Therapists in 97213

Photo of Mj Wilt, Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, LMFT, NCC, MAC
Mj Wilt
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, LMFT, NCC, MAC
4 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97213
Board-Certified by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) and licensed in OR & WA, I work with individuals, couples and families who want to become more internally secure to diminish anxiety of all kinds. I specialize in trauma recovery, sub-specializing in sexual abuse recovery, and I facilitate therapy groups for both men and women for a variety of issues. My most recent certification in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy (PAT) allows me to use (mini-dosed) Ketamine for heart-opening psycholytic sessions, and (macro-dosed) Psilocybin in intentional therapeutic settings. Incredible, next level, healing happens with these aids.
Board-Certified by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) and licensed in OR & WA, I work with individuals, couples and families who want to become more internally secure to diminish anxiety of all kinds. I specialize in trauma recovery, sub-specializing in sexual abuse recovery, and I facilitate therapy groups for both men and women for a variety of issues. My most recent certification in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy (PAT) allows me to use (mini-dosed) Ketamine for heart-opening psycholytic sessions, and (macro-dosed) Psilocybin in intentional therapeutic settings. Incredible, next level, healing happens with these aids.
(971) 238-5110 View (971) 238-5110
Photo of Gabby Hancher, Professional Counselor Associate, MA
Gabby Hancher
Professional Counselor Associate, MA
3 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97213
Hi I’m Gabby, Registered Counselor Associate. Many clients who gravitate towards my practice are queer, neurodivergent, helpers, witchy folks, nerds, creatives, or adult parentified children. I work with folks across the lifespan on a variety of concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, shame, gender dysphoria, chronic pain symptoms, and relational distress. As a practitioner, I describe my style as compassionate, playful, and lovingly sassy. My goal is to help you get free from the patterns that don’t serve you so that you can live your life authentically, and freely.
Hi I’m Gabby, Registered Counselor Associate. Many clients who gravitate towards my practice are queer, neurodivergent, helpers, witchy folks, nerds, creatives, or adult parentified children. I work with folks across the lifespan on a variety of concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, shame, gender dysphoria, chronic pain symptoms, and relational distress. As a practitioner, I describe my style as compassionate, playful, and lovingly sassy. My goal is to help you get free from the patterns that don’t serve you so that you can live your life authentically, and freely.
(971) 328-7451 View (971) 328-7451
Photo of Patrick Cheatham, Psychologist, PsyD
Patrick Cheatham
Psychologist, PsyD
Portland, OR 97213
I provide sex therapy for individuals and couples. Sex therapy is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on various sexual issues. Sex therapy can help people address problems around sexual functioning, desire, pleasure, performance, and meaning. Some mental health and physical health issues can impact a person’s sex life. Some life events can also impact a person’s sex life, such as chronic stress, trauma, isolation and exclusion, and difficult life stages. Sex therapy can help people understand their challenges, grieve and honor what has happened, re-engage their interest in sex and pleasure, and build back this part of their life.
I provide sex therapy for individuals and couples. Sex therapy is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on various sexual issues. Sex therapy can help people address problems around sexual functioning, desire, pleasure, performance, and meaning. Some mental health and physical health issues can impact a person’s sex life. Some life events can also impact a person’s sex life, such as chronic stress, trauma, isolation and exclusion, and difficult life stages. Sex therapy can help people understand their challenges, grieve and honor what has happened, re-engage their interest in sex and pleasure, and build back this part of their life.
(503) 966-8275 View (503) 966-8275
Photo of Daryl Hitchcock, Psychologist, PhD, RPT-S, IMH-E
Daryl Hitchcock
Psychologist, PhD, RPT-S, IMH-E
Portland, OR 97213
I enjoy work with children of all ages and like to work alongside their families as well. Many children I work with have developmental difficulties and some are identified as neurodivergent. These difficulties affect their ability to regulate and often have emotional and behavioral difficulties.
I enjoy work with children of all ages and like to work alongside their families as well. Many children I work with have developmental difficulties and some are identified as neurodivergent. These difficulties affect their ability to regulate and often have emotional and behavioral difficulties.
