Therapists in San Diego, CA

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Photo of D Brooke Crosby, PsyD, LPC, LPCC
D Brooke Crosby
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, PsyD, LPC, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92128  (Online Only)
Accepting New Clients. I understand that life happens to all of us. My desire to work with clients is guided by a deep, enduring curiosity about people and the multitude of ways that are involved in the making of a self. In our daily lives, we can all feel overwhelmed by unexpected situations, unfortunate losses and unendurable psychological pains. My goal is to help you to understand these experiences, create a more authentic way of living, and to build more fulfilling personal relationships.
Accepting New Clients. I understand that life happens to all of us. My desire to work with clients is guided by a deep, enduring curiosity about people and the multitude of ways that are involved in the making of a self. In our daily lives, we can all feel overwhelmed by unexpected situations, unfortunate losses and unendurable psychological pains. My goal is to help you to understand these experiences, create a more authentic way of living, and to build more fulfilling personal relationships.
(619) 485-6984 View (619) 485-6984
Photo of Aubrie Dodge, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Aubrie Dodge
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92117  (Online Only)
Hi and welcome! Thank you for prioritizing your mental health. Are you motivated to make a change and need a safe space to open up, learn, and grow? I work with young adults experiencing anxiety, depression, and life transitions. The clients I treat are often high-achievers dealing with school and/or career-related stress, strained relationships, perfectionism, and self-esteem issues. Through established trust, consistent sessions, and the implementation of learned skills, clients in my practice often report feeling a sense of relief and improvement soon after beginning therapy.
Hi and welcome! Thank you for prioritizing your mental health. Are you motivated to make a change and need a safe space to open up, learn, and grow? I work with young adults experiencing anxiety, depression, and life transitions. The clients I treat are often high-achievers dealing with school and/or career-related stress, strained relationships, perfectionism, and self-esteem issues. Through established trust, consistent sessions, and the implementation of learned skills, clients in my practice often report feeling a sense of relief and improvement soon after beginning therapy.
(858) 244-9816 View (858) 244-9816
Photo of Sara E Cole, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sara E Cole
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92103  (Online Only)
My passion is to help women of all ages w/ trauma, life transitions, motherhood, anxiety & overwhelm. Maybe you’ve been doing ok & suddenly feel knocked down by life (new mom, trauma, anxiety, relationships, or a new life stage). I know what it’s like to face hardships & come out stronger than you expected & feel like yourself again. Using my experiences & extensive training, I strive to help & support you. Are you stretched too thin & need some support? Maybe you need help setting healthy boundaries, weathering the storm of change, anxiety/depression, trusting yourself, or getting through hard times or trauma. I am here for you.
My passion is to help women of all ages w/ trauma, life transitions, motherhood, anxiety & overwhelm. Maybe you’ve been doing ok & suddenly feel knocked down by life (new mom, trauma, anxiety, relationships, or a new life stage). I know what it’s like to face hardships & come out stronger than you expected & feel like yourself again. Using my experiences & extensive training, I strive to help & support you. Are you stretched too thin & need some support? Maybe you need help setting healthy boundaries, weathering the storm of change, anxiety/depression, trusting yourself, or getting through hard times or trauma. I am here for you.
(619) 346-4420 View (619) 346-4420
Photo of Alfia Dunbar, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Alfia Dunbar
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92128
Waitlist for new clients
I enjoy working with those who are open to growth and change. This includes those who may be facing challenges or circumstances they are uncertain of and whom want to be able to navigate their life in a manner that allows them to experience the ups, downs, and unpredictability of life in the healthiest way possible. This may mean navigating grief and bereavement, an upheaval of life as it once was, a change of phase of life, or learning to cope in manners that are helpful instead of avoidant. This may also mean learning more about our patterns and why we respond to circumstances the way we do and learning to change those patterns.
I enjoy working with those who are open to growth and change. This includes those who may be facing challenges or circumstances they are uncertain of and whom want to be able to navigate their life in a manner that allows them to experience the ups, downs, and unpredictability of life in the healthiest way possible. This may mean navigating grief and bereavement, an upheaval of life as it once was, a change of phase of life, or learning to cope in manners that are helpful instead of avoidant. This may also mean learning more about our patterns and why we respond to circumstances the way we do and learning to change those patterns.
(858) 330-4296 View (858) 330-4296
Photo of Genoveva Avalos-Mireles, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Genoveva Avalos-Mireles
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92115
Thank you for taking the time to read my profile. I am an empathic and compassionate bilingual (Spanish-English) Licensed clinical social worker, LCSW. I am a genuine, caring, and culturally sensitive clinician. I have over 25 years in the Mental health field and 20 of those years in addiction medicine. I work with adults, couples, adolescents families, and blended families.
Thank you for taking the time to read my profile. I am an empathic and compassionate bilingual (Spanish-English) Licensed clinical social worker, LCSW. I am a genuine, caring, and culturally sensitive clinician. I have over 25 years in the Mental health field and 20 of those years in addiction medicine. I work with adults, couples, adolescents families, and blended families.
