Therapists in Portland, OR

View neighborhoods in Portland
Photo of Jennifer Rocks, Psychologist in Portland, OR
Jennifer Rocks
Psychologist, MA, MS, PsyD
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97225  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
It can feel difficult to decide if now is the right time to start therapy. Ambivalence is normal. Exploring that uncertainty can be a great place to begin. It could mean that you feel stuck, or have a sense that something is not quite right and you are interested in making it better. Symptoms of anxiety and depression are often a result of loss, life transitions, relationship stress, traumas, or identity discovery to name a few. Exploring your experience can help you understand your thoughts, feelings, and actions and lets you tap into your own wisdom and strengths, making change possible.
It can feel difficult to decide if now is the right time to start therapy. Ambivalence is normal. Exploring that uncertainty can be a great place to begin. It could mean that you feel stuck, or have a sense that something is not quite right and you are interested in making it better. Symptoms of anxiety and depression are often a result of loss, life transitions, relationship stress, traumas, or identity discovery to name a few. Exploring your experience can help you understand your thoughts, feelings, and actions and lets you tap into your own wisdom and strengths, making change possible.
(503) 966-4645 View (503) 966-4645
Photo of Kim Daglen, Pre-Licensed Professional in Portland, OR
Kim Daglen
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97217  (Online Only)
Feeling trapped by your circumstances or struggling to find meaning in your life? Maybe you feel powerless to change your personal or relational thought patterns and habits; fortunately, therapy can offer a welcoming space to explore your inner world while providing valuable tools to diffuse negative thinking, develop greater self-love and compassion, and help you reach your full potential. We can all benefit from additional support to address specific problems in life or as a means to further personal growth. If you are motivated and willing, you can make the transformative changes you seek.
Feeling trapped by your circumstances or struggling to find meaning in your life? Maybe you feel powerless to change your personal or relational thought patterns and habits; fortunately, therapy can offer a welcoming space to explore your inner world while providing valuable tools to diffuse negative thinking, develop greater self-love and compassion, and help you reach your full potential. We can all benefit from additional support to address specific problems in life or as a means to further personal growth. If you are motivated and willing, you can make the transformative changes you seek.
(503) 400-3308 View (503) 400-3308
Photo of Mark Schorr, Licensed Professional Counselor in Portland, OR
Mark Schorr
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CADCI, LMHC
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97239
The greatest joy comes when clients break free of painful patterns and move to feeling comfortable with life. I've been a counselor for 25 years, with extensive experience helping those struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, and addictions. Getting at underlying issues of shame, loss of control and grief changes lives. When therapy works there's more than just insight; clients feel it in their heart as well as their head. Those around them see that they have a life worth living with more happiness and better handling of the inevitable potholes.
The greatest joy comes when clients break free of painful patterns and move to feeling comfortable with life. I've been a counselor for 25 years, with extensive experience helping those struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, and addictions. Getting at underlying issues of shame, loss of control and grief changes lives. When therapy works there's more than just insight; clients feel it in their heart as well as their head. Those around them see that they have a life worth living with more happiness and better handling of the inevitable potholes.
(503) 379-9857 View (503) 379-9857
Photo of Dr. Erin Fettes, Psychologist in Portland, OR
Dr. Erin Fettes
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97210
Waitlist for new clients
I know that you’d like to be fully yourself, in deep connection with others and aligned with your highest sense of purpose and wellbeing. This can be challenging when traumas, interpersonal/societal harms and expectations keep you frozen, isolated, and unseen, without compassionate spaces to melt, connect and be witnessed. I focus on facilitating insight into self, relationships, early-life attachments, formative experiences, traumatic events. I draw from a variety of psychotherapy practices, including EMDR, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, DBT, CPT, and an integrative focus on relationship skills, emotions and emotional processing.
