Therapists in Doylestown, PA

Photo of Jason McLaughlin, Licensed Professional Counselor in Doylestown, PA
Jason McLaughlin
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS Ed, LPC
Verified Verified
Doylestown, PA 18901
My name is Jason McLaughlin, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in adolescent psychology, college-aged issues, & young adulthood. DSM-defined focus areas include Anxiety, High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD, and Depression. I also excel in dealing with issues of anger. For nine years, I occupied two positions at Lifeworks Academy in Doylestown, including over five years spent as a School Counselor covering a wide range of special education classrooms. Within private practice I have a renewed focus on ADHD, Anxiety, and Stigma, with an emphasis on problem-solving and interpersonal growth.
My name is Jason McLaughlin, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in adolescent psychology, college-aged issues, & young adulthood. DSM-defined focus areas include Anxiety, High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD, and Depression. I also excel in dealing with issues of anger. For nine years, I occupied two positions at Lifeworks Academy in Doylestown, including over five years spent as a School Counselor covering a wide range of special education classrooms. Within private practice I have a renewed focus on ADHD, Anxiety, and Stigma, with an emphasis on problem-solving and interpersonal growth.
(267) 619-7207 x3 View (267) 619-7207 x3
Colleen Skidmore
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Doylestown, PA 18901  (Online Only)
I believe in the power of this work and the resiliency of the individuals who courageously take this journey. I consider it an absolute privilege to accompany you on this journey. I recognize that each person’s experience is unique, and I take a collaborative approach in working with you to uncover your truth and achieve your goals. I believe that challenges are an opportunity for growth, and I will help you gain the insight and the skills necessary to tackle these challenges and grow as individuals and families.
I believe in the power of this work and the resiliency of the individuals who courageously take this journey. I consider it an absolute privilege to accompany you on this journey. I recognize that each person’s experience is unique, and I take a collaborative approach in working with you to uncover your truth and achieve your goals. I believe that challenges are an opportunity for growth, and I will help you gain the insight and the skills necessary to tackle these challenges and grow as individuals and families.
(267) 245-0814 View (267) 245-0814
Photo of Conor J Kennedy, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Doylestown, PA
Conor J Kennedy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Doylestown, PA 18901
Are you dealing with mental health issues and ready to seek treatment? I'm here to help. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who specializes in treating adults who are struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma (PTSD), and OCD. I will help you create attainable goals to improve your daily life by utilizing evidence-based psychotherapy.
Are you dealing with mental health issues and ready to seek treatment? I'm here to help. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who specializes in treating adults who are struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma (PTSD), and OCD. I will help you create attainable goals to improve your daily life by utilizing evidence-based psychotherapy.
(267) 459-8796 View (267) 459-8796
Photo of Linda Susan Anderson in Doylestown, PA
Linda Susan Anderson
MA, MCC, SCAC
Verified Verified
Doylestown, PA 18901
Whether you know you have AD/HD, or you think you might have it, what you know for sure is that it just shouldn't be this hard. You have trouble beginning projects, staying on task, and completing things. You feel overwhelmed at work, at home, or in both places. You know you are intelligent, you even have expertise in your field of work, but you constantly feel like you are not working at your full potential, and you live with a nagging inner critic. You want to learn tools and strategies that will help you overcome challenges, take better care of yourself, be less stressed and happier with yourself and in relationships.
Whether you know you have AD/HD, or you think you might have it, what you know for sure is that it just shouldn't be this hard. You have trouble beginning projects, staying on task, and completing things. You feel overwhelmed at work, at home, or in both places. You know you are intelligent, you even have expertise in your field of work, but you constantly feel like you are not working at your full potential, and you live with a nagging inner critic. You want to learn tools and strategies that will help you overcome challenges, take better care of yourself, be less stressed and happier with yourself and in relationships.
(215) 660-4362 View (215) 660-4362
Photo of Josephine Cooper, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Doylestown, PA
Josephine Cooper
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Doylestown, PA 18901
