Therapists in 94071

Photo of Eva Van Horn, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Eva Van Horn
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Serves Area
I believe that the decision to care for yourself by seeking therapy takes courage and strength. Everyone comes to therapy with unique needs and situations. As each person is unique, therapy should be tailored to fit the unique needs of each individual. It is my goal to provide a safe space and a restorative relationship to help you to work through the thoughts, feelings, or beliefs that are causing problems. Congratulations on taking the first step and seeking someone to help you along the way!
I believe that the decision to care for yourself by seeking therapy takes courage and strength. Everyone comes to therapy with unique needs and situations. As each person is unique, therapy should be tailored to fit the unique needs of each individual. It is my goal to provide a safe space and a restorative relationship to help you to work through the thoughts, feelings, or beliefs that are causing problems. Congratulations on taking the first step and seeking someone to help you along the way!
(209) 721-7757 View (209) 721-7757
Photo of Peggy Farrell, Marriage & Family Therapist, MEd, MA, LMFT, LPCC
Peggy Farrell
Marriage & Family Therapist, MEd, MA, LMFT, LPCC
Serves Area
My formal name is Margaret but everyone calls me Peggy. I love to work with clients who are exploring who they are. Perhaps you feel like you have moments of feeling lonely and stuck? Perhaps your life events have made you feel separate and different from others? Maybe you have trouble focusing and your concentration can be spotty? You wonder how others see you and you want to fit in.
My formal name is Margaret but everyone calls me Peggy. I love to work with clients who are exploring who they are. Perhaps you feel like you have moments of feeling lonely and stuck? Perhaps your life events have made you feel separate and different from others? Maybe you have trouble focusing and your concentration can be spotty? You wonder how others see you and you want to fit in.
(628) 257-8828 View (628) 257-8828
Photo of Monika Grace, Psychologist, PhD, MDiv, ThM, MA
Monika Grace
Psychologist, PhD, MDiv, ThM, MA
Serves Area
I am Rev. Dr. Monika Maria Grace and I welcome you to my page! In our first session together, I also welcome you to my real or virtual office and I invite you to make it your own safe space. I explain that therapy is a process, a relationship, and an adventure. It's also a gift of discovery and renewal that only you can give to yourself, especially in our challenging days. In this process, my role is to listen, to support, to challenge, to guide, and to celebrate you as you are becoming more courageous to face the parts of yourself you were avoiding, more accepting of yourself and of others, and fully present in your life.
I am Rev. Dr. Monika Maria Grace and I welcome you to my page! In our first session together, I also welcome you to my real or virtual office and I invite you to make it your own safe space. I explain that therapy is a process, a relationship, and an adventure. It's also a gift of discovery and renewal that only you can give to yourself, especially in our challenging days. In this process, my role is to listen, to support, to challenge, to guide, and to celebrate you as you are becoming more courageous to face the parts of yourself you were avoiding, more accepting of yourself and of others, and fully present in your life.
(619) 430-4996 View (619) 430-4996
Photo of Lori Macchi-Pina, Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Lori Macchi-Pina
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Serves Area
Hello, I'm Lori, welcome to my profile page! Working with families has always been a passion of mine. Since 1994, I have worked with families with the goal of facilitating effective communication and emotional health. It's not easy growing up in the Bay area today. I grew up on the Peninsula and it is a totally different world now for our kids. I have two teenagers myself, and the pressure they feel to succeed sometimes feels insurmountable! I lead several teen groups. Teen groups provide a safe place to come and talk about those challenges.
Hello, I'm Lori, welcome to my profile page! Working with families has always been a passion of mine. Since 1994, I have worked with families with the goal of facilitating effective communication and emotional health. It's not easy growing up in the Bay area today. I grew up on the Peninsula and it is a totally different world now for our kids. I have two teenagers myself, and the pressure they feel to succeed sometimes feels insurmountable! I lead several teen groups. Teen groups provide a safe place to come and talk about those challenges.
(650) 489-0526 View (650) 489-0526

