Therapists in San Luis Obispo, CA
Erik Edler
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Sooner or later, we all need some help. You're wise to seek out a professional who can help you gain clarity and direction. I know you're struggling now, but I'm excited about how much better things can be for you. Modern life is certainly generating a lot of anxiety & depression, and taking a heavy toll. I'm here to help you get through these difficult times. My primary focus is helping young and midlife professionals get grounded, gain clarity, and build strong confidence in themselves. My approach to therapy is compassionate, interactive, focused on new perspectives, working through emotions, and skill building.
Sooner or later, we all need some help. You're wise to seek out a professional who can help you gain clarity and direction. I know you're struggling now, but I'm excited about how much better things can be for you. Modern life is certainly generating a lot of anxiety & depression, and taking a heavy toll. I'm here to help you get through these difficult times. My primary focus is helping young and midlife professionals get grounded, gain clarity, and build strong confidence in themselves. My approach to therapy is compassionate, interactive, focused on new perspectives, working through emotions, and skill building.
Michael Mazzella
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Connecting to our potential for vibrant and meaningful relationships is more important now than ever as we find creative ways to stay in touch in this increasingly complex world. From this place I make it my focus to understand how our past and present circumstances keep us from accessing our potential. I'm deeply curious about the unique paths each of us move on towards healing and am committed to co-creating a resilient setting in which we explore what that path looks like for you.
Connecting to our potential for vibrant and meaningful relationships is more important now than ever as we find creative ways to stay in touch in this increasingly complex world. From this place I make it my focus to understand how our past and present circumstances keep us from accessing our potential. I'm deeply curious about the unique paths each of us move on towards healing and am committed to co-creating a resilient setting in which we explore what that path looks like for you.
Stacy Guisse
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93403
My journey in the healing arts is a wonderful one and involves working with clients of all ages and stages of life. I have an integrated therapy approach with a specific focus on intermodal therapies, life transitions, community building, and family/group work. I work with clients who can be experiencing anxiety, adolescent anxiety, depression, substance abuse, significant life adjustments/transitions, post traumatic stress, blended family dynamics, grief/loss, adjustment to motherhood, and couples communication challenges. In our work together we are transforming life challenges into growth opportunities and creative action in your life.
My journey in the healing arts is a wonderful one and involves working with clients of all ages and stages of life. I have an integrated therapy approach with a specific focus on intermodal therapies, life transitions, community building, and family/group work. I work with clients who can be experiencing anxiety, adolescent anxiety, depression, substance abuse, significant life adjustments/transitions, post traumatic stress, blended family dynamics, grief/loss, adjustment to motherhood, and couples communication challenges. In our work together we are transforming life challenges into growth opportunities and creative action in your life.
Karina Mendoza
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, ACSW
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
It can be difficult to ask for help in the midst of struggle. Daily life can feel overwhelming and difficult to navigate or make sense of. You don't have to do it alone. Karina is willing to walk with you in your journey of self-discovery, healing, and growth. As a compassionate and dedicated therapist, Karina specializes in a holistic approach to mental health, by enhancing your physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being. She offers a comprehensive and personalized approach to support individuals like you in overcoming life's challenges.
It can be difficult to ask for help in the midst of struggle. Daily life can feel overwhelming and difficult to navigate or make sense of. You don't have to do it alone. Karina is willing to walk with you in your journey of self-discovery, healing, and growth. As a compassionate and dedicated therapist, Karina specializes in a holistic approach to mental health, by enhancing your physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being. She offers a comprehensive and personalized approach to support individuals like you in overcoming life's challenges.
Leslie Ellen Bullock
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, TCTSY-F
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Not accepting new clients
I offer therapy for adults 18 years old and over in safe, non-judgmental and empathic relationship. I can help you heal from childhood or more recent trauma, and help reduce trauma's disturbing, intrusive, relational and long lasting effects. I can also work with you to help manage anxiety, depression, stress, attachment and relationship issues, abandonment fears, or grief and loss. My approach is holistic and mind / body oriented. I combine traditional talk therapy with mindfulness and embodiment based practices. I consider it a privilege to be entrusted with working with people in this vital, vulnerable and healing way.
I offer therapy for adults 18 years old and over in safe, non-judgmental and empathic relationship. I can help you heal from childhood or more recent trauma, and help reduce trauma's disturbing, intrusive, relational and long lasting effects. I can also work with you to help manage anxiety, depression, stress, attachment and relationship issues, abandonment fears, or grief and loss. My approach is holistic and mind / body oriented. I combine traditional talk therapy with mindfulness and embodiment based practices. I consider it a privilege to be entrusted with working with people in this vital, vulnerable and healing way.
