Photo of Melinda Mecham Jensen, Licensed Professional Counselor in 22209, VA
Melinda Mecham Jensen
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Arlington, VA 22209
www.mindymjensen.com Most People explore therapy when they are aware they want more out of life. Therapy is a process of examining wants and behaviors, and establishing a course to achieve those goals more effectively. I work with people in individual and group psychotherapy. I also work with couples with a co-therapist, allowing each client to feel like they have an advocate in the room. This helps the couple identify, negotiate and achieve their goals whether individually or collectively.
www.mindymjensen.com Most People explore therapy when they are aware they want more out of life. Therapy is a process of examining wants and behaviors, and establishing a course to achieve those goals more effectively. I work with people in individual and group psychotherapy. I also work with couples with a co-therapist, allowing each client to feel like they have an advocate in the room. This helps the couple identify, negotiate and achieve their goals whether individually or collectively.
(540) 212-2081 View (540) 212-2081
Photo of Diane Miller, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 22209, VA
Diane Miller
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Arlington, VA 22209  (Online Only)
Are you feeling anxious, depressed, or struggling in a relationship? Are you stuck and wondering what is keeping you stuck? Are you considering couples therapy and whether you want to remain together or begin the process of separation? Are you searching for lasting and tangible results in therapy? Together, we will work to uncover and undermine what is driving your symptoms of anxiety and/or depression, relationship and communication issues, medically difficult to explain symptoms, & self-sabotaging behaviors. I enjoy working with individuals and couples, and have had significant success working with men.
Are you feeling anxious, depressed, or struggling in a relationship? Are you stuck and wondering what is keeping you stuck? Are you considering couples therapy and whether you want to remain together or begin the process of separation? Are you searching for lasting and tangible results in therapy? Together, we will work to uncover and undermine what is driving your symptoms of anxiety and/or depression, relationship and communication issues, medically difficult to explain symptoms, & self-sabotaging behaviors. I enjoy working with individuals and couples, and have had significant success working with men.
(571) 789-0168 View (571) 789-0168
Photo of Vianca Escudero, Psychologist in 22209, VA
Vianca Escudero
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Arlington, VA 22209
Are you looking for a compassionate space to process life changes? A place to learn more about yourself and learn concrete skills to manage your emotions? If so, I might be a good fit for you. I provide a non-judgmental environment to foster create a strong therapeutic relationship and individualized treatment. I have expertise helping kids, adolescents and adults, as well as parents and families (including adult children and siblings) improve communication and effect positive changes in their household.
Are you looking for a compassionate space to process life changes? A place to learn more about yourself and learn concrete skills to manage your emotions? If so, I might be a good fit for you. I provide a non-judgmental environment to foster create a strong therapeutic relationship and individualized treatment. I have expertise helping kids, adolescents and adults, as well as parents and families (including adult children and siblings) improve communication and effect positive changes in their household.
(703) 687-9210 View (703) 687-9210
Photo of Bryan McHenry, Counselor in 22209, VA
Bryan McHenry
Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Arlington, VA 22209  (Online Only)
Hi, I’m Bryan McHenry. I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Virginia. Thank you for taking the time to read my profile. First and foremost, I applaud your courage in seeking mental health counseling. In this season of your life, you might’ve discovered a lot of uncomfortable feelings and thoughts. That is very difficult to manage alone. Coming into the counseling process is a new beginning of wholeness and healing. Thank you for allowing me the honor to be apart of that journey.
Hi, I’m Bryan McHenry. I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Virginia. Thank you for taking the time to read my profile. First and foremost, I applaud your courage in seeking mental health counseling. In this season of your life, you might’ve discovered a lot of uncomfortable feelings and thoughts. That is very difficult to manage alone. Coming into the counseling process is a new beginning of wholeness and healing. Thank you for allowing me the honor to be apart of that journey.
(571) 701-2699 View (571) 701-2699
Photo of Ami Lynch, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 22209, VA
Ami Lynch
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, PhD, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Arlington, VA 22209