Is your pre-teen or teen doubting themselves because the feel like they don’t fit the same mold as their peers? Have they expressed feeling alone, lonely or excluded? Have they experienced a loss or a trauma that is impacting their day to day life? The challenges children face today are many and the resulting feelings show up in the way they behave and feel. Possibly feeling sad or anxious, having frequent stomach and head aches, and/or behavioral and mood changes. Are you overwhelmed, feeling as though you can't make this better for your child? It only takes one family member's stress to throw the whole family off balance.
Is your pre-teen or teen doubting themselves because the feel like they don’t fit the same mold as their peers? Have they expressed feeling alone, lonely or excluded? Have they experienced a loss or a trauma that is impacting their day to day life? The challenges children face today are many and the resulting feelings show up in the way they behave and feel. Possibly feeling sad or anxious, having frequent stomach and head aches, and/or behavioral and mood changes. Are you overwhelmed, feeling as though you can't make this better for your child? It only takes one family member's stress to throw the whole family off balance.
(215) 330-6828 View (215) 330-6828
Photo of Melissa N Speranger, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Doylestown, PA
Melissa N Speranger
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Doylestown, PA 18901
I am a child therapist who works to empower children and families to make changes to reach their goals. I am uniquely qualified to work with children as young as 2 years old and utilize a variety of techniques to understand family dynamics and embrace each child's unique personality. My office is a safe and relaxing place to help you and your child feel comfortable. I want to help you help your child with clear guidance, reassurance, and practical steps. I address behavioral issues, anxiety, difficult transitions, enhance self-esteem, develop social skills, and utilize coping techniques and mindfulness to allow for growth.
I am a child therapist who works to empower children and families to make changes to reach their goals. I am uniquely qualified to work with children as young as 2 years old and utilize a variety of techniques to understand family dynamics and embrace each child's unique personality. My office is a safe and relaxing place to help you and your child feel comfortable. I want to help you help your child with clear guidance, reassurance, and practical steps. I address behavioral issues, anxiety, difficult transitions, enhance self-esteem, develop social skills, and utilize coping techniques and mindfulness to allow for growth.
(267) 245-6481 View (267) 245-6481
Photo of Stephanie Drake, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Doylestown, PA
Stephanie Drake
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Doylestown, PA 18901
Stephanie has over 10 years experience working with individuals, couples, and families experiencing trauma, grief and loss, life transitions, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, anxiety, depression, and addiction.
Stephanie has over 10 years experience working with individuals, couples, and families experiencing trauma, grief and loss, life transitions, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, anxiety, depression, and addiction.
(267) 376-8302 x705 View (267) 376-8302 x705
Photo of Ryan Lynch, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Doylestown, PA
Ryan Lynch
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MEd, CST
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Doylestown, PA 18901
Hello Im Ryan Lynch, I'm a Sex and Relationship Therapist. Some couples don't need sex therapy at all, they just need couples therapy. Some need both. As a Couples Therapist I will help you to identify and understand the issues that you are struggling with such as issues with intimacy, communication, sexual dysfunction, compatibility, trauma, anxiety, depression, codependency, and self-worth.
Hello Im Ryan Lynch, I'm a Sex and Relationship Therapist. Some couples don't need sex therapy at all, they just need couples therapy. Some need both. As a Couples Therapist I will help you to identify and understand the issues that you are struggling with such as issues with intimacy, communication, sexual dysfunction, compatibility, trauma, anxiety, depression, codependency, and self-worth.
(267) 485-5147 View (267) 485-5147
Photo of Kathlyn Drewicz, Licensed Professional Counselor in Doylestown, PA
Kathlyn Drewicz
Licensed Professional Counselor, MPhilEd, MSEd, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Doylestown, PA 18901
Kat has a dual Master's degree in Professional Counseling from the University of Pennsylvania. She also has her PA School Counseling Certification. She works with adolescents and young adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, self-harm, body-image issues, ADHD/ADD, executive functioning skills, ASD, adoption trauma, and family conflict. In her work she uses a combination of CBT, ACT, Talk Therapy, and Reality Therapy. Kat is an adoption competency therapist and works with adolescents, young adults and adults on adoption trauma issues.