(971) 273-5499 View (971) 273-5499
Photo of Katheryn Cordova Jimenez, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CADC I
Katheryn Cordova Jimenez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CADC I
2 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97213
I have been working with children, teens, adults, and families for the past 12 years. I provide individual and family therapy for mental health and substance use concerns to people age 8 through 50. I have experience treating substance use, stress, trauma, anxiety, and depression. I also focus on increasing insight, healthy communication and motivation. For optimal privacy protection of your sensitive information, I recommend using my secure contact form through the 'My website' button rather than the "Email me" button.
I have been working with children, teens, adults, and families for the past 12 years. I provide individual and family therapy for mental health and substance use concerns to people age 8 through 50. I have experience treating substance use, stress, trauma, anxiety, and depression. I also focus on increasing insight, healthy communication and motivation. For optimal privacy protection of your sensitive information, I recommend using my secure contact form through the 'My website' button rather than the "Email me" button.
(503) 563-8111 View (503) 563-8111
Photo of Emily Somervell, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Emily Somervell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Portland, OR 97213
My goal is to support your growth and well-being through a collaborative, compassionate counseling relationship. Together, we’ll identify challenges, explore thought and emotional patterns, and work toward meaningful goals. My approach is practical, empowering, and values-based. I specialize in supporting individuals who have experienced trauma and work with concerns including anxiety, depression, chronic illness, life transitions, burnout, college stress, and relationships. I also help clients build coping skills, improve communication, and navigate identity, grief, stress, and women’s health.
My goal is to support your growth and well-being through a collaborative, compassionate counseling relationship. Together, we’ll identify challenges, explore thought and emotional patterns, and work toward meaningful goals. My approach is practical, empowering, and values-based. I specialize in supporting individuals who have experienced trauma and work with concerns including anxiety, depression, chronic illness, life transitions, burnout, college stress, and relationships. I also help clients build coping skills, improve communication, and navigate identity, grief, stress, and women’s health.
(971) 314-5867 View (971) 314-5867
Photo of Nancy Garcia, Clinical Social Work Associate, CSWA
Nancy Garcia
Clinical Social Work Associate, CSWA
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97213
Nancy works with children, adolescents, and families navigating anxiety, trauma, and life transitions, especially when these challenges are connected to family or relationship stress. Many clients come feeling overwhelmed, unsure how to process their experiences, or struggling with communication. Nancy supports clients in building coping skills, strengthening relationships, and developing greater confidence and emotional well-being.
Nancy works with children, adolescents, and families navigating anxiety, trauma, and life transitions, especially when these challenges are connected to family or relationship stress. Many clients come feeling overwhelmed, unsure how to process their experiences, or struggling with communication. Nancy supports clients in building coping skills, strengthening relationships, and developing greater confidence and emotional well-being.
(503) 868-2283 View (503) 868-2283
Photo of Emelie A. Douglas - Sprout Therapy PDX, Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Sprout Therapy PDX
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97213
If you’re reading this, we already know you’re struggling. Maybe you’re having trouble “adulting”. You’re feeling like everyone else seems to have it all together, why can’t you? Your mental health is getting worse and worse, and you just want it to stop. Your day to day life is chaos and worry and you remember better days when things just weren't like this. You might feel like you’re out of control of your life.
If you’re reading this, we already know you’re struggling. Maybe you’re having trouble “adulting”. You’re feeling like everyone else seems to have it all together, why can’t you? Your mental health is getting worse and worse, and you just want it to stop. Your day to day life is chaos and worry and you remember better days when things just weren't like this. You might feel like you’re out of control of your life.
(971) 302-2395 View (971) 302-2395
Photo of Jason Blei, Marriage & Family Therapist, MEd, LMFT
Jason Blei
Marriage & Family Therapist, MEd, LMFT
Portland, OR 97213
