Therapists in Pleasanton, CA
Julia Martinez Mikhail
Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Pleasanton, CA 94566 (Online Only)
I specialize in working with teenagers and adults struggling with OCD and anxiety related issues, including worry, social anxiety, generalized anxiety, phobias, body dysmorphia, and panic. I have extensive knowledge and understanding when it comes to the treatment of OCD and anxiety and the impact these conditions can have on one's life. I work collaboratively with my clients to set goals and develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses their unique needs. I’m committed to providing culturally responsive, evidence-based treatments, in order to help individuals live life more fully.
I specialize in working with teenagers and adults struggling with OCD and anxiety related issues, including worry, social anxiety, generalized anxiety, phobias, body dysmorphia, and panic. I have extensive knowledge and understanding when it comes to the treatment of OCD and anxiety and the impact these conditions can have on one's life. I work collaboratively with my clients to set goals and develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses their unique needs. I’m committed to providing culturally responsive, evidence-based treatments, in order to help individuals live life more fully.
Mary Deggelman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, PPS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pleasanton, CA 94566
I am licensed in both the states of CA. and WA. My goal is to facilitate the process of innate healing and self-discovery for individuals and families seeking to improve their overall quality of life. I am a firm believer that obstacles may be turned into opportunities. Through both curious questioning and active listening, together we may illuminate your strengths and opportunity areas of growth. My objective is that after our first session, you will feel that we have a pathway for a desired solution. I have worked with ages ranging from 5 to 85 years young. I treat each individual, couple, or family with respect and warmth.
I am licensed in both the states of CA. and WA. My goal is to facilitate the process of innate healing and self-discovery for individuals and families seeking to improve their overall quality of life. I am a firm believer that obstacles may be turned into opportunities. Through both curious questioning and active listening, together we may illuminate your strengths and opportunity areas of growth. My objective is that after our first session, you will feel that we have a pathway for a desired solution. I have worked with ages ranging from 5 to 85 years young. I treat each individual, couple, or family with respect and warmth.
Matthew McKeithan
Psychologist, PsyD, MA, LPC-A
Verified Verified
Pleasanton, CA 94566
I specialize in treating those with various mental disorders and behavioral issues to include: ADHD, PTSD, Anxiety, and Personality Disorders. I utilize detailed Psychological Assessment, and empirically supported treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness. I am certified as a DBT practitioner and a life coach. Lastly, I integrate a holistic mindset into my practice, where emphasis is placed on gut/brain health, sleep quality, lifestyle, and diet.
I specialize in treating those with various mental disorders and behavioral issues to include: ADHD, PTSD, Anxiety, and Personality Disorders. I utilize detailed Psychological Assessment, and empirically supported treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness. I am certified as a DBT practitioner and a life coach. Lastly, I integrate a holistic mindset into my practice, where emphasis is placed on gut/brain health, sleep quality, lifestyle, and diet.
Therapy2Thrive
Marriage & Family Therapist, NCC, RPT-S
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Pleasanton, CA 94566
Are you feeling alone, overwhelmed & lacking hope in your life? Are you just making it through the day....staying in your marriage, tolerating your teens or hiding in your work and wondering "How did I get here?" Therapy2Thrive Ruby Hill Counseling Center, Inc. is here to help. We provide clients with a therapeutic relationship that provides thoughtful, caring counseling building trust and hope for healing. We work with our clients with practical research based counseling skills and interventions to assist you in making choices that lead to more joy and less distress.
Are you feeling alone, overwhelmed & lacking hope in your life? Are you just making it through the day....staying in your marriage, tolerating your teens or hiding in your work and wondering "How did I get here?" Therapy2Thrive Ruby Hill Counseling Center, Inc. is here to help. We provide clients with a therapeutic relationship that provides thoughtful, caring counseling building trust and hope for healing. We work with our clients with practical research based counseling skills and interventions to assist you in making choices that lead to more joy and less distress.