Eliza Kimmel
Pre-Licensed Professional, APCC
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Are you feeling overwhelmed, isolated, hopeless or down? Now more than ever, people are questioning and exploring how they view themselves, others and the world. Therapy can help explore these difficult issues helping you find new solutions and perspective. Eliza provides a calm, nurturing and safe environment while challenging you to reach your greatest potential. She genuinely listens and gives each person individualized therapy tailored to their specific needs and experiences. Eliza uses collaborative therapeutic techniques to develop a more fulfilling thriving life experience.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, isolated, hopeless or down? Now more than ever, people are questioning and exploring how they view themselves, others and the world. Therapy can help explore these difficult issues helping you find new solutions and perspective. Eliza provides a calm, nurturing and safe environment while challenging you to reach your greatest potential. She genuinely listens and gives each person individualized therapy tailored to their specific needs and experiences. Eliza uses collaborative therapeutic techniques to develop a more fulfilling thriving life experience.
Amanda Groo
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
In a time where distractions and uncertainties are omnipresent. Where isolation is fostered by "screen connections", anxiety that keeps us from achieving our true potential, or depression that makes it difficult to get out of bed in the morning. We are more alone than ever before and in need of true, meaningful connections. Reaching out for support is the first step in rebuilding and reclaiming our lives. In my practice, I strive to cultivate a safe space where you can begin your healing journey through a trauma-informed lens. You will learn how to fully regain control of your life and create the life you have always wanted.
In a time where distractions and uncertainties are omnipresent. Where isolation is fostered by "screen connections", anxiety that keeps us from achieving our true potential, or depression that makes it difficult to get out of bed in the morning. We are more alone than ever before and in need of true, meaningful connections. Reaching out for support is the first step in rebuilding and reclaiming our lives. In my practice, I strive to cultivate a safe space where you can begin your healing journey through a trauma-informed lens. You will learn how to fully regain control of your life and create the life you have always wanted.
Josie Traub
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Often times there are aspects of ourselves that we ignore, or push away to avoid experiencing pain or emotions that can feel unbearable. Pushing away parts of ourselves has an impact on our ability to connect with who we are as a whole person. My approach in therapy involves looking at all of these parts within our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual zones and examining the way they interact with one another. I work in partnership with my clients to support them in discovering their unique path, what's important to them and the ability to access their truest self.
Often times there are aspects of ourselves that we ignore, or push away to avoid experiencing pain or emotions that can feel unbearable. Pushing away parts of ourselves has an impact on our ability to connect with who we are as a whole person. My approach in therapy involves looking at all of these parts within our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual zones and examining the way they interact with one another. I work in partnership with my clients to support them in discovering their unique path, what's important to them and the ability to access their truest self.
The Art of Healing
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
With specialties in addiction and dual diagnosis; including depression, anxiety and trauma history, I take an integrated, holistic approach to care. The therapeutic relationship is one in which optimum healing is, as a result of the reciprocal bond, between the therapist and the client. One can only be open to the experience of change and improvement in their life if they feel safe. This is the therapy space that I provide in order to help shape authentic, loving and accurate self-awareness. I provide nurturance, guidance, affirmation and compassionate reflection in order to help clients feel grounded in their own decision-making.
With specialties in addiction and dual diagnosis; including depression, anxiety and trauma history, I take an integrated, holistic approach to care. The therapeutic relationship is one in which optimum healing is, as a result of the reciprocal bond, between the therapist and the client. One can only be open to the experience of change and improvement in their life if they feel safe. This is the therapy space that I provide in order to help shape authentic, loving and accurate self-awareness. I provide nurturance, guidance, affirmation and compassionate reflection in order to help clients feel grounded in their own decision-making.
Erika Helene Torres
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 16+ years of experience. I specialize in Couples Therapy, Anxiety/Depression, Maternal Mental Health, Parenting, Phase of Life issues, and Relationship and Occupational challenges. I work with clients throughout CA providing therapy via Telehealth, which allows you to meet from the comfort of your home, maximize your time, and reduces scheduling challenges. For additional information, please visit my website at www.erikatorreslmft.com
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 16+ years of experience. I specialize in Couples Therapy, Anxiety/Depression, Maternal Mental Health, Parenting, Phase of Life issues, and Relationship and Occupational challenges. I work with clients throughout CA providing therapy via Telehealth, which allows you to meet from the comfort of your home, maximize your time, and reduces scheduling challenges. For additional information, please visit my website at www.erikatorreslmft.com
Karen Schneller
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CEDS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
You are living a daily battle in your head about what you can eat, how much you should exercise, if you are worthy of taking up space. You are consumed by counting calories and by the negative voice inside that tells you, you’ll never be good enough or thin enough, smart enough or pretty enough. You are fed up with how the society/culture tells you how you should look and feel and behave. Your behaviors have you feeling exhausted and depleted and you wonder how you can go on another day. Others may think you have it all together on the outside, but the mental torture inside is killing you and feel like your life is shrinking.
