Therapists in Metairie, LA

Photo of Devina Parker, Marriage & Family Therapist in Metairie, LA
Devina Parker
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Metairie, LA 70002
I work with survivors of emotional & physical trauma (18+). Many of my clients find themselves playing by the survival rules of that life changing experience to keep themselves safe. Unfortunately, those rules become part of the problem when that event has passed. When this happens, they find themselves feeling alone, having relationships that are triggering, and often think, “Why does this keep happening?" They need help identifying their unhealthy thought/behavior patterns to create new rules to live by. Instead of living a life through the lens of hurt and fear they want to live one through love and connection.
I work with survivors of emotional & physical trauma (18+). Many of my clients find themselves playing by the survival rules of that life changing experience to keep themselves safe. Unfortunately, those rules become part of the problem when that event has passed. When this happens, they find themselves feeling alone, having relationships that are triggering, and often think, “Why does this keep happening?" They need help identifying their unhealthy thought/behavior patterns to create new rules to live by. Instead of living a life through the lens of hurt and fear they want to live one through love and connection.
(504) 499-5560 View (504) 499-5560
Photo of Mehwish Issa, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Metairie, LA
Mehwish Issa
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Metairie, LA 70001
Have you been in therapy for years and still find yourself at the same spot? Are you feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and frustrated with daily chaos? Is it getting difficult to keep up with daily routines? As a trauma therapist, I help individuals find the calm and confidence they need to connect with themselves, even in the chaos of everyday life. I understand it is not easy to talk about your past. I can help you accept all parts of you that are carrying the burden from past traumatic experiences and help you build a strong relationship with yourself.
Have you been in therapy for years and still find yourself at the same spot? Are you feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and frustrated with daily chaos? Is it getting difficult to keep up with daily routines? As a trauma therapist, I help individuals find the calm and confidence they need to connect with themselves, even in the chaos of everyday life. I understand it is not easy to talk about your past. I can help you accept all parts of you that are carrying the burden from past traumatic experiences and help you build a strong relationship with yourself.
(504) 353-9782 View (504) 353-9782
Photo of Tracy Carlson, Psychologist in Metairie, LA
Tracy Carlson
Psychologist, PhD, LP, CST
Verified Verified
Metairie, LA 70002
As a licensed psychologist and AASECT certified sex therapist, I work with a variety of mental health and sexuality concerns. I view psychotherapy as a collaborative process where the client and the therapist work together to facilitate positive change. Therapy can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping for issues such as depression, anxiety, lack of confidence, relationship troubles or marital conflicts, sexual difficulties, unresolved childhood issues, bereavement, & spiritual conflicts.
As a licensed psychologist and AASECT certified sex therapist, I work with a variety of mental health and sexuality concerns. I view psychotherapy as a collaborative process where the client and the therapist work together to facilitate positive change. Therapy can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping for issues such as depression, anxiety, lack of confidence, relationship troubles or marital conflicts, sexual difficulties, unresolved childhood issues, bereavement, & spiritual conflicts.
(888) 580-5995 View (888) 580-5995
Photo of Emily McInnis, Licensed Professional Counselor in Metairie, LA
Emily McInnis
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, RPT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Metairie, LA 70006
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor at Vaughn Therapeutic Collective. My counseling approach comes from both play therapy client centered and cognitive behavioral perspectives, I utilize modalities to meet my client's needs. I am passionate about the power of play and feel I am someone who possesses a youthful spirit that allows me to build a therapeutic relationship with a range of age groups.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor at Vaughn Therapeutic Collective. My counseling approach comes from both play therapy client centered and cognitive behavioral perspectives, I utilize modalities to meet my client's needs. I am passionate about the power of play and feel I am someone who possesses a youthful spirit that allows me to build a therapeutic relationship with a range of age groups.
(504) 386-3985 View (504) 386-3985
Photo of Ellen Santolucito, LPC, LLC, Counselor in Metairie, LA
Ellen Santolucito, LPC, LLC
Counselor, MEd, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Metairie, LA 70005