Lindsey Kremmel
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Pleasanton, CA 94566 (Online Only)
Welcome! You have taken a big step in creating a better, more fulfilling life for yourself. Seeking psychological services takes courage; I respect and honor this as you embark on your journey. My style is compassionate, interactive, and collaborative. You can expect me to listen supportively at times or ask questions or offer suggestions and homework at other times. Therapy is an active process and I enjoy collaborating with each client as a team to reach the goals we have agreed upon.
Welcome! You have taken a big step in creating a better, more fulfilling life for yourself. Seeking psychological services takes courage; I respect and honor this as you embark on your journey. My style is compassionate, interactive, and collaborative. You can expect me to listen supportively at times or ask questions or offer suggestions and homework at other times. Therapy is an active process and I enjoy collaborating with each client as a team to reach the goals we have agreed upon.
Raymond Scott Fortner
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Pleasanton, CA 94566
I enjoy working with clients who are confronting challenges in their lives. I seek to help them develop deeper understandings of themselves so they can enjoy enhanced relationships with others and live the authentic and meaningful lives they envision for themselves.
I enjoy working with clients who are confronting challenges in their lives. I seek to help them develop deeper understandings of themselves so they can enjoy enhanced relationships with others and live the authentic and meaningful lives they envision for themselves.
Brooke Pence
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pleasanton, CA 94566 (Online Only)
I am a dedicated Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in the state of California who specializes in working with children, teens, families, and young adults. With an educational background in clinical psychology, I am committed to providing a supportive and nurturing environment where my clients can explore and process their emotions, develop healthy coping skills, and thrive in today’s world. As a licensed therapist, I use a variety of evidence-based approaches tailored to meet the unique needs of each client, ranging from infants, preschool and school-aged children, adolescents, and young adults. (Ages 0-25 years old).
I am a dedicated Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in the state of California who specializes in working with children, teens, families, and young adults. With an educational background in clinical psychology, I am committed to providing a supportive and nurturing environment where my clients can explore and process their emotions, develop healthy coping skills, and thrive in today’s world. As a licensed therapist, I use a variety of evidence-based approaches tailored to meet the unique needs of each client, ranging from infants, preschool and school-aged children, adolescents, and young adults. (Ages 0-25 years old).
Michelle Williamson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT
Verified Verified
Pleasanton, CA 94566
Therapy is a different experience for each person that chooses to start that journey. I am a Marriage and Family Therapist that has built my practice on acknowledging individuals unique life experience. If you have had questions in life that continue to follow you, anxiety that dictates who you are, or you would like to find another way to approach life, then therapy can help you progress through these struggles. I welcome all those who are interested in change with respect and empathy, providing a safe confidential environment to teens and adults.
Therapy is a different experience for each person that chooses to start that journey. I am a Marriage and Family Therapist that has built my practice on acknowledging individuals unique life experience. If you have had questions in life that continue to follow you, anxiety that dictates who you are, or you would like to find another way to approach life, then therapy can help you progress through these struggles. I welcome all those who are interested in change with respect and empathy, providing a safe confidential environment to teens and adults.
Mark S Demanes
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, PhD
Verified Verified
Pleasanton, CA 94566
I specialize in helping clients find freedom and become clean from the inside out; integrating and processing psychological pain/wounds by means of the love of Christ. Facilitation of change not merely from altering behavior but, instead finding freedom from the roots of fear, hopelessness, despair, lust and anger. Comprehending the freedom that comes from facing our essential brokenness, realizing the implications of God's redemption at the cross and it's impact in revealing and repairing the soul is comparable to nothing else in changing lives forever - changes that remain and lives and families that do not fail.
I specialize in helping clients find freedom and become clean from the inside out; integrating and processing psychological pain/wounds by means of the love of Christ. Facilitation of change not merely from altering behavior but, instead finding freedom from the roots of fear, hopelessness, despair, lust and anger. Comprehending the freedom that comes from facing our essential brokenness, realizing the implications of God's redemption at the cross and it's impact in revealing and repairing the soul is comparable to nothing else in changing lives forever - changes that remain and lives and families that do not fail.
