Photo of Natassja Barnes, Counselor in 98103, WA
Natassja Barnes
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98103  (Online Only)
As a Sex Therapist, my approach engages a mixture of humanistic, feminist, and social justice perspectives that work together to see an individual within all the roles and identities they possess. I feel passionate about working with those who are concerned with topics surrounding women's sexuality, LGBTQIA issues, and anti-oppression work. I believe the answers on how to get through hardships reside within us, and I am committed to your personal journey of healing or transformation and what that means for you. My role allows me to become an ally with the healing power of human connection to better your relationships and life.
As a Sex Therapist, my approach engages a mixture of humanistic, feminist, and social justice perspectives that work together to see an individual within all the roles and identities they possess. I feel passionate about working with those who are concerned with topics surrounding women's sexuality, LGBTQIA issues, and anti-oppression work. I believe the answers on how to get through hardships reside within us, and I am committed to your personal journey of healing or transformation and what that means for you. My role allows me to become an ally with the healing power of human connection to better your relationships and life.
(425) 409-2043 View (425) 409-2043
Photo of Judy L Martin, Mental Health Counselor in 98103, WA
Judy L Martin
Mental Health Counselor, LPC, LMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98103
Sometimes the current challenges of our lives, as well as unhealed wounds from the past, impede our ability to live as fully as we aspire. Through creating a safe and compassionate therapeutic space, I strive to work collaboratively with clients to consider a variety of possibilities in how they relate to and meet their unique life challenges. Ultimately, I believe that being understood is a powerful catalyst for change.
Sometimes the current challenges of our lives, as well as unhealed wounds from the past, impede our ability to live as fully as we aspire. Through creating a safe and compassionate therapeutic space, I strive to work collaboratively with clients to consider a variety of possibilities in how they relate to and meet their unique life challenges. Ultimately, I believe that being understood is a powerful catalyst for change.
(206) 672-8396 View (206) 672-8396
Photo of Jennifer Rauscher, Psychologist in 98103, WA
Jennifer Rauscher
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98103  (Online Only)
Choosing a therapist is a deeply personal decision. It's important to find someone that you can relate to and most importantly someone that you trust. We will work together to create a secure relationship, where you begin to feel less alone experiencing emotional vulnerability. It is my belief that lasting growth does not occur as a result of insight and understanding alone. Deep healing and change happen when you are able to explore new emotional experiences and to try new behaviors, in the presence of a supportive person (therapist).
Choosing a therapist is a deeply personal decision. It's important to find someone that you can relate to and most importantly someone that you trust. We will work together to create a secure relationship, where you begin to feel less alone experiencing emotional vulnerability. It is my belief that lasting growth does not occur as a result of insight and understanding alone. Deep healing and change happen when you are able to explore new emotional experiences and to try new behaviors, in the presence of a supportive person (therapist).
(206) 589-2047 View (206) 589-2047
Photo of Barthenia Marie Coleman, Counselor in 98103, WA
Barthenia Marie Coleman
Counselor, MA, MHP,, MHP, LMHCA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98103
Life can be difficult, however sometimes wrong or difficult choices bring us to the right places. I believe as human beings we at some point have experienced stressors that have had some type of impact on our lives. Stressors can be complicated and usually center around our thoughts, feelings (otherwise known as emotions), and behaviors. Understanding those thoughts are what drives our behaviors good, bad happy or sad. My role is to partner with clients to help them improve coping skills to better manage daily life.
Life can be difficult, however sometimes wrong or difficult choices bring us to the right places. I believe as human beings we at some point have experienced stressors that have had some type of impact on our lives. Stressors can be complicated and usually center around our thoughts, feelings (otherwise known as emotions), and behaviors. Understanding those thoughts are what drives our behaviors good, bad happy or sad. My role is to partner with clients to help them improve coping skills to better manage daily life.
(206) 203-8667 View (206) 203-8667
Photo of Elizabeth Lemon, Marriage & Family Therapist in 98103, WA
Elizabeth Lemon