I know that you’d like to be fully yourself, in deep connection with others and aligned with your highest sense of purpose and wellbeing. This can be challenging when traumas, interpersonal/societal harms and expectations keep you frozen, isolated, and unseen, without compassionate spaces to melt, connect and be witnessed. I focus on facilitating insight into self, relationships, early-life attachments, formative experiences, traumatic events. I draw from a variety of psychotherapy practices, including EMDR, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, DBT, CPT, and an integrative focus on relationship skills, emotions and emotional processing.
(503) 386-4370 View (503) 386-4370
Photo of Kate Van Brocklin (Accepting New Clients), Clinical Social Work Associate in Portland, OR
Kate Van Brocklin (Accepting New Clients)
Clinical Social Work Associate, CSWA
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97215
I help people who feel that something is missing, stuck, or unfulfilled. Emotional turmoil can diminish our well-being and quality of life. I support those who want to feel loved, respected, and connected with others, free from the fear of abandonment, and feel confident and empowered in themselves and their decisions. If you'd like to work towards a sense of inner peace and fulfillment in yourself and your relationships, I'm here to guide you on that journey.
I help people who feel that something is missing, stuck, or unfulfilled. Emotional turmoil can diminish our well-being and quality of life. I support those who want to feel loved, respected, and connected with others, free from the fear of abandonment, and feel confident and empowered in themselves and their decisions. If you'd like to work towards a sense of inner peace and fulfillment in yourself and your relationships, I'm here to guide you on that journey.
(503) 501-5935 View (503) 501-5935
Photo of Naomi Steinberg, Psychologist in Portland, OR
Naomi Steinberg
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97209
Waitlist for new clients
I am a psychologist and psychoanalyst, in practice for 30 years. I see individuals, adolescents, and couples. Psychotherapy is, as I see it, an opportunity to address unresolved issues and conflicts as they arise in the here-and-now of life and in the therapy relationship. For this reason, it's important to look at the various ways and places where symptoms show up and work to understand the underlying meanings of these. This approach can take some time but its rewards include a depth of self knowledge and a more rich and meaningful life with oneself and with others.
I am a psychologist and psychoanalyst, in practice for 30 years. I see individuals, adolescents, and couples. Psychotherapy is, as I see it, an opportunity to address unresolved issues and conflicts as they arise in the here-and-now of life and in the therapy relationship. For this reason, it's important to look at the various ways and places where symptoms show up and work to understand the underlying meanings of these. This approach can take some time but its rewards include a depth of self knowledge and a more rich and meaningful life with oneself and with others.
(503) 967-0155 View (503) 967-0155
Photo of Alana J Duschane, Psychologist in Portland, OR
Alana J Duschane
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97210
LICENSED IN OREGON AND WASHINGTON STATE. I am a culturally informed person of color and an ANXIETY and CHILD/FAMILY EXPERT. I am a licensed clinical psychologist in Portland with over 10 years of clinical experience. I offer psychotherapy and psychological/educational testing to children, teens, and adults. I work from a client-centered approach utilizing evidence-based treatment approaches. I specialize in Anxiety Disorders, Trauma, OCD, Mood Disorders, Substance Use Issues, and Psychological Assessment for Children, Teens, and Adults.
LICENSED IN OREGON AND WASHINGTON STATE. I am a culturally informed person of color and an ANXIETY and CHILD/FAMILY EXPERT. I am a licensed clinical psychologist in Portland with over 10 years of clinical experience. I offer psychotherapy and psychological/educational testing to children, teens, and adults. I work from a client-centered approach utilizing evidence-based treatment approaches. I specialize in Anxiety Disorders, Trauma, OCD, Mood Disorders, Substance Use Issues, and Psychological Assessment for Children, Teens, and Adults.
(503) 868-0056 View (503) 868-0056
Photo of Gayle M. Waitches, Marriage & Family Therapist Intern in Portland, OR
Gayle M. Waitches
Marriage & Family Therapist Intern, LPC, NCC, DO
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97215
I am both a physician and a marriage, couple and family therapist intern. My training gives me a unique awareness of the interconnectedness of neuroscience and the tender yet resilient human psyche.
I am both a physician and a marriage, couple and family therapist intern. My training gives me a unique awareness of the interconnectedness of neuroscience and the tender yet resilient human psyche.
