Therapists in 60502

Photo of Vana M Bowen, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MEd, PsyD, LCPC
Vana M Bowen
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MEd, PsyD, LCPC
Aurora, IL 60502
Hello! Choosing a therapist is not easy and involves finding someone with whom you are comfortable. I offer a supportive approach that is sustained by years of experience, knowledge and training through private psychotherapy and consulting services. My clinical services provide a comprehensive and holistic approach toward personal growth and healing. Together, we can uncover your inner strengths and gifts to make emotional and behavioral treatment a fulfilling journey. I have received DIPLOMATE professional certification with the American Psychotherapy Association and have professional certifications in Play Therapy, Domestic Violence, Sexual Addictions,and Trauma-Based Treatments.
Hello! Choosing a therapist is not easy and involves finding someone with whom you are comfortable. I offer a supportive approach that is sustained by years of experience, knowledge and training through private psychotherapy and consulting services. My clinical services provide a comprehensive and holistic approach toward personal growth and healing. Together, we can uncover your inner strengths and gifts to make emotional and behavioral treatment a fulfilling journey. I have received DIPLOMATE professional certification with the American Psychotherapy Association and have professional certifications in Play Therapy, Domestic Violence, Sexual Addictions,and Trauma-Based Treatments.
(630) 733-1817 View (630) 733-1817
Photo of Kendall Banks - Kendall (KJ) Banks, Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Kendall (KJ) Banks
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Life can feel overwhelming, disconnected, and heavy, but you don’t have to face it alone. I work with children, teens, adults, couples, and families ready to create real change. With children and teens, I help navigate anxiety, stress, identity, friendships, self-esteem, school pressures, and trauma, while creating a safe, judgment-free space where they feel heard and supported. I also help families rebuild trust, improve communication, and strengthen relationships. In couples work, I guide partners to break unhealthy cycles, heal from past wounds, restore emotional intimacy, and build stronger, more fulfilling connections.
Life can feel overwhelming, disconnected, and heavy, but you don’t have to face it alone. I work with children, teens, adults, couples, and families ready to create real change. With children and teens, I help navigate anxiety, stress, identity, friendships, self-esteem, school pressures, and trauma, while creating a safe, judgment-free space where they feel heard and supported. I also help families rebuild trust, improve communication, and strengthen relationships. In couples work, I guide partners to break unhealthy cycles, heal from past wounds, restore emotional intimacy, and build stronger, more fulfilling connections.
(630) 626-8889 View (630) 626-8889
Kelly Norton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CADC
Serves Area
Kelly Norton, LCSW, CADC, supports children, adolescents, and adults across Illinois who are ready to create meaningful change in their lives. Through individual and group therapy at LifeStance Health, she helps clients navigate emotional challenges, build coping skills, and overcome obstacles that interfere with personal growth and well-being. Her approach is collaborative and direct, offering both support and strategies to help people move forward with clarity and confidence. Kelly specializes in treating anxiety, substance use concerns, and trauma-related disorders.
Kelly Norton, LCSW, CADC, supports children, adolescents, and adults across Illinois who are ready to create meaningful change in their lives. Through individual and group therapy at LifeStance Health, she helps clients navigate emotional challenges, build coping skills, and overcome obstacles that interfere with personal growth and well-being. Her approach is collaborative and direct, offering both support and strategies to help people move forward with clarity and confidence. Kelly specializes in treating anxiety, substance use concerns, and trauma-related disorders.
(630) 426-7847 View (630) 426-7847
Photo of Anna Hammond, Psychologist, PsyD
Anna Hammond
Psychologist, PsyD
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Today, teens and young adults face many stressors including sadness, anxiety, loneliness, and uncertainty about the future. They want to feel the confidence to cope with an unpredictable world as they mature. I provide a safe, nurturing environment for clients to explore these challenges and stressors. I also support parents as they navigate the stressful world of parenting and launching through parent coaching. My passion is teaching skills to manage independence, social anxiety, depression and relationship dynamics. Clients benefit from improved social and coping skills, with a focus on mindfulness, acceptance and commitment.