(619) 914-2906 View (619) 914-2906
Photo of Rafael Cortina, MFT, MBA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Rafael Cortina
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, MBA
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92122
I am a bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has worked in both Mexico and the United States. I have over 20 years of experience in individual, couples, family and group therapy. I believe I am personally warm, understanding, emphatic, patient, caring, and compassionate with clients. And feel strongly that the nature of human beings tends toward growth and harmony. Along the way, the natural ability to self-regulate may unfortunately be interrupted. However, through the path of self-awareness, and self-responsibility we are able to restore our natural abilities and utilize our full potential, and live healthy life.
I am a bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has worked in both Mexico and the United States. I have over 20 years of experience in individual, couples, family and group therapy. I believe I am personally warm, understanding, emphatic, patient, caring, and compassionate with clients. And feel strongly that the nature of human beings tends toward growth and harmony. Along the way, the natural ability to self-regulate may unfortunately be interrupted. However, through the path of self-awareness, and self-responsibility we are able to restore our natural abilities and utilize our full potential, and live healthy life.
(619) 870-1263 View (619) 870-1263
Photo of Marisa Zens, PsyD, Psychologist
Marisa Zens
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92117
One of the most important ingredients in successful therapy is a good therapeutic fit. My approach is to provide an empathic, warm and supportive environment, and work collaboratively to identify and make sense of your unique struggles and particular obstacles. I work with couples, adolescents and adults and use both insight-oriented and skills-based approaches to find short and long-term solutions to intercept the patterns that are interfering with your personal growth. I also provide supervision and consultation to psychologists and psychotherapy trainees.
One of the most important ingredients in successful therapy is a good therapeutic fit. My approach is to provide an empathic, warm and supportive environment, and work collaboratively to identify and make sense of your unique struggles and particular obstacles. I work with couples, adolescents and adults and use both insight-oriented and skills-based approaches to find short and long-term solutions to intercept the patterns that are interfering with your personal growth. I also provide supervision and consultation to psychologists and psychotherapy trainees.
(619) 940-1548 View (619) 940-1548
Photo of Patty Schroeder, PsyD, Psychologist
Patty Schroeder
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92121  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I'm constantly amazed at the human capacity for resilience. Using a strengths-based approach, I would be honored to help you tap into your power to achieve the health and wellness to live your best life! I approach my therapeutic relationships with warmth, respect, empathy, and a little bit of humor at times. I know it takes a great deal of courage to begin therapy -- my goal is to create a safe, comfortable space for honest exploration so we can tackle your concerns together. I look forward to meeting you :)
I'm constantly amazed at the human capacity for resilience. Using a strengths-based approach, I would be honored to help you tap into your power to achieve the health and wellness to live your best life! I approach my therapeutic relationships with warmth, respect, empathy, and a little bit of humor at times. I know it takes a great deal of courage to begin therapy -- my goal is to create a safe, comfortable space for honest exploration so we can tackle your concerns together. I look forward to meeting you :)
(858) 987-4457 View (858) 987-4457
Photo of Mariela Shibley - Shibley Psychology, PsyD, Psychologist
Shibley Psychology
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92108
Waitlist for new clients
Shibley Psychology is a private practice where we provide individual, couples, and group psychotherapy. We also specialize in conducting psychological evaluations for immigration cases (such as extreme hardship, VAWA, U-Visas, asylum, competency, etc.) and forensic evaluations for State and Federal Court.
Shibley Psychology is a private practice where we provide individual, couples, and group psychotherapy. We also specialize in conducting psychological evaluations for immigration cases (such as extreme hardship, VAWA, U-Visas, asylum, competency, etc.) and forensic evaluations for State and Federal Court.
(619) 598-1626 View (619) 598-1626
Photo of Leticia Isabel Bane, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Leticia Isabel Bane
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92103  (Online Only)
Are you concerned about your child after having experienced something traumatic? Domestic violence, accidents, assault, child physical abuse, child sexual abuse, neglect, and other traumatic events take time and support to heal from. Many children are left with depression, anxiety, PTSD, defiance, opposition, and many other issues after the trauma.
Are you concerned about your child after having experienced something traumatic? Domestic violence, accidents, assault, child physical abuse, child sexual abuse, neglect, and other traumatic events take time and support to heal from. Many children are left with depression, anxiety, PTSD, defiance, opposition, and many other issues after the trauma.
(619) 547-0995 View (619) 547-0995
Photo of Lori A Futterman, RN, PhD, Psychologist
Lori A Futterman
Psychologist, RN, PhD
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92108
Dr. Futterman takes a clinical psychologist with an integrated approach to care. She has a general practice and two subspecialties in women's health and sexual health. She is dedicated to helping all people, achieve their highest potential; and overcome difficulties in achieving inner balance. Dr. Futterman utilizes a wide range of techniques to customize the care she provides, including clinical hypnosis, eye-movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR), mindfulness training and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
