Therapists in Champaign, IL

Photo of Erin Sturm, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Champaign, IL
Erin Sturm
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Champaign, IL 61820
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over 10 years of experience providing mental health treatment. During my graduate internship, I worked at a rape crisis center and was privileged to witness the resiliency and strength of those who have experienced significant traumas in their life. After receiving my master’s degree from Western Illinois University, I worked for 9 years at the local rape crisis center, which offered me valuable training in trauma and opportunities to grow in my clinical work.
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over 10 years of experience providing mental health treatment. During my graduate internship, I worked at a rape crisis center and was privileged to witness the resiliency and strength of those who have experienced significant traumas in their life. After receiving my master’s degree from Western Illinois University, I worked for 9 years at the local rape crisis center, which offered me valuable training in trauma and opportunities to grow in my clinical work.
(217) 318-3007 View (217) 318-3007
Photo of Wendy Mathewson, Licensed Professional Counselor in Champaign, IL
Wendy Mathewson
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, MS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Champaign, IL 61820
I bring a warm, open-minded, authentic presence to therapy. My practice is based on person-centered principles of unconditional acceptance and respect. Maybe you’re at a crossroads in your life, feeling stuck in patterns and moods that no longer serve you, or ready to process some trauma or grief. Whatever your goals are, I'm here to support you.
I bring a warm, open-minded, authentic presence to therapy. My practice is based on person-centered principles of unconditional acceptance and respect. Maybe you’re at a crossroads in your life, feeling stuck in patterns and moods that no longer serve you, or ready to process some trauma or grief. Whatever your goals are, I'm here to support you.
(217) 559-8626 View (217) 559-8626
Photo of Mike Tozer, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Champaign, IL
Mike Tozer
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCSW
Verified Verified
Champaign, IL 61820
I have 35 years of clinical experience and enjoy working with Veterans, First Responders, College students, High School students, anxiety, mood disorders, couples counseling and how to cope and recover from narcissistic relationship abuse and imposter syndrome. I am very passionate about treating ADHD and helping individuals know how to advocate for themselves with their schools, jobs, and health care providers. I operate primarily under the following belief, “The only thing standing between you and your goal is the story you keep telling yourself as to why you can’t achieve it.”
I have 35 years of clinical experience and enjoy working with Veterans, First Responders, College students, High School students, anxiety, mood disorders, couples counseling and how to cope and recover from narcissistic relationship abuse and imposter syndrome. I am very passionate about treating ADHD and helping individuals know how to advocate for themselves with their schools, jobs, and health care providers. I operate primarily under the following belief, “The only thing standing between you and your goal is the story you keep telling yourself as to why you can’t achieve it.”
(217) 288-4387 View (217) 288-4387
Photo of Dr. Juvenal George, Psychologist in Champaign, IL
Dr. Juvenal George
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Champaign, IL 61820
Hi there! I'm a bilingual (English/Spanish) Licensed Clinical Psychologist based in Champaign, Illinois committed to helping individuals navigate life's challenges and discover their inner strengths. I'm passionate about helping first-generation college students, young professionals, and adults from culturally diverse backgrounds achieve their personal, relational, academic, and career goals. I have 15-years of specialization helping individuals with issues related to depression, anxiety, stress/panic, trauma, relationship issues, college stressors, career issues, life transitions, and cultural identity concerns.
Hi there! I'm a bilingual (English/Spanish) Licensed Clinical Psychologist based in Champaign, Illinois committed to helping individuals navigate life's challenges and discover their inner strengths. I'm passionate about helping first-generation college students, young professionals, and adults from culturally diverse backgrounds achieve their personal, relational, academic, and career goals. I have 15-years of specialization helping individuals with issues related to depression, anxiety, stress/panic, trauma, relationship issues, college stressors, career issues, life transitions, and cultural identity concerns.
(217) 215-4849 View (217) 215-4849
Photo of Kevin Elliott, Counselor in Champaign, IL
Kevin Elliott
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
Champaign, IL 61820