Today, teens and young adults face many stressors including sadness, anxiety, loneliness, and uncertainty about the future. They want to feel the confidence to cope with an unpredictable world as they mature. I provide a safe, nurturing environment for clients to explore these challenges and stressors. I also support parents as they navigate the stressful world of parenting and launching through parent coaching. My passion is teaching skills to manage independence, social anxiety, depression and relationship dynamics. Clients benefit from improved social and coping skills, with a focus on mindfulness, acceptance and commitment.
(630) 557-8391 View (630) 557-8391
Photo of Kate Penkethman, Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Kate Penkethman
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
Sometimes our brain can be a scary place to live in. Sometimes our bodies feel disconnected from us, or we just feel a bit ‘off.’ And sometimes the life around us is too hard, too much, too painful. These thoughts, feelings, and sensations can be isolating, and that’s where therapy comes in. My hope is for you to feel a little less alone as you unpack the complexities of your life and move towards healing. Through our work, your thoughts and feelings will be centered and we will learn alongside one another about how to best work through the issues you're facing. Welcome!
Sometimes our brain can be a scary place to live in. Sometimes our bodies feel disconnected from us, or we just feel a bit ‘off.’ And sometimes the life around us is too hard, too much, too painful. These thoughts, feelings, and sensations can be isolating, and that’s where therapy comes in. My hope is for you to feel a little less alone as you unpack the complexities of your life and move towards healing. Through our work, your thoughts and feelings will be centered and we will learn alongside one another about how to best work through the issues you're facing. Welcome!
(773) 207-3961 View (773) 207-3961
Photo of Brooke M Ruxton, Psychologist, PhD
Brooke M Ruxton
Psychologist, PhD
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
As a psychologist, my goal is to help you better understand yourself, your relationships, and your experiences so that you can live your most authentic life. Through our work you may find acceptance, gain insight into patterns and behaviors in your life, recognize your strengths and create strategies and solutions for success. I believe you already have many of the tools you need; it is my job to help you discover them, build new skills, and apply them to your current life situation. Together, we will work to resolve concerns or to find the courage to create a new path forward.
As a psychologist, my goal is to help you better understand yourself, your relationships, and your experiences so that you can live your most authentic life. Through our work you may find acceptance, gain insight into patterns and behaviors in your life, recognize your strengths and create strategies and solutions for success. I believe you already have many of the tools you need; it is my job to help you discover them, build new skills, and apply them to your current life situation. Together, we will work to resolve concerns or to find the courage to create a new path forward.
(331) 225-1666 View (331) 225-1666
Photo of William H Utz, Counselor, MA, LCPC
William H Utz
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Serves Area
It is a sacred privilege to meet with people wherever they are in their life journey and help them move toward health and wholeness. In my practice, I work with couples, young adults, and men and women in midlife. The main issues I treat are relationship problems, anxiety, depression, and addiction.
It is a sacred privilege to meet with people wherever they are in their life journey and help them move toward health and wholeness. In my practice, I work with couples, young adults, and men and women in midlife. The main issues I treat are relationship problems, anxiety, depression, and addiction.
(630) 318-4920 View (630) 318-4920
Photo of Mistie Drews, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Mistie Drews
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Serves Area
Mistie Drews is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois who has been practicing since 2016. Mistie strives to provide a safe, nonjudgmental space to provide therapy. She specializes in addictions and trauma. Mistie also has experience with family and couples and individual therapy. CBT and DBT are methods she has used. In her spare time, Mistie enjoys being near any body of water. She believes in good self-care as therapists for our own mental health. A sense of humor is so important! She has two kids that are now young adults.
Mistie Drews is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois who has been practicing since 2016. Mistie strives to provide a safe, nonjudgmental space to provide therapy. She specializes in addictions and trauma. Mistie also has experience with family and couples and individual therapy. CBT and DBT are methods she has used. In her spare time, Mistie enjoys being near any body of water. She believes in good self-care as therapists for our own mental health. A sense of humor is so important! She has two kids that are now young adults.
(630) 349-4893 View (630) 349-4893
