Therapists in Portland, OR

View neighborhoods in Portland
Photo of Ranann Blatter, Professional Counselor Associate in Portland, OR
Ranann Blatter
Professional Counselor Associate, MS, NCC, HTR
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97296
Does the idea of sitting in an office not feel supportive to you? Do you feel more authentic, inspired, and connected in nature? As beings who are part of nature, aligning with the timing of nature allows our nervous systems to relax and regulate. Our cultural timelines emphasize productivity and constant striving for more, pressures that go against our natural proclivity for essential things like rest, awe, enjoyment, presence, and connection. When we reconnect to the rhythm of our natural surroundings, we easily bring ourselves back to baseline where we can restore wellness, be creative, & truly experience the fullness of life.
Does the idea of sitting in an office not feel supportive to you? Do you feel more authentic, inspired, and connected in nature? As beings who are part of nature, aligning with the timing of nature allows our nervous systems to relax and regulate. Our cultural timelines emphasize productivity and constant striving for more, pressures that go against our natural proclivity for essential things like rest, awe, enjoyment, presence, and connection. When we reconnect to the rhythm of our natural surroundings, we easily bring ourselves back to baseline where we can restore wellness, be creative, & truly experience the fullness of life.
(971) 247-3292 View (971) 247-3292
Photo of Jona Behrer, Licensed Professional Counselor in Portland, OR
Jona Behrer
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97232
Waitlist for new clients
Life is both beauty and pain. You don't have to bear it alone. Therapy can help! I help my clients move from survival to growth. We'll work together to process and release emotions, increase self awareness, and gain insight for change. Through this process you'll build empowerment and resilience which will help you to cope with life's challenges and strive toward a happier and healthier life. I specialize in trauma, women's issues, & grief. I help clients as they navigate difficulties with anxiety, attachment, depression, loss, low self esteem, the patriarchy, pregnancy, postpartum, relationships and trauma.
Life is both beauty and pain. You don't have to bear it alone. Therapy can help! I help my clients move from survival to growth. We'll work together to process and release emotions, increase self awareness, and gain insight for change. Through this process you'll build empowerment and resilience which will help you to cope with life's challenges and strive toward a happier and healthier life. I specialize in trauma, women's issues, & grief. I help clients as they navigate difficulties with anxiety, attachment, depression, loss, low self esteem, the patriarchy, pregnancy, postpartum, relationships and trauma.
(971) 599-2826 View (971) 599-2826
Photo of Mariah L Beltran, Pre-Licensed Professional in Portland, OR
Mariah L Beltran
Pre-Licensed Professional, PhD
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97214  (Online Only)
Waitlist only, not accepting new clients at this time. I'm a psychology resident at Therapy, Altered under the supervision of Dr. Thaen Saelee. I have experience working with individuals seeking support for trauma-related concerns, body-image concerns, depression, anxiety, identity development, & the spectrum of relationship concerns. I am passionate about supporting women of color, in particular – Latina/e women & women who are of mixed race/ethnicities. My philosophy is that clients are the experts on their lives & I am honored to walk along side of them as they find their optimal health.
Waitlist only, not accepting new clients at this time. I'm a psychology resident at Therapy, Altered under the supervision of Dr. Thaen Saelee. I have experience working with individuals seeking support for trauma-related concerns, body-image concerns, depression, anxiety, identity development, & the spectrum of relationship concerns. I am passionate about supporting women of color, in particular – Latina/e women & women who are of mixed race/ethnicities. My philosophy is that clients are the experts on their lives & I am honored to walk along side of them as they find their optimal health.
(503) 966-3858 View (503) 966-3858
Photo of Matthew J Lucas, Pre-Licensed Professional in Portland, OR
Matthew J Lucas
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, CSWA
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97232
Waitlist for new clients
Let's take the time to talk about what gets in your way. Together we will identify roadblocks, examine patterns, and reauthor a story that aligns with a new vision. Change creation does not have to be limited by your past experiences or future fears. Change happens with compassion and support. Using connection as a foundation for courage. We will have an open, honest, empathic, and nonjudgmental exchange of stories.
Let's take the time to talk about what gets in your way. Together we will identify roadblocks, examine patterns, and reauthor a story that aligns with a new vision. Change creation does not have to be limited by your past experiences or future fears. Change happens with compassion and support. Using connection as a foundation for courage. We will have an open, honest, empathic, and nonjudgmental exchange of stories.