Kevin received his M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Eastern Illinois University and is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. He has been a therapist since 1992 and was Director of Adult and Youth Psychiatric and Chemical Dependency Services at The Pavilion Hospital in Champaign until he opened his own practice in 2002. He has expanded his practice to include over 35 of the most well-regarded therapist in the community bringing diversity in personal characteristics and culture, in style and orientation, and in experience and areas of specialization.
Kevin received his M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Eastern Illinois University and is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. He has been a therapist since 1992 and was Director of Adult and Youth Psychiatric and Chemical Dependency Services at The Pavilion Hospital in Champaign until he opened his own practice in 2002. He has expanded his practice to include over 35 of the most well-regarded therapist in the community bringing diversity in personal characteristics and culture, in style and orientation, and in experience and areas of specialization.
(217) 919-0321 View (217) 919-0321
Photo of Heather O'Brien, Psychologist in Champaign, IL
Heather O'Brien
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Champaign, IL 61821
Dr. Heather O'Brien is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist providing psychological treatment for child, adolescent, adult, couples, and families. She received her Bachelor's degree from Illinois State University in Normal, IL and completed her Master's degree and Doctoral training at Roosevelt University, Chicago, IL. In addition, Dr. O'Brien completed her internship at Hutchings Psychiatric Center in Syracuse, NY. Dr. O'Brien has experience in outpatient, inpatient, group home, nursing home, crisis call center, and day-treatment settings.
Dr. Heather O'Brien is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist providing psychological treatment for child, adolescent, adult, couples, and families. She received her Bachelor's degree from Illinois State University in Normal, IL and completed her Master's degree and Doctoral training at Roosevelt University, Chicago, IL. In addition, Dr. O'Brien completed her internship at Hutchings Psychiatric Center in Syracuse, NY. Dr. O'Brien has experience in outpatient, inpatient, group home, nursing home, crisis call center, and day-treatment settings.
(217) 885-2041 View (217) 885-2041
Photo of Jasmine Martinez, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Champaign, IL
Jasmine Martinez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Champaign, IL 61820
Each life transition or stage can bring a combination of uncertainty and hope. Impactful life transitions include moments of processing loss and dealing with grief. Oftentimes, these moments bring on feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and loneliness. My job is to offer a secure space to help you through these powerful feelings and difficult times. In practicing from a strengths-based or client-centered lens, some of the most profound moments have been guiding clients to discover their resilience, strengths, and abilities to cope with presenting challenges. Clients of all backgrounds and identities are welcome in my practice.
Each life transition or stage can bring a combination of uncertainty and hope. Impactful life transitions include moments of processing loss and dealing with grief. Oftentimes, these moments bring on feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and loneliness. My job is to offer a secure space to help you through these powerful feelings and difficult times. In practicing from a strengths-based or client-centered lens, some of the most profound moments have been guiding clients to discover their resilience, strengths, and abilities to cope with presenting challenges. Clients of all backgrounds and identities are welcome in my practice.
(217) 627-6210 View (217) 627-6210
Photo of Cheron Allen, Counselor in Champaign, IL
Cheron Allen
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Champaign, IL 61820  (Online Only)
At my core, I am an artist and believe in creating the sacred space necessary for intentional healing. My approach is strength-based and person-centered. I draw from evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Systems Theory and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to address individual and relational needs.
At my core, I am an artist and believe in creating the sacred space necessary for intentional healing. My approach is strength-based and person-centered. I draw from evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Systems Theory and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to address individual and relational needs.
(773) 207-5400 View (773) 207-5400
Photo of R.j. McNicholl, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Champaign, IL
R.j. McNicholl
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Champaign, IL 61820
Are you experiencing difficulty in your relationships, engaging in self-sabotoging behavior, feeling paralyzed in your life? You can create change. You don't have to remain anxious, depressed, confused or paralyzed in relationships or in life. Together we can create a safe space for you to feel both understood and empowered. We will work as a partnership exploring the hurdles that prevent growth, and the patterns of behavior that are no longer helpful but difficult to let go of. Together we will lay the foundation for lasting change.