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Sarah Hammill, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Sarah Hammill
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Are you an over-achiever with a painful childhood? Do you push yourself to be the best, even when it taxes your personal life and mental health? I help adults like you who’ve experienced chaotic or traumatic childhoods. I understand how exhausting it can be to stay one step ahead of the inner critic and keep hidden the most vulnerable parts inside. I know the toll it takes: low self-confidence, burnout and anxiety. And I want more for you. More confidence, more clarity, and more joy.
Are you an over-achiever with a painful childhood? Do you push yourself to be the best, even when it taxes your personal life and mental health? I help adults like you who’ve experienced chaotic or traumatic childhoods. I understand how exhausting it can be to stay one step ahead of the inner critic and keep hidden the most vulnerable parts inside. I know the toll it takes: low self-confidence, burnout and anxiety. And I want more for you. More confidence, more clarity, and more joy.
(510) 454-8430 View (510) 454-8430
Photo of Julia Mudarri, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Julia Mudarri
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Do you often feel isolated or overwhelmed? Do you constantly feel hurried? Our lives can present us with situations that cause us to question everything we thought we knew. Sometimes painful issues from your past like sexual abuse or other painful childhood experiences resurface. During these times, it can feel hopeless: causing anxiety or depression. Balancing these concerns among our busy lives causes stress and affect relationships with partners and children. Sometimes disagreements about how to parent also adds extra strain. You are not alone.
Do you often feel isolated or overwhelmed? Do you constantly feel hurried? Our lives can present us with situations that cause us to question everything we thought we knew. Sometimes painful issues from your past like sexual abuse or other painful childhood experiences resurface. During these times, it can feel hopeless: causing anxiety or depression. Balancing these concerns among our busy lives causes stress and affect relationships with partners and children. Sometimes disagreements about how to parent also adds extra strain. You are not alone.
(408) 560-4758 View (408) 560-4758
Photo of Kailey Daniels, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Kailey Daniels
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
As a fourth-generation therapist, my drive to alleviate suffering and support personal growth is part of my lineage. I am deeply committed to helping people make meaningful and lasting change in their lives. In a world where some many challenges arise, therapy offers a space to pause and reconnect with yourself. If you are seeking to deepen your understanding of self, navigate life with greater awareness and purpose, and strengthen the way you relate to others, you have come to the right place. My goal is to create a supportive space where insight leads to action, and change feels both practical and deeply personal.
As a fourth-generation therapist, my drive to alleviate suffering and support personal growth is part of my lineage. I am deeply committed to helping people make meaningful and lasting change in their lives. In a world where some many challenges arise, therapy offers a space to pause and reconnect with yourself. If you are seeking to deepen your understanding of self, navigate life with greater awareness and purpose, and strengthen the way you relate to others, you have come to the right place. My goal is to create a supportive space where insight leads to action, and change feels both practical and deeply personal.
(858) 290-7430 View (858) 290-7430
Photo of Liliana E. Llamas, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Liliana E. Llamas
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
Many clients come to me overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, trauma, burnout, or grief. Others struggle with low self-worth, life transitions, or feeling like they’re not enough. As a clinical therapist with over 15 years of experience, I help you understand how past experiences and current stressors impact your emotional health. I offer a safe, personalized space where you can feel seen, supported, and empowered. Together, we’ll work to reduce emotional pain, manage stress, and build confidence, resilience, and a stronger sense of self. You don’t have to navigate this alone, healing is possible, and I’m here to help.
Many clients come to me overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, trauma, burnout, or grief. Others struggle with low self-worth, life transitions, or feeling like they’re not enough. As a clinical therapist with over 15 years of experience, I help you understand how past experiences and current stressors impact your emotional health. I offer a safe, personalized space where you can feel seen, supported, and empowered. Together, we’ll work to reduce emotional pain, manage stress, and build confidence, resilience, and a stronger sense of self. You don’t have to navigate this alone, healing is possible, and I’m here to help.