I believe that freedom from emotional hijack is found in noticing, naming, & knowing. I am a licensed clinical therapist (telehealth for VA, DC, NC, VT, & WV) specializing in counseling adults, teens, & relationships, of all identities, orientations, & lifestyles. My areas of focus include trauma, abuse, anxiety, depression, adjustment challenges, grief/loss, stress reduction, LGBTQIA+ concerns & identity issues, family disruptions, polyamory/ENM/CNM, & relationships challenges (in no particular order). Other topics: those preyed on online, catfished, or who have experienced misattributed parentage (MPE) after a DNA test.
I believe that freedom from emotional hijack is found in noticing, naming, & knowing. I am a licensed clinical therapist (telehealth for VA, DC, NC, VT, & WV) specializing in counseling adults, teens, & relationships, of all identities, orientations, & lifestyles. My areas of focus include trauma, abuse, anxiety, depression, adjustment challenges, grief/loss, stress reduction, LGBTQIA+ concerns & identity issues, family disruptions, polyamory/ENM/CNM, & relationships challenges (in no particular order). Other topics: those preyed on online, catfished, or who have experienced misattributed parentage (MPE) after a DNA test.
(571) 946-7285 View (571) 946-7285
Photo of Silver Lake Psychology, Psychologist in 22209, VA
Silver Lake Psychology
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Arlington, VA 22209
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
(571) 497-5074 View (571) 497-5074
Photo of David Glass, Psychologist in 22209, VA
David Glass
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Arlington, VA 22209
Looking for help is never easy. Especially in these stressful times and if you may well be meeting a new therapist on line rather than in person. Still, life problems can reach a crisis point when one knows they need to reach out for help. Whether or not you have been in therapy before, with the right help you can make real, positive changes in your feelings, your behavior and your relationships, bringing more satisfaction and joy into your life.
Looking for help is never easy. Especially in these stressful times and if you may well be meeting a new therapist on line rather than in person. Still, life problems can reach a crisis point when one knows they need to reach out for help. Whether or not you have been in therapy before, with the right help you can make real, positive changes in your feelings, your behavior and your relationships, bringing more satisfaction and joy into your life.
(703) 957-7303 View (703) 957-7303
Photo of Jane H Lowery, Resident in Counseling in 22209, VA
Jane H Lowery
Resident in Counseling, MA
Verified Verified
Arlington, VA 22209
Hello and welcome to my profile! My name is Jane and I am a resident in counseling specializing in helping individuals navigate through grief, people-pleasing tendencies, and anxiety. Through a combination of empathy, compassion, and evidence-based therapy techniques, I help my clients find healing and peace in the midst of their struggles. Most importantly, working together to understand the root of their feelings and behaviors is a vital part of our work. Above all, I want to help my clients find ways to be kinder to themselves and find tools that work for them and their lifestyle.
Hello and welcome to my profile! My name is Jane and I am a resident in counseling specializing in helping individuals navigate through grief, people-pleasing tendencies, and anxiety. Through a combination of empathy, compassion, and evidence-based therapy techniques, I help my clients find healing and peace in the midst of their struggles. Most importantly, working together to understand the root of their feelings and behaviors is a vital part of our work. Above all, I want to help my clients find ways to be kinder to themselves and find tools that work for them and their lifestyle.
(571) 470-5940 View (571) 470-5940
Photo of Irena S Whitestone, Licensed Professional Counselor in 22209, VA
Irena S Whitestone
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LSATP
Verified Verified
Arlington, VA 22209
My approach to counseling is to be warm and supportive. I strive to provide a safe and trusting environment. I incorporate elements of CBT, ACT and DBT to provide individual therapy for clients who are currently attending DBT or CBT group. Together we address harmful thoughts and behaviors that lead to depression, anxiety and substance use.
My approach to counseling is to be warm and supportive. I strive to provide a safe and trusting environment. I incorporate elements of CBT, ACT and DBT to provide individual therapy for clients who are currently attending DBT or CBT group. Together we address harmful thoughts and behaviors that lead to depression, anxiety and substance use.
(571) 365-3163 View (571) 365-3163
Photo of Heather Leahy Hecht, Psychologist in 22209, VA
Heather Leahy Hecht
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Arlington, VA 22209