I am a licensed couples therapist, in practice for over 15 years. I have provided family interventions for over 20 years and interpersonal individual therapy for over 30 years. I accept most insurances for in-person or Telehealth. My services are professional, approachable, experienced, solution focused, and supportive. Call now to schedule on weekdays at Northwest Psychological Center.
I am a licensed couples therapist, in practice for over 15 years. I have provided family interventions for over 20 years and interpersonal individual therapy for over 30 years. I accept most insurances for in-person or Telehealth. My services are professional, approachable, experienced, solution focused, and supportive. Call now to schedule on weekdays at Northwest Psychological Center.
(503) 406-6674 View (503) 406-6674
Photo of Gracie James Dilley-Bucciarelli, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Gracie James Dilley-Bucciarelli
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Portland, OR 97213
I work with people through a strengths-based, trauma-informed & relational lens. In therapy we create a space to explore communication patterns, challenge outdated beliefs and cultivate resources that support your life and relationships.
I work with people through a strengths-based, trauma-informed & relational lens. In therapy we create a space to explore communication patterns, challenge outdated beliefs and cultivate resources that support your life and relationships.
(503) 500-5900 View (503) 500-5900
Photo of Amanda Halbert - Salt and Heart Therapy, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LAMFT
Salt and Heart Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LAMFT
Portland, OR 97213
Accepting new clients! You and your partner love each other, but lately it feels like you're speaking different languages. Maybe you're stuck in the same fight on repeat. Maybe trust has been broken and you're not sure if it can be rebuilt. Maybe the connection you once had has quietly faded, and you're not sure how you got here. You're not broken. You're stuck. And stuck can change. I work with couples navigating high conflict, infidelity recovery, and disconnection — including LGBTQ+ and ethically non-monogamous partners. I also see individuals working through trauma, anxiety, and the hard work of knowing yourself better.
Accepting new clients! You and your partner love each other, but lately it feels like you're speaking different languages. Maybe you're stuck in the same fight on repeat. Maybe trust has been broken and you're not sure if it can be rebuilt. Maybe the connection you once had has quietly faded, and you're not sure how you got here. You're not broken. You're stuck. And stuck can change. I work with couples navigating high conflict, infidelity recovery, and disconnection — including LGBTQ+ and ethically non-monogamous partners. I also see individuals working through trauma, anxiety, and the hard work of knowing yourself better.
(503) 308-7794 View (503) 308-7794
Photo of Ronald Lee Johnson, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CADC, CYT
Ronald Lee Johnson
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CADC, CYT
3 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97213
I offer mindfulness-based and holistic services to those affected by stress, anxiety, depression, or various unwanted addictive behaviors. Stressors can be from work, relationships, or concerns about the World, among others. Addictive cycles can include drugs or alcohol, food, or destructive romantic patterns. Within the context of mindfulness-based approaches I have studied in both college and spiritual settings, these behaviors are seen to be driven by unconscious, automatic pressures that can be brought into awareness and resolved. They fill a void in one's life that can be replaced by a sense of wholeness, completeness, autonomy, and authenticity.
I offer mindfulness-based and holistic services to those affected by stress, anxiety, depression, or various unwanted addictive behaviors. Stressors can be from work, relationships, or concerns about the World, among others. Addictive cycles can include drugs or alcohol, food, or destructive romantic patterns. Within the context of mindfulness-based approaches I have studied in both college and spiritual settings, these behaviors are seen to be driven by unconscious, automatic pressures that can be brought into awareness and resolved. They fill a void in one's life that can be replaced by a sense of wholeness, completeness, autonomy, and authenticity.
(503) 828-9650 View (503) 828-9650
Photo of Pesha Wasserstrom, Professional Counselor Associate
Pesha Wasserstrom
Professional Counselor Associate
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97213
Pesha uses a collaborative approach to counseling, working with clients to create an accepting, nonjudgmental space where they can explore their stories and experiences. She works with kids and adults navigating complicated family systems, anxiety, relational concerns, identity exploration, complex trauma, and life transitions. Before becoming a therapist, she dedicated over fifteen years to working in schools, which gave her a close-up view of the ways educational systems can cause harm or fail to provide crucial support, particularly for BIPOC, queer, and neurodiverse people.
