Photo of Melinda D Hawley - Awareness To Wellness Counseling, Melinda Hawley, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Awareness To Wellness Counseling, Melinda Hawley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Please note: Wait list is currently full; this email is best for connecting. My interactive counseling approach is informed by deep respect for individuals and their strengths. We collaborate to help you move forward on your path to growth and change. Specialties include trauma, PTSD and C-PTSD, stress, attachment, couple/partner interaction/ communication, family-of-origin issues (including substance abuse-related), and work challenges. Clients find relief from anxiety & rumination, compulsive behavior, interpersonal stress, career concerns and "feeling stuck." I can help you to effectively navigate stressful transitions.
Please note: Wait list is currently full; this email is best for connecting. My interactive counseling approach is informed by deep respect for individuals and their strengths. We collaborate to help you move forward on your path to growth and change. Specialties include trauma, PTSD and C-PTSD, stress, attachment, couple/partner interaction/ communication, family-of-origin issues (including substance abuse-related), and work challenges. Clients find relief from anxiety & rumination, compulsive behavior, interpersonal stress, career concerns and "feeling stuck." I can help you to effectively navigate stressful transitions.
(706) 256-8269 View (706) 256-8269
Photo of Susanna Rains Moriarty - Athens Counseling Center, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CRC
Athens Counseling Center
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CRC
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Not accepting new clients
People come to me feeling overwhelmed, confused, frustrated, and worn out. My goal is to provide compassionate support to my clients during painful transitions, help them gain clarity, develop coping tools, and improve communication skills. Couples come to me feeling disconnected and resentful. I help partners learn new, effective ways to communicate. I build on couples' strengths to help them find a fun, passionate, and intimate way of living. Parents come to me feeling heartbroken and confused by their interactions with their children. I help parents heal their own childhood wounds so that they can parent in a loving way.
People come to me feeling overwhelmed, confused, frustrated, and worn out. My goal is to provide compassionate support to my clients during painful transitions, help them gain clarity, develop coping tools, and improve communication skills. Couples come to me feeling disconnected and resentful. I help partners learn new, effective ways to communicate. I build on couples' strengths to help them find a fun, passionate, and intimate way of living. Parents come to me feeling heartbroken and confused by their interactions with their children. I help parents heal their own childhood wounds so that they can parent in a loving way.
(706) 223-0323 View (706) 223-0323
Photo of Kimberly Austin, Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Kimberly Austin
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I am passionate about helping individuals to transform areas of their life where they have been feeling stuck or experiencing challenges. I work with clients with relationship issues, anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, grief, and spiritual counseling. I have a relaxed, open and collaborative style of working and connecting. I focus on understanding what has affected your life and the resulting emotions. Our focus together is to clear negative thinking and beliefs to shift the way you experience life in a way that works for you.
I am passionate about helping individuals to transform areas of their life where they have been feeling stuck or experiencing challenges. I work with clients with relationship issues, anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, grief, and spiritual counseling. I have a relaxed, open and collaborative style of working and connecting. I focus on understanding what has affected your life and the resulting emotions. Our focus together is to clear negative thinking and beliefs to shift the way you experience life in a way that works for you.
(706) 819-4953 View (706) 819-4953
Photo of Don Burroughs, Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Don Burroughs
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Life is always "whelming" when it becomes "overwhelming" it might be time to reach out for help. I'm skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced at helping people overcome life's challenges. Life is also full of inevitable transitions-going away to college, changing careers/jobs, moving, loss of a spouse or parent, becoming an empty-nester, becoming a caregiver for a parent to name a few. If your feelings, thinking or actions are impairing you and/or hurting others you care about please give me a call. I work effectively with both individuals and couples. My approach to counseling is based in Cognitive and Mindfulness strategies.
Life is always "whelming" when it becomes "overwhelming" it might be time to reach out for help. I'm skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced at helping people overcome life's challenges. Life is also full of inevitable transitions-going away to college, changing careers/jobs, moving, loss of a spouse or parent, becoming an empty-nester, becoming a caregiver for a parent to name a few. If your feelings, thinking or actions are impairing you and/or hurting others you care about please give me a call. I work effectively with both individuals and couples. My approach to counseling is based in Cognitive and Mindfulness strategies.
(706) 438-4148 View (706) 438-4148