Are you experiencing difficulty in your relationships, engaging in self-sabotoging behavior, feeling paralyzed in your life? You can create change. You don't have to remain anxious, depressed, confused or paralyzed in relationships or in life. Together we can create a safe space for you to feel both understood and empowered. We will work as a partnership exploring the hurdles that prevent growth, and the patterns of behavior that are no longer helpful but difficult to let go of. Together we will lay the foundation for lasting change.
(217) 645-6703 View (217) 645-6703
Photo of Heidi McGill, Counselor in Champaign, IL
Heidi McGill
Counselor, MS, LCPC
Verified Verified
Champaign, IL 61821
With over 25 years of experience as a LCPC, my commitment to walking alongside people through their healing process with the utmost care and respect has only deepened. Primarily working with adults who are healing from trauma, I understand the overwhelm and exhaustion that often comes with being stuck in the unsupportive, negative response loop of trauma. I leverage a number of highly effective therapeutic modalities to help people live in the now instead of the past.
With over 25 years of experience as a LCPC, my commitment to walking alongside people through their healing process with the utmost care and respect has only deepened. Primarily working with adults who are healing from trauma, I understand the overwhelm and exhaustion that often comes with being stuck in the unsupportive, negative response loop of trauma. I leverage a number of highly effective therapeutic modalities to help people live in the now instead of the past.
(217) 645-6898 View (217) 645-6898
Photo of Quanesha Griffin, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Champaign, IL
Quanesha Griffin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Champaign, IL 61820  (Online Only)
Do you and your partner need a safe space to work through relationships/marital issues? Maybe you and your partner are consistently trying to work through the same issues, but things are not getting better? Or maybe you feel that you and your partner are struggling to communicate or struggling to implement conflict resolution skills. If so, now may be the time for you and your partner/spouse to consider meeting with a professional!
Do you and your partner need a safe space to work through relationships/marital issues? Maybe you and your partner are consistently trying to work through the same issues, but things are not getting better? Or maybe you feel that you and your partner are struggling to communicate or struggling to implement conflict resolution skills. If so, now may be the time for you and your partner/spouse to consider meeting with a professional!
(217) 759-9489 View (217) 759-9489
Photo of Caitie Christian, Licensed Professional Counselor in Champaign, IL
Caitie Christian
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Champaign, IL 61820  (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Clinical Counselor in the state of Illinois and Missouri. I received my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University. I have experience in helping clients with managing symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression; improving motivation, self-esteem, and self-confidence; exploring sexual orientation and gender identity & coping with life changes. I am also comfortable assisting individuals facing challenges presented by adjustment issues, depression, grief, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma (PTSD), body dysmorphia and gender dysphoria, and other long-standing mental health concerns.
I am a Licensed Clinical Counselor in the state of Illinois and Missouri. I received my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University. I have experience in helping clients with managing symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression; improving motivation, self-esteem, and self-confidence; exploring sexual orientation and gender identity & coping with life changes. I am also comfortable assisting individuals facing challenges presented by adjustment issues, depression, grief, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma (PTSD), body dysmorphia and gender dysphoria, and other long-standing mental health concerns.
(217) 288-4311 View (217) 288-4311
Photo of Taylor Lindbom, Psychologist in Champaign, IL
Taylor Lindbom
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Champaign, IL 61820
Not accepting new clients
I feel privileged to have the opportunity to listen, advocate, and help others through my work. My passion is therapy/intervention and assessment with a focus on child and adolescent populations (2 years – 18 years). I aim to create a collaborative, nonjudgmental therapeutic space where you and your child/teen feel heard, empowered, and safe. When working with younger children, I aim for psychotherapy to be playful and fun. I will provide your child/teen tools to steady themselves as they navigate and transition toward a happier, healthier self.