Hello, I have 25 years of experience having worked with various populations and issues. I believe that life is a journey that presents to us constant experiences for learning and growth to become your best self, whatever that means to you. Change is challenging as one becomes comfortable in the uncomfortable. But as you become aware of the routines and patterns that you continue with that are not working for you, you will be moving toward making lifelong changes that not only affect you positively but also your relationships with others. Change is possible, anxiety and depression are manageable and you are well worth your time.
Hello, I have 25 years of experience having worked with various populations and issues. I believe that life is a journey that presents to us constant experiences for learning and growth to become your best self, whatever that means to you. Change is challenging as one becomes comfortable in the uncomfortable. But as you become aware of the routines and patterns that you continue with that are not working for you, you will be moving toward making lifelong changes that not only affect you positively but also your relationships with others. Change is possible, anxiety and depression are manageable and you are well worth your time.
(504) 420-7944 View (504) 420-7944
Photo of Brennan Behavior Group in Metairie, LA
Brennan Behavior Group
PhD, BCAB
Verified Verified
Metairie, LA 70005
At Brennan Behavior Group, we strive to provide a very supportive and open atmosphere where we can work with you to discover the personal strengths and weaknesses which drive your life. Our goal is to educate our clients so that they can feel informed when making decisions in their life and navigating their relationships.
At Brennan Behavior Group, we strive to provide a very supportive and open atmosphere where we can work with you to discover the personal strengths and weaknesses which drive your life. Our goal is to educate our clients so that they can feel informed when making decisions in their life and navigating their relationships.
(504) 507-8815 View (504) 507-8815
Photo of Ana Rivera, Licensed Professional Counselor in Metairie, LA
Ana Rivera
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Metairie, LA 70005
Not accepting new clients
How engaged are you with life? How do you relate to those around you? These are questions I explore with my clients by allowing our relationship to guide the process. As Irvin Yalom very well stated, "Therapy should not be theory driven, but relationship driven." I am a firm believer of this sentiment; and will accompany you on what I believe is an on-going journey towards self-growth. Through a therapeutic relationship that is safe, genuine, and caring; I aim to guide my client towards insight that makes a path towards change, understanding, and/or acceptance more feasible.
How engaged are you with life? How do you relate to those around you? These are questions I explore with my clients by allowing our relationship to guide the process. As Irvin Yalom very well stated, "Therapy should not be theory driven, but relationship driven." I am a firm believer of this sentiment; and will accompany you on what I believe is an on-going journey towards self-growth. Through a therapeutic relationship that is safe, genuine, and caring; I aim to guide my client towards insight that makes a path towards change, understanding, and/or acceptance more feasible.
(504) 608-3849 View (504) 608-3849
Photo of Paige Anne Walther, Licensed Professional Counselor in Metairie, LA
Paige Anne Walther
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Metairie, LA 70006  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Are you feeling stuck and frustrated in life? Congratulations, it takes courage to take the first step. I create a safe and judgment-free environment to explore the uncomfortable aspects of life & the things you want to change and evolve.
Are you feeling stuck and frustrated in life? Congratulations, it takes courage to take the first step. I create a safe and judgment-free environment to explore the uncomfortable aspects of life & the things you want to change and evolve.
(504) 732-0916 View (504) 732-0916
Photo of Ashley Mirambell, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Metairie, LA
Ashley Mirambell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Metairie, LA 70005
I am passionate about facilitating healing through the therapeutic process and helping clients reach their goals. I provide a safe environment for my clients to explore and process the stressors that occur in life. I believe in an individualistic method to counseling, meaning I meet the clients where they are in life and tailor my skills around what works best for them. I believe that people are the experts of their lives, and have the strengths within them to overcome any challenge they face.
I am passionate about facilitating healing through the therapeutic process and helping clients reach their goals. I provide a safe environment for my clients to explore and process the stressors that occur in life. I believe in an individualistic method to counseling, meaning I meet the clients where they are in life and tailor my skills around what works best for them. I believe that people are the experts of their lives, and have the strengths within them to overcome any challenge they face.
(504) 434-3577 View (504) 434-3577
Photo of Maria Gabriela Klaffky, Pre-Licensed Professional in Metairie, LA
Maria Gabriela Klaffky