(503) 386-0151 View (503) 386-0151
Photo of Lesley A Feingold, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Portland, OR
Lesley A Feingold
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97215
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience practicing psychotherapy with adults and adolescents in New York City, and am happy to now call Portland my home. I specialize in working with individuals struggling with grief, loss, anxiety, addiction, depression, and trauma, helping to address life challenges, transitions and long-standing issues. As we all find ourselves in this startling new landscape due to the presence of COVID-19, I can support you in coping with newfound challenges, helping you to find your grounding--even amidst our "new normal".
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience practicing psychotherapy with adults and adolescents in New York City, and am happy to now call Portland my home. I specialize in working with individuals struggling with grief, loss, anxiety, addiction, depression, and trauma, helping to address life challenges, transitions and long-standing issues. As we all find ourselves in this startling new landscape due to the presence of COVID-19, I can support you in coping with newfound challenges, helping you to find your grounding--even amidst our "new normal".
(917) 983-0488 View (917) 983-0488
Photo of Christopher M Bartel, Psychologist in Portland, OR
Christopher M Bartel
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97210
Not accepting new clients
I work well with clients who are seeking to establish a deeper understanding of themselves, are curious about their inner lives and how their history has impacted them and lives on in present day, gaining increased insight and awareness into aspects of their experience that may be inaccessible or unconscious, and using the therapeutic relationship to better understand their own thoughts, feelings, and ways of relating with others.
I work well with clients who are seeking to establish a deeper understanding of themselves, are curious about their inner lives and how their history has impacted them and lives on in present day, gaining increased insight and awareness into aspects of their experience that may be inaccessible or unconscious, and using the therapeutic relationship to better understand their own thoughts, feelings, and ways of relating with others.
(971) 314-4742 View (971) 314-4742
Photo of Emma Knighton, Counselor in Portland, OR
Emma Knighton
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97202
Not accepting new clients
I will work with you to attend to your mind, body, & spirit. It is common for people who have experienced significant life changes, challenging relationship dynamics, or trauma to feel a sense of disconnection from their inner self, their bodies, & their relationships. It often feels as if the weight of your experiences are blocking you from fully engaging in your present life. I specialize in helping you heal these barriers to growth & building unity within yourself & your relationships. My approach is grounded in anti-oppression, queer, feminist, & consent theories and is poly, kink, sex-worker, & gender-identity affirming.
I will work with you to attend to your mind, body, & spirit. It is common for people who have experienced significant life changes, challenging relationship dynamics, or trauma to feel a sense of disconnection from their inner self, their bodies, & their relationships. It often feels as if the weight of your experiences are blocking you from fully engaging in your present life. I specialize in helping you heal these barriers to growth & building unity within yourself & your relationships. My approach is grounded in anti-oppression, queer, feminist, & consent theories and is poly, kink, sex-worker, & gender-identity affirming.
(503) 436-6402 View (503) 436-6402
Photo of Sienna Church, LPC Intern in Portland, OR
Sienna Church
LPC Intern, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97214
Waitlist for new clients
Hello! I am so glad you're here. As you’ve embarked on your search for a therapist, I’m sure many questions have come up. What kind of therapist do I need? How will I tell my story? Who will I trust and connect with? Will I ever feel better? While many of these questions are yours to answer, I hope I can help make the search easier. Like you, I’ve struggled with my mental health, worked to maintain connections and boundaries with others, explored my identity and overall traveled the ups and downs of life. In some ways we may be the same, and in other ways not.
Hello! I am so glad you're here. As you’ve embarked on your search for a therapist, I’m sure many questions have come up. What kind of therapist do I need? How will I tell my story? Who will I trust and connect with? Will I ever feel better? While many of these questions are yours to answer, I hope I can help make the search easier. Like you, I’ve struggled with my mental health, worked to maintain connections and boundaries with others, explored my identity and overall traveled the ups and downs of life. In some ways we may be the same, and in other ways not.
