Therapists in Chicago, IL
Brenda Morales
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60642
Life is all about relationships, beginning with the one you have with yourself. Together we can explore developing self-acceptance, ways to grow and healing. I can provide a safe, non judgmental space and an unbiased listening ear. I will provide you with my warm spirit as you reimagine your life and develop a plan to better manage your unique symptoms and life.
Life is all about relationships, beginning with the one you have with yourself. Together we can explore developing self-acceptance, ways to grow and healing. I can provide a safe, non judgmental space and an unbiased listening ear. I will provide you with my warm spirit as you reimagine your life and develop a plan to better manage your unique symptoms and life.
Claudia Hernandez
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60605
We are all works in progress and the world around us can steer us in the wrong direction. I strive to work with my clients to find the most rewarding path and the healthiest balance of one’s needs, through learning more about oneself, others, and the world around us. It is essential to find a therapist that makes you feel validated, respected, and acknowledged by honoring your intersectional identities. As such, I strive to embody this in the therapeutic approaches that I use with my clients to uniquely address their presenting concerns.
We are all works in progress and the world around us can steer us in the wrong direction. I strive to work with my clients to find the most rewarding path and the healthiest balance of one’s needs, through learning more about oneself, others, and the world around us. It is essential to find a therapist that makes you feel validated, respected, and acknowledged by honoring your intersectional identities. As such, I strive to embody this in the therapeutic approaches that I use with my clients to uniquely address their presenting concerns.
Erika Marcinek
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60603
My therapeutic style is an invitation to openness: a space where we discover and welcome all that arises. I offer an honest, non-judgmental, and organic environment for forging a relationship of trust and respect. This solid base allows us to delve into your unique story, examining the intricate interplay between your inner world, immediate surroundings, and larger systems that shape your life choices and ways of living. Through this process, self-inquiry and capacity-building abound.
My therapeutic style is an invitation to openness: a space where we discover and welcome all that arises. I offer an honest, non-judgmental, and organic environment for forging a relationship of trust and respect. This solid base allows us to delve into your unique story, examining the intricate interplay between your inner world, immediate surroundings, and larger systems that shape your life choices and ways of living. Through this process, self-inquiry and capacity-building abound.
Garnadette Stuckey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60606 (Online Only)
With everything that is happening in our society, How are you managing? Are you struggling with family, work, health? Are you finding it difficult to take care of yourself? Do you feel anxious, depressed, overwhelmed? Are you feeling lost or like you don't know where to turn? Are you trying to find pathways to knowledge, understanding, empowerment, and peace? GJS H.O.P.E. (Honoring Ourselves as Powerful Entities) LLC can certainly help you figure it out.
With everything that is happening in our society, How are you managing? Are you struggling with family, work, health? Are you finding it difficult to take care of yourself? Do you feel anxious, depressed, overwhelmed? Are you feeling lost or like you don't know where to turn? Are you trying to find pathways to knowledge, understanding, empowerment, and peace? GJS H.O.P.E. (Honoring Ourselves as Powerful Entities) LLC can certainly help you figure it out.
Paul Valipour
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, MA, CADC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60646
I am a Certified Alcohol and other Drug Counselor (CADC) and earned my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Northeastern Illinois University. I have 14 years of mental health experience that ranges all available levels of care. I specialize in working with individuals experiencing substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, and OCD.
I am a Certified Alcohol and other Drug Counselor (CADC) and earned my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Northeastern Illinois University. I have 14 years of mental health experience that ranges all available levels of care. I specialize in working with individuals experiencing substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, and OCD.
Sherraine Miller
Pre-Licensed Professional, ATR-P, MA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60605
Guided by my passion for healing through creativity & understanding, I'm a dedicated therapist poised to empower you on your unique journey. I offer a safe & affirming space for individuals & couples from all walks of life. My clients come to me looking to tackle women's issues, depression, anxiety, perinatal/postpartum mood & anxiety disorders, sexuality, intimacy & libido issues, grief, gender, loss, trauma, life transitions, self-esteem, LGBTQIA+ exploration, relationship challenges, & more. My mission is to help you navigate life's twists & turns, weaving a path to well-being that's uniquely yours.
Guided by my passion for healing through creativity & understanding, I'm a dedicated therapist poised to empower you on your unique journey. I offer a safe & affirming space for individuals & couples from all walks of life. My clients come to me looking to tackle women's issues, depression, anxiety, perinatal/postpartum mood & anxiety disorders, sexuality, intimacy & libido issues, grief, gender, loss, trauma, life transitions, self-esteem, LGBTQIA+ exploration, relationship challenges, & more. My mission is to help you navigate life's twists & turns, weaving a path to well-being that's uniquely yours.