Dr. Futterman takes a clinical psychologist with an integrated approach to care. She has a general practice and two subspecialties in women's health and sexual health. She is dedicated to helping all people, achieve their highest potential; and overcome difficulties in achieving inner balance. Dr. Futterman utilizes a wide range of techniques to customize the care she provides, including clinical hypnosis, eye-movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR), mindfulness training and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
(619) 775-1772 View (619) 775-1772
Photo of Elise Rodriguez - Beauty for Ashes Transformation Center, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Beauty for Ashes Transformation Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92108
Beauty for Ashes Transformation center is dedicated to helping individuals and families heal. Our team specializes in helping couples, adults, families in conflict, children, and adolescents heal from depression, anxiety, grief, and trauma. We also specialize in women's issues and in helping couples reduce conflict, and find intimacy and connection. We offer faith-based counseling to those who prefer to have faith be a part of their therapeutic journey.
Beauty for Ashes Transformation center is dedicated to helping individuals and families heal. Our team specializes in helping couples, adults, families in conflict, children, and adolescents heal from depression, anxiety, grief, and trauma. We also specialize in women's issues and in helping couples reduce conflict, and find intimacy and connection. We offer faith-based counseling to those who prefer to have faith be a part of their therapeutic journey.
(858) 567-0547 View (858) 567-0547
Photo of Betty Blanc, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Betty Blanc
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92101  (Online Only)
Hello! My name is Betty Blanc, and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist who believes in helping clients achieve their personal goals to improve their lives and enhance their relationships. Throughout my therapy career, I have been interested in exploring the depths and complexities of couples and became trained in using Gottman Method for couples therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples in crisis in my therapy work. In using these methods, I am able to guide couples in learning how to rebuild the love, fondness, companionship, and affection that has been lost over the years.
Hello! My name is Betty Blanc, and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist who believes in helping clients achieve their personal goals to improve their lives and enhance their relationships. Throughout my therapy career, I have been interested in exploring the depths and complexities of couples and became trained in using Gottman Method for couples therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples in crisis in my therapy work. In using these methods, I am able to guide couples in learning how to rebuild the love, fondness, companionship, and affection that has been lost over the years.
(951) 474-1262 View (951) 474-1262
Photo of Wing Yee Wong, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Wing Yee Wong
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92114
Hi there, I'm Wing Yee! You may have been feeling anxious for a while or persistently sad; you may want to correct some dysfunctional patterns in your life and improve the quality of your relationships; you may feel stuck and unable to move forward in life. Perhaps you have found yourself entangled with self-blame or even self-hatred. Whatever you have gone through in the past or what you are going through right now, you do not have to continue to suffer. You have taken the first step towards change.
Hi there, I'm Wing Yee! You may have been feeling anxious for a while or persistently sad; you may want to correct some dysfunctional patterns in your life and improve the quality of your relationships; you may feel stuck and unable to move forward in life. Perhaps you have found yourself entangled with self-blame or even self-hatred. Whatever you have gone through in the past or what you are going through right now, you do not have to continue to suffer. You have taken the first step towards change.
(619) 754-9699 View (619) 754-9699
Photo of Joseph Pando, PsyD, Psychologist
Joseph Pando
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92123
Waitlist for new clients
It is common to experience bouts of anxiety, depression, grief, or feelings of helplessness and hopelessness during life. However, these are not issues to suffer through for the rest of your life. My aim is to work collaboratively with you to develop insight into your struggles and nurture innate strengths to help overcome these challenges. I have over ten years of clinical experience treating a variety of psychological difficulties such as addiction, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, ADHD, child/adolescent issues, anger management, relationship issues, and performing psychological and learning disability/ADHD assessments.
It is common to experience bouts of anxiety, depression, grief, or feelings of helplessness and hopelessness during life. However, these are not issues to suffer through for the rest of your life. My aim is to work collaboratively with you to develop insight into your struggles and nurture innate strengths to help overcome these challenges. I have over ten years of clinical experience treating a variety of psychological difficulties such as addiction, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, ADHD, child/adolescent issues, anger management, relationship issues, and performing psychological and learning disability/ADHD assessments.
(831) 778-4793 View (831) 778-4793
Photo of James Dobbin, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
James Dobbin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92101  (Online Only)
My belief is that every human being strives for and has the capacity to fulfill his or her own potential. It is my role to help them realize their potential and believe in themselves to pursue their potential to the fullest.
