Therapists in San Anselmo, CA

Photo of John Coyne, Psychologist in San Anselmo, CA
John Coyne
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Anselmo, CA 94960
Are you dealing with a life transition, chronic illness, caregiver stress, recent loss or struggling with unhealthy habits? Are you feeling overwhelmed, confused or depressed? Are you feeling burnt-out or out of balance? As a Health Psychologist my approach integrates mind, body and spirit. I offer a warm, non-judgemental setting to explore what values are most important to you, what keeps you from honoring your values and taking good care of yourself. Together we will develop strategies to get your life back on track. I offer in-person appointments in San Anselmo or video appointments for residents anywhere in California.
Are you dealing with a life transition, chronic illness, caregiver stress, recent loss or struggling with unhealthy habits? Are you feeling overwhelmed, confused or depressed? Are you feeling burnt-out or out of balance? As a Health Psychologist my approach integrates mind, body and spirit. I offer a warm, non-judgemental setting to explore what values are most important to you, what keeps you from honoring your values and taking good care of yourself. Together we will develop strategies to get your life back on track. I offer in-person appointments in San Anselmo or video appointments for residents anywhere in California.
(415) 799-4547 View (415) 799-4547
Photo of Deborah Gioia, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Anselmo, CA
Deborah Gioia
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Anselmo, CA 94960  (Online Only)
My name is Deborah Gioia, PhD in Social Work and an LCSW. I am committed to assisting clients through the use of strategies, methods and skills that fit with the issues you are bringing into therapy. Therapy is a personal journey and a partnership and I will work with you to help enable the changes you wish to see in your life. What I will bring to this partnership is expertise in CBT, Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), stress-reducing practices for anxiety and panic, and most of all, deep listening to learn about your strengths. I am deeply interested in climate change and how it is impacting you in your day-to-day life.
My name is Deborah Gioia, PhD in Social Work and an LCSW. I am committed to assisting clients through the use of strategies, methods and skills that fit with the issues you are bringing into therapy. Therapy is a personal journey and a partnership and I will work with you to help enable the changes you wish to see in your life. What I will bring to this partnership is expertise in CBT, Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), stress-reducing practices for anxiety and panic, and most of all, deep listening to learn about your strengths. I am deeply interested in climate change and how it is impacting you in your day-to-day life.
(415) 761-2672 View (415) 761-2672
Photo of Sonia Duran, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Anselmo, CA
Sonia Duran
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Anselmo, CA 94960
Through my 17 years of experience, I have provided services to adults and children who have endured traumas, abuse, grief and loss, mood disorders such as anxiety and depression, relationship issues, parenting challenges and life transitions.
Through my 17 years of experience, I have provided services to adults and children who have endured traumas, abuse, grief and loss, mood disorders such as anxiety and depression, relationship issues, parenting challenges and life transitions.
(415) 319-9258 View (415) 319-9258
Photo of Kendall Schwartz, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Anselmo, CA
Kendall Schwartz
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Anselmo, CA 94960
As a bilingual (Eng/Span) licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I have vast experience treating diverse populations of all ages struggling with trauma, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and personality disorders. With a background in Gestalt, trauma-informed care, and prenatal counseling, I treat individuals and couples in a private practice setting where I incorporate and integrate various modalities, along with somatic techniques, parts work, resourcing, mindfulness, and transpersonal psychology. “With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.” - Max Ehrmann
As a bilingual (Eng/Span) licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I have vast experience treating diverse populations of all ages struggling with trauma, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and personality disorders. With a background in Gestalt, trauma-informed care, and prenatal counseling, I treat individuals and couples in a private practice setting where I incorporate and integrate various modalities, along with somatic techniques, parts work, resourcing, mindfulness, and transpersonal psychology. “With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.” - Max Ehrmann
(415) 853-5165 View (415) 853-5165
Photo of Maureen Young Smith, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Anselmo, CA
Maureen Young Smith
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Anselmo, CA 94960