(503) 705-8489 View (503) 705-8489
Photo of Forrest Pandit-Kerr, Professional Counselor Associate in Portland, OR
Forrest Pandit-Kerr
Professional Counselor Associate, MS, CRC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97213  (Online Only)
I’m glad you’re here. It can be exhausting even thinking about looking for a counselor. So, if scrolling through the pages here is as far as you get today, consider giving yourself some credit. Seeking out, and participating in, counseling is inherently a vulnerable experience. It is my role to provide a space where, together, we can build trust so that you can feel safe to engage in genuine self reflection. The relationship between client and counselor has been shown to be the most powerful force of change in the counseling process. I've worked with individuals facing intersecting challenges: overall health, financial, systemic.
I’m glad you’re here. It can be exhausting even thinking about looking for a counselor. So, if scrolling through the pages here is as far as you get today, consider giving yourself some credit. Seeking out, and participating in, counseling is inherently a vulnerable experience. It is my role to provide a space where, together, we can build trust so that you can feel safe to engage in genuine self reflection. The relationship between client and counselor has been shown to be the most powerful force of change in the counseling process. I've worked with individuals facing intersecting challenges: overall health, financial, systemic.
(503) 855-6448 View (503) 855-6448
Photo of Dani Verbus, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Portland, OR
Dani Verbus
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97211  (Online Only)
I work to foster an affirming, therapeutic environment based in curiosity and compassion. My mission is to aid you in discovering new insights into how the past has informed the present and help you move forward to reach your goals.
I work to foster an affirming, therapeutic environment based in curiosity and compassion. My mission is to aid you in discovering new insights into how the past has informed the present and help you move forward to reach your goals.
(971) 257-6673 View (971) 257-6673
Photo of Tracy L Lewis, Licensed Professional Counselor in Portland, OR
Tracy L Lewis
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97215  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
My clients are people who want more enjoyment and intimate connection in their lives. Many of my clients struggle to maintain relationships, or in feeling close to those they love. They may have a history of abuse or neglect (emotional, physical, sexual, or spiritual), or were raised in homes where boundaries, roles, and expectations were confusing or even frightening. As a result they find themselves "on the outside," feeling unseen, anxious, resentful, and isolated, even with people they love. Experiencing the safety of being deeply known and deeply loved is their greatest longing, and my greatest joy to help them attain.
My clients are people who want more enjoyment and intimate connection in their lives. Many of my clients struggle to maintain relationships, or in feeling close to those they love. They may have a history of abuse or neglect (emotional, physical, sexual, or spiritual), or were raised in homes where boundaries, roles, and expectations were confusing or even frightening. As a result they find themselves "on the outside," feeling unseen, anxious, resentful, and isolated, even with people they love. Experiencing the safety of being deeply known and deeply loved is their greatest longing, and my greatest joy to help them attain.
(503) 444-9719 View (503) 444-9719
Photo of Avvy Mar, Psychologist in Portland, OR
Avvy Mar
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97239
My work involves helping you find what is most valuable to you and how you can live more in tune with your values and goals. By helping explore your feelings and relationships, we can discover together what patterns and obstacles can be shifted to bring you into the life you want. I am experienced in helping people improve their relationships, professional lives and sense of personal identity.
My work involves helping you find what is most valuable to you and how you can live more in tune with your values and goals. By helping explore your feelings and relationships, we can discover together what patterns and obstacles can be shifted to bring you into the life you want. I am experienced in helping people improve their relationships, professional lives and sense of personal identity.
(503) 406-4227 View (503) 406-4227
Photo of Meghan Opbroek, Professional Counselor Associate in Portland, OR
Meghan Opbroek
Professional Counselor Associate, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97211  (Online Only)
Hello and Welcome! My name is Meghan (She/They). I work with folks seeking freedom and relief from trauma, anxiety, depression, and whatever else is getting in the way of you living the life you want. I've worked with folks exploring personality, identity, sexuality, relationships, motivation, body image, the multitude of gender representations, fear of self or others, and exploration of identity. I believe people become who they are in relation to others. Understanding yourself as a person, parent, child, friend, partner, or any other identity is key to happiness and well-being. I'm happy to discuss more in a consultation.