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFTA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98103  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Hello and welcome! It's not easy being a human navigating complex systems and interruptions to our preferred narrative of life. Our agency can become overshadowed by biological, social, psychological, cultural, familial, and political expectations - leaving us feeling conflicted, fatigued, reactive, confused, and uncertain. Utilizing a unique combination of narrative therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and polyvagal theory, I collaborate with clients age 13 and up, to identify how these expectations cause conflict and reconstruct experiences where the client can respond to life from a place of agency and Self.
Hello and welcome! It's not easy being a human navigating complex systems and interruptions to our preferred narrative of life. Our agency can become overshadowed by biological, social, psychological, cultural, familial, and political expectations - leaving us feeling conflicted, fatigued, reactive, confused, and uncertain. Utilizing a unique combination of narrative therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and polyvagal theory, I collaborate with clients age 13 and up, to identify how these expectations cause conflict and reconstruct experiences where the client can respond to life from a place of agency and Self.
(509) 600-1356 View (509) 600-1356
Photo of Marcy Stafford, Counselor in 98103, WA
Marcy Stafford
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98103
Not accepting new clients
Are you going through a particularly difficult time? Perhaps you are struggling with feelings of anxiety or depression? Maybe you have experienced a loss of a relationship or are adjusting to significant changes in your life? Whether the difficulties are past or recent traumas, losses, conflicts in relationships with self or others, I help my clients move toward growth and change. I provide a warm, accepting environment to assist individuals in facing difficult challenges, finding strength and identifying more choices for themselves and their lives.
Are you going through a particularly difficult time? Perhaps you are struggling with feelings of anxiety or depression? Maybe you have experienced a loss of a relationship or are adjusting to significant changes in your life? Whether the difficulties are past or recent traumas, losses, conflicts in relationships with self or others, I help my clients move toward growth and change. I provide a warm, accepting environment to assist individuals in facing difficult challenges, finding strength and identifying more choices for themselves and their lives.
(206) 801-0553 View (206) 801-0553
Photo of Cascades Wellness Center, Psychologist in 98103, WA
Cascades Wellness Center
Psychologist, PsyD, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98103
We are committed to restoring you to your best. Using an individualized, client-centered approach, we work with you to identify strengths and deepen relationships for sustainable and holistic change. At Cascades Wellness Center, our team offers extensive experience as well as a holistic approach to mental health and wellness. Through awareness, compassion, and acceptance, we work with our clients to return you to the life you want and deserve. For us, therapy is not about fixing what is wrong, but about recapturing your capacities to increase your overall health, well-being, and sense of connection in the world.
We are committed to restoring you to your best. Using an individualized, client-centered approach, we work with you to identify strengths and deepen relationships for sustainable and holistic change. At Cascades Wellness Center, our team offers extensive experience as well as a holistic approach to mental health and wellness. Through awareness, compassion, and acceptance, we work with our clients to return you to the life you want and deserve. For us, therapy is not about fixing what is wrong, but about recapturing your capacities to increase your overall health, well-being, and sense of connection in the world.
(206) 258-7498 View (206) 258-7498
Photo of Angie Lai, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in 98103, WA
Angie Lai
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LMFTA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98103
There are times when we know we need more support. We realize we have been carrying things that have become too heavy to carry alone. We have a clear desire to grow into our full potential but we feel stuck and discouraged. We struggle to communicate with our partner and feel the pain of disconnection. We buckle under the incessant demands of being a good parent. We know it could be better, but we don't know how to get there.
There are times when we know we need more support. We realize we have been carrying things that have become too heavy to carry alone. We have a clear desire to grow into our full potential but we feel stuck and discouraged. We struggle to communicate with our partner and feel the pain of disconnection. We buckle under the incessant demands of being a good parent. We know it could be better, but we don't know how to get there.
(206) 580-3176 View (206) 580-3176
Photo of Aleta Annamarie Mattaino, Counselor in 98103, WA
Aleta Annamarie Mattaino