Kat has a dual Master's degree in Professional Counseling from the University of Pennsylvania. She also has her PA School Counseling Certification. She works with adolescents and young adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, self-harm, body-image issues, ADHD/ADD, executive functioning skills, ASD, adoption trauma, and family conflict. In her work she uses a combination of CBT, ACT, Talk Therapy, and Reality Therapy. Kat is an adoption competency therapist and works with adolescents, young adults and adults on adoption trauma issues.
(267) 754-3857 View (267) 754-3857
Photo of Cindy Moyer, Licensed Professional Counselor in Doylestown, PA
Cindy Moyer
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Doylestown, PA 18901
Welcome! I have over a decade of counseling experience working with adolescents and young adults. I offer support to clients who struggling with ADHD, anxiety, depression, grief, body dysmorphia, traumatic brain injury, concussions from sports, and gender identity Issues. My therapy style is engaging, active, and personable. If you are struggling with anxiety, we will work together to develop strategies you can use when paralyzed with fear and worry. Our practice partners with PS Psychiatry if you feel medication would be helpful to deal with your anxiety, depression, concussion symptoms, or other mental health issues.
Welcome! I have over a decade of counseling experience working with adolescents and young adults. I offer support to clients who struggling with ADHD, anxiety, depression, grief, body dysmorphia, traumatic brain injury, concussions from sports, and gender identity Issues. My therapy style is engaging, active, and personable. If you are struggling with anxiety, we will work together to develop strategies you can use when paralyzed with fear and worry. Our practice partners with PS Psychiatry if you feel medication would be helpful to deal with your anxiety, depression, concussion symptoms, or other mental health issues.
(267) 399-4523 View (267) 399-4523
Photo of Paul Koehler, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Doylestown, PA
Paul Koehler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Doylestown, PA 18901
My training, my experience, and my teaching and supervising have helped me to appreciate and apprehend the many and complex ways in which early experience becomes internalized and structured in one's internal world, and consequently becomes manifested and repeated in the external world of one's life and relationships. It is my goal to provide psychoanalytically-oriented psychotherapy of sufficient depth, duration and thoughtfulness to facilitate the mastery of emotional problems, the restoration and enhancement of self-esteem, and the fostering of emotional resilience, creativity and self-discovery.
My training, my experience, and my teaching and supervising have helped me to appreciate and apprehend the many and complex ways in which early experience becomes internalized and structured in one's internal world, and consequently becomes manifested and repeated in the external world of one's life and relationships. It is my goal to provide psychoanalytically-oriented psychotherapy of sufficient depth, duration and thoughtfulness to facilitate the mastery of emotional problems, the restoration and enhancement of self-esteem, and the fostering of emotional resilience, creativity and self-discovery.
(215) 995-3070 View (215) 995-3070
Photo of Diane G Roberts, Marriage & Family Therapist in Doylestown, PA
Diane G Roberts
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Doylestown, PA 18901
I have been working with young students and their families for over 30 years. Throughout this time I have gained a great deal of insight into the significance the family plays in the development of each child. Today's families are often experiencing a great deal of stress. In many cases parents are caught between raising their children while caring for their parents. Communication is the essential glue that holds our families together. In my office I offer a warm and caring environment to foster family growth and healthy family dynamics.
I have been working with young students and their families for over 30 years. Throughout this time I have gained a great deal of insight into the significance the family plays in the development of each child. Today's families are often experiencing a great deal of stress. In many cases parents are caught between raising their children while caring for their parents. Communication is the essential glue that holds our families together. In my office I offer a warm and caring environment to foster family growth and healthy family dynamics.
(215) 631-3241 View (215) 631-3241
Photo of Xana S. Bertino, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Doylestown, PA
Xana S. Bertino
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, BCD
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Doylestown, PA 18901  (Online Only)