Jessica Hoyos
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60622
I specialize in providing relationally focused therapy to individuals, couples, children, and families from diverse backgrounds and identities. As a bilingual clinician with Ecuadorian and Colombian heritage, I am particularly committed to serving BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and migrant communities who may face unique challenges in understanding and accessing mental health resources. By working alongside clients, my goal is to help break down societal beliefs surrounding therapy and identify a better understanding of yourself, and/or your family that is holistically informed by identity, culture, and past experiences.
I specialize in providing relationally focused therapy to individuals, couples, children, and families from diverse backgrounds and identities. As a bilingual clinician with Ecuadorian and Colombian heritage, I am particularly committed to serving BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and migrant communities who may face unique challenges in understanding and accessing mental health resources. By working alongside clients, my goal is to help break down societal beliefs surrounding therapy and identify a better understanding of yourself, and/or your family that is holistically informed by identity, culture, and past experiences.
Becky Beaulieu
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60607 (Online Only)
Hi there! I'm Becky. I'm a clinical social worker and I treat eating disorders, OCD, perfectionism, anxiety, and body image concerns. My focus in all the work I do with my clients is to provide a supportive space where you can develop a deeper understanding of yourself and your experiences. I believe we all have natural strengths and my goal is to help you recognize new ways to use your own strengths to overcome the current challenges you are facing.
Hi there! I'm Becky. I'm a clinical social worker and I treat eating disorders, OCD, perfectionism, anxiety, and body image concerns. My focus in all the work I do with my clients is to provide a supportive space where you can develop a deeper understanding of yourself and your experiences. I believe we all have natural strengths and my goal is to help you recognize new ways to use your own strengths to overcome the current challenges you are facing.
Esther Espeland
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60601
Accepting new virtual clients. Relationships are opportunities for growth and exploration and yet can be the sources of some of our most painful hurts and losses. Therapy itself is a relationship and I provide space for clients to understand past experiences and restore their capacity to build connection and enjoy pleasure. Working with both individuals and partnerships, I help clients deepen and organize their emotional experience to understand relationship patterns and foster authenticity. I have a fierce commitment to my client’s wellbeing and bring deep humility and nonjudgement to this work.
Accepting new virtual clients. Relationships are opportunities for growth and exploration and yet can be the sources of some of our most painful hurts and losses. Therapy itself is a relationship and I provide space for clients to understand past experiences and restore their capacity to build connection and enjoy pleasure. Working with both individuals and partnerships, I help clients deepen and organize their emotional experience to understand relationship patterns and foster authenticity. I have a fierce commitment to my client’s wellbeing and bring deep humility and nonjudgement to this work.
Dr. Tony Fletcher, Psy.D., ABPP
Psychologist, PsyD, ABPP
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60614
Dr. Tony Fletcher is a well-known and respected clinical neuropsychologist, licensed clinical psychologist and diplomate in forensic psychology with over 20 years of clinical and courtroom experience. His expertise is in various assessments (academic, learning disorders, TBI, forensic, psychiatric, emotional and cognitive) of children from the age of five to geriatric populations. Dr. Fletcher's therapeutic orientations are in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).
Dr. Tony Fletcher is a well-known and respected clinical neuropsychologist, licensed clinical psychologist and diplomate in forensic psychology with over 20 years of clinical and courtroom experience. His expertise is in various assessments (academic, learning disorders, TBI, forensic, psychiatric, emotional and cognitive) of children from the age of five to geriatric populations. Dr. Fletcher's therapeutic orientations are in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).
Sierria Coleman
Counselor, MA, LCPC, EMDR, RYT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60605
Sierria Coleman is a practicing Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Chicago. providing individual and couples psychotherapy. Sierria strives to create a warm and inviting space for her clients. My personal mission is to help people take a journey of self-discovery, to find balance and contentment in life. Self-compassion and honest self-reflection are the first steps in avoiding the “happiness trap” and finding true peace and joy.
Sierria Coleman is a practicing Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Chicago. providing individual and couples psychotherapy. Sierria strives to create a warm and inviting space for her clients. My personal mission is to help people take a journey of self-discovery, to find balance and contentment in life. Self-compassion and honest self-reflection are the first steps in avoiding the “happiness trap” and finding true peace and joy.