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of MJ Metcalf, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
MJ Metcalf
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Life can feel overwhelming, and it's easy to lose sight of who you are or what you want. I'm here to help you reconnect with yourself, uncover what's holding you back, and build a future that aligns with your potential. My work is rooted in curiosity and a deep respect for the complexity of human experience and resilience of the human spirit. Together, we'll navigate the challenges you're facing, detect patterns, and develop tools to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. If you're ready to create meaningful change, let's get started.
Life can feel overwhelming, and it's easy to lose sight of who you are or what you want. I'm here to help you reconnect with yourself, uncover what's holding you back, and build a future that aligns with your potential. My work is rooted in curiosity and a deep respect for the complexity of human experience and resilience of the human spirit. Together, we'll navigate the challenges you're facing, detect patterns, and develop tools to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. If you're ready to create meaningful change, let's get started.
(470) 722-1563 View (470) 722-1563
Photo of Elouise Lamar, Licensed Professional Counselor
Elouise Lamar
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
Serves Area
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with 10 years of experience in the mental health field, and I am passionate about helping people. I’m easy to talk to, a good listener, and I accept everyone. I understand that some of life’s circumstances are challenging. I have experience working with young adults, adult women, and men. I specialize in anger management, anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, relationship problems, stress, substance use disorders, alcohol and substance use, and trauma.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with 10 years of experience in the mental health field, and I am passionate about helping people. I’m easy to talk to, a good listener, and I accept everyone. I understand that some of life’s circumstances are challenging. I have experience working with young adults, adult women, and men. I specialize in anger management, anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, relationship problems, stress, substance use disorders, alcohol and substance use, and trauma.
(678) 578-8467 View (678) 578-8467
Photo of Virginia Synan, Pre-Licensed Professional, M Ed, NCC
Virginia Synan
Pre-Licensed Professional, M Ed, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Watkinsville, GA 30677
I love working with children and adolescents! I can support you and your child walk through developmental changes and lifestyle transitions including new schools, anxiety and worry, family changes, parent divorce, trauma and loss. Often times, these changes create BIG feelings that can be hard for kids and teens to understand and express. I enjoy helping young people understand their feelings and partnering with parents to help their child learn to express them in a healthy way.
I love working with children and adolescents! I can support you and your child walk through developmental changes and lifestyle transitions including new schools, anxiety and worry, family changes, parent divorce, trauma and loss. Often times, these changes create BIG feelings that can be hard for kids and teens to understand and express. I enjoy helping young people understand their feelings and partnering with parents to help their child learn to express them in a healthy way.
(706) 230-6412 View (706) 230-6412
Photo of Jessica Parker, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Jessica Parker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Athens, GA 30605
I work individuals and couples to help build better relationships and coping strategies for times of conflict and change. Having worked for several years with substance abuse groups along with anger management and family violence intervention, I have helped people of all ages to move beyond the negative self talk and low self esteem in order to be successful and thriving in their personal lives and relationships with others. I also offer EMDR to address trauma. Because I believe there is not a single way to deal with life, I like to meet my clients where they are in their own lives and help them to accomplish their personal goals.
I work individuals and couples to help build better relationships and coping strategies for times of conflict and change. Having worked for several years with substance abuse groups along with anger management and family violence intervention, I have helped people of all ages to move beyond the negative self talk and low self esteem in order to be successful and thriving in their personal lives and relationships with others. I also offer EMDR to address trauma. Because I believe there is not a single way to deal with life, I like to meet my clients where they are in their own lives and help them to accomplish their personal goals.