You try your best. You’re doing all the things you're supposed to do.You have a good job and you still question if you’re good enough.You try to fit in but lose yourself in the process.You're overwhelmed and stressed out by everyday things.You tell yourself you're just being lazy. You would do anything for your friends. But you’re afraid that if they really knew you, they wouldn't like you. You’ve had some bad stuff, but hasn’t everyone? You’ve stuffed it down, what’s the point. You’ve always kind of been this way. But it’s worse. You want to hide in your bed bingeing Netflix. You're crying, isolating, panicking, or feel paralyzed.
You try your best. You’re doing all the things you're supposed to do.You have a good job and you still question if you’re good enough.You try to fit in but lose yourself in the process.You're overwhelmed and stressed out by everyday things.You tell yourself you're just being lazy. You would do anything for your friends. But you’re afraid that if they really knew you, they wouldn't like you. You’ve had some bad stuff, but hasn’t everyone? You’ve stuffed it down, what’s the point. You’ve always kind of been this way. But it’s worse. You want to hide in your bed bingeing Netflix. You're crying, isolating, panicking, or feel paralyzed.
(267) 935-9262 View (267) 935-9262
Photo of Jessica Creidler, Licensed Professional Counselor in Doylestown, PA
Jessica Creidler
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Doylestown, PA 18902
I am passionate about supporting children, children with autism, adolescents and young adults struggling with a variety of concerns. I have worked with clients individually as well as in group therapy settings and have experience working with concerns relating to anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, self- esteem and relationship challenges.
I am passionate about supporting children, children with autism, adolescents and young adults struggling with a variety of concerns. I have worked with clients individually as well as in group therapy settings and have experience working with concerns relating to anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, self- esteem and relationship challenges.
(267) 204-2293 View (267) 204-2293
Photo of Ingrid Dale-Ali, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Doylestown, PA
Ingrid Dale-Ali
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Doylestown, PA 18902
Strength based, individual and family counseling services for adolescents and adults to support emotional growth and healing through a positive process of self-discovery, empowerment and problem solving.
Strength based, individual and family counseling services for adolescents and adults to support emotional growth and healing through a positive process of self-discovery, empowerment and problem solving.
(215) 874-4482 View (215) 874-4482
Photo of Natalie Metzger, Licensed Professional Counselor in Doylestown, PA
Natalie Metzger
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
Doylestown, PA 18902
Natalie has been working as a therapist for over 10 years. She has a passion for helping her clients to become or get back to their best selves, whatever that may mean for them. The journey is different for everyone, and Natalie is able to utilize an eclectic style of therapy to ensure that her clients get the support that they need. Natalie's specialties are addiction, anxiety, and depression but she also works with other mental health concerns. She received her Master's degree from Chestnut Hill College in 2011 and has been working in the field since that time.
Natalie has been working as a therapist for over 10 years. She has a passion for helping her clients to become or get back to their best selves, whatever that may mean for them. The journey is different for everyone, and Natalie is able to utilize an eclectic style of therapy to ensure that her clients get the support that they need. Natalie's specialties are addiction, anxiety, and depression but she also works with other mental health concerns. She received her Master's degree from Chestnut Hill College in 2011 and has been working in the field since that time.
(267) 490-3490 View (267) 490-3490
Photo of Mike Longacre, Pre-Licensed Professional in Doylestown, PA
Mike Longacre
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
Doylestown, PA 18902
Let’s admit it, life is hard, and with these difficulties come suffering. Seeking counseling for this suffering is sometimes a very scary and difficult endeavor. I admire your bravery in seeking help, and pride myself on providing a non-judgmental, accepting, and comfortable space to explore and work on these struggles together. I offer mindfulness and body-based holistic psychotherapy to adults and adolescents across a wide range of presenting concerns. I blend several modalities together in my work as a therapist: Internal Family Systems (IFS), Hakomi, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Gestalt, Psychodynamic, and Existential.
Let’s admit it, life is hard, and with these difficulties come suffering. Seeking counseling for this suffering is sometimes a very scary and difficult endeavor. I admire your bravery in seeking help, and pride myself on providing a non-judgmental, accepting, and comfortable space to explore and work on these struggles together. I offer mindfulness and body-based holistic psychotherapy to adults and adolescents across a wide range of presenting concerns. I blend several modalities together in my work as a therapist: Internal Family Systems (IFS), Hakomi, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Gestalt, Psychodynamic, and Existential.
