Photo of Mia Pastel, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Mia Pastel
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78704
I offer support through the combination of evidence-based practices and warm, authentic connection. I use a collaborative and holistic approach to tailor the therapeutic process to your specific needs. Is a recent or past trauma is manifesting in ways that interfere with your ability to live a life of wellness? Are you acting or reacting in ways that are incongruent with your authentic self? Are you having trouble connecting to yourself or others, or struggling to maintain sustainable relationships? Do you simply want a mental health professional to walk with you through life’s many challenges and complexities?
I offer support through the combination of evidence-based practices and warm, authentic connection. I use a collaborative and holistic approach to tailor the therapeutic process to your specific needs. Is a recent or past trauma is manifesting in ways that interfere with your ability to live a life of wellness? Are you acting or reacting in ways that are incongruent with your authentic self? Are you having trouble connecting to yourself or others, or struggling to maintain sustainable relationships? Do you simply want a mental health professional to walk with you through life’s many challenges and complexities?
(737) 228-3949 View (737) 228-3949
Photo of Angel Landrum, MA, LPC-S, LCDC, SAP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Angel Landrum
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S, LCDC, SAP
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78704
Choosing a therapist is a very personal decision. It's important that you feel comfortable. Finding a safe, confidential and collaborative experience in counseling is my goal. When meeting with adult clients I blend a number of treatment approaches in my work, including client centered, motivational interviewing, and solution focused therapies. My clients have described me as compassionate, respectful and supportive, with a good sense of humor. Each person is unique to their own personal experiences in therapy and I adapt my skills to fit your needs.
Choosing a therapist is a very personal decision. It's important that you feel comfortable. Finding a safe, confidential and collaborative experience in counseling is my goal. When meeting with adult clients I blend a number of treatment approaches in my work, including client centered, motivational interviewing, and solution focused therapies. My clients have described me as compassionate, respectful and supportive, with a good sense of humor. Each person is unique to their own personal experiences in therapy and I adapt my skills to fit your needs.
(512) 537-3280 View (512) 537-3280
Photo of James Todd Riddle, MA, NCC, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor
James Todd Riddle
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, LPC-S
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78704
Finding answers, resolutions, and ultimately healing in the middle of some of life's most difficult times can be challenging. Help is about being guided to internal solutions that may be hidden by the intensity of the pain or the complexity of the challenge. Austin Counseling Associates can help. As practitioners of counseling arts, we are deeply committed to being present, connected, creative, and caring. Through the use of these attributes, we seek to guide clients down a path of discovery...a path to healing one's self. We are currently accepting new patients for individual, couples, and family therapy.
Finding answers, resolutions, and ultimately healing in the middle of some of life's most difficult times can be challenging. Help is about being guided to internal solutions that may be hidden by the intensity of the pain or the complexity of the challenge. Austin Counseling Associates can help. As practitioners of counseling arts, we are deeply committed to being present, connected, creative, and caring. Through the use of these attributes, we seek to guide clients down a path of discovery...a path to healing one's self. We are currently accepting new patients for individual, couples, and family therapy.
(512) 670-8590 View (512) 670-8590
Photo of Mike Downing - Mike Downing, LCSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Mike Downing, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78704
My areas of focus are: traumatic experiences and PTSD, adoption & foster care, couple & family life challenges, Depression, drug and alcohol problems, LGBT youth and families, ADHD, parenting enhancement, Learning Disabilities, Anxiety Disorders, adolescent issues, subtle neuropsychological issues, Mood Disorders, youth and the criminal justice system, and CPS involvement with families. In April of 2017, I was honored with the Heart of the Home award for my career working with the abused children of Texas.
My areas of focus are: traumatic experiences and PTSD, adoption & foster care, couple & family life challenges, Depression, drug and alcohol problems, LGBT youth and families, ADHD, parenting enhancement, Learning Disabilities, Anxiety Disorders, adolescent issues, subtle neuropsychological issues, Mood Disorders, youth and the criminal justice system, and CPS involvement with families. In April of 2017, I was honored with the Heart of the Home award for my career working with the abused children of Texas.