I feel privileged to have the opportunity to listen, advocate, and help others through my work. My passion is therapy/intervention and assessment with a focus on child and adolescent populations (2 years – 18 years). I aim to create a collaborative, nonjudgmental therapeutic space where you and your child/teen feel heard, empowered, and safe. When working with younger children, I aim for psychotherapy to be playful and fun. I will provide your child/teen tools to steady themselves as they navigate and transition toward a happier, healthier self.
(217) 275-2533 View (217) 275-2533
Photo of Dean Brown, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Champaign, IL
Dean Brown
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, JD, LCSW
Verified Verified
Champaign, IL 61822
My overall goal is to guide my clients to experience improved mental health and the empowerment needed to continue and maintain the improvements they attain. I do consider myself a generalist and am comfortable with most populations. I have experience working in outpatient settings, residential treatment centers, and inpatient psychiatric settings. My specialties include depression, anxiety, bi-polar and relationship issues, as well as numerous other issues affecting emotional and social well being. I strongly believe in therapy that is strength-based and tailored to the individual client's needs.
My overall goal is to guide my clients to experience improved mental health and the empowerment needed to continue and maintain the improvements they attain. I do consider myself a generalist and am comfortable with most populations. I have experience working in outpatient settings, residential treatment centers, and inpatient psychiatric settings. My specialties include depression, anxiety, bi-polar and relationship issues, as well as numerous other issues affecting emotional and social well being. I strongly believe in therapy that is strength-based and tailored to the individual client's needs.
(217) 383-0437 View (217) 383-0437
Photo of Jessica Alford in Champaign, IL
Jessica Alford
APN
Verified Verified
Champaign, IL 61822
I am a "Functional Medicine" style approach Advanced Practice Registered Nurse. I see clients of all ages with a special focus on nutrition, lifestyle, and how the environment impacts our health and wellness or fosters our illnesses. I received my Master's through Illinois State University and has worked as a bedside nurse at Carle Hospital for over 6 years. I have furthered my studies with the Institute for Functional Medicine and am always learning new ways to holistically approach client care.
I am a "Functional Medicine" style approach Advanced Practice Registered Nurse. I see clients of all ages with a special focus on nutrition, lifestyle, and how the environment impacts our health and wellness or fosters our illnesses. I received my Master's through Illinois State University and has worked as a bedside nurse at Carle Hospital for over 6 years. I have furthered my studies with the Institute for Functional Medicine and am always learning new ways to holistically approach client care.
(217) 846-9441 View (217) 846-9441
Photo of Sheerine Bazargani, Licensed Professional Counselor in Champaign, IL
Sheerine Bazargani
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Champaign, IL 61820
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor with a Masters Degree from the University of Illinois Springfield. I started my field work as an addiction counselor in outpatient and residential settings. I have great knowledge and expertise working with addictions and recovery, but also specialize in treating ADHD, especially in adults. Other areas of experience include anxiety disorders, depression, trauma, couples therapy, and family therapy. I am a certified Yoga Instructor, and often use yoga as a therapeutic modality in my sessions.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor with a Masters Degree from the University of Illinois Springfield. I started my field work as an addiction counselor in outpatient and residential settings. I have great knowledge and expertise working with addictions and recovery, but also specialize in treating ADHD, especially in adults. Other areas of experience include anxiety disorders, depression, trauma, couples therapy, and family therapy. I am a certified Yoga Instructor, and often use yoga as a therapeutic modality in my sessions.
(855) 618-5618 View (855) 618-5618
Photo of Shaniqua Tomlin, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Champaign, IL
Shaniqua Tomlin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Champaign, IL 61820  (Online Only)
Are you tired of trying to manage anxiety and depression symptoms? Maybe you are experiencing intrusive thoughts and consistently feel on edge? Maybe you have a hard time feeling motivated to complete basic task. These could be symptoms of anxiety and depression! I am very passionate about working with adults and adolescents that need a safe space to address issues that has led to anxiety, and depression symptoms. My goal is for my clients to thrive while identifying core issues that has led to current symptoms.