Counselor, MA, LMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98103  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Where does one begin their search for relief from a vague feeling of discomfort, the source of which is difficult to locate, or from emotional/physical pain that announces itself clearly and loudly, the source being well-known? Perhaps you've tried to think your way through the problem or to read self-help books, and neither have helped. You have the thought that if you reach out to someone, relief may follow as you move from isolation to connection and relationship. So you arrive here and I welcome your call. My therapy approach is collaborative and grounded in family systems, psychodynamic, and somatic-based interventions.
Where does one begin their search for relief from a vague feeling of discomfort, the source of which is difficult to locate, or from emotional/physical pain that announces itself clearly and loudly, the source being well-known? Perhaps you've tried to think your way through the problem or to read self-help books, and neither have helped. You have the thought that if you reach out to someone, relief may follow as you move from isolation to connection and relationship. So you arrive here and I welcome your call. My therapy approach is collaborative and grounded in family systems, psychodynamic, and somatic-based interventions.
(206) 855-3471 View (206) 855-3471
Photo of Jenny Gerow -Golden Embers Therapy, Counselor in 98103, WA
Jenny Gerow -Golden Embers Therapy
Counselor, LMHCA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98103
Are you feeling overwhelmed by habits and mindsets that you can't seem to get out of? Have you tried all the techniques but still can't seem to shake the anxious thoughts that invade your mind? Do you often find yourself triggered from a past experience or relationship that keeps surfacing and stopping you in your tracks? Do you continue to return to relationship patterns and relationship choices that you told yourself you would never engage in again? Do you struggle with self worth and body image? Do you feel overall stuck and like there is deeper work that needs to be done?
Are you feeling overwhelmed by habits and mindsets that you can't seem to get out of? Have you tried all the techniques but still can't seem to shake the anxious thoughts that invade your mind? Do you often find yourself triggered from a past experience or relationship that keeps surfacing and stopping you in your tracks? Do you continue to return to relationship patterns and relationship choices that you told yourself you would never engage in again? Do you struggle with self worth and body image? Do you feel overall stuck and like there is deeper work that needs to be done?
(206) 489-3122 View (206) 489-3122
Photo of Julie Turcott, Counselor in 98103, WA
Julie Turcott
Counselor, MA, LMHC, CMHS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98103
I believe therapy offers a profound opportunity for growth and change. I'll be curious about your experience, and we'll pay attention to what feels most important to you as we talk together about your thoughts and feelings. Through this process you'll gain a deeper understanding of yourself. You'll also come to better know your own strengths and resiliency. I am warm, thoughtful, and engaging in my approach and believe that a safe and supportive therapy relationship is essential in easing feelings of discomfort that normally accompany change.
I believe therapy offers a profound opportunity for growth and change. I'll be curious about your experience, and we'll pay attention to what feels most important to you as we talk together about your thoughts and feelings. Through this process you'll gain a deeper understanding of yourself. You'll also come to better know your own strengths and resiliency. I am warm, thoughtful, and engaging in my approach and believe that a safe and supportive therapy relationship is essential in easing feelings of discomfort that normally accompany change.
(206) 531-7392 View (206) 531-7392
Photo of Elizabeth Kilian, Counselor in 98103, WA
Elizabeth Kilian
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98103
No one seeks therapy for the same reason. I do not know your story or why you are seeking, but I know it is not easy. Should you choose to work with me, my hope for you in our work together would be that you would find freedom from whatever binds you--whatever keeps you from joy, from peace, from living as fully as you have within you to live.
No one seeks therapy for the same reason. I do not know your story or why you are seeking, but I know it is not easy. Should you choose to work with me, my hope for you in our work together would be that you would find freedom from whatever binds you--whatever keeps you from joy, from peace, from living as fully as you have within you to live.
(206) 202-7798 View (206) 202-7798
Photo of Samar Ayyub, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 98103, WA
Samar Ayyub
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCAISW, MEd, RYT-500
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98103