Hello and Welcome! My name is Meghan (She/They). I work with folks seeking freedom and relief from trauma, anxiety, depression, and whatever else is getting in the way of you living the life you want. I've worked with folks exploring personality, identity, sexuality, relationships, motivation, body image, the multitude of gender representations, fear of self or others, and exploration of identity. I believe people become who they are in relation to others. Understanding yourself as a person, parent, child, friend, partner, or any other identity is key to happiness and well-being. I'm happy to discuss more in a consultation.
(971) 314-6726 View (971) 314-6726
Photo of Tara Palansky, Marriage & Family Therapist in Portland, OR
Tara Palansky
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97221  (Online Only)
"Only when we are brave enough to explore darkness will we discover infinite power of our light - B.B". Through a healthier understanding of our patterns and past we will gain the ultimate goal of therapy: unconditional self-acceptance. I create a safe and respectful space for us to explore ways to reduce your suffering, while creating alignment and joy in yourself and your relationships. I continue to be inspired by the work and the progress I see my clients make every day. My goal is to empower my clients and provide them with the support and tools they need to move forward, feeling more insightful, intentional, and fulfilled.
"Only when we are brave enough to explore darkness will we discover infinite power of our light - B.B". Through a healthier understanding of our patterns and past we will gain the ultimate goal of therapy: unconditional self-acceptance. I create a safe and respectful space for us to explore ways to reduce your suffering, while creating alignment and joy in yourself and your relationships. I continue to be inspired by the work and the progress I see my clients make every day. My goal is to empower my clients and provide them with the support and tools they need to move forward, feeling more insightful, intentional, and fulfilled.
(503) 907-9900 View (503) 907-9900
Photo of Quinn Francis, Professional Counselor Associate in Portland, OR
Quinn Francis
Professional Counselor Associate, MA, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97220
Queer & trans folks deserve affirming care from a therapist who gets it! Our struggles, healing & liberation are interwoven. I work with adults who feel disconnected from themselves or their communities because of depression, anxiety, trauma, and the ongoing oppression we face every day. I can help you make sense of your personal history, find strength in your identities and values, and cultivate a sense of purpose and commitment to the things that make life feel joyful and worth living.
Queer & trans folks deserve affirming care from a therapist who gets it! Our struggles, healing & liberation are interwoven. I work with adults who feel disconnected from themselves or their communities because of depression, anxiety, trauma, and the ongoing oppression we face every day. I can help you make sense of your personal history, find strength in your identities and values, and cultivate a sense of purpose and commitment to the things that make life feel joyful and worth living.
View
Photo of Kimberly Fuller, Professional Counselor Associate in Portland, OR
Kimberly Fuller
Professional Counselor Associate, NCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97205  (Online Only)
I am a Professional Counselor Associate in Oregon and a National Certified Counselor. I was born and raised in Central Oregon, and I feel blessed to call myself an Oregonian. I enjoy art, nature, traveling & spending time with family. I received my master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling & have completed extensive specialty training courses required for the ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP) Certification. I also have experience working with trauma, anxiety, & depression.
I am a Professional Counselor Associate in Oregon and a National Certified Counselor. I was born and raised in Central Oregon, and I feel blessed to call myself an Oregonian. I enjoy art, nature, traveling & spending time with family. I received my master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling & have completed extensive specialty training courses required for the ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP) Certification. I also have experience working with trauma, anxiety, & depression.
(971) 318-6509 View (971) 318-6509
Photo of Angela Guerrero Chapin, Licensed Professional Counselor in Portland, OR
Angela Guerrero Chapin
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, RYT
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97232
Do you feel as though you are your own worst enemy? When in the midst of a problem or stressful situation, does it seem like you make matters worse by being self-critical or saying self-defeating things to yourself? When we are going through something painful or difficult to accept, our internal dialogue sometimes becomes judgmental and self-critical, causing us to feel overwhelmed and doubt our ability to manage things on our own. Often we do not notice how the relationship we have with ourselves affects our ability to cope, solve problems, and live the life we want.