Photo of Mollie E Holman - Mollie Holman Counseling, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Mollie Holman Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
10 Endorsed
Serves Area
"No problem can be solved by the same level of consciousness that created it."-Albert Einstein. Are you feeling chronically unhappy, angry, fearful, or stuck? Do you have conflicted relationships with friends/family? Come in and talk to someone in a confidential and compassionate environment who can assist you in seeing things differently. I have over 10 years of experience working with individuals and families providing psychotherapy. As a seasoned clinician, I have learned to creatively blend my listening skills with a variety of evidence-based approaches tailored to fit the needs of my clients for optimal growth.
"No problem can be solved by the same level of consciousness that created it."-Albert Einstein. Are you feeling chronically unhappy, angry, fearful, or stuck? Do you have conflicted relationships with friends/family? Come in and talk to someone in a confidential and compassionate environment who can assist you in seeing things differently. I have over 10 years of experience working with individuals and families providing psychotherapy. As a seasoned clinician, I have learned to creatively blend my listening skills with a variety of evidence-based approaches tailored to fit the needs of my clients for optimal growth.
(331) 208-5387 View (331) 208-5387
Photo of Len Childers, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Len Childers
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
Many people reach out to counseling feeling worn down, anxious, or emotionally overloaded - often after trying to handle everything on their own for a long period of time. This can be especially true for men, who are often taught to push through stress rather than talk about it. If you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or exhausted by the pressure of daily life, you don't have to face it alone. My approach to counseling is supportive, collaborative, and paced to what feels right for you. I work with men, women, and teens who want a space that feels safe, respectful, and free of judgement.
Many people reach out to counseling feeling worn down, anxious, or emotionally overloaded - often after trying to handle everything on their own for a long period of time. This can be especially true for men, who are often taught to push through stress rather than talk about it. If you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or exhausted by the pressure of daily life, you don't have to face it alone. My approach to counseling is supportive, collaborative, and paced to what feels right for you. I work with men, women, and teens who want a space that feels safe, respectful, and free of judgement.
(309) 300-3798 View (309) 300-3798
Photo of Anna K Zabiegly - Anna K Zabiegly, Psy.D., P.C., Psychologist, PsyD
Anna K Zabiegly, Psy.D., P.C.
Psychologist, PsyD
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
As a licensed clinical psychologist I dedicate my practice to the treatment of adolescent, adult, and older adult populations. I help clients overcome traumatic experiences, anxiety, depression, & adjustment difficulties. I combine compassion and collaborative psychotherapy with EMDR to help clients reach optimal performance and transform their lives. In addition, I appreciate the personal difficulties athletes face and assist in breaking through mental barriers that prevent them from performing to their potential.
As a licensed clinical psychologist I dedicate my practice to the treatment of adolescent, adult, and older adult populations. I help clients overcome traumatic experiences, anxiety, depression, & adjustment difficulties. I combine compassion and collaborative psychotherapy with EMDR to help clients reach optimal performance and transform their lives. In addition, I appreciate the personal difficulties athletes face and assist in breaking through mental barriers that prevent them from performing to their potential.
(630) 812-0922 View (630) 812-0922
Photo of Christine A Barker, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
Christine A Barker
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
13 Endorsed
Serves Area
Hi there! I am Christine :) I am a passionate-practicing LCPC located in Naperville. I have over 15 years of experience. I enjoy working with adults who have problematic relationships, childhood issues, and who feel stuck in their present life. It might be trauma, depression, anxiety, but whatever it is we can help you get "unstuck" together. I believe everyone has potential to help themselves, but sometimes we need some guidance. Many of us weren't taught how to deal with our emotions and feelings, and as a result, our adult lives suffer in ways we aren't educated to fix. I am here to help guide YOU to your BEST self!
Hi there! I am Christine :) I am a passionate-practicing LCPC located in Naperville. I have over 15 years of experience. I enjoy working with adults who have problematic relationships, childhood issues, and who feel stuck in their present life. It might be trauma, depression, anxiety, but whatever it is we can help you get "unstuck" together. I believe everyone has potential to help themselves, but sometimes we need some guidance. Many of us weren't taught how to deal with our emotions and feelings, and as a result, our adult lives suffer in ways we aren't educated to fix. I am here to help guide YOU to your BEST self!