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, PLPC, NCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Metairie, LA 70005
With my knowledge from clinical and lived experience I hope to work with clients in the perinatal/ postpartum community and those individuals going through infertility and/or fertility treatments. I deeply value the journey of becoming a parent and through my own experience of grief and loss, I center my practice in knowing that even if the goal is the same, each individual/couple has their own narrative filled with struggles and triumphs. I also enjoy working with artists, creatives, spiritual seekers, and those looking to understand in what ways difficult external situations and trauma have created inner voices that block their
With my knowledge from clinical and lived experience I hope to work with clients in the perinatal/ postpartum community and those individuals going through infertility and/or fertility treatments. I deeply value the journey of becoming a parent and through my own experience of grief and loss, I center my practice in knowing that even if the goal is the same, each individual/couple has their own narrative filled with struggles and triumphs. I also enjoy working with artists, creatives, spiritual seekers, and those looking to understand in what ways difficult external situations and trauma have created inner voices that block their
(504) 788-2503 View (504) 788-2503
Photo of Andrea Kent Steinkamp, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Metairie, LA
Andrea Kent Steinkamp
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BACS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Metairie, LA 70002
Do you find that you feel stuck, & trapped by feelings of depression, anxiety, fear and loneliness, or like you are constantly emotionally drained? Perhaps your life seems difficult, empty, or flat out falling apart? Or like you have been hijacked by negative thoughts and memories. If so, now may be the time to consider reaching out for help. Each of us struggles with feeling unhappy, frightened and alone from time to time, and change can seem scary and insurmountable. Do not despair, there is help available that will allow you to have a rich relationship with yourself and others, as well as to begin experiencing joy in your life.
Do you find that you feel stuck, & trapped by feelings of depression, anxiety, fear and loneliness, or like you are constantly emotionally drained? Perhaps your life seems difficult, empty, or flat out falling apart? Or like you have been hijacked by negative thoughts and memories. If so, now may be the time to consider reaching out for help. Each of us struggles with feeling unhappy, frightened and alone from time to time, and change can seem scary and insurmountable. Do not despair, there is help available that will allow you to have a rich relationship with yourself and others, as well as to begin experiencing joy in your life.
(504) 397-9065 View (504) 397-9065
Photo of Always Hope LLC, Licensed Professional Counselor in Metairie, LA
Always Hope LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Metairie, LA 70002
Kelly’s intention as a therapist is to create and maintain a trusting, reflective environment in which her clients can explore their cognitions, behaviors, feelings, and values. Kelly works from a person-centered approach, with the understanding that all clients and their experiences are unique. Kelly also considers the “systems” in which each individual is a part of. Together with her clients, Kelly will help expand the individual’s awareness of their identity and how each experience has influenced their mental health. Kelly believes that the therapeutic relationship is the most significant component of the healing process.
Kelly’s intention as a therapist is to create and maintain a trusting, reflective environment in which her clients can explore their cognitions, behaviors, feelings, and values. Kelly works from a person-centered approach, with the understanding that all clients and their experiences are unique. Kelly also considers the “systems” in which each individual is a part of. Together with her clients, Kelly will help expand the individual’s awareness of their identity and how each experience has influenced their mental health. Kelly believes that the therapeutic relationship is the most significant component of the healing process.
(504) 386-5898 View (504) 386-5898
Photo of Travis Pollard, Licensed Professional Counselor in Metairie, LA
Travis Pollard
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Metairie, LA 70002
I have experience working with clients from various backgrounds, presenting with multiple different mental health concerns. I have the most experience and training in working with survivors of trauma. Many of my clients have suffered unbearable loss, abuse, neglect, and traumatic experiences outside of their control. They need help in identifying and regaining control over their symptoms that stem from the trauma they have endured. They need a safe relationship in which they are able to reprocess the events and reactions to the hardest things they have experienced. They want to not feel trapped in their traumatic memory.
