a compassionate and empathetic counselor who works with clients to identify the circumstances that are preventing them from moving forward and living their best life. My approach is warm, real and normalizing. I am funny and able to make you comfortable in sessions. I specialize in working with teens and adults in a way that is simple and easy.
(331) 244-0712 View (331) 244-0712
Photo of Paige K Koos, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Naperville, IL
Paige K Koos
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, EdD, LCSW
Verified Verified
Naperville, IL 60564
I have almost 30 years of experience working with children (13 and up), adolescents, and adults who have a variety of emotional and/or behavioral issues. I believe all individuals can learn appropriate coping, emotional, and self-management skills to strengthen their own personal capacity to deal with significant issues.
I have almost 30 years of experience working with children (13 and up), adolescents, and adults who have a variety of emotional and/or behavioral issues. I believe all individuals can learn appropriate coping, emotional, and self-management skills to strengthen their own personal capacity to deal with significant issues.
(630) 626-5073 View (630) 626-5073
Photo of Krysta Halas, Counselor in Naperville, IL
Krysta Halas
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Naperville, IL 60563  (Online Only)
My name is Krysta, and I am an owner and psychotherapist at Peace in Counseling, PLLC, a virtual practice based out of Naperville, IL. My approach involves being flexible, compassionate, supportive, non-judgmental, open, and transparent in order to help clients reach their goals. I assists clients in empowering themselves by building skills, promoting insight, and gaining confidence to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
My name is Krysta, and I am an owner and psychotherapist at Peace in Counseling, PLLC, a virtual practice based out of Naperville, IL. My approach involves being flexible, compassionate, supportive, non-judgmental, open, and transparent in order to help clients reach their goals. I assists clients in empowering themselves by building skills, promoting insight, and gaining confidence to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
(331) 241-7787 View (331) 241-7787
Photo of Cindy Travnicek, Counselor in Naperville, IL
Cindy Travnicek
Counselor, MS, LCPC, BCC
Verified Verified
Naperville, IL 60540
**** Telehealth Available **** I like to offer clients new information and strategies when dealing with situations and relationship in their lives. I work with clients struggling with feelings of hopelessness, overwhelm, sadness, depression and/or frustration. I like to guide them to find relief and empower them to make choices which help to experience better relationships with others, as well as themselves. I enjoy working with clients who are looking for ways to manage or eliminate the perceived obstacles or circumstances that might be in their way.to reach their maximum level of happiness.
**** Telehealth Available **** I like to offer clients new information and strategies when dealing with situations and relationship in their lives. I work with clients struggling with feelings of hopelessness, overwhelm, sadness, depression and/or frustration. I like to guide them to find relief and empower them to make choices which help to experience better relationships with others, as well as themselves. I enjoy working with clients who are looking for ways to manage or eliminate the perceived obstacles or circumstances that might be in their way.to reach their maximum level of happiness.
(630) 560-4794 View (630) 560-4794
Photo of Bridgeview Clinical Services, Ltd., Licensed Professional Counselor in Naperville, IL
Bridgeview Clinical Services, Ltd.
Licensed Professional Counselor, MACP, LPC
Verified Verified
Naperville, IL 60563
My ideal client is the one in front of me. I appreciate their courage and their willingness to want to make a positive change in their lives. Everyone falls sometime; it is what they do after they have fallen that matters. This sometime requires exercises designed to reduce symptoms that are negatively affecting their lives before working to address the events that brought to this point in their lives. where they are seeking some help.
My ideal client is the one in front of me. I appreciate their courage and their willingness to want to make a positive change in their lives. Everyone falls sometime; it is what they do after they have fallen that matters. This sometime requires exercises designed to reduce symptoms that are negatively affecting their lives before working to address the events that brought to this point in their lives. where they are seeking some help.
(331) 207-1519 View (331) 207-1519
Photo of Tara Ann Kacmarcik, Psychologist in Naperville, IL
Tara Ann Kacmarcik
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Naperville, IL 60563
'Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.' Along with happiness and opportunity life inevitably brings challenge, change, confusion, loss, stress and disappointment. At these times we can benefit from a supportive environment and through therapy we can learn how to take these experiences and use them as an opportunity for growth. I believe each person's task in life is to become an increasingly better person. To help you do this, I provide input to assist you in identifying and overcoming your barriers to enjoying a fulfilling life.
'Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.' Along with happiness and opportunity life inevitably brings challenge, change, confusion, loss, stress and disappointment. At these times we can benefit from a supportive environment and through therapy we can learn how to take these experiences and use them as an opportunity for growth. I believe each person's task in life is to become an increasingly better person. To help you do this, I provide input to assist you in identifying and overcoming your barriers to enjoying a fulfilling life.
(630) 756-5455 x2 View (630) 756-5455 x2
Photo of Samantha Nolan, Counselor in Naperville, IL
Samantha Nolan
Counselor, LCPC, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
Naperville, IL 60563
Starting therapy can be tough, and I want to help you make that transition a little easier. I work with individuals ages 14 and older (ages 12+ upon request), with a specialized focus on teens, college students, and adults and have experience treating anxiety, depression, life transitions, impulsivity, and ADHD. I offer both virtual and in-person talk therapy sessions, and hope to cultivate a relaxed and comfortable environment to heal in. I also offer art therapy sessions for clients as well as art therapy supervision for professionals seeking ATR credentials.
Starting therapy can be tough, and I want to help you make that transition a little easier. I work with individuals ages 14 and older (ages 12+ upon request), with a specialized focus on teens, college students, and adults and have experience treating anxiety, depression, life transitions, impulsivity, and ADHD. I offer both virtual and in-person talk therapy sessions, and hope to cultivate a relaxed and comfortable environment to heal in. I also offer art therapy sessions for clients as well as art therapy supervision for professionals seeking ATR credentials.
(331) 246-1063 x920 View (331) 246-1063 x920
Photo of Tifarah Jackson, Licensed Professional Counselor in Naperville, IL
Tifarah Jackson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, Ed, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Naperville, IL 60563  (Online Only)
Support comes in many forms and fashions from people we love. Sometimes people need someone outside of their circle to speak to and get professional help. I am an experienced licensed clinical professional counselor. I have helped many overcome the difficulties that life brings and helped them to learn to thrive despite mental health challenges. Therapy can empower you to set boundaries, grow & change, motivate you to action and improve overall mood and mental health. It can also help you learn coping skills, reduce stress, reduce anxiety, learn triggers, self improvement, repair relationships and much more. I can help with that.
Support comes in many forms and fashions from people we love. Sometimes people need someone outside of their circle to speak to and get professional help. I am an experienced licensed clinical professional counselor. I have helped many overcome the difficulties that life brings and helped them to learn to thrive despite mental health challenges. Therapy can empower you to set boundaries, grow & change, motivate you to action and improve overall mood and mental health. It can also help you learn coping skills, reduce stress, reduce anxiety, learn triggers, self improvement, repair relationships and much more. I can help with that.
(331) 258-8002 View (331) 258-8002
Photo of Sandra Lukashevich, Counselor in Naperville, IL
Sandra Lukashevich
Counselor, LCPC, MS, NCC
Verified Verified
Naperville, IL 60540
Sandra Lukashevich is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and National Certified Counselor. She works with children, adolescents, adults, seniors, couples, and families to provide counseling for anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, domestic violence, and other life challenges. Her experience also spans the life course to include counselling for self-harm, bullying, PTSD, dementia, and gender and sexual identity issues. Sandra is Gamer Affirmative and welcomes geek culture clients. She is also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR).
Sandra Lukashevich is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and National Certified Counselor. She works with children, adolescents, adults, seniors, couples, and families to provide counseling for anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, domestic violence, and other life challenges. Her experience also spans the life course to include counselling for self-harm, bullying, PTSD, dementia, and gender and sexual identity issues. Sandra is Gamer Affirmative and welcomes geek culture clients. She is also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR).
(630) 848-9472 View (630) 848-9472
Photo of Francesca Davis, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Naperville, IL
Francesca Davis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CADC, MSW