Are you tired of trying to manage anxiety and depression symptoms? Maybe you are experiencing intrusive thoughts and consistently feel on edge? Maybe you have a hard time feeling motivated to complete basic task. These could be symptoms of anxiety and depression! I am very passionate about working with adults and adolescents that need a safe space to address issues that has led to anxiety, and depression symptoms. My goal is for my clients to thrive while identifying core issues that has led to current symptoms.
(217) 673-0159 View (217) 673-0159
Photo of Kim Greenlee, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Champaign, IL
Kim Greenlee
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Champaign, IL 61821
Life is full of transitions and they can be extremely difficult. It can be easy to feel overwhelmed, discouraged and like nothing will ever get better. Even when the transition is your choice - like a new job, going back to school or having a baby, it can feel like you will never settle into a new normal. That can be even more challenging when the transition is not your choice - like divorce, chronic illness, struggling with infertility, or trauma and loss. Transition can be even more overwhelming when it feels like you are going through it alone and don't have any support.
Life is full of transitions and they can be extremely difficult. It can be easy to feel overwhelmed, discouraged and like nothing will ever get better. Even when the transition is your choice - like a new job, going back to school or having a baby, it can feel like you will never settle into a new normal. That can be even more challenging when the transition is not your choice - like divorce, chronic illness, struggling with infertility, or trauma and loss. Transition can be even more overwhelming when it feels like you are going through it alone and don't have any support.
(217) 203-8389 View (217) 203-8389
Photo of Melissa Ann Ferdman, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Champaign, IL
Melissa Ann Ferdman
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MS, LCPC, CCM, CRC
Verified Verified
Champaign, IL 61821
Sometimes life can be overwhelming. Are you an older adult struggling with managing your care, grief, or other areas of life? Are you a caregiver struggling to draw boundaries, dealing with grief, or stability? People generalize grief as the loss of a person. But reality is that grief has many forms. From loss of relationships, job loss, divorce, absence or pets. As time goes on and with the support of a licensed clinical professional counselor, these issues can become more manageable with commitment to therapy, a safe place, utilization of strategies and client strength-based approach.
Sometimes life can be overwhelming. Are you an older adult struggling with managing your care, grief, or other areas of life? Are you a caregiver struggling to draw boundaries, dealing with grief, or stability? People generalize grief as the loss of a person. But reality is that grief has many forms. From loss of relationships, job loss, divorce, absence or pets. As time goes on and with the support of a licensed clinical professional counselor, these issues can become more manageable with commitment to therapy, a safe place, utilization of strategies and client strength-based approach.
(217) 765-8317 View (217) 765-8317
Photo of Elise Belknap, Licensed Professional Counselor in Champaign, IL
Elise Belknap
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC
Verified Verified
Champaign, IL 61820
Waitlist for new clients
My work with individuals is rooted in curiosity, compassion, and skill building. I support clients in connecting with themselves while helping them understand how their history impacts their current relationships and their sense of self. I have many years of experience working with children and their caregivers. Our work together will involve play, attunement, and parent coaching. As a part of the therapeutic process, I collaborate with each child’s team to create a cohesive plan for children and their families.
My work with individuals is rooted in curiosity, compassion, and skill building. I support clients in connecting with themselves while helping them understand how their history impacts their current relationships and their sense of self. I have many years of experience working with children and their caregivers. Our work together will involve play, attunement, and parent coaching. As a part of the therapeutic process, I collaborate with each child’s team to create a cohesive plan for children and their families.
(217) 863-1496 View (217) 863-1496

How does your Therapist compare?

Number of Therapists in Champaign, IL

300+

Average cost per session

$150

Therapists in Champaign, IL who prioritize treating:

92% Anxiety
89% Depression
76% Trauma and PTSD
75% Relationship Issues
74% Self Esteem
73% Coping Skills
72% Stress

Average years in practice

10 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

94% BlueCross and BlueShield
71% Aetna
71% Health Alliance

How Therapists in Champaign, IL see their clients

75% In Person and Online
25% Online Only

Gender breakdown

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

How can I find a therapist in Champaign?

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.