Before opening a private practice in San Anselmo, I worked as a primary therapist with the Child Therapy Institute of Marin working with children and adults. I have also worked as a school counselor in Marin elementary, middle and high schools; and at a local university. I have clinical experience working in an eating recovery center helping clients and their families recover from eating disorders. I received a bachelor’s in arts from Scripps College in Claremont, California and a master’s in counseling psychology from Dominican University in San Rafael, California. I am a doctoral candidate in Clinical Psychology.
Before opening a private practice in San Anselmo, I worked as a primary therapist with the Child Therapy Institute of Marin working with children and adults. I have also worked as a school counselor in Marin elementary, middle and high schools; and at a local university. I have clinical experience working in an eating recovery center helping clients and their families recover from eating disorders. I received a bachelor’s in arts from Scripps College in Claremont, California and a master’s in counseling psychology from Dominican University in San Rafael, California. I am a doctoral candidate in Clinical Psychology.
(415) 903-7190 View (415) 903-7190
Photo of Jennifer S. Lopez - Psychotherapist, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Anselmo, CA
Jennifer S. Lopez - Psychotherapist
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Anselmo, CA 94960  (Online Only)
I work with adolescents, adults, couples, looking to improve their lives, reduce anxiety and depression, let go of old patterns of behaviors and improve their relationships. My approach is warm, supportive, compassionate, but direct. Therapy is a healing and exploratory process that necessitates participation, honesty & vulnerability. It requires work. But if your goals include making purposeful change to self-defeating behaviors and to be crystal clear with who you are and what you want, we can make life-altering changes together.
I work with adolescents, adults, couples, looking to improve their lives, reduce anxiety and depression, let go of old patterns of behaviors and improve their relationships. My approach is warm, supportive, compassionate, but direct. Therapy is a healing and exploratory process that necessitates participation, honesty & vulnerability. It requires work. But if your goals include making purposeful change to self-defeating behaviors and to be crystal clear with who you are and what you want, we can make life-altering changes together.
(415) 449-7090 View (415) 449-7090
Photo of Emily Collette, Psychologist in San Anselmo, CA
Emily Collette
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Anselmo, CA 94960
My style as a therapist is warm, collaborative, and authentic. I strive to create an environment in which you feel free to speak openly about yourself and the concerns that bring you to therapy. In working together, I will help you to understand the layers of your experience within the context of your unique identity and lived history. Ultimately, this process offers the potential for movement around what’s stuck. Through it, comes an experience of greater emotional freedom and fulfillment.
My style as a therapist is warm, collaborative, and authentic. I strive to create an environment in which you feel free to speak openly about yourself and the concerns that bring you to therapy. In working together, I will help you to understand the layers of your experience within the context of your unique identity and lived history. Ultimately, this process offers the potential for movement around what’s stuck. Through it, comes an experience of greater emotional freedom and fulfillment.
(510) 369-0480 View (510) 369-0480
Photo of Shem Klein, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Anselmo, CA
Shem Klein
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Anselmo, CA 94960
I believe in our ability to do meaningful psychological work at all stages of human development. It is a privilege to sit with people and walk through these important moments in our lives. I have worked in substance use disorder treatment for almost two decades and have been actively involved in my own recovery, gratefully sober for over 25 years. As a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist, I create space for meaningful therapeutic conversations.
I believe in our ability to do meaningful psychological work at all stages of human development. It is a privilege to sit with people and walk through these important moments in our lives. I have worked in substance use disorder treatment for almost two decades and have been actively involved in my own recovery, gratefully sober for over 25 years. As a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist, I create space for meaningful therapeutic conversations.
(415) 996-1143 View (415) 996-1143
Photo of Chris A Armstrong, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Anselmo, CA
Chris A Armstrong
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
San Anselmo, CA 94960
www.armstrongdanglesmarintherapy.com/
www.armstrongdanglesmarintherapy.com/
(415) 980-4283 View (415) 980-4283