"New beginnings are often disguised as painful endings." - Lao Tzu. Have you lost your sense of peace and wholeness? Are you feeling alone and unfulfilled? I specialize in treating adults, as well as children and adolescents, using several treatment modalities that are among the most evidence-based in the field, including CBT. I also specialize in the treatment of couples, and am a Certified Level One Gottman Couples Therapist. I am committed to helping adults regain their well-being, to allowing children to improve behavior and reconnect with their joy, and to assisting couples in increasing intimacy and friendship.
"New beginnings are often disguised as painful endings." - Lao Tzu. Have you lost your sense of peace and wholeness? Are you feeling alone and unfulfilled? I specialize in treating adults, as well as children and adolescents, using several treatment modalities that are among the most evidence-based in the field, including CBT. I also specialize in the treatment of couples, and am a Certified Level One Gottman Couples Therapist. I am committed to helping adults regain their well-being, to allowing children to improve behavior and reconnect with their joy, and to assisting couples in increasing intimacy and friendship.
(703) 436-4259 View (703) 436-4259
Photo of Natalie Edwards, Licensed Professional Counselor in 22209, VA
Natalie Edwards
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, LCPC, QMHP
Verified Verified
Arlington, VA 22209  (Online Only)
Welcome and congrats to taking the first step in becoming the best version of yourself. We all know that life can be difficult but what better way to address life issues than to have someone with you on this journey who is understanding, non-judgmental, and compassionate. I am a multi-state licensed psychotherapist with over 15 years in the mental health field. I provide therapy to individual, couples, and families struggling with life challenges and mental health concerns. It is my belief that every individual is unique and should be met with unconditional positive regard.
Welcome and congrats to taking the first step in becoming the best version of yourself. We all know that life can be difficult but what better way to address life issues than to have someone with you on this journey who is understanding, non-judgmental, and compassionate. I am a multi-state licensed psychotherapist with over 15 years in the mental health field. I provide therapy to individual, couples, and families struggling with life challenges and mental health concerns. It is my belief that every individual is unique and should be met with unconditional positive regard.
(571) 339-5663 View (571) 339-5663
Photo of Victoria Mwongela, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in 22209, VA
Victoria Mwongela
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MSc, LCPC, LPC
Verified Verified
Arlington, VA 22209
I help people when life is not going the way they expected. I work with individuals and groups as they navigate issues like anxiety, questions of identity and faith, relationships, conflict and depression. Since earning my Masters at Johns Hopkins University, I have been committed to providing quality services to all my clients. As a therapist, I am inspired by the techniques introduced through CBT, DBT, Existential and Client-Centered theorists.
I help people when life is not going the way they expected. I work with individuals and groups as they navigate issues like anxiety, questions of identity and faith, relationships, conflict and depression. Since earning my Masters at Johns Hopkins University, I have been committed to providing quality services to all my clients. As a therapist, I am inspired by the techniques introduced through CBT, DBT, Existential and Client-Centered theorists.
(240) 221-6814 View (240) 221-6814
Photo of Henry Prempeh, Psychologist in 22209, VA
Henry Prempeh
Psychologist, PhD, MA
Verified Verified
Arlington, VA 22209
My approach to therapy is one that focuses on a collaborative relationship between therapist and client. Through a strong therapeutic relationship, I believe clients are able to work through their struggles in an emotionally, safe space that is nonjudgmental, honest and compassionate. The journey of working through struggle becomes an opportunity for growth and healing. Through the therapeutic process, we explore patterns and ways of gaining insight into struggles while also building practical coping skills for managing difficulties on a daily basis.
My approach to therapy is one that focuses on a collaborative relationship between therapist and client. Through a strong therapeutic relationship, I believe clients are able to work through their struggles in an emotionally, safe space that is nonjudgmental, honest and compassionate. The journey of working through struggle becomes an opportunity for growth and healing. Through the therapeutic process, we explore patterns and ways of gaining insight into struggles while also building practical coping skills for managing difficulties on a daily basis.
(703) 420-3522 View (703) 420-3522
Photo of Thomas Franco, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 22209, VA
Thomas Franco
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Arlington, VA 22209