I blend traditional, evidence-based practices with holistic practices, such as mindfulness, meditation, and yoga (and a touch of humor!), to guide you on a path toward self-healing and understanding. I specialize in helping you manage feelings of stress, depression, and anxiety. I also provide executive function, self-regulation, and social skills support related to ADHD, autism, and other related challenges. Along with patient care, I work with parents and caretakers of children with disabilities to help them overcome everyday challenges, navigate the intricacies of special education, and discuss how to best support their child.
I blend traditional, evidence-based practices with holistic practices, such as mindfulness, meditation, and yoga (and a touch of humor!), to guide you on a path toward self-healing and understanding. I specialize in helping you manage feelings of stress, depression, and anxiety. I also provide executive function, self-regulation, and social skills support related to ADHD, autism, and other related challenges. Along with patient care, I work with parents and caretakers of children with disabilities to help them overcome everyday challenges, navigate the intricacies of special education, and discuss how to best support their child.
(206) 483-0592 View (206) 483-0592
Photo of John Sherrodd, Counselor in 98103, WA
John Sherrodd
Counselor, MA, LMHC, Coach, Author
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98103
Counseling: I provide Mental Health Counseling for residents of Washington State. Clients are often dealing with anxiety or depression and struggling with relationships. My specialty is working in the area of couples and individual emotionally focused therapy helping people improve relationships and grow their bonds with others.
Counseling: I provide Mental Health Counseling for residents of Washington State. Clients are often dealing with anxiety or depression and struggling with relationships. My specialty is working in the area of couples and individual emotionally focused therapy helping people improve relationships and grow their bonds with others.
(206) 895-7798 View (206) 895-7798
Photo of Jonnae Tillman in 98103, WA
Jonnae Tillman
DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98103  (Online Only)
Dr. Jonnae Tillman is board-certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and holds a doctoral degree as a Doctor of Nursing Practice. Her training allows her to conduct psychiatric evaluations, make diagnoses, prescribe medication, and provide psychotherapy services. Dr. Tillman provides services to adults ages 23-65.
Dr. Jonnae Tillman is board-certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and holds a doctoral degree as a Doctor of Nursing Practice. Her training allows her to conduct psychiatric evaluations, make diagnoses, prescribe medication, and provide psychotherapy services. Dr. Tillman provides services to adults ages 23-65.
(206) 743-9461 View (206) 743-9461
Photo of Nick S. Barkalow, Counselor in 98103, WA
Nick S. Barkalow
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98103
Therapy is a process that can lead to change and growth. It is a process that involves mapping, examining, and exploring the past, the present, and the future in order to alleviate whatever symptoms, difficulties, and struggles are bringing you in. Psychotherapy can address many areas of discomfort and difficulty such as anxiety, depression, concerns regarding sexuality, self-esteem, numbness, compulsive repetition, trauma, abuse, vocation, and relationship to self and others. By thinking, talking, and imagining in a space that is confidential, we can work towards opening up possibilities and empowering transformation.
Therapy is a process that can lead to change and growth. It is a process that involves mapping, examining, and exploring the past, the present, and the future in order to alleviate whatever symptoms, difficulties, and struggles are bringing you in. Psychotherapy can address many areas of discomfort and difficulty such as anxiety, depression, concerns regarding sexuality, self-esteem, numbness, compulsive repetition, trauma, abuse, vocation, and relationship to self and others. By thinking, talking, and imagining in a space that is confidential, we can work towards opening up possibilities and empowering transformation.
(206) 312-7320 View (206) 312-7320
Photo of Isaiah Morehead, Counselor in 98103, WA
Isaiah Morehead
Counselor, MA, LMHC, NCC, CCTP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98103  (Online Only)
Do you want to see real change? Let's be honest: healing takes work. I respect how trauma can impact the brain. My job as your therapist is to help steward you through those unhelpful patterns. Clients who see me have the goal to heal, not continue masking symptoms. They take clinical expectations seriously. They don’t want to just “feel better,” but have the confidence knowing they are addressing root issues. They want to be better! As your steward, I want you to be heard, challenged, and not be dependent on therapy forever.
Do you want to see real change? Let's be honest: healing takes work. I respect how trauma can impact the brain. My job as your therapist is to help steward you through those unhelpful patterns. Clients who see me have the goal to heal, not continue masking symptoms. They take clinical expectations seriously. They don’t want to just “feel better,” but have the confidence knowing they are addressing root issues. They want to be better! As your steward, I want you to be heard, challenged, and not be dependent on therapy forever.