Verified Verified
Naperville, IL 60563
Not accepting new clients
Are you struggling with symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma, or normal life stressors? Then I am here to help you achieve stability in your life. They say that trials come to make us strong, but I understand that sometimes, you feel like you cannot make it. Well, I am here to tell you that you can make it and I will be here to help support you and help to facilitate the changes that need to be made to help you increase your personal strength, self awareness, and self esteem.
Are you struggling with symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma, or normal life stressors? Then I am here to help you achieve stability in your life. They say that trials come to make us strong, but I understand that sometimes, you feel like you cannot make it. Well, I am here to tell you that you can make it and I will be here to help support you and help to facilitate the changes that need to be made to help you increase your personal strength, self awareness, and self esteem.
(773) 945-9830 View (773) 945-9830
Photo of Rhonda G LaPoint, Counselor in Naperville, IL
Rhonda G LaPoint
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Naperville, IL 60565
Hello and welcome! I am glad that you came to see if my experience and approach will match your needs. We all need support at different times in our lives as we deal with the struggles in life, relationships, personal issues, difficult transitions and traumatic events. I have always loved being with others as they navigate changes in their lives whether it is a difficult change or challenging decision. I provide a warm, caring and inviting environment for those of you who would come to me for help and support. Whether you want to learn and understand yourself better or to learn to create the life that you desire.
Hello and welcome! I am glad that you came to see if my experience and approach will match your needs. We all need support at different times in our lives as we deal with the struggles in life, relationships, personal issues, difficult transitions and traumatic events. I have always loved being with others as they navigate changes in their lives whether it is a difficult change or challenging decision. I provide a warm, caring and inviting environment for those of you who would come to me for help and support. Whether you want to learn and understand yourself better or to learn to create the life that you desire.
(224) 315-8523 View (224) 315-8523
Photo of Amrit Kaur, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Naperville, IL
Amrit Kaur
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Naperville, IL 60563
I believe in the healing power of the therapeutic relationship with an empathetic approach. My goal is to provide a safe environment for people to learn about themselves, begin to love who they are, and overcome social, emotional, economical, and vocational struggles while reaching their full potential in life. I believe in assisting clients in developing a toolbox of coping skills to use at their disposal. I work collaboratively to identify your strengths and find positive ways to cope with challenges.
I believe in the healing power of the therapeutic relationship with an empathetic approach. My goal is to provide a safe environment for people to learn about themselves, begin to love who they are, and overcome social, emotional, economical, and vocational struggles while reaching their full potential in life. I believe in assisting clients in developing a toolbox of coping skills to use at their disposal. I work collaboratively to identify your strengths and find positive ways to cope with challenges.
(331) 258-3435 View (331) 258-3435
Photo of Five One Five Fitness, Counselor in Naperville, IL
Five One Five Fitness
Counselor, LCPC, PT, RYT
Verified Verified
Naperville, IL 60563
Are you the kind of person who has a hard time putting yourself first, but you know the value of it? Then 515 is the place for you. We make taking care of yourself, both mentally and physically, convenient and fun. We do both at the same time in one session, for you and/or your family, so you don’t have to run around to so many different places to get the expertise you need. Even better, most insurances cover the cost of a session, so you don’t have to feel guilty about spending money and/or taking the time for yourself and/or your family. 515 puts together a personalized plan for you, for both your mental and physical health goal
Are you the kind of person who has a hard time putting yourself first, but you know the value of it? Then 515 is the place for you. We make taking care of yourself, both mentally and physically, convenient and fun. We do both at the same time in one session, for you and/or your family, so you don’t have to run around to so many different places to get the expertise you need. Even better, most insurances cover the cost of a session, so you don’t have to feel guilty about spending money and/or taking the time for yourself and/or your family. 515 puts together a personalized plan for you, for both your mental and physical health goal
(312) 967-9228 View (312) 967-9228
Photo of Courtney Remacle, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Naperville, IL