(215) 660-3607 View (215) 660-3607
Photo of Rachel Brittingham, Licensed Professional Counselor in Doylestown, PA
Rachel Brittingham
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC, CCTP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Doylestown, PA 18901  (Online Only)
You’ve spent a lot of your life just “getting through it”. Despite a lot of difficulties in your childhood, and even your early adult life, you’ve managed to bulldoze through it all and stay on track as much as you could. But now that you’re through it (at least mostly), your past seems to be catching up to you. Your relationships with significant others, friends, family and even yourself seem to be challenging. You’re realizing now that maybe “just getting through it” wasn’t enough, and it is time to get some support for yourself, whether you really want to or not. Slowing down is really difficult, but it's time.
You’ve spent a lot of your life just “getting through it”. Despite a lot of difficulties in your childhood, and even your early adult life, you’ve managed to bulldoze through it all and stay on track as much as you could. But now that you’re through it (at least mostly), your past seems to be catching up to you. Your relationships with significant others, friends, family and even yourself seem to be challenging. You’re realizing now that maybe “just getting through it” wasn’t enough, and it is time to get some support for yourself, whether you really want to or not. Slowing down is really difficult, but it's time.
(215) 261-5554 View (215) 261-5554
Photo of Evelyn Lopez, Pre-Licensed Professional in Doylestown, PA
Evelyn Lopez
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Doylestown, PA 18901  (Online Only)
There are many reasons to seek out therapy—resolving conflict in your relationships, breaking free from unhealthy habits, or wanting to find your sense of purpose in life. No matter what brings you to counseling, my practice provides a non-judgmental and caring environment where we can work through issues together to help you become the best version of yourself. I am an experienced clinician specializing in disordered eating, addiction, and trauma. I’ve offered counseling in both English and Spanish to support diverse clients.
There are many reasons to seek out therapy—resolving conflict in your relationships, breaking free from unhealthy habits, or wanting to find your sense of purpose in life. No matter what brings you to counseling, my practice provides a non-judgmental and caring environment where we can work through issues together to help you become the best version of yourself. I am an experienced clinician specializing in disordered eating, addiction, and trauma. I’ve offered counseling in both English and Spanish to support diverse clients.
(267) 713-3698 View (267) 713-3698
Photo of Stephanie Dunn, Pre-Licensed Professional in Doylestown, PA
Stephanie Dunn
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, NCC
Verified Verified
Doylestown, PA 18901
I am a dedicated counselor and coach specializing in working with adolescents and adults through life's challenges. It is my passion to help individuals navigate through difficult periods and empower them to take control of their lives. With a holistic person-centered approach, I firmly believe in the importance of understanding and addressing the various aspects of an individual's life. By considering the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being, I strive to offer comprehensive support that nurtures personal growth and resilience.
I am a dedicated counselor and coach specializing in working with adolescents and adults through life's challenges. It is my passion to help individuals navigate through difficult periods and empower them to take control of their lives. With a holistic person-centered approach, I firmly believe in the importance of understanding and addressing the various aspects of an individual's life. By considering the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being, I strive to offer comprehensive support that nurtures personal growth and resilience.
(267) 732-1696 View (267) 732-1696

How does your Therapist compare?

Number of Therapists in Doylestown, PA

500+

Average cost per session

$130

Therapists in Doylestown, PA who prioritize treating:

92% Anxiety
87% Depression
76% Self Esteem
72% Coping Skills
66% Relationship Issues
65% Trauma and PTSD
60% Grief

Average years in practice

13 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

80% Aetna
74% UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH
70% Cigna and Evernorth

How Therapists in Doylestown, PA see their clients

64% In Person and Online
36% Online Only

Gender breakdown

80% Female
19% Male
1% Non-Binary
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling

How can I find a therapist in Doylestown?

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.