Therapists in San Francisco, CA

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Photo of Cecilie Herring, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Cecilie Herring
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118
I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist offering psychotherapy to adults, adolescents, and children. My training focuses on helping my clients improve their relationships with themselves and others, navigate life transitions, and heal from traumatic experiences. My overall approach seeks to provide a warm, trusting, nonjudgemental relationship in which you are deeply listened to and can safely and freely discuss your challenges, concerns, and vulnerabilities.
I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist offering psychotherapy to adults, adolescents, and children. My training focuses on helping my clients improve their relationships with themselves and others, navigate life transitions, and heal from traumatic experiences. My overall approach seeks to provide a warm, trusting, nonjudgemental relationship in which you are deeply listened to and can safely and freely discuss your challenges, concerns, and vulnerabilities.
(415) 517-9319 View (415) 517-9319
Photo of Paul Beirne, MA, LPCC
Paul Beirne
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94118
“Being able to feel safe with other people is probably the single most important aspect of mental health; safe connections are fundamental to meaningful and satisfying lives.” ― Bessel A. van der Kolk. My approach to treatment helps people identify the core issues that have been avoided and pushed aside in an emotionally safe environment. Through the process of consciousness raising and self exploration, lasting changes in thought patterns are made, and overall life improvement occurs. I work with people of all ages and have a wealth of experience working with teens and young adults.
“Being able to feel safe with other people is probably the single most important aspect of mental health; safe connections are fundamental to meaningful and satisfying lives.” ― Bessel A. van der Kolk. My approach to treatment helps people identify the core issues that have been avoided and pushed aside in an emotionally safe environment. Through the process of consciousness raising and self exploration, lasting changes in thought patterns are made, and overall life improvement occurs. I work with people of all ages and have a wealth of experience working with teens and young adults.
(415) 358-2498 View (415) 358-2498
Photo of W. Craig McDermit - W. Craig McDermit, PhD, PhD, Psychologist
W. Craig McDermit, PhD
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94117
I'm a "seasoned" psychologist in practice for 40 years. I enjoy working with people from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds and have always preferred having a "general practice" which allows addressing a wide range of personal concerns. While each individual requires a unique approach; the transformative power of therapy is rooted in the trusting relationship that evolves between you & I. It's the alliance between us which helps you become the person you aspire to be. The work is serious but also allows for having a bit of fun while seeking the most gratifying life to foster a sense of fulfilling purpose for yourself.
I'm a "seasoned" psychologist in practice for 40 years. I enjoy working with people from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds and have always preferred having a "general practice" which allows addressing a wide range of personal concerns. While each individual requires a unique approach; the transformative power of therapy is rooted in the trusting relationship that evolves between you & I. It's the alliance between us which helps you become the person you aspire to be. The work is serious but also allows for having a bit of fun while seeking the most gratifying life to foster a sense of fulfilling purpose for yourself.
(415) 534-6559 View (415) 534-6559
Photo of Alisa Kyle-Martinsen, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Alisa Kyle-Martinsen
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94116  (Online Only)
Welcome! You have just taken a big step in looking for a therapist and it is important that you feel I will be a good fit. My therapeutic approach is non-judgmental and collaborative. I operate from a strength-based, person-centered and trauma-informed lens, while also embodying curiosity and humor to lead you towards a deeper understanding of yourself. I strive to provide a safe and warm environment to name, feel, and process your emotions and work towards your goals. Backed by research, I believe in the power of a strong therapeutic relationship being central to healing.
Welcome! You have just taken a big step in looking for a therapist and it is important that you feel I will be a good fit. My therapeutic approach is non-judgmental and collaborative. I operate from a strength-based, person-centered and trauma-informed lens, while also embodying curiosity and humor to lead you towards a deeper understanding of yourself. I strive to provide a safe and warm environment to name, feel, and process your emotions and work towards your goals. Backed by research, I believe in the power of a strong therapeutic relationship being central to healing.
(415) 475-3947 View (415) 475-3947
Photo of Lori Roniger, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Lori Roniger
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94118  (Online Only)
I am passionate about being your guide in exploring what’s getting in the way of being your full self and having the connections you want. I provide psychotherapy to adult individuals, couples, and more than couples from a place of open-mindedness, curiosity, and sex-positivity, and an awareness that our lives don’t always unfold as expected. People who work well with me include those with liminal identities that may not fit neatly into boxes and who may feel like outsiders in some spaces.