(714) 426-6959 View (714) 426-6959
Photo of Alicia Moore, Psychologist, PsyD
Alicia Moore
Psychologist, PsyD
6 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94710
I offer warm and collaborative psychotherapy with adults across different issues, stages in life, challenges, and triumphs. It is often in the presence of compassionate attunement that we can fully explore who we are - where we come from, the forces that shape us, how we are now, and living the life that is important to us. Therapy is your time, and it can be used to process, reflect, take inventory, heal, learn new strategies, identify your values, and find ways to live in integrity with those values. It is a place to find balance, introspection, create changes, celebrate strengths, explore nuance, and experience relief and joy.
I offer warm and collaborative psychotherapy with adults across different issues, stages in life, challenges, and triumphs. It is often in the presence of compassionate attunement that we can fully explore who we are - where we come from, the forces that shape us, how we are now, and living the life that is important to us. Therapy is your time, and it can be used to process, reflect, take inventory, heal, learn new strategies, identify your values, and find ways to live in integrity with those values. It is a place to find balance, introspection, create changes, celebrate strengths, explore nuance, and experience relief and joy.
(510) 982-6615 View (510) 982-6615
Photo of Stephanie Slapik, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Stephanie Slapik
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Oakland, CA 94618
Nice to meet you here on your search for a therapist - I'm Stephanie. Many people seek therapy due to having a sense that something is not right. This may be a recent development or a long-familiar feeling. Trauma, marginalization, and other people’s expectations can prevent us from being ourselves and creating a life that feels right. I practice a type of therapy called relational psychodynamic psychotherapy. I believe in this type of therapy as a way to make long-lasting, meaningful change in a way that feels authentic and true to you.
Nice to meet you here on your search for a therapist - I'm Stephanie. Many people seek therapy due to having a sense that something is not right. This may be a recent development or a long-familiar feeling. Trauma, marginalization, and other people’s expectations can prevent us from being ourselves and creating a life that feels right. I practice a type of therapy called relational psychodynamic psychotherapy. I believe in this type of therapy as a way to make long-lasting, meaningful change in a way that feels authentic and true to you.
(341) 217-7774 View (341) 217-7774
Photo of Ricardo Almada, Psychologist, PsyD
Ricardo Almada
Psychologist, PsyD
Danville, CA 94526
As a psychologist, I provide psychotherapy and psychological evaluation services. I typically utilize a CBT approach when providing psychotherapy. However, each parent and client comes to therapy with specific concerns which they would like addressed. To provide the most effective treatment, other modalities may be incorporated after taking into account concerns, diagnosis, and age. Whether it's CBT, mindfulness techniques, ACT, schema therapy, Gottman method, or narrative therapy, our sessions will be unique and goal driven.
As a psychologist, I provide psychotherapy and psychological evaluation services. I typically utilize a CBT approach when providing psychotherapy. However, each parent and client comes to therapy with specific concerns which they would like addressed. To provide the most effective treatment, other modalities may be incorporated after taking into account concerns, diagnosis, and age. Whether it's CBT, mindfulness techniques, ACT, schema therapy, Gottman method, or narrative therapy, our sessions will be unique and goal driven.
(925) 515-5686 View (925) 515-5686
Photo of Patrick Spencer Hayden, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Patrick Spencer Hayden
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94122
Patrick has a passion for supporting teenagers through the tumultuous years of adolescence. With a breadth of experience in mental health, Patrick has honed his skills in helping young people navigate the complex challenges they face, from academic stress and social pressures to family dynamics and self-esteem issues. Patrick also supports adults and families. Patrick takes a kind and careful approach with his clients with a focus on building relationships and a supportive space for growth to take place. Patrick’s professional, yet laid back approach allows clients the opportunity to get to know and connect with their therapist.
Patrick has a passion for supporting teenagers through the tumultuous years of adolescence. With a breadth of experience in mental health, Patrick has honed his skills in helping young people navigate the complex challenges they face, from academic stress and social pressures to family dynamics and self-esteem issues. Patrick also supports adults and families. Patrick takes a kind and careful approach with his clients with a focus on building relationships and a supportive space for growth to take place. Patrick’s professional, yet laid back approach allows clients the opportunity to get to know and connect with their therapist.