(503) 855-0472 View (503) 855-0472
Photo of Margeaux Wilkinson, Psychologist in Portland, OR
Margeaux Wilkinson
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97239
Not accepting new clients
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with experience working in both community mental health and private practice settings. My practice is broad in scope, treating teens and adults from diverse backgrounds who are struggling with a variety of difficulties. From my years of work with kids and teens, I also provide consultation to help parents best support their child or teen through difficult life transitions or symptoms.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with experience working in both community mental health and private practice settings. My practice is broad in scope, treating teens and adults from diverse backgrounds who are struggling with a variety of difficulties. From my years of work with kids and teens, I also provide consultation to help parents best support their child or teen through difficult life transitions or symptoms.
(971) 252-5358 View (971) 252-5358
Photo of Shane D Kennington, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Portland, OR
Shane D Kennington
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW, CDWF
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97221
ARE YOU WANTING A MORE AUTHENTIC WHOLEHEARTED LIFE? I am a certified Daring Way facilitator who works with clients to develop shame resilience skills and a courage practice that transforms the way they live, love, parent, and lead. Dr. Brene Brown's The Daring Way(tm) curriculum is a highly experiential methodology developed to help men, women, and adolescents learn how to show up, be seen, and live braver more authentic lives. Using this methodology I work collaboratively with my clients to support them around challenges with stress, depression, anxiety, relationships, work, and recovery from addictions.
ARE YOU WANTING A MORE AUTHENTIC WHOLEHEARTED LIFE? I am a certified Daring Way facilitator who works with clients to develop shame resilience skills and a courage practice that transforms the way they live, love, parent, and lead. Dr. Brene Brown's The Daring Way(tm) curriculum is a highly experiential methodology developed to help men, women, and adolescents learn how to show up, be seen, and live braver more authentic lives. Using this methodology I work collaboratively with my clients to support them around challenges with stress, depression, anxiety, relationships, work, and recovery from addictions.
(971) 256-8095 View (971) 256-8095
Photo of Kyong Yi, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Portland, OR
Kyong Yi
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97227
Anxiety, trauma, feelings of worthlessness, depression and a host of other health and mental health challenges peel away at our ability to connect with others. It leaves us feeling alone, lost, powerless and hopeless. Studies have shown that the power of connection is an essential component to a long and meaningful life. So many times, our fears and thoughts that we are not enough, we will be rejected, and that we are invisible trap us in internal suffering. It can feel like we are watching life happen around us from behind a glass window, longing to join but with no way of breaking through.
Anxiety, trauma, feelings of worthlessness, depression and a host of other health and mental health challenges peel away at our ability to connect with others. It leaves us feeling alone, lost, powerless and hopeless. Studies have shown that the power of connection is an essential component to a long and meaningful life. So many times, our fears and thoughts that we are not enough, we will be rejected, and that we are invisible trap us in internal suffering. It can feel like we are watching life happen around us from behind a glass window, longing to join but with no way of breaking through.
(503) 281-4852 View (503) 281-4852
Photo of Ann Marie Miner, Psychologist in Portland, OR
Ann Marie Miner
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97206  (Online Only)
I specialize in perinatal mental health which means I work with women who are trying to conceive, are pregnant, have experienced infertility, miscarriage or infant loss, and those new to parenthood. In our work we will talk about the highs and lows of the perinatal period. You will get to say out loud, the things so many women are thinking and feeling but so few are saying. My favorite conversations are the ones that start with, "I don't know if this makes me a bad person but..." I'm going to help you feel So Normal about the experiences you currently feel guilt, shame and uncertainty around. And we'll find your path forward.
I specialize in perinatal mental health which means I work with women who are trying to conceive, are pregnant, have experienced infertility, miscarriage or infant loss, and those new to parenthood. In our work we will talk about the highs and lows of the perinatal period. You will get to say out loud, the things so many women are thinking and feeling but so few are saying. My favorite conversations are the ones that start with, "I don't know if this makes me a bad person but..." I'm going to help you feel So Normal about the experiences you currently feel guilt, shame and uncertainty around. And we'll find your path forward.