(630) 581-2505 View (630) 581-2505
Photo of Kerry O'Donnell, Counselor, MAPC, LCPC, SEP
Kerry O'Donnell
Counselor, MAPC, LCPC, SEP
Serves Area
I provide a welcoming, respectful and collaborative space for clients to come and seek to understand themselves better. On the journey of life, we all have times of transition, difficulties and relationship issues. I seek to empower my clients into greater self-awareness, trusting that each person has the answers to their questions within themselves. Through an integrative approach to psychotherapy and with the ability to integrate spirituality if important to the client, I actively listen as the client moves toward integration, healing and wholeness in mind, body and spirit.
I provide a welcoming, respectful and collaborative space for clients to come and seek to understand themselves better. On the journey of life, we all have times of transition, difficulties and relationship issues. I seek to empower my clients into greater self-awareness, trusting that each person has the answers to their questions within themselves. Through an integrative approach to psychotherapy and with the ability to integrate spirituality if important to the client, I actively listen as the client moves toward integration, healing and wholeness in mind, body and spirit.
(630) 560-6567 View (630) 560-6567
Photo of Joy Lockett, Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Joy Lockett
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Serves Area
Joy uses her compassion and down-to-earth nature to provide an environment where clients can feel safe to be their authentic selves. She understands that seeking change, or something different, is not an easy process. Joy forms collaborative partnerships with her clients when developing therapeutic goals and a plan for care. She uses mindfulness, empathy and insight to aid in the empowerment of clients. In addition, Joy also utilizes a verity of therapy techniques. Joy works with individuals, couples and families. Joy received her Masters of Science in Community Counseling through National Louis University.
Joy uses her compassion and down-to-earth nature to provide an environment where clients can feel safe to be their authentic selves. She understands that seeking change, or something different, is not an easy process. Joy forms collaborative partnerships with her clients when developing therapeutic goals and a plan for care. She uses mindfulness, empathy and insight to aid in the empowerment of clients. In addition, Joy also utilizes a verity of therapy techniques. Joy works with individuals, couples and families. Joy received her Masters of Science in Community Counseling through National Louis University.
(630) 827-8430 View (630) 827-8430
Photo of Cindy Wadsworth, PMHNP, FNP
Cindy Wadsworth
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Now accepting Saturday appointments in Naperville! I’m a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with 25+ years of experience and additional certification in Family Practice. I see patients at Hopemark Health, offering in-person and virtual visits. We provide general psychiatric care and specialize in treatment-resistant conditions like depression and anxiety. I'm passionate about using evidence-based tools to help patients find effective, lasting relief. Let’s work together to support your mental health journey.
Now accepting Saturday appointments in Naperville! I’m a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with 25+ years of experience and additional certification in Family Practice. I see patients at Hopemark Health, offering in-person and virtual visits. We provide general psychiatric care and specialize in treatment-resistant conditions like depression and anxiety. I'm passionate about using evidence-based tools to help patients find effective, lasting relief. Let’s work together to support your mental health journey.
(630) 345-4876 View (630) 345-4876
Photo of Christine Creighton, Art Therapist, LCPC, ATR-BC, ADHD-, CCSP
Christine Creighton
Art Therapist, LCPC, ATR-BC, ADHD-, CCSP
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
The focus of my art therapy practice is to help clients navigate life's challenges through self expression, processing emotions, increasing coping strategies, and fostering creative problem solving. I specialize in working with children and adolescents facing emotional or behavioral challenges including: school issues, mood disorders, grief/loss, trauma, low self esteem, communication issues, autism spectrum disorder, and developmental disabilities. I am also an ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP).
The focus of my art therapy practice is to help clients navigate life's challenges through self expression, processing emotions, increasing coping strategies, and fostering creative problem solving. I specialize in working with children and adolescents facing emotional or behavioral challenges including: school issues, mood disorders, grief/loss, trauma, low self esteem, communication issues, autism spectrum disorder, and developmental disabilities. I am also an ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP).