My belief is that every human being strives for and has the capacity to fulfill his or her own potential. It is my role to help them realize their potential and believe in themselves to pursue their potential to the fullest.
(510) 949-3976 View (510) 949-3976
Photo of Nikki Amaro, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Nikki Amaro
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92104
I am accepting new clients! I work with adults of any age and walk of life. I am trained and experienced in providing EMDR treatment for symptoms related to adverse life experiences. I have expertise in working with LGBTQIA+ populations and in particular, those navigating issues related to gender identity. My clinical focus revolves around bolstering clients' existing strengths, support networks, personal growth, and resiliency. My background allows me to provide mental health services in a connective way while being both innovative and flexible in my work.
I am accepting new clients! I work with adults of any age and walk of life. I am trained and experienced in providing EMDR treatment for symptoms related to adverse life experiences. I have expertise in working with LGBTQIA+ populations and in particular, those navigating issues related to gender identity. My clinical focus revolves around bolstering clients' existing strengths, support networks, personal growth, and resiliency. My background allows me to provide mental health services in a connective way while being both innovative and flexible in my work.
(619) 345-7023 View (619) 345-7023
Photo of Roseann Larson, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Roseann Larson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92129
Because each person is different, there is no "one-size-fits-all" approach to therapy. Ultimately, the right therapist can help you develop a greater sense of peace and self-fulfillment. So it is important to choose someone with whom you feel safe; someone who will listen, empathize, and respect your needs; and someone with the skills necessary to support you in reaching your goals. In the process, you will acquire greater self-awareness, and learn to cope more effectively with life issues. This is my approach to therapy.
Because each person is different, there is no "one-size-fits-all" approach to therapy. Ultimately, the right therapist can help you develop a greater sense of peace and self-fulfillment. So it is important to choose someone with whom you feel safe; someone who will listen, empathize, and respect your needs; and someone with the skills necessary to support you in reaching your goals. In the process, you will acquire greater self-awareness, and learn to cope more effectively with life issues. This is my approach to therapy.
(619) 722-3116 View (619) 722-3116
Photo of Sharon Meins, MA, APCC, #10828
Sharon Meins
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, APCC, #10828
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92108
The relationship roller coaster ride is a ride none of us enjoy. If your relationship is filled with tension, distress, or conflict it can leave you feeling alone, overwhelmed, anxious, and depressed. In fact, there are few things in life more painful than an important relationship that is stuck in a negative pattern of disconnection. You need someone who can help you find your way from the pain of disconnection to the safety and comfort of security, closeness, and connection. That person needs to understand you and be warm, compassionate, and relational.
The relationship roller coaster ride is a ride none of us enjoy. If your relationship is filled with tension, distress, or conflict it can leave you feeling alone, overwhelmed, anxious, and depressed. In fact, there are few things in life more painful than an important relationship that is stuck in a negative pattern of disconnection. You need someone who can help you find your way from the pain of disconnection to the safety and comfort of security, closeness, and connection. That person needs to understand you and be warm, compassionate, and relational.
(619) 304-5935 View (619) 304-5935
Photo of Kristina Sciarrillo Wightkin - Vida Somatic Therapy, LMFT, SEP, Marriage & Family Therapist
Vida Somatic Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, SEP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92106
Ask yourself the following questions: When was the last time you felt like yourself? Are you experiencing frightening pictures or memories that keep popping into your mind? Are you having trouble sleeping? Are you having stomach problems? Is your heart racing all the time? Do you feel like something bad is always going to happen? Do you feel numb and depressed? Are you feeling disconnected from everyone? Even after a major life event or traumatic experience has passed, we often feel discomfort in our bodies. Vida Somatic Therapy works alongside people to ease their physical and mental discomfort.
Ask yourself the following questions: When was the last time you felt like yourself? Are you experiencing frightening pictures or memories that keep popping into your mind? Are you having trouble sleeping? Are you having stomach problems? Is your heart racing all the time? Do you feel like something bad is always going to happen? Do you feel numb and depressed? Are you feeling disconnected from everyone? Even after a major life event or traumatic experience has passed, we often feel discomfort in our bodies. Vida Somatic Therapy works alongside people to ease their physical and mental discomfort.
(619) 404-0732 View (619) 404-0732
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How does your Therapist compare?

Number of Therapists in San Diego, CA

3,000+

Average cost per session

$164

Therapists in San Diego, CA who prioritize treating:

92% Anxiety
86% Depression
69% Self Esteem
67% Coping Skills
65% Relationship Issues
63% Trauma and PTSD
62% Stress

Average years in practice

11 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

82% Aetna
77% Cigna and Evernorth
71% UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH

How Therapists in San Diego, CA see their clients

50% In Person and Online
50% Online Only

Gender breakdown

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

How can I find a therapist in San Diego?

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.