Michael Lim
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Pleasanton, CA 94566 (Online Only)
Frustrated? Fearful? Depressed? Looking for change in a busy world? Needing a supportive ear to address everyday stressors? I have provided therapy for over 25 years in multiple community and outpatient settings focusing on anxiety, depression, grief, and loss. My passion is to develop skills to take on life challenges in work, family, and life situations.
Frustrated? Fearful? Depressed? Looking for change in a busy world? Needing a supportive ear to address everyday stressors? I have provided therapy for over 25 years in multiple community and outpatient settings focusing on anxiety, depression, grief, and loss. My passion is to develop skills to take on life challenges in work, family, and life situations.
Rachel Gileno
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pleasanton, CA 94588
My name is Rachel Gileno, and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist. My approach to therapy is client-centered and trauma-informed. I utilize DBT and mindfulness practices to assist clients with becoming more grounded and present-moment-focused. I believe the therapist/client relationship is paramount. I place an emphasis on rapport building and clear, authentic communication with the folks I work with. The modalities I utilize to assist clients with reaching their goals are primarily DBT and CBT.
My name is Rachel Gileno, and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist. My approach to therapy is client-centered and trauma-informed. I utilize DBT and mindfulness practices to assist clients with becoming more grounded and present-moment-focused. I believe the therapist/client relationship is paramount. I place an emphasis on rapport building and clear, authentic communication with the folks I work with. The modalities I utilize to assist clients with reaching their goals are primarily DBT and CBT.
15 Second Videos
Matthew McKeithan
Nitya Prema
Laurel Vandiver Ben
Jennifer Sharples
Jill Mattesich-Udoutch
Audrey Ou
Kim Salyer
Michael McCratic
Aubree Dospoy
Marlina Rose Selva
Jill Cepela
Carey Incledon
Quality For Life Coaching
Lisa Gray
Kiran C. Easwarachandran
Kira Torre
Pacific Marriage & Family Therapy Network
Carol Deas-Lopez
Emily Ruha Keller
Rachel Brandwene
Miriam Munzarova
Kristy Lynn Bradford
Jonathan Newsum
Cheryll Putt - Trauma Therapy and Divorce Coaching
Julie Kraft
Jerry Ochoa
Janitzia Rodríguez
Lisa Olson
Marian Formanes
Michelle Anderson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pleasanton, CA 94566
“We don’t have to do all of it alone. We were never meant to.” - Brené Brown. I’m passionate about helping adults (18-40) improve self-esteem, realize their worth, set boundaries, process trauma, manage stress and anxiety, and navigate relationships. Much of my practice focuses on developing healthy relationships, emphasizing the relationship you have with yourself. I also enjoy working with high school aged teenagers around a variety of issues including learning to cope with symptoms of anxiety and depression, exploring gender/orientation or pursuing gender affirming care, increasing self-esteem, and navigating friendships/dating.
“We don’t have to do all of it alone. We were never meant to.” - Brené Brown. I’m passionate about helping adults (18-40) improve self-esteem, realize their worth, set boundaries, process trauma, manage stress and anxiety, and navigate relationships. Much of my practice focuses on developing healthy relationships, emphasizing the relationship you have with yourself. I also enjoy working with high school aged teenagers around a variety of issues including learning to cope with symptoms of anxiety and depression, exploring gender/orientation or pursuing gender affirming care, increasing self-esteem, and navigating friendships/dating.
Melissa Ruiz
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pleasanton, CA 94566
I am a licensed marriage & family therapist with a genuine desire to help others.My approach to therapy begins with deep compassion toward each person's unique circumstances and story. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, self-love, being a highly sensitive person or having difficulty adjusting to change or life events, I strive to provide a non-judgmental environment where you can feel safe and comfortable to express yourself in an honest way. I also believe in a holistic, mind-body approach to treatment and often encourage integrating nutrition, functional medicine and natural approaches in order to optimally heal.