Stop and think about it! Do you feel anxious, unfulfilled, or have difficulty reaching your goals? Are you feeling depressed, perhaps experiencing suicide ideation? Depression is very difficult to manage on your own, and you won't have to when I am your therapist. Whether you are an adolescent or adult, you will have coping tools I will share with you during our sessions together at your disposal to help you feel more empowered and in greater control of your life. Would you like to become more self-aware? Our focus on mindfulness will facilitate your journey of self-realization.
Stop and think about it! Do you feel anxious, unfulfilled, or have difficulty reaching your goals? Are you feeling depressed, perhaps experiencing suicide ideation? Depression is very difficult to manage on your own, and you won't have to when I am your therapist. Whether you are an adolescent or adult, you will have coping tools I will share with you during our sessions together at your disposal to help you feel more empowered and in greater control of your life. Would you like to become more self-aware? Our focus on mindfulness will facilitate your journey of self-realization.
(646) 762-0477 View (646) 762-0477
Photo of Rachel Opper, Psychologist in 22209, VA
Rachel Opper
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Arlington, VA 22209
Do you find yourself overwhelmed with stress or worries in your daily life? Is it having an impact on your work, relationships, or how you feel about yourself? Often, we can manage stress on our own, but other times, it's helpful to seek out a therapist for support. In therapy, we can work to improve self-awareness and understand our reactions to triggering events. We can learn specific skills to help with stress and coping, practice new ways to think about situations, find courage to make important decisions, and adjust our behavior in ways that may lead to more positive outcomes.
Do you find yourself overwhelmed with stress or worries in your daily life? Is it having an impact on your work, relationships, or how you feel about yourself? Often, we can manage stress on our own, but other times, it's helpful to seek out a therapist for support. In therapy, we can work to improve self-awareness and understand our reactions to triggering events. We can learn specific skills to help with stress and coping, practice new ways to think about situations, find courage to make important decisions, and adjust our behavior in ways that may lead to more positive outcomes.
(571) 378-5887 View (571) 378-5887
Photo of Rolando J. Díaz, Psychologist in 22209, VA
Rolando J. Díaz
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Arlington, VA 22209
My practice serves a wide variety of persons, emphasizing depression and anxiety. I work with children as young as six, but the majority of my practice now centers on work with adolescents and adults. My client and I try to develop a collaborative relationship that incorporates various elements, including expectations for outcome, open communication with my client, and the creation of an environment that fosters trust. I favor a pragmatic, experience-based approach that emphasizes coping skills, resilience, and each person's strengths. I also emphasize an understanding and respect for the role that emotions play in decision-making.
My practice serves a wide variety of persons, emphasizing depression and anxiety. I work with children as young as six, but the majority of my practice now centers on work with adolescents and adults. My client and I try to develop a collaborative relationship that incorporates various elements, including expectations for outcome, open communication with my client, and the creation of an environment that fosters trust. I favor a pragmatic, experience-based approach that emphasizes coping skills, resilience, and each person's strengths. I also emphasize an understanding and respect for the role that emotions play in decision-making.
(703) 596-1324 View (703) 596-1324
Photo of Colleen McCarron, Licensed Professional Counselor in 22209, VA
Colleen McCarron
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CEDS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Arlington, VA 22209
I work with clients to develop self-awareness, and reflect on how they developed their beliefs and behaviors that contribute to current difficulties in their lives. I also help clients develop realistic behavioral goals for lifestyle changes, explore family of origin dynamics, and work toward implementing healthy changes in your relationships. Additionally, I work with parents of teens struggling with their mental health using Emotion Focused Family Therapy. This skills-based approach helps parents emotionally connect with their teens in order to help promote their child's well-being.
I work with clients to develop self-awareness, and reflect on how they developed their beliefs and behaviors that contribute to current difficulties in their lives. I also help clients develop realistic behavioral goals for lifestyle changes, explore family of origin dynamics, and work toward implementing healthy changes in your relationships. Additionally, I work with parents of teens struggling with their mental health using Emotion Focused Family Therapy. This skills-based approach helps parents emotionally connect with their teens in order to help promote their child's well-being.
(571) 290-2497 View (571) 290-2497