(512) 666-3958 View (512) 666-3958
Photo of Jill Adams, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jill Adams
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78704
Not accepting new clients
Life's struggles may be knocking you down but they don't have to knock you out. Asking for help sometimes takes a leap of faith but taking that first step can make all the difference in the world! I can help you build the emotional resourcefulness needed to break out of a cycle of anxiety and depression or self-destructive ways of coping. If you feel like you are avoiding life more than you are living it, stop the cycle by prioritizing your mental and emotional health. Therapy is a courageous decision and an investment in your long-term well-being. If you are ready, things can change.
Life's struggles may be knocking you down but they don't have to knock you out. Asking for help sometimes takes a leap of faith but taking that first step can make all the difference in the world! I can help you build the emotional resourcefulness needed to break out of a cycle of anxiety and depression or self-destructive ways of coping. If you feel like you are avoiding life more than you are living it, stop the cycle by prioritizing your mental and emotional health. Therapy is a courageous decision and an investment in your long-term well-being. If you are ready, things can change.
(512) 729-6897 View (512) 729-6897
Photo of Kathryn Wolf, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kathryn Wolf
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78704
You find yourself frustrated within your relationships and can't understand why. You feel burnt out and in a rut. Your routine is inconsistent and every day feels unsteady. You move quickly past the mirror or stare too long at yourself in it, picking apart pieces of your body you're unhappy with. You want consistency, stability and to feel confident in your body. I know where you're at. I know it’s scary, but it gets less scary. I can offer you tools to utilize daily to bring you from watching your life happen, to experiencing it.
You find yourself frustrated within your relationships and can't understand why. You feel burnt out and in a rut. Your routine is inconsistent and every day feels unsteady. You move quickly past the mirror or stare too long at yourself in it, picking apart pieces of your body you're unhappy with. You want consistency, stability and to feel confident in your body. I know where you're at. I know it’s scary, but it gets less scary. I can offer you tools to utilize daily to bring you from watching your life happen, to experiencing it.
(214) 444-3660 View (214) 444-3660
Photo of Mio Hector Alvarado, LCDC, Drug & Alcohol Counselor
Mio Hector Alvarado
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, LCDC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78704
I have witnessed the destructive power of addiction firsthand as a musician. Substance abuse issues plague the music community, I saw families torn apart, lives ruined, and dreams shattered. These experiences left an indelible mark on my soul and ignited a deep passion within me to make a difference in the lives of those affected by addiction. Through my journey, I have understood that addiction is a complex, multifaceted issue affecting individuals from all walks of life. This realization has fueled my commitment to serving with compassion and empathy.
I have witnessed the destructive power of addiction firsthand as a musician. Substance abuse issues plague the music community, I saw families torn apart, lives ruined, and dreams shattered. These experiences left an indelible mark on my soul and ignited a deep passion within me to make a difference in the lives of those affected by addiction. Through my journey, I have understood that addiction is a complex, multifaceted issue affecting individuals from all walks of life. This realization has fueled my commitment to serving with compassion and empathy.
(512) 543-2458 View (512) 543-2458
Photo of Jef Page, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jef Page
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78704
I believe that therapy should be a supportive, collaborative and challenging experience of self-discovery and self-acceptance where all emotions, ideas and issues can be explored and new patterns can unfold. Primarily working with adults, I specialize in working with individuals who may have had difficult childhoods and are wondering how those past experiences may be contributing to their current struggles, conflicts, stagnation or chaos.
I believe that therapy should be a supportive, collaborative and challenging experience of self-discovery and self-acceptance where all emotions, ideas and issues can be explored and new patterns can unfold. Primarily working with adults, I specialize in working with individuals who may have had difficult childhoods and are wondering how those past experiences may be contributing to their current struggles, conflicts, stagnation or chaos.
(737) 232-7141 View (737) 232-7141