Courtney Remacle
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Naperville, IL 60563  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
The modern world can be a scary, isolating, and uncertain place, and none of us should have to go it alone. I’m here to provide connection and healing for people who use drugs, queer and trans folks, people doing social movement work, and anyone else who feels lost, confused, or disconnected. I work from a harm reduction and trauma-informed perspective to help you reconnect with who you are, what you value, and the skills you have to create agency and autonomy in your own life. I'm interested in the intersections of healing and liberation, and am excited to explore with you how your own healing contributes to a liberated future.
The modern world can be a scary, isolating, and uncertain place, and none of us should have to go it alone. I’m here to provide connection and healing for people who use drugs, queer and trans folks, people doing social movement work, and anyone else who feels lost, confused, or disconnected. I work from a harm reduction and trauma-informed perspective to help you reconnect with who you are, what you value, and the skills you have to create agency and autonomy in your own life. I'm interested in the intersections of healing and liberation, and am excited to explore with you how your own healing contributes to a liberated future.
(708) 295-3205 View (708) 295-3205
Photo of Amber Burchett, Licensed Professional Counselor in Naperville, IL
Amber Burchett
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Naperville, IL 60563  (Online Only)
Throughout her career, Amber Burchett, LPC, worked in outpatient and residential programs treating issues such as mood disorders, substance abuse, eating disorders, trauma, anger management, and more. She is also a volunteer at PAWWs, where dogs are trained to assist veterans struggling with PTSD and traumatic brain injuries. In therapy, Amber takes a holistic approach and uses whatever methods necessary to assist the client. She is skilled in CBT, DBT, ACT, Solution Focused / Positive Psychology, and more. No matter the method, Amber focuses on building rapport and offers an unbiased, non-judgmental stance to help
Throughout her career, Amber Burchett, LPC, worked in outpatient and residential programs treating issues such as mood disorders, substance abuse, eating disorders, trauma, anger management, and more. She is also a volunteer at PAWWs, where dogs are trained to assist veterans struggling with PTSD and traumatic brain injuries. In therapy, Amber takes a holistic approach and uses whatever methods necessary to assist the client. She is skilled in CBT, DBT, ACT, Solution Focused / Positive Psychology, and more. No matter the method, Amber focuses on building rapport and offers an unbiased, non-judgmental stance to help
(331) 210-9654 View (331) 210-9654
Photo of Bluebird Counseling Services, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Naperville, IL
Bluebird Counseling Services
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Naperville, IL 60565  (Online Only)
Hello and welcome! I'm Kerry Van Wingerden, a dedicated and empathetic social worker with a strong commitment to helping individuals of all ages overcome life's challenges. I'm thrilled to have this opportunity to share my background, experience, and approach with you. I'm deeply passionate about my work in the field of social work, and I've had the privilege of working with diverse populations, including children, adolescents, and older adults. My journey in this field has illuminated the incredible power of human connection and the value of a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach in achieving positive outcomes for my clients.
Hello and welcome! I'm Kerry Van Wingerden, a dedicated and empathetic social worker with a strong commitment to helping individuals of all ages overcome life's challenges. I'm thrilled to have this opportunity to share my background, experience, and approach with you. I'm deeply passionate about my work in the field of social work, and I've had the privilege of working with diverse populations, including children, adolescents, and older adults. My journey in this field has illuminated the incredible power of human connection and the value of a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach in achieving positive outcomes for my clients.
(630) 349-6798 View (630) 349-6798

How does your Therapist compare?

Number of Therapists in Naperville, IL

1,000+

Average cost per session

$150

Therapists in Naperville, IL who prioritize treating:

94% Anxiety
90% Depression
73% Relationship Issues
73% Self Esteem
68% Trauma and PTSD
65% Coping Skills
64% Grief

Average years in practice

11 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

95% BlueCross and BlueShield
70% Aetna
62% UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH

How Therapists in Naperville, IL see their clients

73% In Person and Online
27% Online Only

Gender breakdown

81% Female
18% Male
1% Non-Binary
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling

How can I find a therapist in Naperville?

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.