Photo of Lori Richards, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Anselmo, CA
Lori Richards
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Anselmo, CA 94960
Do you feel disconnected from yourself, from life, and from others? Panic, anxiety, depression, confusion, loss, overwhelm, numbness-- these can feel like powerful forces separating you from the vibrant and productive life you imagine is possible. I can help you navigate your path to emotional balance, cognitive clarity, joyful energy, and sense of purpose. Together, we can face the distress and restore your inner life in a way that brings you home to your Self.
Do you feel disconnected from yourself, from life, and from others? Panic, anxiety, depression, confusion, loss, overwhelm, numbness-- these can feel like powerful forces separating you from the vibrant and productive life you imagine is possible. I can help you navigate your path to emotional balance, cognitive clarity, joyful energy, and sense of purpose. Together, we can face the distress and restore your inner life in a way that brings you home to your Self.
(310) 494-7135 View (310) 494-7135
Photo of Gabrielle Miranda, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Anselmo, CA
Gabrielle Miranda
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT
Verified Verified
San Anselmo, CA 94960
Each of life's stages offer a unique set of challenges for us all. The struggles of being an adolescent, the emotional turmoil adults face when relationships or career are strained, the fears associated with parenting kids in a complicated world, controlling anger and rage at any age and the unique issues involved with the aging process. Whether life circumstances lead to anxiety, depression, fear and hopelessness or even a sense of curiosity and exploration, I am committed to providing a warm, nurturing space where we can work together towards a greater sense of growth and potential.
Each of life's stages offer a unique set of challenges for us all. The struggles of being an adolescent, the emotional turmoil adults face when relationships or career are strained, the fears associated with parenting kids in a complicated world, controlling anger and rage at any age and the unique issues involved with the aging process. Whether life circumstances lead to anxiety, depression, fear and hopelessness or even a sense of curiosity and exploration, I am committed to providing a warm, nurturing space where we can work together towards a greater sense of growth and potential.
Photo of Yuki Laib, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Anselmo, CA
Yuki Laib
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Anselmo, CA 94960  (Online Only)
It shouldn’t be a big deal. People seem to be able to handle stuff like that with no issues. But somehow, that memory is stuck in your mind and just won’t go away. It might not seem very serious or traumatic, but you think about that experience over and over. It plays like a skipping record in your mind. It may have been something painful that affects your everyday life - overwhelming you. Or something that’s been impacting you for a while now, sapping your energy, and you don’t want to lose sleep over it anymore. You’re tired of this repeating pattern and are ready to do something about it!
It shouldn’t be a big deal. People seem to be able to handle stuff like that with no issues. But somehow, that memory is stuck in your mind and just won’t go away. It might not seem very serious or traumatic, but you think about that experience over and over. It plays like a skipping record in your mind. It may have been something painful that affects your everyday life - overwhelming you. Or something that’s been impacting you for a while now, sapping your energy, and you don’t want to lose sleep over it anymore. You’re tired of this repeating pattern and are ready to do something about it!
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Photo of Nancy Ilene Gump, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Anselmo, CA
Nancy Ilene Gump
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Anselmo, CA 94960
The roadblocks and challenges we all long to avoid often contain hidden gold. We can find this valuable treasure when we learn to relate to our pain differently. In my work I help my clients learn to release unnecessary suffering and meet the difficulties they cannot change. This brings an increased capacity for happiness. I help my clients release the need for perfection and move instead towards wholeness and completeness - holding both the joy and sorrow of life. When we learn to hold our 'broken' places with compassion, we feel more whole.
The roadblocks and challenges we all long to avoid often contain hidden gold. We can find this valuable treasure when we learn to relate to our pain differently. In my work I help my clients learn to release unnecessary suffering and meet the difficulties they cannot change. This brings an increased capacity for happiness. I help my clients release the need for perfection and move instead towards wholeness and completeness - holding both the joy and sorrow of life. When we learn to hold our 'broken' places with compassion, we feel more whole.
(628) 244-3255 View (628) 244-3255