Do you feel as though you are your own worst enemy? When in the midst of a problem or stressful situation, does it seem like you make matters worse by being self-critical or saying self-defeating things to yourself? When we are going through something painful or difficult to accept, our internal dialogue sometimes becomes judgmental and self-critical, causing us to feel overwhelmed and doubt our ability to manage things on our own. Often we do not notice how the relationship we have with ourselves affects our ability to cope, solve problems, and live the life we want.
(971) 351-4376 View (971) 351-4376
Photo of Desiree Dawn Stang, Licensed Professional Counselor in Portland, OR
Desiree Dawn Stang
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CADCIII
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97233
Are you looking for counseling for yourself or you teenager? Are you or your teen depressed, anxious or angry? Whether you have experienced something traumatic, or you are struggling with minor issues I want to help. I enjoy helping people with a wide variety of problems including mental health issues, addictions, grief, and relationship problems. I believe that clients are the experts of their own lives. It is my desire as a counselor to join the client as a collaborative team, cooperatively setting and working towards counseling goals.
Are you looking for counseling for yourself or you teenager? Are you or your teen depressed, anxious or angry? Whether you have experienced something traumatic, or you are struggling with minor issues I want to help. I enjoy helping people with a wide variety of problems including mental health issues, addictions, grief, and relationship problems. I believe that clients are the experts of their own lives. It is my desire as a counselor to join the client as a collaborative team, cooperatively setting and working towards counseling goals.
(503) 751-8756 View (503) 751-8756
Photo of Kathy J. Marshack, Ph.D., Psychologist in Portland, OR
Kathy J. Marshack, Ph.D.
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97213  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I am Dr. Kathy Marshack, psychologist and author. My credentials go back decades including a Master’s Degree in Social Work and a Doctorate in Psychology. I've trained with the best too. But as valuable as my education, training and experience are, I also know that each one of you is as unique and special as your fingerprints. I want to help you, so I'm offering Online Therapy for Oregon and Washington residents and Online Education appointments for various topics. Check my clinical website to make an appointment with me: www.kmarshack.com. I am not currrently taking new clinical clients at this time.
I am Dr. Kathy Marshack, psychologist and author. My credentials go back decades including a Master’s Degree in Social Work and a Doctorate in Psychology. I've trained with the best too. But as valuable as my education, training and experience are, I also know that each one of you is as unique and special as your fingerprints. I want to help you, so I'm offering Online Therapy for Oregon and Washington residents and Online Education appointments for various topics. Check my clinical website to make an appointment with me: www.kmarshack.com. I am not currrently taking new clinical clients at this time.
(503) 966-4173 View (503) 966-4173
Photo of Stark Counseling , Professional Counselor Associate in Portland, OR
Stark Counseling
Professional Counselor Associate, MS, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97232
I specialize in working with individuals and couples whose challenges with interpersonal relationships are due to anxiety, depression, and/or past traumatic events. My clients with the best outcomes are willing to engage in deep dialogues, complete "homework" between sessions, and are comfortable with a "hands-on approach” in therapy. I am a good fit for people struggling with social anxiety, depression, religious trauma, life transitions, procrastination, or relationship issues. I enjoy working with LGBTQIA + community and can help people questioning gender identity and heteronormativity.
I specialize in working with individuals and couples whose challenges with interpersonal relationships are due to anxiety, depression, and/or past traumatic events. My clients with the best outcomes are willing to engage in deep dialogues, complete "homework" between sessions, and are comfortable with a "hands-on approach” in therapy. I am a good fit for people struggling with social anxiety, depression, religious trauma, life transitions, procrastination, or relationship issues. I enjoy working with LGBTQIA + community and can help people questioning gender identity and heteronormativity.
(503) 461-8894 View (503) 461-8894

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
68% 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.