I have experience working with clients from various backgrounds, presenting with multiple different mental health concerns. I have the most experience and training in working with survivors of trauma. Many of my clients have suffered unbearable loss, abuse, neglect, and traumatic experiences outside of their control. They need help in identifying and regaining control over their symptoms that stem from the trauma they have endured. They need a safe relationship in which they are able to reprocess the events and reactions to the hardest things they have experienced. They want to not feel trapped in their traumatic memory.
(504) 384-6950 View (504) 384-6950
Photo of Nisha Talwar, Licensed Professional Counselor in Metairie, LA
Nisha Talwar
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Metairie, LA 70002
Hi, my name is Nisha Talwar. A brief intro is that I love to challenge my clients, give them a different perspective and help them to see things differently. I would want the clients to empower themselves, make the ability to take responsibility for their actions. I enjoy working with multicultural population and I know we are each unique in some ways whereas share the some commonalities among us. I have worked in the field of mental health for several years with a cross section of the population. I firmly believe that capitalizing on strengths and hidden potentials will facilitate healing and boost confidence
Hi, my name is Nisha Talwar. A brief intro is that I love to challenge my clients, give them a different perspective and help them to see things differently. I would want the clients to empower themselves, make the ability to take responsibility for their actions. I enjoy working with multicultural population and I know we are each unique in some ways whereas share the some commonalities among us. I have worked in the field of mental health for several years with a cross section of the population. I firmly believe that capitalizing on strengths and hidden potentials will facilitate healing and boost confidence
(504) 641-6582 View (504) 641-6582
Photo of Michelle Swanford (Regina Michelle), Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Metairie, LA
Michelle Swanford (Regina Michelle)
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MHM, MSW
Verified Verified
Metairie, LA 70001
Waitlist for new clients
How's your happy? Perhaps it's been on the decline, episodic, or maybe you've lost it altogether and can't even remember when or how. The truth is that life happens, and happiness can fluctuate. But if you misplace your happy for too long, it can have a significant impact on your mood, creativity, productivity, relationships, and overall health and well-being. The good news is that there are things we can do to facilitate the change needed to impact our happy. With a focus on integrated health and mindfulness, my goal is to provide you with the tools needed to boost your happy and get you back on the road to total well-being.
How's your happy? Perhaps it's been on the decline, episodic, or maybe you've lost it altogether and can't even remember when or how. The truth is that life happens, and happiness can fluctuate. But if you misplace your happy for too long, it can have a significant impact on your mood, creativity, productivity, relationships, and overall health and well-being. The good news is that there are things we can do to facilitate the change needed to impact our happy. With a focus on integrated health and mindfulness, my goal is to provide you with the tools needed to boost your happy and get you back on the road to total well-being.
(504) 913-6678 View (504) 913-6678
Photo of Gina P Roussel, Licensed Professional Counselor in Metairie, LA
Gina P Roussel
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC-S, NCC
Verified Verified
Metairie, LA 70006
Not accepting new clients
The choice of a counselor is an important one. It is my belief the relationship between the therapist and client is the foundation for successful therapy. My goal is to provide clients with a non-judgmental, empathetic, genuine and collaborative environment. It is within this environment that one can strengthen self awareness and become empowered to begin making positive changes and choices which can improve life experiences.
The choice of a counselor is an important one. It is my belief the relationship between the therapist and client is the foundation for successful therapy. My goal is to provide clients with a non-judgmental, empathetic, genuine and collaborative environment. It is within this environment that one can strengthen self awareness and become empowered to begin making positive changes and choices which can improve life experiences.
(504) 285-2476 View (504) 285-2476
Photo of Ashlie T Clouatre, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Metairie, LA
Ashlie T Clouatre
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Metairie, LA 70005
In my practice, I am available to help people struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, divorce, grief and adjustments to life changes. Clients are able to feel comfortable in a relaxed environment, where they can meet their goals of decreased stress and increase feelings of peace, confidence and strength. They can also gain tools to manage symptoms of fear and worry. Children can gain techniques to cope and function with stressors in school, social, and family life. Families going through separation and divorce can benefit from consultation on how to go through the process of change, putting the children’s best interest first.