Photo of Louise Franklin, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Anselmo, CA
Louise Franklin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
San Anselmo, CA 94960
Are you seeking answers regarding next steps, are you struggling with old patterns or dealing with anxiety, depression, or an important life transition? Are you feeling stuck? I have worked with people facing life’s most difficult challenges including trauma and end of life. With my diverse background, I believe no challenge is too great or too unsolvable. Clients therefore feel safe to discuss their deepest concerns. We work together to resolve challenges, find healing and support and regain confidence to find the positive path forward.
Are you seeking answers regarding next steps, are you struggling with old patterns or dealing with anxiety, depression, or an important life transition? Are you feeling stuck? I have worked with people facing life’s most difficult challenges including trauma and end of life. With my diverse background, I believe no challenge is too great or too unsolvable. Clients therefore feel safe to discuss their deepest concerns. We work together to resolve challenges, find healing and support and regain confidence to find the positive path forward.
(415) 630-5259 View (415) 630-5259
Photo of Sandra Hirschfield, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Anselmo, CA
Sandra Hirschfield
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
San Anselmo, CA 94960
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California with extensive experience over the past twenty years to provide comprehensive clinical support including assessment and therapeutic strategies to reduce symptoms related to environmental stress and mental health issues. Children, adolescents and adults who struggle with emotional regulation learn to develop coping strategies when experiencing distressing situations that impacts their quality of life.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California with extensive experience over the past twenty years to provide comprehensive clinical support including assessment and therapeutic strategies to reduce symptoms related to environmental stress and mental health issues. Children, adolescents and adults who struggle with emotional regulation learn to develop coping strategies when experiencing distressing situations that impacts their quality of life.
(415) 534-4184 View (415) 534-4184
Photo of Kathryn 'kat' Conour, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Anselmo, CA
Kathryn 'kat' Conour
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, RYT500
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
San Anselmo, CA 94960  (Online Only)
Are you struggling in an important relationship? Do you find yourself playing out familiar, painful patterns wondering how to make a change? Is there a nagging sense that you're holding yourself back in your life? I am here to help you find the fertile, solid ground inside yourself from which you can nurture a life and relationships in which you wholeheartedly thrive. My approach to psychotherapy with couples and individuals is collaborative and unique to each client, but one element remains core: building a foundation of respect, trust, transparency, and loving-kindness from which real growth and change can occur.
Are you struggling in an important relationship? Do you find yourself playing out familiar, painful patterns wondering how to make a change? Is there a nagging sense that you're holding yourself back in your life? I am here to help you find the fertile, solid ground inside yourself from which you can nurture a life and relationships in which you wholeheartedly thrive. My approach to psychotherapy with couples and individuals is collaborative and unique to each client, but one element remains core: building a foundation of respect, trust, transparency, and loving-kindness from which real growth and change can occur.
(415) 787-8304 View (415) 787-8304
Photo of Susan Edelstein, Psychologist in San Anselmo, CA
Susan Edelstein
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Anselmo, CA 94960  (Online Only)
Life has never been particularly easy, but lately we are faced with additional stress. As a psychologist, I meet with men and women, couples and families who are coping with conflict in their marriages, conflicts with their children, financial pressures, and workplace stress. Things might seem so overwhelming that we despair of ever recapturing the happiness and optimism that we once might have had. I can show you ways to reduce your anxiety, and develop new coping strategies to improve interactions in your family, your relationships and your workplace. You can find confidence and recapture a sense of well being.
Life has never been particularly easy, but lately we are faced with additional stress. As a psychologist, I meet with men and women, couples and families who are coping with conflict in their marriages, conflicts with their children, financial pressures, and workplace stress. Things might seem so overwhelming that we despair of ever recapturing the happiness and optimism that we once might have had. I can show you ways to reduce your anxiety, and develop new coping strategies to improve interactions in your family, your relationships and your workplace. You can find confidence and recapture a sense of well being.