(706) 685-6559 View (706) 685-6559
Photo of Katie Cowan, Psychologist, PsyD
Katie Cowan
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
People seek therapy for a variety of reasons - for personal growth, to address painful feelings such as anxiety or depression, or to improve the quality of relationships. Many people also find therapy helpful during times of stress, transition, illness, or loss. I provide a confidential, safe, and supportive place for my clients to grow, change, and improve their quality of life. I work with adults and adolescents individually.
People seek therapy for a variety of reasons - for personal growth, to address painful feelings such as anxiety or depression, or to improve the quality of relationships. Many people also find therapy helpful during times of stress, transition, illness, or loss. I provide a confidential, safe, and supportive place for my clients to grow, change, and improve their quality of life. I work with adults and adolescents individually.
(404) 418-6359 View (404) 418-6359
Photo of Chris Mayo, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Chris Mayo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Athens, GA 30605
Chris currently holds licensure in the state of Georgia as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. After finishing his degree, he began working as a counselor with the Georgia Department of Justice, providing evidence based mental health and substance abuse counseling for detained youth and adults. He also worked as an independent contractor providing psychotherapy and substance abuse treatment in outpatient and residential settings, school systems, and foster homes. He has been providing clinical services to children and adults for over 17 years.
Chris currently holds licensure in the state of Georgia as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. After finishing his degree, he began working as a counselor with the Georgia Department of Justice, providing evidence based mental health and substance abuse counseling for detained youth and adults. He also worked as an independent contractor providing psychotherapy and substance abuse treatment in outpatient and residential settings, school systems, and foster homes. He has been providing clinical services to children and adults for over 17 years.
(706) 801-4174 View (706) 801-4174
Photo of Ryan Horn, Licensed Professional Counselor, NCC
Ryan Horn
Licensed Professional Counselor, NCC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Online Only
Specializing in trauma therapy has been focus of much of my career, but I've also had the privilege of supporting clients through stress, anxiety, depression, grief, self-esteem challenges, relationship difficulties, and life transitions. I strive to create a comforting space where you can express your thoughts and emotions openly without judgement. My recent work with adults has centered on relationship dynamics, attachment issues, and even those dealing with narcissistic traits in others. If you are interested in talking briefly to see if we would work well together, feel free to send me a quick text or email.
Specializing in trauma therapy has been focus of much of my career, but I've also had the privilege of supporting clients through stress, anxiety, depression, grief, self-esteem challenges, relationship difficulties, and life transitions. I strive to create a comforting space where you can express your thoughts and emotions openly without judgement. My recent work with adults has centered on relationship dynamics, attachment issues, and even those dealing with narcissistic traits in others. If you are interested in talking briefly to see if we would work well together, feel free to send me a quick text or email.
(843) 938-5578 View (843) 938-5578
Photo of Rachel Parker, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Rachel Parker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Watkinsville, GA 30677
Thank you for taking the time to read my profile, I’m glad you’re here. As your therapist, it's my intent to guide you toward deeper understanding of yourself and give you the opportunity to process your emotions in a safe, empathetic environment. Anxiety, depression, and trauma can take up so much space in your life that it makes it hard to have patience, connect with loved ones, and focus on your responsibilities and passions. In therapy with me, we can gently challenge unhealthy thought patterns and establish healthier coping skills to lessen the power these issues hold over you.
Thank you for taking the time to read my profile, I’m glad you’re here. As your therapist, it's my intent to guide you toward deeper understanding of yourself and give you the opportunity to process your emotions in a safe, empathetic environment. Anxiety, depression, and trauma can take up so much space in your life that it makes it hard to have patience, connect with loved ones, and focus on your responsibilities and passions. In therapy with me, we can gently challenge unhealthy thought patterns and establish healthier coping skills to lessen the power these issues hold over you.