In my practice, I am available to help people struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, divorce, grief and adjustments to life changes. Clients are able to feel comfortable in a relaxed environment, where they can meet their goals of decreased stress and increase feelings of peace, confidence and strength. They can also gain tools to manage symptoms of fear and worry. Children can gain techniques to cope and function with stressors in school, social, and family life. Families going through separation and divorce can benefit from consultation on how to go through the process of change, putting the children’s best interest first.
(504) 290-1805 View (504) 290-1805
Photo of Danette Dollison-Johnson, Licensed Professional Counselor in Metairie, LA
Danette Dollison-Johnson
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S, MT-BC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Metairie, LA 70001
It takes strength and courage to reach out for help. I have faced many challenges in childhood, as a mom, and in a relationship. I believe that the healing work I have done with these challenges has helped me to better show up with compassion and humility. We are all in this together. I work from a somatic body based trauma informed lens. I use the following modalities: brainspotting, cognitive therapy, music therapy, creative arts therapy, psychodrama, EMDR, experiential therapy, coaching, psychodramatic body work, advanced integrative therapy, and I am a Brene Brene Brown Daring Way Facilitator.
It takes strength and courage to reach out for help. I have faced many challenges in childhood, as a mom, and in a relationship. I believe that the healing work I have done with these challenges has helped me to better show up with compassion and humility. We are all in this together. I work from a somatic body based trauma informed lens. I use the following modalities: brainspotting, cognitive therapy, music therapy, creative arts therapy, psychodrama, EMDR, experiential therapy, coaching, psychodramatic body work, advanced integrative therapy, and I am a Brene Brene Brown Daring Way Facilitator.
(504) 315-1032 View (504) 315-1032
Photo of Michael J Barry, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Metairie, LA
Michael J Barry
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Metairie, LA 70002
I have 30 years experience working with ages 18 and older. I believe in the wholistic approach, working with an individual's mind, body, and spirit. I like to teach practical ways of coping with the outside world and empower my client to assert themselves to get their needs met. I have worked with various diagnoses throughout the years, including mood disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and dual diagnosis. I also work with relationship issues, grief, codependency, and work issues.
I have 30 years experience working with ages 18 and older. I believe in the wholistic approach, working with an individual's mind, body, and spirit. I like to teach practical ways of coping with the outside world and empower my client to assert themselves to get their needs met. I have worked with various diagnoses throughout the years, including mood disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and dual diagnosis. I also work with relationship issues, grief, codependency, and work issues.
(504) 517-8286 View (504) 517-8286
Photo of Arthur Scudari LPC-S, Counselor in Metairie, LA
Arthur Scudari LPC-S
Counselor, MEd, NCC, LPC-S
Verified Verified
Metairie, LA 70006
Hi, this is Art, I've been working in the mental health field for 28 years and as a licensed counselor since 2007. Have you ever had a problem or issue that you are concerned about? We all have. So, what do we do? We first try talking to our relatives or close friends. They are usually helpful and caring but they have their own thoughts about what we should do. It may involve another relative or friend whom they also know. Our issue may be very private and even embarrassing to speak about to someone we know. Counseling changed my life, please give it a try!
Hi, this is Art, I've been working in the mental health field for 28 years and as a licensed counselor since 2007. Have you ever had a problem or issue that you are concerned about? We all have. So, what do we do? We first try talking to our relatives or close friends. They are usually helpful and caring but they have their own thoughts about what we should do. It may involve another relative or friend whom they also know. Our issue may be very private and even embarrassing to speak about to someone we know. Counseling changed my life, please give it a try!
(504) 383-7519 View (504) 383-7519

How does your Therapist compare?

Number of Therapists in Metairie, LA

400+

Average cost per session

$125

Therapists in Metairie, LA who prioritize treating:

94% Anxiety
90% Depression
80% Relationship Issues
79% Self Esteem
73% Coping Skills
70% Stress
68% Grief

Average years in practice

11 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

80% BlueCross and BlueShield
72% UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH
62% Aetna

How Therapists in Metairie, LA see their clients

78% In Person and Online
22% Online Only

Gender breakdown

80% Female
19% Male
1% Non-Binary

FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling

How can I find a therapist in Metairie?

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.