Pesha uses a collaborative approach to counseling, working with clients to create an accepting, nonjudgmental space where they can explore their stories and experiences. She works with kids and adults navigating complicated family systems, anxiety, relational concerns, identity exploration, complex trauma, and life transitions. Before becoming a therapist, she dedicated over fifteen years to working in schools, which gave her a close-up view of the ways educational systems can cause harm or fail to provide crucial support, particularly for BIPOC, queer, and neurodiverse people.
(971) 318-5743 View (971) 318-5743
Photo of Anne Allanketner, Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, MFT
Anne Allanketner
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, MFT
Portland, OR 97213
A healthy life is full of transformation, change and growth. Sometimes the normal "growing pains" are accompanied by isolation, depression, anxiety and real loss. I welcome people who have the courage to seek another view point, to break the isolation and find the hidden beauty of transformation, amidst the chaos.
A healthy life is full of transformation, change and growth. Sometimes the normal "growing pains" are accompanied by isolation, depression, anxiety and real loss. I welcome people who have the courage to seek another view point, to break the isolation and find the hidden beauty of transformation, amidst the chaos.
(503) 567-4725 View (503) 567-4725
Photo of Amanda McLean, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PMHC, CMHS
Amanda McLean
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PMHC, CMHS
Portland, OR 97213
You may have spent much of your life feeling out of step with the world around you - wondering if something about you is wrong or missing. Expectations around family, gender, relationships, or how you “should” think and function may never have felt like they fit. You’ve tried hard to adapt, mask, or meet others’ standards, yet still feel misunderstood or exhausted. Now you’re looking for understanding, support, and space to better know yourself and build a life that actually fits.
You may have spent much of your life feeling out of step with the world around you - wondering if something about you is wrong or missing. Expectations around family, gender, relationships, or how you “should” think and function may never have felt like they fit. You’ve tried hard to adapt, mask, or meet others’ standards, yet still feel misunderstood or exhausted. Now you’re looking for understanding, support, and space to better know yourself and build a life that actually fits.
(503) 461-9116 View (503) 461-9116
Photo of Sarah Kimes, Professional Counselor Associate , PCA, QMHP, MA
Sarah Kimes
Professional Counselor Associate , PCA, QMHP, MA
3 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97213
I know that starting therapy can be nerve-wracking, and I'm so glad your here! Sometimes, everything feels so overwhelming that we're unsure what to do, maybe your feeling burnt out, anxious, or struggle with self-confidence and self-worth. Maybe you've experienced trauma and need a safe place to land, to process your experiences and move forward into a place of healing and wellness. I specialize in trauma work, including religious trauma and developmental trauma, disassociation and dissociative disorders. those thinking about suicide or self-injury, domestic violence, LGBTQ+, life transitions, Indigenous communities and ADHD.
I know that starting therapy can be nerve-wracking, and I'm so glad your here! Sometimes, everything feels so overwhelming that we're unsure what to do, maybe your feeling burnt out, anxious, or struggle with self-confidence and self-worth. Maybe you've experienced trauma and need a safe place to land, to process your experiences and move forward into a place of healing and wellness. I specialize in trauma work, including religious trauma and developmental trauma, disassociation and dissociative disorders. those thinking about suicide or self-injury, domestic violence, LGBTQ+, life transitions, Indigenous communities and ADHD.
(971) 299-7025 View (971) 299-7025
Photo of Natasha Minnick, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Natasha Minnick
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Portland, OR 97213
Natasha is a compassionate and dedicated therapist who believes every individual has innate strength and potential that has yet to be unlocked. Her approach is rooted in empathy, active listening, and practical strategies such as systemic thinking, cognitive-behavioral therapy, humanistic approach, to help clients build healthier, more connected relationships. Whether you’re working through communication struggles, family conflicts, or the complexities of life, Natasha is committed to guiding you toward positive change with care and respect.