You are living a daily battle in your head about what you can eat, how much you should exercise, if you are worthy of taking up space. You are consumed by counting calories and by the negative voice inside that tells you, you’ll never be good enough or thin enough, smart enough or pretty enough. You are fed up with how the society/culture tells you how you should look and feel and behave. Your behaviors have you feeling exhausted and depleted and you wonder how you can go on another day. Others may think you have it all together on the outside, but the mental torture inside is killing you and feel like your life is shrinking.
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Lewis Scott Peterson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MDiv
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
I became a therapist to help individuals and couples successfully navigate the difficulties of life and relationships. I provide a safe, compassionate, and confidential environment for each of my clients so that they might move towards healing and growth in their lives. My passion is to help individuals and couples find the intimacy they desire by uncovering specific patterns and obstacles to intimacy and building on their strengths so that they have the relationships they truly desire.
I became a therapist to help individuals and couples successfully navigate the difficulties of life and relationships. I provide a safe, compassionate, and confidential environment for each of my clients so that they might move towards healing and growth in their lives. My passion is to help individuals and couples find the intimacy they desire by uncovering specific patterns and obstacles to intimacy and building on their strengths so that they have the relationships they truly desire.
Dara Sheik
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Dara's psychotherapy practice is dedicated to helping young adults (aged 18-38) work through challenges related to this phase of life. Young adulthood is a time of great opportunities related to building satisfying relationships, careers and establishing one's own path. Along the way many get stuck in indecision, doubts and fears. For others, stress and unresolved issues can lead to mental health challenges including depression, anxiety and addictions. Expectations of parents and culture can contribute to the pressures and sense of isolation. Working collaboratively with his patients, Dara brings empathy and compassion to work.
Dara's psychotherapy practice is dedicated to helping young adults (aged 18-38) work through challenges related to this phase of life. Young adulthood is a time of great opportunities related to building satisfying relationships, careers and establishing one's own path. Along the way many get stuck in indecision, doubts and fears. For others, stress and unresolved issues can lead to mental health challenges including depression, anxiety and addictions. Expectations of parents and culture can contribute to the pressures and sense of isolation. Working collaboratively with his patients, Dara brings empathy and compassion to work.
Camille Johnson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
17 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
I offer a soulful and deep approach to therapy for individual adults who are struggling with an array of relational and emotional concerns. As your therapist, I’m here to guide and walk along side you on your personal journey; collaborate and partner with you to move through areas in your life that are not serving you well. I aim to help others find health for their mind, balance for their lives and emotional wholeness. I truly believe that people grow through therapeutic relationships and therefore seek to help those I come in contact with achieve a deeper connection with themselves and others.
I offer a soulful and deep approach to therapy for individual adults who are struggling with an array of relational and emotional concerns. As your therapist, I’m here to guide and walk along side you on your personal journey; collaborate and partner with you to move through areas in your life that are not serving you well. I aim to help others find health for their mind, balance for their lives and emotional wholeness. I truly believe that people grow through therapeutic relationships and therefore seek to help those I come in contact with achieve a deeper connection with themselves and others.
Dr. Jay Bettergarcia
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93410
Waitlist for new clients
Are you exploring your gender identity or sexuality? Maybe you’re already sure of who you are and you need help taking the next step in your gender journey? The Center for Collaborative Transformations is here to help! If you’ve been thinking about you gender and you are ready to explore the next steps of your social or medical transition (what ever that looks like for you), we can work together while you process, discover, and create the most authentic version of YOU, with all your various identities. I work collaboratively with clients, families, and care teams to develop meaningful acceptance, change, growth, and healing.
Are you exploring your gender identity or sexuality? Maybe you’re already sure of who you are and you need help taking the next step in your gender journey? The Center for Collaborative Transformations is here to help! If you’ve been thinking about you gender and you are ready to explore the next steps of your social or medical transition (what ever that looks like for you), we can work together while you process, discover, and create the most authentic version of YOU, with all your various identities. I work collaboratively with clients, families, and care teams to develop meaningful acceptance, change, growth, and healing.
Rebecca Aponte
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Dr. Aponte is a psychologist and partner at Central Coast Evaluation Services, a specialized practice providing clinical and forensic psychological evaluations. Areas of assessment include psychopathology, cognitive/intellectual, attention, memory, personality, criminal responsibility/mitigation, mental status at the time of offense, competence to stand trial, and violence risk. She regularly provides expert witness testimony across the state of California.