(415) 659-9341 View (415) 659-9341
Photo of Carol Fabric, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Anselmo, CA
Carol Fabric
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
San Anselmo, CA 94960
Are you coming to therapy because you're feeling upset with an important person in your life? I love to work with individuals and couples who want to learn how to make their relationships work at the happiest and highest level. Many people have never had any training in communication, couples values clarification, listening, conflict resolution, parenting, negotiation, family finances or designing their relationship. The most emotionally and fear producing issues which bring people to a therapist are infidelity, substance abuse, violence, burnout, grief and loss, an illness or death in the family and major life transitions.
Are you coming to therapy because you're feeling upset with an important person in your life? I love to work with individuals and couples who want to learn how to make their relationships work at the happiest and highest level. Many people have never had any training in communication, couples values clarification, listening, conflict resolution, parenting, negotiation, family finances or designing their relationship. The most emotionally and fear producing issues which bring people to a therapist are infidelity, substance abuse, violence, burnout, grief and loss, an illness or death in the family and major life transitions.
(415) 524-0402 View (415) 524-0402
Photo of Early Childhood and Family Wellness Consultant in San Anselmo, CA
Early Childhood and Family Wellness Consultant
IPMH, CPE
Verified Verified
San Anselmo, CA 94960
Families consult with me to get guidance on a large variety of issues-from behavioral challenges, childhood aggression, situational crisis such as illness, weening, separation anxiety, or sibling concerns. Some parents need help in learning how to talk to their children about particular topics, some are working hard not to bring the ghosts of their own childhood's into the relationship with their children. Many are trying to figure out what behavior is developmentally appropriate, what behavior needs particular attention and how to set effective limits for their children in a way that feels both strong and loving.
Families consult with me to get guidance on a large variety of issues-from behavioral challenges, childhood aggression, situational crisis such as illness, weening, separation anxiety, or sibling concerns. Some parents need help in learning how to talk to their children about particular topics, some are working hard not to bring the ghosts of their own childhood's into the relationship with their children. Many are trying to figure out what behavior is developmentally appropriate, what behavior needs particular attention and how to set effective limits for their children in a way that feels both strong and loving.
(415) 830-3116 View (415) 830-3116
Photo of Laila Ansari, Psychologist in San Anselmo, CA
Laila Ansari
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Anselmo, CA 94960  (Online Only)
Did you grow up in an unstable household with challenging parents? Do you struggle with holding boundaries and saying no? Do you feel like you keep repeating negative patterns in relationships? I work with adults/couples who struggle with anxiety, trauma, family/partner relationship issues and consequences of childhood abuse and neglect. My specialty is in working with adult children of narcissistic/borderline parents and how early childhood experiences affect the individual’s adult relationships. Additionally, I help clients improve communication, build healthy relationships, set healthy boundaries and advocate for their needs.
Did you grow up in an unstable household with challenging parents? Do you struggle with holding boundaries and saying no? Do you feel like you keep repeating negative patterns in relationships? I work with adults/couples who struggle with anxiety, trauma, family/partner relationship issues and consequences of childhood abuse and neglect. My specialty is in working with adult children of narcissistic/borderline parents and how early childhood experiences affect the individual’s adult relationships. Additionally, I help clients improve communication, build healthy relationships, set healthy boundaries and advocate for their needs.
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How does your Therapist compare?

Number of Therapists in San Anselmo, CA

100+

Average cost per session

$200

Therapists in San Anselmo, CA who prioritize treating:

94% Anxiety
82% Depression
81% Relationship Issues
71% Trauma and PTSD
70% Self Esteem
69% Grief
62% Stress

Average years in practice

18 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

55% Aetna
45% MHN | Health Net
42% Anthem | Elevance

How Therapists in San Anselmo, CA see their clients

71% In Person and Online
29% Online Only

Gender breakdown

83% Female
15% Male
2% Non-Binary
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling

How can I find a therapist in San Anselmo?

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.