(706) 917-9307 View (706) 917-9307
Photo of Shequita Moxey, Licensed Professional Counselor
Shequita Moxey
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
Online Only
Hi there I am a licensed professional counselor in Georgia. I have 10 years of experience as a therapist and mental health assessor. I have worked in community mental health agencies and mental health hospitals. I empower women, teenagers, and adolescents to overcome trauma, reduce anxiety, reduce depression, control mood, and control ADHD. I enjoy incorporating multimodal approaches, including holistic, mindfulness, and TF-CBT,
Hi there I am a licensed professional counselor in Georgia. I have 10 years of experience as a therapist and mental health assessor. I have worked in community mental health agencies and mental health hospitals. I empower women, teenagers, and adolescents to overcome trauma, reduce anxiety, reduce depression, control mood, and control ADHD. I enjoy incorporating multimodal approaches, including holistic, mindfulness, and TF-CBT,
(470) 287-3805 View (470) 287-3805
Photo of Faye Cook, Licensed Professional Counselor
Faye Cook
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started. I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in Georgia with more than 15 years of professional work experience. I am also a certified master addiction therapist. I have experience working with multidisciplinary teams in both the community and private sector. I have helped individuals and couples in coping with life's challenges and helping them to develop coping skills to successfully man
I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started. I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in Georgia with more than 15 years of professional work experience. I am also a certified master addiction therapist. I have experience working with multidisciplinary teams in both the community and private sector. I have helped individuals and couples in coping with life's challenges and helping them to develop coping skills to successfully man
(470) 684-2860 View (470) 684-2860
Photo of Holly Johns, Counselor, LPC
Holly Johns
Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Online Only
I am so glad you are here! That is such a big step in this next part of your journey! To help get better acquainted, here is a bit about me. My name is Holly Johns, LPC in the State of GA. I graduated from Union College in Kentucky in 2012 with my Masters in Psychology. I have 18 years of behavioral health experience, which includes working with adolescents and adults in schools, community mental health, crisis intervention in the ER, and non-profit settings. I create a supportive, non-judgmental space for you to explore, grow, and develop the tools to move forward with confidence and resilience.
I am so glad you are here! That is such a big step in this next part of your journey! To help get better acquainted, here is a bit about me. My name is Holly Johns, LPC in the State of GA. I graduated from Union College in Kentucky in 2012 with my Masters in Psychology. I have 18 years of behavioral health experience, which includes working with adolescents and adults in schools, community mental health, crisis intervention in the ER, and non-profit settings. I create a supportive, non-judgmental space for you to explore, grow, and develop the tools to move forward with confidence and resilience.
(706) 225-8362 View (706) 225-8362
Photo of Ed Glauser, Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LCMHC, LPC, BC-TMH, RYT 200
Ed Glauser
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LCMHC, LPC, BC-TMH, RYT 200
Verified Verified
Online Only
I have specialized training and certifications in Mind Body Medicine, Clinical Hypnosis, Yoga Practice, Behavioral Sleep Health, Stress and Pain Management, Online Counseling, as well as Mindfulness-based approaches for assisting individuals throughout the lifespan in experiencing relief from chronic pain, illness, insomnia, depression, stress, trauma and relationship issues. I am also a Board Certified-Telemental Health Provider. My graduate counseling degree is from the University of Georgia. I am Licensed in Florida (telemental health only), Georgia, North Carolina and Texas. Offering 100% Telemental Health Counseling.
I have specialized training and certifications in Mind Body Medicine, Clinical Hypnosis, Yoga Practice, Behavioral Sleep Health, Stress and Pain Management, Online Counseling, as well as Mindfulness-based approaches for assisting individuals throughout the lifespan in experiencing relief from chronic pain, illness, insomnia, depression, stress, trauma and relationship issues. I am also a Board Certified-Telemental Health Provider. My graduate counseling degree is from the University of Georgia. I am Licensed in Florida (telemental health only), Georgia, North Carolina and Texas. Offering 100% Telemental Health Counseling.
(706) 752-7194 View (706) 752-7194
Photo of Sarah Thurman, Licensed Master Social Worker, LMSW
Sarah Thurman