(503) 406-1474 View (503) 406-1474
Photo of Catherine Blanche Rose, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Portland, OR
Catherine Blanche Rose
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, CHT, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97214  (Online Only)
All sessions are currently online currently. With so many adjustments it is unclear what my future practice will be in terms of online/in-person. Certified in one of today's most effective integrative counseling methods, Hakomi Therapy and EMDR, I work with you to heal from past experiences. I provide caring, deep counseling for individuals. We work with patterns and core beliefs in a way that opens them up or allows them to fall away. One client described my technique as "the most direct route to problems she had ever seen." Together we'll process grief and heavy realities to generate possibility and fullness in your life.
All sessions are currently online currently. With so many adjustments it is unclear what my future practice will be in terms of online/in-person. Certified in one of today's most effective integrative counseling methods, Hakomi Therapy and EMDR, I work with you to heal from past experiences. I provide caring, deep counseling for individuals. We work with patterns and core beliefs in a way that opens them up or allows them to fall away. One client described my technique as "the most direct route to problems she had ever seen." Together we'll process grief and heavy realities to generate possibility and fullness in your life.
(971) 224-7348 View (971) 224-7348
Photo of Ari Kramer, Psychologist in Portland, OR
Ari Kramer
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97214  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Creating change in our minds, our relationships, and our society takes internal work. Without self-care, we can get burned out from feeling anxious about the world around us, coping with internalized oppression,or struggling with self-esteem. We are shaped by our feelings about ourselves and our surroundings. I use a multicultural feminist approach to explore these feelings, relationships, and process the effects of your social context. Therapy can be a safe space to support, challenge, and motivate you while you're doing the brave work of learning, growing and healing.
Creating change in our minds, our relationships, and our society takes internal work. Without self-care, we can get burned out from feeling anxious about the world around us, coping with internalized oppression,or struggling with self-esteem. We are shaped by our feelings about ourselves and our surroundings. I use a multicultural feminist approach to explore these feelings, relationships, and process the effects of your social context. Therapy can be a safe space to support, challenge, and motivate you while you're doing the brave work of learning, growing and healing.
(503) 213-9173 View (503) 213-9173
Photo of Ryan T Samples, Professional Counselor Associate in Portland, OR
Ryan T Samples
Professional Counselor Associate, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97223
Have growing anxiety and stress that is becoming unmanageable? Feeling angry? Feeling stuck in the past or numb in the present? Having trouble sleeping? Find yourself being over critical of yourself? In a messy relationship and unsure what you can or want to do? Maybe frustrated with work and curious about a new career path but not sure where to start? It is not hard to find people around us who want to tell us what to think and how to act. What is hard to find is a space that is quiet and safe, that allows us the ability to recognize our own feelings and align them with our own thoughts.
Have growing anxiety and stress that is becoming unmanageable? Feeling angry? Feeling stuck in the past or numb in the present? Having trouble sleeping? Find yourself being over critical of yourself? In a messy relationship and unsure what you can or want to do? Maybe frustrated with work and curious about a new career path but not sure where to start? It is not hard to find people around us who want to tell us what to think and how to act. What is hard to find is a space that is quiet and safe, that allows us the ability to recognize our own feelings and align them with our own thoughts.
(503) 868-0513 View (503) 868-0513
Photo of Elizabeth 'eliza' Winter, Psychologist in Portland, OR
Elizabeth 'eliza' Winter
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97204
Dr. Winter is a clinical psychologist with a background in treatment, assessment, and research. She specializes in anxiety and neurodevelopmental disorders including (but, not limited to) ADHD, Autism Spectrum, OCD, social anxiety, generalized anxiety, panic disorder, and agoraphobia. She excels at solving tricky clinical questions to identify what is causing specific problems or keeping someone from progressing in treatment.