Photo of Sara Paules, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Sara Paules
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78704  (Online Only)
You're an adult child of an emotionally immature parent. You'd love for your past to not define you and your relationships to others today but you can't seem to figure out . where things go wrong. You’ve done all the research or have tried therapy before and doing the best you can. Intellectualizing what happened to you is your default but now you're in a place where you're ready to start integrating your body by doing more of the emotional processing and releasing work. You're ready to get going on the work but would like to work with a therapist to help with building your emotional/somatic toolbox & understanding all parts of you.
You're an adult child of an emotionally immature parent. You'd love for your past to not define you and your relationships to others today but you can't seem to figure out . where things go wrong. You’ve done all the research or have tried therapy before and doing the best you can. Intellectualizing what happened to you is your default but now you're in a place where you're ready to start integrating your body by doing more of the emotional processing and releasing work. You're ready to get going on the work but would like to work with a therapist to help with building your emotional/somatic toolbox & understanding all parts of you.
(512) 572-4236 View (512) 572-4236
Photo of Nate Havlick, LCSW, MNLP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Nate Havlick
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MNLP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78704  (Online Only)
For most people, the last few years have been unusually intense. Scary and unpredictable. And yet many have responded with compassion, and a willingness to work together. This is us at our best. Today, you may be struggling. You may be looking for help with important decisions in your life. Perhaps there's someone you love but you have problems getting along. Or maybe you're just tired of feeling anxious, depressed, or angry.
For most people, the last few years have been unusually intense. Scary and unpredictable. And yet many have responded with compassion, and a willingness to work together. This is us at our best. Today, you may be struggling. You may be looking for help with important decisions in your life. Perhaps there's someone you love but you have problems getting along. Or maybe you're just tired of feeling anxious, depressed, or angry.
(512) 649-0363 View (512) 649-0363
Robyn Zymowski, Licensed Professional Counselor
Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78704
Feeling stuck, sad, stressed, angry or easily frustrated, or have any other mood issues that do not seem to go away? Are you worried about how your mood effects your daily functioning and those around you? Are you having problems at work, home? If so, keep reading. I have had over 30 years of experience working with college students, adults, seniors, various ethnic groups, and LGBTQ clients. I use a varying approach to therapy including CBT which is great for changing negative thoughts and behaviors. I enjoy a comfortable and direct approach in order to help people deal with life's challenges. I am originally from the Boston area.
Feeling stuck, sad, stressed, angry or easily frustrated, or have any other mood issues that do not seem to go away? Are you worried about how your mood effects your daily functioning and those around you? Are you having problems at work, home? If so, keep reading. I have had over 30 years of experience working with college students, adults, seniors, various ethnic groups, and LGBTQ clients. I use a varying approach to therapy including CBT which is great for changing negative thoughts and behaviors. I enjoy a comfortable and direct approach in order to help people deal with life's challenges. I am originally from the Boston area.
(512) 607-7900 View (512) 607-7900
Photo of Kelly Harold Edwards, MA, LMFT, LPC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kelly Harold Edwards
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78704
I work with individuals and couples who are struggling with their relationships or feeling stuck in their lives. I believe it takes courage to show up as our authentic selves, and in our work I encourage clients to stand in their truth and live in a way that feels fulfilling. I work with couples who are experiencing conflict, disconnection, or are recovering from betrayal. I help couples learn relational health by shedding light on dysfunctional patterns, improving communication of needs and feelings, and practicing co-regulation.
I work with individuals and couples who are struggling with their relationships or feeling stuck in their lives. I believe it takes courage to show up as our authentic selves, and in our work I encourage clients to stand in their truth and live in a way that feels fulfilling. I work with couples who are experiencing conflict, disconnection, or are recovering from betrayal. I help couples learn relational health by shedding light on dysfunctional patterns, improving communication of needs and feelings, and practicing co-regulation.
(737) 204-6552 View (737) 204-6552