15 Second Videos
Sherraine Miller
Becky Beaulieu
Esther Espeland
Skylar Wittenberg
Jessica A. Love Jordan
Christina Marie Sprayberry
Kara Thompson-Miller
Lisa Abu-Bakr
Kim Powell
Leila Toshie Yabiku
J Kenney Post Doctoral Fellow
Kiernan Josiah Wright
Jessica Heise
Carolyn Simon
Yessenia Gonzalez
Lauren Daniels
Tiffani Leila Clay
Jo Dille
-The Psychology Practice- Dr. S. Mishevski
Annie Rosenthal
Sherri A Wandler
Kathryn Wax
Isaac Miller
Elena Vertti
Mara Pollard
Ebony Oliphant
Dr Robert John Zagar PC A Professional
Keisha J. Mathew
Troy Eldon Gibson
Jess Henry
Richard Trammel
Stephanie Kaufman Wolken
Erica M. Walker
Sam Boyd
Kimberleigh Hagar
Lindsay Sherman
April Crawford
Kathryn Klingle
Riley Gramza
Carolyn Alter
Maureen D. Zigulich
JKorotko Counseling & Art Therapy, PC
Amber Reed
Allegra Socki
NOCD- Therapists for OCD
Sunitha Rachel Chandy
Emily Gumm
Ty Oreskovic
Ashley Miller Nolan
Amber Hegewald
Morgan Sutter Gress
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60647
You are enough. Every day I know that your job, your family, your friends, your followers, and the media can send you messages to the contrary; but I firmly believe that who you are is worthy of love, acceptance, and belonging. We live in a world that constantly demands more from us. Practicing self-acceptance, saying ‘no’, setting boundaries, and believing that you are enough is a radical act. You are the expert on your life and your experiences. I believe that my role as a therapist is to come alongside you and support you as you navigate your life. Pain does not happen in a vacuum, neither does healing.
You are enough. Every day I know that your job, your family, your friends, your followers, and the media can send you messages to the contrary; but I firmly believe that who you are is worthy of love, acceptance, and belonging. We live in a world that constantly demands more from us. Practicing self-acceptance, saying ‘no’, setting boundaries, and believing that you are enough is a radical act. You are the expert on your life and your experiences. I believe that my role as a therapist is to come alongside you and support you as you navigate your life. Pain does not happen in a vacuum, neither does healing.
Madeline I Brigell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60647
I truly enjoy meeting new people and building a trusting therapeutic relationship. To me, therapy is a celebration of your strengths, passions and unique qualities. I would love to collaborate with you to help improve your understanding of yourself, relationships with others and develop skills to cope with life's stressors. I hope we can work together to experience joy, connection and expressing our authentic selves in the world. I specialize in treating stress, anxiety, panic and depression. I have worked extensively with individuals navigating life transitions such as finishing college, divorce, grief and career changes.
I truly enjoy meeting new people and building a trusting therapeutic relationship. To me, therapy is a celebration of your strengths, passions and unique qualities. I would love to collaborate with you to help improve your understanding of yourself, relationships with others and develop skills to cope with life's stressors. I hope we can work together to experience joy, connection and expressing our authentic selves in the world. I specialize in treating stress, anxiety, panic and depression. I have worked extensively with individuals navigating life transitions such as finishing college, divorce, grief and career changes.
Skylar Wittenberg
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60657
I primarily work with children, adolescents, and young adults ages 5 - 30 years, who struggle with symptoms of depression, anxiety, mood changes, ADHD, difficulty with transitions, school troubles, family dynamic changes, and more. With younger clients, I utilize play, creative, and expressive methods to help children process any changes to their environments and help them learn new skills. I value being genuine with clients in order to create a space of safety and trust, especially with teens and young adults. In addition, I focus on acknowledging the humanness of our experience as essential for growth of the individual.
I primarily work with children, adolescents, and young adults ages 5 - 30 years, who struggle with symptoms of depression, anxiety, mood changes, ADHD, difficulty with transitions, school troubles, family dynamic changes, and more. With younger clients, I utilize play, creative, and expressive methods to help children process any changes to their environments and help them learn new skills. I value being genuine with clients in order to create a space of safety and trust, especially with teens and young adults. In addition, I focus on acknowledging the humanness of our experience as essential for growth of the individual.
Jessica A. Love Jordan
Counselor, MHS, LCPC, NCC, CADC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60605 (Online Only)
If you are seeking support in your journey towards a more empowered and fulfilling life, I am happy to non-judgmentally walk alongside you as a compassionate source of empathy, objectivity, and accountability throughout the process. I am a licensed clinical professional counselor and trained addictions therapist who is passionate about holistic wellness. I am dedicated to helping clients develop the insight, coping skills, and self-compassion necessary to become a happy and whole version of themselves.
If you are seeking support in your journey towards a more empowered and fulfilling life, I am happy to non-judgmentally walk alongside you as a compassionate source of empathy, objectivity, and accountability throughout the process. I am a licensed clinical professional counselor and trained addictions therapist who is passionate about holistic wellness. I am dedicated to helping clients develop the insight, coping skills, and self-compassion necessary to become a happy and whole version of themselves.