Dr. Winter is a clinical psychologist with a background in treatment, assessment, and research. She specializes in anxiety and neurodevelopmental disorders including (but, not limited to) ADHD, Autism Spectrum, OCD, social anxiety, generalized anxiety, panic disorder, and agoraphobia. She excels at solving tricky clinical questions to identify what is causing specific problems or keeping someone from progressing in treatment.
(971) 259-4664 View (971) 259-4664
Photo of Rhea Morais, LPC Intern in Portland, OR
Rhea Morais
LPC Intern, MA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97227
Finding a therapist can be a daunting process, but if you're here you've already taken the first difficult steps towards making a change. That in itself is commendable.
Finding a therapist can be a daunting process, but if you're here you've already taken the first difficult steps towards making a change. That in itself is commendable.
(971) 290-2656 View (971) 290-2656
Photo of Madz Wright, Clinical Social Work Associate in Portland, OR
Madz Wright
Clinical Social Work Associate, MSW, CSWA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97209  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Hello, and welcome! I truly believe there is bravery in slowing down with someone else and beginning to consider that your pain could use another heart to hold it. In our work together, I hope to empower you to build a curious and understanding relationship with the distressed, normal and brilliant parts of you that have been managing your suffering within the context of self-esteem, relationship challenges, family of origin difficulties, systemic injustice, and isms. Equally as important, I hope to support you in helping you connect and care for your younger self that might still be holding the burdens of past trauma.
Hello, and welcome! I truly believe there is bravery in slowing down with someone else and beginning to consider that your pain could use another heart to hold it. In our work together, I hope to empower you to build a curious and understanding relationship with the distressed, normal and brilliant parts of you that have been managing your suffering within the context of self-esteem, relationship challenges, family of origin difficulties, systemic injustice, and isms. Equally as important, I hope to support you in helping you connect and care for your younger self that might still be holding the burdens of past trauma.
(971) 318-4207 View (971) 318-4207
Photo of Matthew David Lovell, Marriage & Family Therapist in Portland, OR
Matthew David Lovell
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97209
Hello, I am a therapist and clinical supervisor with over 25 years of experience working with adults, adolescents and families throughout the life cycle. My specialties include: life stage transition, couples counseling, parenting challenging teens, depression , anxiety, identity issues, substance abuse, attachment and adjustment to a new normal after a diagnosis or medical intervention. I also provide clinical supervision to interns who are working toward their LPC and LMFT licenses. Visit my website at http://www.matthewlovell.com for more information. Thank you!
Hello, I am a therapist and clinical supervisor with over 25 years of experience working with adults, adolescents and families throughout the life cycle. My specialties include: life stage transition, couples counseling, parenting challenging teens, depression , anxiety, identity issues, substance abuse, attachment and adjustment to a new normal after a diagnosis or medical intervention. I also provide clinical supervision to interns who are working toward their LPC and LMFT licenses. Visit my website at http://www.matthewlovell.com for more information. Thank you!
(503) 549-4447 View (503) 549-4447
Photo of Meg Fromuth, Marriage & Family Therapist in Portland, OR
Meg Fromuth
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97216  (Online Only)
I strive to provide comprehensive therapeutic services by identifying goals and needs, encouraging communication and reflection, and establishing trusting relationships with each client. Whether offering support, comfort, or guidance, I aim to play various roles tailored to my clients' needs. It's my privilege to accompany individuals and relationships on th
I strive to provide comprehensive therapeutic services by identifying goals and needs, encouraging communication and reflection, and establishing trusting relationships with each client. Whether offering support, comfort, or guidance, I aim to play various roles tailored to my clients' needs. It's my privilege to accompany individuals and relationships on th
(971) 365-3748 View (971) 365-3748

How does your Therapist compare?

Number of Therapists in Portland, OR

3,000+

Average cost per session

$160

Therapists in Portland, OR who prioritize treating:

91% Anxiety
85% Depression
78% Relationship Issues
76% Self Esteem
73% Trauma and PTSD
70% Stress
67% Life Transitions

Average years in practice

10 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

54% PacificSource
47% Aetna
38% BlueCross and BlueShield

How Therapists in Portland, OR see their clients

56% In Person and Online
44% Online Only

Gender breakdown

75% Female
21% Male
4% Non-Binary
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling

How can I find a therapist in Portland?

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.