Natasha is a compassionate and dedicated therapist who believes every individual has innate strength and potential that has yet to be unlocked. Her approach is rooted in empathy, active listening, and practical strategies such as systemic thinking, cognitive-behavioral therapy, humanistic approach, to help clients build healthier, more connected relationships. Whether you’re working through communication struggles, family conflicts, or the complexities of life, Natasha is committed to guiding you toward positive change with care and respect.
(971) 447-0318 View (971) 447-0318
Photo of Rhea Morais, Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Rhea Morais
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
4 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97213
It's hard to be a human living in an often dehumanizing and disconnecting society. Many of us are taught from a young age by our families, peer groups, and the systems we grew up in to stuff our feelings down, ignore traumatic things that have happened to us, put on a happy face and be as "normal" as possible, at great personal cost to us. It hurts to have to carry the burden of our emotional pain on our own, with few real outlets of release. I became a therapist because I see therapy as a safe haven where the darker and more painful aspects of life are free to be witnessed with empathy, processed, and healed from.
It's hard to be a human living in an often dehumanizing and disconnecting society. Many of us are taught from a young age by our families, peer groups, and the systems we grew up in to stuff our feelings down, ignore traumatic things that have happened to us, put on a happy face and be as "normal" as possible, at great personal cost to us. It hurts to have to carry the burden of our emotional pain on our own, with few real outlets of release. I became a therapist because I see therapy as a safe haven where the darker and more painful aspects of life are free to be witnessed with empathy, processed, and healed from.
(971) 290-2656 View (971) 290-2656
Photo of Isaac Suarez-Nugent, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, CSWA
Isaac Suarez-Nugent
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, CSWA
Portland, OR 97213
Isaac Suarez-Nugent helps individuals across Oregon build insight, resilience, and meaningful change through compassionate, evidence-based mental health care. He works with teens, adults, and seniors, offering a supportive space where clients can explore challenges, strengthen coping skills, and move toward a more balanced and fulfilling life. This provider practices at LifeStance Health and is committed to delivering personalized care that reflects each individual’s goals and lived experiences.
Isaac Suarez-Nugent helps individuals across Oregon build insight, resilience, and meaningful change through compassionate, evidence-based mental health care. He works with teens, adults, and seniors, offering a supportive space where clients can explore challenges, strengthen coping skills, and move toward a more balanced and fulfilling life. This provider practices at LifeStance Health and is committed to delivering personalized care that reflects each individual’s goals and lived experiences.
(971) 316-5228 View (971) 316-5228
Photo of Maxx Potter, Professional Counselor Associate, PCA
Maxx Potter
Professional Counselor Associate, PCA
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97213
Maxx is an Professional Counselor Associate who primarily works with emerging adults, teenagers (14+), and LGBTQIA+ people. Maxx has experience supporting folks experiencing anxiety, depression, suicidality, non-suicidal self harm, ADHD, relational challenges, and life transitions. He enjoys working with clients in education, neurodivergent folks, gender diverse individuals, and clients involved in kink/BDSM communities. Maxx also writes WPATH letters for gender affirming healthcare that are comprehensive, effective, and accessible.
Maxx is an Professional Counselor Associate who primarily works with emerging adults, teenagers (14+), and LGBTQIA+ people. Maxx has experience supporting folks experiencing anxiety, depression, suicidality, non-suicidal self harm, ADHD, relational challenges, and life transitions. He enjoys working with clients in education, neurodivergent folks, gender diverse individuals, and clients involved in kink/BDSM communities. Maxx also writes WPATH letters for gender affirming healthcare that are comprehensive, effective, and accessible.
(971) 813-2713 View (971) 813-2713

See more therapy options for 97213

How does your Therapist compare?

Number of Therapists in 97213

300+

Average cost per session

$175

Therapists in 97213 who prioritize treating:

95% Anxiety
95% Social Anxiety
95% Health Anxiety
95% Driving Anxiety
86% Depression
78% Relationship Issues
75% Trauma and PTSD

Average years in practice

11 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

71% Aetna
67% Regence
62% Moda Health

How Therapists in 97213 see their clients

72% In Person and Online
28% Online Only

Gender breakdown

73% Female
21% Male
6% Non-Binary
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling

How can I find a therapist in 97213?

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.