I am a licensed marriage & family therapist with a genuine desire to help others.My approach to therapy begins with deep compassion toward each person's unique circumstances and story. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, self-love, being a highly sensitive person or having difficulty adjusting to change or life events, I strive to provide a non-judgmental environment where you can feel safe and comfortable to express yourself in an honest way. I also believe in a holistic, mind-body approach to treatment and often encourage integrating nutrition, functional medicine and natural approaches in order to optimally heal.
Mark Purcell
Psychologist, PsyD, MEd
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pleasanton, CA 94566
I strive to compassionately work with clients to reveal their true self by identifying the patterns and obstacles that often create internal stress and interpersonal conflict. I work with adolescents, children, and adults. I specialize in working with adolescents and young adults with moderate to severe psycho-social difficulties. I have expertise treating depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, substance abuse, self-harming and psychotic disorders. As a community mental health psychologist I am able to collaborate with educational, legal, and psychiatric professionals. I also provide psychological evaluations, as wells as workshops for parents and trainings to professionals.
I strive to compassionately work with clients to reveal their true self by identifying the patterns and obstacles that often create internal stress and interpersonal conflict. I work with adolescents, children, and adults. I specialize in working with adolescents and young adults with moderate to severe psycho-social difficulties. I have expertise treating depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, substance abuse, self-harming and psychotic disorders. As a community mental health psychologist I am able to collaborate with educational, legal, and psychiatric professionals. I also provide psychological evaluations, as wells as workshops for parents and trainings to professionals.
Sumrah Jan
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pleasanton, CA 94566
Are you emotionally exhausted, stressed & unable to recognize yourself? Is it a struggle communicating with loved ones? Ordinary tasks feel burdensome and you're too tired to do anything. If any of these even partially describe your situation it's important to recognize that you aren't alone.... it doesn't have to stay this way. Often the most trying and somber moments in our lives drive us to a journey of self-discovery. As your therapist it will be my goal to provide support and empower you, as you move beyond that pain. Genuine health and happiness are within grasp.
Are you emotionally exhausted, stressed & unable to recognize yourself? Is it a struggle communicating with loved ones? Ordinary tasks feel burdensome and you're too tired to do anything. If any of these even partially describe your situation it's important to recognize that you aren't alone.... it doesn't have to stay this way. Often the most trying and somber moments in our lives drive us to a journey of self-discovery. As your therapist it will be my goal to provide support and empower you, as you move beyond that pain. Genuine health and happiness are within grasp.
Alvin Gregorio
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Pleasanton, CA 94566
Taking care of yourself can be exhausting, especially when you are taking care of others. Personal and professional relationships take effort and have a new meaning in this current time of social unrest and a global pandemic. You might be an overwhelmed parent. Or perhaps you are burnt out from working-from-home. You may be in a challenging relationship. Or maybe you are simply feeling out of sorts and trying to make sense of it all. When we're stressed we often forget who we are and what is important to us. By looking for help, you've taken the first step in regaining balance in your life, and finding yourself.
Taking care of yourself can be exhausting, especially when you are taking care of others. Personal and professional relationships take effort and have a new meaning in this current time of social unrest and a global pandemic. You might be an overwhelmed parent. Or perhaps you are burnt out from working-from-home. You may be in a challenging relationship. Or maybe you are simply feeling out of sorts and trying to make sense of it all. When we're stressed we often forget who we are and what is important to us. By looking for help, you've taken the first step in regaining balance in your life, and finding yourself.
Minakshi Goyal
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Pleasanton, CA 94566
Welcome to my practice! I work with adults, families, teens, children, and first responders to provide various types of counseling, including but not limited to CBT, EMDR, Trauma focused CBT, behavioral interventions, play therapy, parenting support, etc… Whether you are feeling stuck, frustrated, anxious, or depressed, I can help you cope with these feelings and improve your overall satisfaction in your life and relationships in a safe and confidential environment. No problem is too big, too small, or too shocking. Please reach out via email to minalcsw@gmail.com to schedule a conversation with me.