Ruth Hedvat Shorr
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60603
I'm an experienced, sensitive, insightful psychotherapist & psychoanalyst. On the faculty of The Chicago Institute for Psychoanalysis. I'm Cultural sensitive, speak English & Hebrew fluently, have a degree in Judaica. I work with Adolescents, Adults, Older Adults. I work with Gays, Lesbians, and Bisexuals. Individuals, Couples, Families. People in Business, Academia, writers, people in the Arts. Exploring who you are, Enhancing your Creativity, what complicates your Emergence, Expression, Fulfillment. Satisfaction, Individually, & in relationships.Trauma, Cross-Generational Trauma, Gender issues, Conflicts, Creativity Blocks, Performance & Achievement Anxiety, Separation, Loss, Midlife crises. Mood difficulties -- Depression, Anxiety., Attachment Difficulties. Enhancing relationships. SUPERVISION.
I'm an experienced, sensitive, insightful psychotherapist & psychoanalyst. On the faculty of The Chicago Institute for Psychoanalysis. I'm Cultural sensitive, speak English & Hebrew fluently, have a degree in Judaica. I work with Adolescents, Adults, Older Adults. I work with Gays, Lesbians, and Bisexuals. Individuals, Couples, Families. People in Business, Academia, writers, people in the Arts. Exploring who you are, Enhancing your Creativity, what complicates your Emergence, Expression, Fulfillment. Satisfaction, Individually, & in relationships.Trauma, Cross-Generational Trauma, Gender issues, Conflicts, Creativity Blocks, Performance & Achievement Anxiety, Separation, Loss, Midlife crises. Mood difficulties -- Depression, Anxiety., Attachment Difficulties. Enhancing relationships. SUPERVISION.
Christina Marie Sprayberry
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, AM, LCSW, RYT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60637 (Online Only)
Trauma, loss, struggles with identity and belonging, overwhelming emotions, sensitivities, and not feeling confident may interfere with feeling fully alive. Longing to feel more belonging, ease, and being and becoming fully you? Its possible. Youre not alone. All of you is welcome - seen and unseen.
Trauma, loss, struggles with identity and belonging, overwhelming emotions, sensitivities, and not feeling confident may interfere with feeling fully alive. Longing to feel more belonging, ease, and being and becoming fully you? Its possible. Youre not alone. All of you is welcome - seen and unseen.
Gaelle Vernet
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60643
My name is Gaëlle Vernet and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who is passionate about taking on the journey with people to assist them with identifying the interconnections of different parts of their lives. I have worked as a case manager as well as a mental health specialist, which allowed me to interact with individuals of eclectic backgrounds, including, but not limited to homeless, parolees, substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, LGBTQ, mental health disorders (anxiety, depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, dual diagnosis), and people with other life maladjustments.
My name is Gaëlle Vernet and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who is passionate about taking on the journey with people to assist them with identifying the interconnections of different parts of their lives. I have worked as a case manager as well as a mental health specialist, which allowed me to interact with individuals of eclectic backgrounds, including, but not limited to homeless, parolees, substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, LGBTQ, mental health disorders (anxiety, depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, dual diagnosis), and people with other life maladjustments.
Cody Young
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60618 (Online Only)
My focus has always been to support and empower marginalized people, specifically: queer and transgender people, people of color, sex workers, folks living with housing insecurity, and those affected by the prison system. My aim is to develop trust and create a space with you, where you feel safe to be and explore who you are as you develop new insights and skills to achieve and maintain sustainable emotional wellness.
My focus has always been to support and empower marginalized people, specifically: queer and transgender people, people of color, sex workers, folks living with housing insecurity, and those affected by the prison system. My aim is to develop trust and create a space with you, where you feel safe to be and explore who you are as you develop new insights and skills to achieve and maintain sustainable emotional wellness.
Madalyn Simpson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60622
Waitlist for new clients
What drew me to the practice of therapy rings true more in 2023 than ever before: connection. At a time in the world that demands distance, therapy offers us a curious and compassionate entryway to reconnecting to the most intimate parts of ourselves, our wants, our bodies, and our partner(s). I enjoy working with adult individuals and couple systems around topics of modern dating, conflict management, communication, and (re)building intimacy.
What drew me to the practice of therapy rings true more in 2023 than ever before: connection. At a time in the world that demands distance, therapy offers us a curious and compassionate entryway to reconnecting to the most intimate parts of ourselves, our wants, our bodies, and our partner(s). I enjoy working with adult individuals and couple systems around topics of modern dating, conflict management, communication, and (re)building intimacy.
See more therapy options for Chicago
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Chicago, IL
3,000+
Average cost per session
$150
Therapists in Chicago, IL who prioritize treating:
93% | Anxiety |
88% | Depression |
79% | Relationship Issues |
77% | Self Esteem |
71% | Trauma and PTSD |
67% | Coping Skills |
67% | Stress |
Average years in practice
10 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
95% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
59% | Aetna |
49% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Therapists in Chicago, IL see their clients
63% | In Person and Online | |
37% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
79% | Female | |
18% | Male | |
3% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in Chicago?
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.