(415) 569-0174 View (415) 569-0174
Photo of Lisa Cohen Bennett, Psychologist, PhD
Lisa Cohen Bennett
Psychologist, PhD
Berkeley, CA 94705
As a psychologist, teacher, mother and trauma specialist, I enjoy working with teens, young adults, adults and couples who are trying to feel better. If you are wanting to stop the challenging patterns in your life, we may be a good fit. If you are wanting to find (or re-find) the joy in life, we may be a good fit. If you are wondering how your history may be affecting your current life, we may be a good fit. If you are looking for a psychotherapist who will help you help yourself, we may be a good fit. You and I will develop a warm, accepting, compassionate environment where we work to establish hope. Give it a try!
As a psychologist, teacher, mother and trauma specialist, I enjoy working with teens, young adults, adults and couples who are trying to feel better. If you are wanting to stop the challenging patterns in your life, we may be a good fit. If you are wanting to find (or re-find) the joy in life, we may be a good fit. If you are wondering how your history may be affecting your current life, we may be a good fit. If you are looking for a psychotherapist who will help you help yourself, we may be a good fit. You and I will develop a warm, accepting, compassionate environment where we work to establish hope. Give it a try!
(925) 248-4815 View (925) 248-4815
Photo of Larissa Bertos, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Larissa Bertos
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
1 Endorsed
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
Do you want a healthy and fulfilling sex life? Many people are impacted by insufficient sexual education, shame from cultural taboos, and past experiences that leave them feeling confused or hurt. I help people recover from sexual oppression, repression, shame and sexual expectations from societal, familial, cultural or religious systems. Whether you are navigating your needs individually or in partnership(s), sex therapy with can help you achieve your goals.
Do you want a healthy and fulfilling sex life? Many people are impacted by insufficient sexual education, shame from cultural taboos, and past experiences that leave them feeling confused or hurt. I help people recover from sexual oppression, repression, shame and sexual expectations from societal, familial, cultural or religious systems. Whether you are navigating your needs individually or in partnership(s), sex therapy with can help you achieve your goals.
(408) 413-3393 View (408) 413-3393
Photo of Cristina Cabiles, Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, APCC
Cristina Cabiles
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, APCC
2 Endorsed
As a multicultural person native to the Bay Area, I bring curiosity and deep seeded commitment to want to know You and your hopes for treatment so we can approach the work as a unit. As a longtime helper through various health and education settings I work in a collaborative, research based, culturally aware format. As a mover and dance practitioner, we'll move through the current situation with your unique values and goals, and co-design paths and tools to address wellness. My approach while eclectic will also be tenderly tailored to You.
As a multicultural person native to the Bay Area, I bring curiosity and deep seeded commitment to want to know You and your hopes for treatment so we can approach the work as a unit. As a longtime helper through various health and education settings I work in a collaborative, research based, culturally aware format. As a mover and dance practitioner, we'll move through the current situation with your unique values and goals, and co-design paths and tools to address wellness. My approach while eclectic will also be tenderly tailored to You.
(650) 663-4456 x6526 View (650) 663-4456 x6526
Photo of Herberth S Rivera, Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Herberth S Rivera
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
San Francisco, CA 94109
The individuals I work with come from many different backgrounds and lifestyles. Depression, anxiety, alcoholism, addiction, relationships challenges and other issues do not discriminate, but affect all races, religions, lifestyles, education levels, and income brackets. My approach to each individual situation varies based on clients' needs and preferences. I may choose from cognitive behavioral, object-relations, humanistic, transcendental, family systems, or other therapeutic approaches, based upon a client's needs. Couples may be involved in traditional marriage or an alternative lifestyle.
The individuals I work with come from many different backgrounds and lifestyles. Depression, anxiety, alcoholism, addiction, relationships challenges and other issues do not discriminate, but affect all races, religions, lifestyles, education levels, and income brackets. My approach to each individual situation varies based on clients' needs and preferences. I may choose from cognitive behavioral, object-relations, humanistic, transcendental, family systems, or other therapeutic approaches, based upon a client's needs. Couples may be involved in traditional marriage or an alternative lifestyle.