Photo of Shawndel Springer, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Shawndel Springer
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78704  (Online Only)
I specialize in helping adults who struggle with anxiety related to relationships, careers, stress, and family issues. These individuals have reported feeling stuck, overwhelmed, and anxious. My approach to counseling is rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT focuses on empowering you to resolve issues independently through exercises during our sessions and "homework" assignments. I assist clients in developing coping skills that enable them to change their thinking, manage problematic emotions, and modify their behavior.
I specialize in helping adults who struggle with anxiety related to relationships, careers, stress, and family issues. These individuals have reported feeling stuck, overwhelmed, and anxious. My approach to counseling is rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT focuses on empowering you to resolve issues independently through exercises during our sessions and "homework" assignments. I assist clients in developing coping skills that enable them to change their thinking, manage problematic emotions, and modify their behavior.
(737) 510-2295 View (737) 510-2295
Photo of Sarah Imparato, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sarah Imparato
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78704
It is a brave step to seek out support and I admire your courage for taking that step. It would be an honor to support you on your journey. Often times we can feel stuck or overwhelmed with untangling life and therapy can be a container to process and navigate one's life direction forward. Your story is unique to you and as a therapist I join you in understanding and authoring the life you have lived and want to live.
It is a brave step to seek out support and I admire your courage for taking that step. It would be an honor to support you on your journey. Often times we can feel stuck or overwhelmed with untangling life and therapy can be a container to process and navigate one's life direction forward. Your story is unique to you and as a therapist I join you in understanding and authoring the life you have lived and want to live.
(512) 572-9854 View (512) 572-9854
Photo of Catherine M Johnson-Ford, PhD, Psychologist
Catherine M Johnson-Ford
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78704
Not accepting new clients
My goal is to support people in becoming their most authentic & loving selves. I have a particular interest in working with the LGBTQ+ community, and with transitions throughout adulthood. My philosophy is to offer "respectful psychotherapy - the freedom to express and explore your self".
My goal is to support people in becoming their most authentic & loving selves. I have a particular interest in working with the LGBTQ+ community, and with transitions throughout adulthood. My philosophy is to offer "respectful psychotherapy - the freedom to express and explore your self".
(512) 842-2223 View (512) 842-2223
Photo of Megan Jansen, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Megan Jansen
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78704
Welcome! Together we will focus on holistic mental health and creating freedom in your system, so that you can spend more time focusing on what is most important to you. I use a combination of IFS and traditional therapy techniques to empower clients to achieve balance, fulfillment, and purpose. Whether you're looking to overcome stress, anxiety, or relationship issues, we'll work together to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses the mind, body, and spirit.
Welcome! Together we will focus on holistic mental health and creating freedom in your system, so that you can spend more time focusing on what is most important to you. I use a combination of IFS and traditional therapy techniques to empower clients to achieve balance, fulfillment, and purpose. Whether you're looking to overcome stress, anxiety, or relationship issues, we'll work together to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses the mind, body, and spirit.
(512) 764-9725 View (512) 764-9725
Photo of Adrianna Rodriguez - Cultural Refuge Counseling PLLC, MS, LPC-A, NCC, TCYM
Cultural Refuge Counseling PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MS, LPC-A, NCC, TCYM
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78704
Feeling disconnected from yourself, your culture, or your family? Worried about what your family thinks of your lifestyle? Tired of living life with a mask on? It's time to shed the weight of shame and start living guilt-free. I get it! You might feel like the sensitive one, the black sheep, or the scapegoat because you don't follow the same path as your family. Navigating boundaries within dysfunctional or collectivist culture families is tough. Cultural Refuge Counseling is here for those ready to break free from cultural or familial expectations.