(630) 318-2112 View (630) 318-2112
Photo of Kristen Federlein, Counselor, MS, LCPC, NCC
Kristen Federlein
Counselor, MS, LCPC, NCC
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I am an adolescent and adult therapist, with credentials of Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), as well as a National Certified Counselor (NCC). Areas of expertise include: mood disorders (depression, bipolar disorder), anxiety, post-traumatic or acute stress, personality disorders, schizophrenia and delusional disorders, relationship issues, life transitions and loss/grief issues.
I am an adolescent and adult therapist, with credentials of Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), as well as a National Certified Counselor (NCC). Areas of expertise include: mood disorders (depression, bipolar disorder), anxiety, post-traumatic or acute stress, personality disorders, schizophrenia and delusional disorders, relationship issues, life transitions and loss/grief issues.
(630) 426-3491 View (630) 426-3491
Photo of Christopher Poulakos, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Christopher Poulakos
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Hello, glad you found me! I work with adolescents and adults ages 12+ to navigate various life difficulties. I enjoy working with those who struggle in managing grief, anxiety, depression, life-transitions, low self-esteem, and substance use/abuse
Hello, glad you found me! I work with adolescents and adults ages 12+ to navigate various life difficulties. I enjoy working with those who struggle in managing grief, anxiety, depression, life-transitions, low self-esteem, and substance use/abuse
(630) 866-8754 View (630) 866-8754
Photo of Alaina Harris, Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Alaina Harris
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
When our world tells us to “forget and move on”, we can get stuck in cycles of numbness that hinder our mental and emotional health. My focus is in helping those who desire to take a step toward freedom by navigating and processing hidden feelings and traumatic experiences that have crippled our ability to live and walk in the light that we deserve. I work with clients from diverse backgrounds, and I specialize in spiritual journeys, identity development, guilt and shame, grief, trauma, anxiety, depression, child & adolescent issues, disordered eating, and substance use.
When our world tells us to “forget and move on”, we can get stuck in cycles of numbness that hinder our mental and emotional health. My focus is in helping those who desire to take a step toward freedom by navigating and processing hidden feelings and traumatic experiences that have crippled our ability to live and walk in the light that we deserve. I work with clients from diverse backgrounds, and I specialize in spiritual journeys, identity development, guilt and shame, grief, trauma, anxiety, depression, child & adolescent issues, disordered eating, and substance use.
(815) 567-8175 View (815) 567-8175
Photo of Dennise Demitro, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Dennise Demitro
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
You are the one who holds it all together, until it feels like everything is falling apart. Lately you’ve noticed yourself snapping more easily, feeling overwhelmed, and carrying the weight of everyone else’s needs. Your mind races, your boundaries blur, and you wonder if you’ll ever feel like “enough.” Deep down, you want calm, clarity, and relationships that actually feel good, not just for yourself, but for the next generation watching you. If you’re ready to break old patterns and find a new way forward, I’d love to walk with you.
You are the one who holds it all together, until it feels like everything is falling apart. Lately you’ve noticed yourself snapping more easily, feeling overwhelmed, and carrying the weight of everyone else’s needs. Your mind races, your boundaries blur, and you wonder if you’ll ever feel like “enough.” Deep down, you want calm, clarity, and relationships that actually feel good, not just for yourself, but for the next generation watching you. If you’re ready to break old patterns and find a new way forward, I’d love to walk with you.
(331) 253-5052 View (331) 253-5052

See more therapy options for 60502

How does your Therapist compare?

Number of Therapists in 60502

100+

Average cost per session

$150

Therapists in 60502 who prioritize treating:

97% Anxiety
92% Depression
73% Trauma and PTSD
72% Self Esteem
65% Relationship Issues
61% Grief
61% Stress

Average years in practice

12 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

92% BlueCross and BlueShield
87% Aetna
75% Cigna and Evernorth

How Therapists in 60502 see their clients

64% In Person and Online
36% Online Only

Gender breakdown

82% Female
18% Male
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling

How can I find a therapist in 60502?

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.