(415) 741-2141 View (415) 741-2141
Photo of Rebecca Aptekar, Psychologist, PsyD
Rebecca Aptekar
Psychologist, PsyD
Burlingame, CA 94010
We all go through difficult times in life. But none of us has to go through them alone! Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, stress, depression, relationship difficulties, divorce, dating, narcissistic abuse, parenting challenges, or menopause … I’m here for you. As a licensed psychologist, my role is to help you alleviate any symptoms you’re facing, make sense of your world, understand what gives life meaning, work through any barriers to your growth, and empower you to be in the driver seat of your life.
We all go through difficult times in life. But none of us has to go through them alone! Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, stress, depression, relationship difficulties, divorce, dating, narcissistic abuse, parenting challenges, or menopause … I’m here for you. As a licensed psychologist, my role is to help you alleviate any symptoms you’re facing, make sense of your world, understand what gives life meaning, work through any barriers to your growth, and empower you to be in the driver seat of your life.
(415) 799-7979 View (415) 799-7979
Photo of Ayla Lorraine, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Ayla Lorraine
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610
I believe building an authentic human relationship rooted in non-judgement, caring attention, and respect for your unique goals is the key to effective therapy. For me, humor is an essential tool for connection and helps soften the difficult and sometimes painful work of healing. I aim for a balance between deep, transformative reflection and practical changes that can make everyday life feel lighter.
I believe building an authentic human relationship rooted in non-judgement, caring attention, and respect for your unique goals is the key to effective therapy. For me, humor is an essential tool for connection and helps soften the difficult and sometimes painful work of healing. I aim for a balance between deep, transformative reflection and practical changes that can make everyday life feel lighter.
(510) 944-0638 View (510) 944-0638
Photo of Vidya Bharat, Psychologist, PhD
Vidya Bharat
Psychologist, PhD
Mountain View, CA 94040
I take a practical and innovative approach to therapy, integrating evidence-based treatments to help clients achieve their goals. I am dedicated to creating a safe and supportive space where clients can freely express themselves and initiate positive change. Through active listening, building a meaningful therapeutic relationship, and applying a motivational approach, I encourage clients to fully engage in their healing journey, empowering them to reach their desired outcomes.
I take a practical and innovative approach to therapy, integrating evidence-based treatments to help clients achieve their goals. I am dedicated to creating a safe and supportive space where clients can freely express themselves and initiate positive change. Through active listening, building a meaningful therapeutic relationship, and applying a motivational approach, I encourage clients to fully engage in their healing journey, empowering them to reach their desired outcomes.
(650) 643-5605 View (650) 643-5605
Photo of Dr. Charles A McPhail, Psychologist, PhD, LCSW
Dr. Charles A McPhail
Psychologist, PhD, LCSW
San Francisco, CA 94103
You may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck in old patterns, or struggling with loss, addiction, or relationship challenges. You want real change, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Therapy can help you develop healthier coping tools, navigate difficult emotions, and rediscover clarity. Whether you're seeking personal healing, better communication, or just someone who listens without judgment—you’ve already taken the first step by being here. I'm ready to help you take the next one.
You may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck in old patterns, or struggling with loss, addiction, or relationship challenges. You want real change, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Therapy can help you develop healthier coping tools, navigate difficult emotions, and rediscover clarity. Whether you're seeking personal healing, better communication, or just someone who listens without judgment—you’ve already taken the first step by being here. I'm ready to help you take the next one.
(248) 936-6717 View (248) 936-6717

See more therapy options for 94071

How does your Therapist compare?

Number of Therapists in 94071

< 10

Therapists in 94071 who prioritize treating:

100% Relationship Issues
100% Depression
100% Anxiety
100% Grief
100% Spirituality
100% Trauma and PTSD
100% School Issues

Average years in practice

22 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

50% Aetna
50% BlueCross and BlueShield
50% Dayforce

How Therapists in 94071 see their clients

100% In Person and Online

Gender breakdown

100% Female
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling

How can I find a therapist in 94071?

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.