Feeling disconnected from yourself, your culture, or your family? Worried about what your family thinks of your lifestyle? Tired of living life with a mask on? It's time to shed the weight of shame and start living guilt-free. I get it! You might feel like the sensitive one, the black sheep, or the scapegoat because you don't follow the same path as your family. Navigating boundaries within dysfunctional or collectivist culture families is tough. Cultural Refuge Counseling is here for those ready to break free from cultural or familial expectations.
(737) 252-4009 View (737) 252-4009
Photo of Pamela B Schott, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Pamela B Schott
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78704  (Online Only)
Clients describe my therapeutic style as interactive, warm, and reassuring. It isn't easy to disclose personal challenges, but my clients have responded pretty quickly to my efforts to build rapport, explore issues, and experiment with solutions. Sometimes this work has been about learning new coping skills, and sometimes the work has been about digging deeply into the past to uproot old patterns that dampen the spirit. In my work with clients--whether individual or couples--I include a focus on integrating body awareness into the work of the heart and mind, so that more profound healing may take place.
Clients describe my therapeutic style as interactive, warm, and reassuring. It isn't easy to disclose personal challenges, but my clients have responded pretty quickly to my efforts to build rapport, explore issues, and experiment with solutions. Sometimes this work has been about learning new coping skills, and sometimes the work has been about digging deeply into the past to uproot old patterns that dampen the spirit. In my work with clients--whether individual or couples--I include a focus on integrating body awareness into the work of the heart and mind, so that more profound healing may take place.
(361) 444-0867 View (361) 444-0867
Photo of Hannah Sonderegger, LCSW, LCDC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Hannah Sonderegger
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCDC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78704
In the midst of life's varied challenges – whether it be your mental health, the dynamics of relationships, the difficulty of addiction, to the echoes of trauma and past wounds – I am here to offer a sanctuary. My foremost commitment is to ensure you feel heard, understood, and supported. Deep within us lie inherent strengths, and my mission is to illuminate yours, translating it into resilience for life's daily challenges. My primary goal is to spotlight your strengths, guiding you to harness them effectively. Authentic self-support often begins within, and I'm dedicated to guiding you towards uncovering this internal strength.
In the midst of life's varied challenges – whether it be your mental health, the dynamics of relationships, the difficulty of addiction, to the echoes of trauma and past wounds – I am here to offer a sanctuary. My foremost commitment is to ensure you feel heard, understood, and supported. Deep within us lie inherent strengths, and my mission is to illuminate yours, translating it into resilience for life's daily challenges. My primary goal is to spotlight your strengths, guiding you to harness them effectively. Authentic self-support often begins within, and I'm dedicated to guiding you towards uncovering this internal strength.
(512) 890-1785 View (512) 890-1785
Photo of Sara Wakefield, LCSW-S, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sara Wakefield
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78704
Are you concerned about your child’s anxiety or emotional outbursts? Do you notice your teen withdrawing or struggling with social and academic pressures? Are you yourself feeling overwhelmed by stress, trauma or life transitions? Perhaps you’re a parent struggling to connect with your child and improve your relationship. If this resonates with you, I may be the fit for you. I specialize in working with children/teens, young adults, and parents in the areas of anxiety, trauma recovery, and parent-child relationships.
Are you concerned about your child’s anxiety or emotional outbursts? Do you notice your teen withdrawing or struggling with social and academic pressures? Are you yourself feeling overwhelmed by stress, trauma or life transitions? Perhaps you’re a parent struggling to connect with your child and improve your relationship. If this resonates with you, I may be the fit for you. I specialize in working with children/teens, young adults, and parents in the areas of anxiety, trauma recovery, and parent-child relationships.
(512) 877-8481 View (512) 877-8481
1
...

How does your Therapist compare?

Number of Therapists in 78704

700+

Average cost per session

$150

Therapists in 78704 who prioritize treating:

94% Anxiety
87% Depression
81% Relationship Issues
75% Self Esteem
71% Trauma and PTSD
71% Stress
68% Life Transitions

Average years in practice

11 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

78% Aetna
57% UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH
56% Cigna and Evernorth

How Therapists in 78704 see their clients

62% In Person and Online
38% Online Only

Gender breakdown

80% Female
19% Male
1% Non-Binary
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling

How can I find a therapist in 78704?

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.