Licensed Master Social Worker, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Athens, GA 30606
To the deep thinkers and feelers out there, it sure can feel lonely. Why are relationships so hard? Why don’t people seem to understand how hard you are trying, how much you care? Why does it feel like everyone else has the playbook to life and somehow you didn’t get your copy? Why does it feel like the world is asking you to be smaller, have less personality, be less intelligent, to be more simple? ​
To the deep thinkers and feelers out there, it sure can feel lonely. Why are relationships so hard? Why don’t people seem to understand how hard you are trying, how much you care? Why does it feel like everyone else has the playbook to life and somehow you didn’t get your copy? Why does it feel like the world is asking you to be smaller, have less personality, be less intelligent, to be more simple? ​
(706) 487-3998 View (706) 487-3998
Photo of Kim Wasley, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Kim Wasley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Athens, GA 30606
Hi there! I'm a licensed clinical social worker based in Athens, GA. I specialize in working with individuals dealing with anxiety and panic, stress, insomnia and other sleep issues. It may feel scary or overwhelming to seek help, but I’m here to create a safe and supportive space for you to feel heard and understood as you learn to navigate life in a way that feels good.
Hi there! I'm a licensed clinical social worker based in Athens, GA. I specialize in working with individuals dealing with anxiety and panic, stress, insomnia and other sleep issues. It may feel scary or overwhelming to seek help, but I’m here to create a safe and supportive space for you to feel heard and understood as you learn to navigate life in a way that feels good.
(706) 522-3017 View (706) 522-3017
Photo of Jennifer Boone, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Jennifer Boone
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Athens, GA 30606
I am passionate about supporting people at all stages of life, from starting college to starting a family, to retiring. I have been a therapist for over 20 years, & currently balance parenting, career, & a busy family. I help new moms dealing with postpartum depression or anxiety and parents dealing with stages of parenting from infants & toddlers to big kids, tweens& teens, to launching young adults. I can help those adjusting to an empty nest or sandwiched between caring for kids and caring for their own aging parents. I can also help young adults adjust to college, especially with ADHD who struggle with executive functioning.
I am passionate about supporting people at all stages of life, from starting college to starting a family, to retiring. I have been a therapist for over 20 years, & currently balance parenting, career, & a busy family. I help new moms dealing with postpartum depression or anxiety and parents dealing with stages of parenting from infants & toddlers to big kids, tweens& teens, to launching young adults. I can help those adjusting to an empty nest or sandwiched between caring for kids and caring for their own aging parents. I can also help young adults adjust to college, especially with ADHD who struggle with executive functioning.
(706) 425-8900 x722 View (706) 425-8900 x722
Photo of Cole Causey (Kind Recovery), Drug & Alcohol Counselor, MEd, CAADC
Cole Causey (Kind Recovery)
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, MEd, CAADC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Athens, GA 30606
I offer my clients a shame-free space to examine their relationship with alcohol, drugs, and behaviors that have become troublesome to their lives and values. I have been an addiction counselor in Athens for over three years, with expertise in ACT and MI-based treatment modalities. My approach to addiction counseling is compassionate, patient, and flexible, with understanding that each individual’s path to recovery will be unique.
I offer my clients a shame-free space to examine their relationship with alcohol, drugs, and behaviors that have become troublesome to their lives and values. I have been an addiction counselor in Athens for over three years, with expertise in ACT and MI-based treatment modalities. My approach to addiction counseling is compassionate, patient, and flexible, with understanding that each individual’s path to recovery will be unique.
(706) 981-5849 View (706) 981-5849

How does your Therapist compare?

Number of Therapists in 30608

< 10

Therapists in 30608 who prioritize treating:

100% Relationship Issues
100% Anxiety
100% Self Esteem
75% Depression
75% Grief
75% Spirituality
75% Substance Use

Average years in practice

12 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

100% Aetna
100% BlueCross and BlueShield
75% Cigna and Evernorth

How Therapists in 30608 see their clients

100% In Person and Online

Gender breakdown

100% Female
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling

How can I find a therapist in 30608?

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.