Dr. Aponte is a psychologist and partner at Central Coast Evaluation Services, a specialized practice providing clinical and forensic psychological evaluations. Areas of assessment include psychopathology, cognitive/intellectual, attention, memory, personality, criminal responsibility/mitigation, mental status at the time of offense, competence to stand trial, and violence risk. She regularly provides expert witness testimony across the state of California.
Daniel Zacarias Messiter
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Waitlist for new clients
Life is like a river of emotions, and sometimes the current can become unpredictable and overwhelming. Navigating this river can be exhausting, and when we try to block the flow, pressure builds, and builds and until it feels like there is too much to face alone. You do not have to navigate your river alone. Daniel creates a safe and welcoming environment for his clients to relieve stress, tension and learn new tools to aid in emotional navigation. His approach is client-centered, focusing on the depth of your experiences, to finding new insight and resolution to the difficulties in your life.
Life is like a river of emotions, and sometimes the current can become unpredictable and overwhelming. Navigating this river can be exhausting, and when we try to block the flow, pressure builds, and builds and until it feels like there is too much to face alone. You do not have to navigate your river alone. Daniel creates a safe and welcoming environment for his clients to relieve stress, tension and learn new tools to aid in emotional navigation. His approach is client-centered, focusing on the depth of your experiences, to finding new insight and resolution to the difficulties in your life.
Michelle Matoff
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PsyD, CBC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
I am a Psy.D, LCSW with +25 years of experience. I have lived and worked in diverse social environments (USA, UK, Brazil, and Australia) and specialize in the treatment of anxiety, stress management, chronic pain management, codependency, compulsive overeating, pre-bariatric surgery evaluations, and post-bariatric surgery support.(1) In addition, my practice focuses on life transitions e.g. adjusting to college life, balancing school, career and relationships, aging, and loss of health. I work with you to improve the quality of your life.
I am a Psy.D, LCSW with +25 years of experience. I have lived and worked in diverse social environments (USA, UK, Brazil, and Australia) and specialize in the treatment of anxiety, stress management, chronic pain management, codependency, compulsive overeating, pre-bariatric surgery evaluations, and post-bariatric surgery support.(1) In addition, my practice focuses on life transitions e.g. adjusting to college life, balancing school, career and relationships, aging, and loss of health. I work with you to improve the quality of your life.
We Are Nature
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CPAT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
We believe we belong in a reciprocal relationship with nature. Nature is a co-facilitator in our therapeutic healing journey. Evidence based studies show that nature therapy engenders a variety of mental health benefits such as stress and anxiety reduction, attention restoration, depression alleviation, self-esteem, and embodiment. Through mindfulness and interactive practices, we will immerse ourselves in a chosen outdoor space. Noticing our role in the rich ecosystem around us, we acquaint ourselves with the truth that we are part of, not separate from; healing ourselves to wholeness.
We believe we belong in a reciprocal relationship with nature. Nature is a co-facilitator in our therapeutic healing journey. Evidence based studies show that nature therapy engenders a variety of mental health benefits such as stress and anxiety reduction, attention restoration, depression alleviation, self-esteem, and embodiment. Through mindfulness and interactive practices, we will immerse ourselves in a chosen outdoor space. Noticing our role in the rich ecosystem around us, we acquaint ourselves with the truth that we are part of, not separate from; healing ourselves to wholeness.
Innerbloom Ketamine Therapy
MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Founded in 2022 by Dr. Ray Rivas, Innerbloom Ketamine Therapy offers intravenous ketamine infusions in conjunction with licensed psychotherapists who provide ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP). Our facility is located near downtown San Luis Obispo, CA. Our mission is to help our patients live happier and healthier lives by adopting a holistic approach and integrating psychedelic-assisted therapy as a vital component of the process. This involves providing effective and safe care through individualized treatment plans tailored to the unique characteristics of each patient.
Founded in 2022 by Dr. Ray Rivas, Innerbloom Ketamine Therapy offers intravenous ketamine infusions in conjunction with licensed psychotherapists who provide ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP). Our facility is located near downtown San Luis Obispo, CA. Our mission is to help our patients live happier and healthier lives by adopting a holistic approach and integrating psychedelic-assisted therapy as a vital component of the process. This involves providing effective and safe care through individualized treatment plans tailored to the unique characteristics of each patient.
See more therapy options for San Luis Obispo
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How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in San Luis Obispo, CA
400+
Average cost per session
$150
Therapists in San Luis Obispo, CA who prioritize treating:
92% | Anxiety |
87% | Depression |
80% | Relationship Issues |
77% | Trauma and PTSD |
77% | Self Esteem |
69% | Coping Skills |
66% | Stress |
Average years in practice
13 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
54% | Other |
44% | Aetna |
38% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Therapists in San Luis Obispo, CA see their clients
77% | In Person and Online | |
23% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
82% | Female | |
17% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in San Luis Obispo?
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
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.
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.
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.