Photo of Lyzaida I. Rivera-Bauer, Psychologist in 22209, VA
Lyzaida I. Rivera-Bauer
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Arlington, VA 22209
Do you feel tense, anxious, on edge? Do you worry about work, relationships, family- seemingly everything? Are you kept awake at night by racing thoughts, rehashing things you said yesterday, reviewing tomorrow's to-do list? I can help! I have experience working with a range of issues, and specialize in treating anxiety, OCD, and relationship difficulties. I work collaboratively to identify problematic patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and guide you in learning and implementing strategies to change these cycles. We can explore why these issues developed, to help you better understand yourself and live a more fulfilling life.
Do you feel tense, anxious, on edge? Do you worry about work, relationships, family- seemingly everything? Are you kept awake at night by racing thoughts, rehashing things you said yesterday, reviewing tomorrow's to-do list? I can help! I have experience working with a range of issues, and specialize in treating anxiety, OCD, and relationship difficulties. I work collaboratively to identify problematic patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and guide you in learning and implementing strategies to change these cycles. We can explore why these issues developed, to help you better understand yourself and live a more fulfilling life.
(571) 202-7125 View (571) 202-7125
Photo of Rock Recovery, Licensed Professional Counselor in 22209, VA
Rock Recovery
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Arlington, VA 22209
Are you tired of fighting food and your body? Rock Recovery is a nonprofit that provides affordable eating disorder therapy to adults and teens (ages 14+) who want to find peace with food and their bodies. We offer individual and group therapy virtually in VA, MD, and DC as well as in-person services in Arlington, VA. In addition to eating disorders, we work with related issues like body dissatisfaction, chronic dieting, orthorexia, and intuitive eating. Whether you're looking for group care to add to your current treatment or you need an individual therapist, we'd love to partner with you in your healing and recovery.
Are you tired of fighting food and your body? Rock Recovery is a nonprofit that provides affordable eating disorder therapy to adults and teens (ages 14+) who want to find peace with food and their bodies. We offer individual and group therapy virtually in VA, MD, and DC as well as in-person services in Arlington, VA. In addition to eating disorders, we work with related issues like body dissatisfaction, chronic dieting, orthorexia, and intuitive eating. Whether you're looking for group care to add to your current treatment or you need an individual therapist, we'd love to partner with you in your healing and recovery.
(703) 349-7496 View (703) 349-7496
Photo of Sam Lashley, Psychologist in 22209, VA
Sam Lashley
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Arlington, VA 22209
My practice is designed to help people who are dissatisfied with the circumstances of their lives and believe that things can be different. Working with individuals, couples, and families, I guide my clients through an exploration of their unique life context as well as the current behavior patterns that are impediments to a healthy productive life. I encourage my clients to accept themselves and others, while offering strategies for altering behavior and challenging old assumptions that are no longer adaptive. By embracing acceptance and change, clients can find more meaningful and satisfying ways to experience themselves and their interpersonal relationships.
My practice is designed to help people who are dissatisfied with the circumstances of their lives and believe that things can be different. Working with individuals, couples, and families, I guide my clients through an exploration of their unique life context as well as the current behavior patterns that are impediments to a healthy productive life. I encourage my clients to accept themselves and others, while offering strategies for altering behavior and challenging old assumptions that are no longer adaptive. By embracing acceptance and change, clients can find more meaningful and satisfying ways to experience themselves and their interpersonal relationships.
(703) 662-1972 View (703) 662-1972

See more therapy options for 22209

How does your Therapist compare?

Number of Therapists in 22209

200+

Average cost per session

$150

Therapists in 22209 who prioritize treating:

95% Anxiety
92% Depression
80% Self Esteem
76% Coping Skills
67% Relationship Issues
67% Trauma and PTSD
58% Stress

Average years in practice

11 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

79% UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH
75% BlueCross and BlueShield
75% Cigna and Evernorth

How Therapists in 22209 see their clients

54% In Person and Online
46% Online Only

Gender breakdown

79% Female
20% Male
1% Non-Binary
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling

How can I find a therapist in 22209?

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.