Welcome to my practice! I work with adults, families, teens, children, and first responders to provide various types of counseling, including but not limited to CBT, EMDR, Trauma focused CBT, behavioral interventions, play therapy, parenting support, etc… Whether you are feeling stuck, frustrated, anxious, or depressed, I can help you cope with these feelings and improve your overall satisfaction in your life and relationships in a safe and confidential environment. No problem is too big, too small, or too shocking. Please reach out via email to minalcsw@gmail.com to schedule a conversation with me.
Bonnie Monfils
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pleasanton, CA 94588
Do you find yourself stuck in a rut or in a behavior pattern that no longer serves you? Are you having difficulty navigating complex emotions or processing a challenging experience? I am here to help you make sense of all of life’s challenging aspects. If you have been considering seeking therapy for a while but have been anxious about the process, I welcome you. This step you have taken requires courage and self-reflection. It is not a step that many take.
Do you find yourself stuck in a rut or in a behavior pattern that no longer serves you? Are you having difficulty navigating complex emotions or processing a challenging experience? I am here to help you make sense of all of life’s challenging aspects. If you have been considering seeking therapy for a while but have been anxious about the process, I welcome you. This step you have taken requires courage and self-reflection. It is not a step that many take.
Brittany Tachkov
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, APCC, MT-BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pleasanton, CA 94588
Are you feeling overwhelmed? Are you navigating increased stress or a new medical diagnosis? We will look to discover your strengths and make a personalized approach to facing life’s changes and challenges. My experience with adolescents, LGBTQ+ youth, and adults have supported coping with the impact of grief, loss, anxiety, depression, and trauma. My eight years of music therapy work includes facilitating group music making, listening to preferred or meaningful songs, music-assisted relaxation, and songwriting for families coping with chronic and terminal illness, children’s bereavement groups, and intergenerational support.
Are you feeling overwhelmed? Are you navigating increased stress or a new medical diagnosis? We will look to discover your strengths and make a personalized approach to facing life’s changes and challenges. My experience with adolescents, LGBTQ+ youth, and adults have supported coping with the impact of grief, loss, anxiety, depression, and trauma. My eight years of music therapy work includes facilitating group music making, listening to preferred or meaningful songs, music-assisted relaxation, and songwriting for families coping with chronic and terminal illness, children’s bereavement groups, and intergenerational support.
Neal E Winblad
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pleasanton, CA 94566 (Online Only)
Did you know only 10% to 20% of marriages get better with traditional marriage counseling? Did you know that other studies show a 98% success rate? Do you know what you can do to be in the 98% group? Do you know why men often have to be dragged in by their ear, and what you can do about it? Did you know that relationships can improve even if only one person is doing the work, and that quite often it is better to work separately? Did you know that poor communication is a symptom, not the cause of marital stress?
Did you know only 10% to 20% of marriages get better with traditional marriage counseling? Did you know that other studies show a 98% success rate? Do you know what you can do to be in the 98% group? Do you know why men often have to be dragged in by their ear, and what you can do about it? Did you know that relationships can improve even if only one person is doing the work, and that quite often it is better to work separately? Did you know that poor communication is a symptom, not the cause of marital stress?
See more therapy options for Pleasanton
Nearby Searches for Pleasanton
- Alamo
- Blackhawk
- Castro Valley
- Danville
- Dublin
- Fremont
- Hayward
- Livermore
- Newark
- San Lorenzo
- San Ramon
- Union City
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Pleasanton, CA
200+
Average cost per session
$180
Therapists in Pleasanton, CA who prioritize treating:
93% | Anxiety |
89% | Depression |
82% | Relationship Issues |
73% | Self Esteem |
71% | Coping Skills |
65% | Family Conflict |
64% | Grief |
Average years in practice
14 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
61% | Cigna and Evernorth |
59% | Aetna |
57% | Optum |
How Therapists in Pleasanton, CA see their clients
80% | In Person and Online | |
20% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
81% | Female | |
18% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in Pleasanton?
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.