(425) 225-4624 View (425) 225-4624
Photo of Allison Sturges, Marriage & Family Therapist in 98103, WA
Allison Sturges
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98103  (Online Only)
I am accepting new clients at this time in WA, OR and ID. I offer a relaxed atmosphere in therapy where humor and lightheartedness can be incorporated into our professional relationship, when appropriate. I work with individuals, teens and couples who are seeking positive change in their lives and relationships. Ultimately, you will get the best idea of what a therapist is like by meeting them, so I encourage you to reach out to set up a free 15 minute consultation so that we might meet and see if we are a good fit. Research shows that the therapeutic relationship is one of the most reliable predictors of therapeutic effectiveness.
I am accepting new clients at this time in WA, OR and ID. I offer a relaxed atmosphere in therapy where humor and lightheartedness can be incorporated into our professional relationship, when appropriate. I work with individuals, teens and couples who are seeking positive change in their lives and relationships. Ultimately, you will get the best idea of what a therapist is like by meeting them, so I encourage you to reach out to set up a free 15 minute consultation so that we might meet and see if we are a good fit. Research shows that the therapeutic relationship is one of the most reliable predictors of therapeutic effectiveness.
(425) 510-5386 View (425) 510-5386
Photo of Jessica Glover, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 98103, WA
Jessica Glover
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMHC
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98103
As a child and family therapist I work with tweens, teens and young adults (11-25 yr. old) and caregivers. Being young can be fun and also sometimes stressful, confusing, and painful. I work with young people experiencing depression, anxiety, PTSD, emotional dysregulation and distress, and relationship challenges. I also love to work with parents. As parents, whether our child is or is not willing to get therapeutic support, doing our own work to care effectively can have invaluable impact in our children's lives. I help parents to better understand their child, support regulation, and model effective skills.
As a child and family therapist I work with tweens, teens and young adults (11-25 yr. old) and caregivers. Being young can be fun and also sometimes stressful, confusing, and painful. I work with young people experiencing depression, anxiety, PTSD, emotional dysregulation and distress, and relationship challenges. I also love to work with parents. As parents, whether our child is or is not willing to get therapeutic support, doing our own work to care effectively can have invaluable impact in our children's lives. I help parents to better understand their child, support regulation, and model effective skills.
(206) 825-6403 View (206) 825-6403
Photo of Bobbi Smith, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 98103, WA
Bobbi Smith
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSWA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98103
You might be ready for a change, but you’re feeling frozen. You might be struggling with bad memories, but worry that addressing them might mean you have to relive them. You might want to express your needs, but you don’t know how to say it or feel shut down. When I started therapy as a client years ago, my thoughts were: how will I tell a stranger about my personal life? What if they’re secretly judging me? Can I be helped? What if there’s just something wrong with me? These thoughts about therapy are totally normal. We will go at your pace in this process, I won’t judge you, and believe that there is nothing wrong with you.
You might be ready for a change, but you’re feeling frozen. You might be struggling with bad memories, but worry that addressing them might mean you have to relive them. You might want to express your needs, but you don’t know how to say it or feel shut down. When I started therapy as a client years ago, my thoughts were: how will I tell a stranger about my personal life? What if they’re secretly judging me? Can I be helped? What if there’s just something wrong with me? These thoughts about therapy are totally normal. We will go at your pace in this process, I won’t judge you, and believe that there is nothing wrong with you.
(206) 472-1381 View (206) 472-1381

How does your Therapist compare?

Number of Therapists in 98103

700+

Average cost per session

$155

Therapists in 98103 who prioritize treating:

95% Anxiety
90% Depression
84% Relationship Issues
77% Self Esteem
73% Trauma and PTSD
71% Life Transitions
70% Stress

Average years in practice

9 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

74% Premera
44% First Choice Health | FCH
44% LifeWise

How Therapists in 98103 see their clients

65% In Person and Online
35% Online Only

Gender breakdown

73% Female
23% Male
4% Non-Binary
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling

How can I find a therapist in 98103?

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.