I am passionate about being your guide in exploring what’s getting in the way of being your full self and having the connections you want. I provide psychotherapy to adult individuals, couples, and more than couples from a place of open-mindedness, curiosity, and sex-positivity, and an awareness that our lives don’t always unfold as expected. People who work well with me include those with liminal identities that may not fit neatly into boxes and who may feel like outsiders in some spaces.
(415) 903-0565 View (415) 903-0565
Photo of Elvira Kitrar, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Elvira Kitrar
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94109  (Online Only)
My approach to psychotherapy is holistic. I not only treat the "tip of the iceberg" problems, but also address the deeper, "bottom of the ocean," issues. I treat the whole person and honor the mind-body-spirit connections, taking into account the client's cultural, religious and ethnic background, ancestry, race and immigration history. I recognize the complexity of each person's history and circumstances and employ a wide variety of techniques to guide my clients in their self-discovery.
My approach to psychotherapy is holistic. I not only treat the "tip of the iceberg" problems, but also address the deeper, "bottom of the ocean," issues. I treat the whole person and honor the mind-body-spirit connections, taking into account the client's cultural, religious and ethnic background, ancestry, race and immigration history. I recognize the complexity of each person's history and circumstances and employ a wide variety of techniques to guide my clients in their self-discovery.
(415) 534-9620 View (415) 534-9620
Photo of Cinthya Islas, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Cinthya Islas
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94110
Hi, I'm Cinthya Islas and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. My main focus over the last 10 years has been working with individuals who have experienced different types of traumas in their lives. I understand how difficult it may be to talk about the things that impact life in more ways than one, my goal is to create a space where you can explore your feelings and gain insight into how these wounds have impacted your life and hopefully identify the coping skills that work for you to continue on this healing journey.
Hi, I'm Cinthya Islas and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. My main focus over the last 10 years has been working with individuals who have experienced different types of traumas in their lives. I understand how difficult it may be to talk about the things that impact life in more ways than one, my goal is to create a space where you can explore your feelings and gain insight into how these wounds have impacted your life and hopefully identify the coping skills that work for you to continue on this healing journey.
(415) 936-7874 View (415) 936-7874
Photo of Nicholas Lawrence Seibel, AMFT , Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Nicholas Lawrence Seibel
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94158  (Online Only)
Nice to meet you! My name is Nicholas and I am excited to meet with you. I am a California local born and raised in Los Angeles but now reside in San Francisco. I received my education in San Francisco and thrive in a city full of advanced technology and innovation. Combining both evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy and the mindfulness of Buddhist teachings, Acceptance and Commitment therapy has proven healing and useful to many clients. I also enjoy working through your childhood experiences. Together, I can help you develop the competency to face your past, find comfort in the present, and look forward to the future.
Nice to meet you! My name is Nicholas and I am excited to meet with you. I am a California local born and raised in Los Angeles but now reside in San Francisco. I received my education in San Francisco and thrive in a city full of advanced technology and innovation. Combining both evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy and the mindfulness of Buddhist teachings, Acceptance and Commitment therapy has proven healing and useful to many clients. I also enjoy working through your childhood experiences. Together, I can help you develop the competency to face your past, find comfort in the present, and look forward to the future.
(760) 276-6437 View (760) 276-6437
Photo of Caroline P. Smith, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Caroline P. Smith
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94122
I approach my work with clients with compassion, authenticity and openness. As a psychotherapist, I will work together with you to access the resources you have within you. When you are able to connect with this core strength, you are able to see more possibilities. Clients have reported that ,through our work together, they have developed a deeper understanding of themselves, more openness to meaningful and fulfilling experiences and a greater capacity for connection with others. They have also reported that their underlying depression has been alleviated and they have a greater ability to manage the stress in their lives.
I approach my work with clients with compassion, authenticity and openness. As a psychotherapist, I will work together with you to access the resources you have within you. When you are able to connect with this core strength, you are able to see more possibilities. Clients have reported that ,through our work together, they have developed a deeper understanding of themselves, more openness to meaningful and fulfilling experiences and a greater capacity for connection with others. They have also reported that their underlying depression has been alleviated and they have a greater ability to manage the stress in their lives.
(415) 805-9963 View (415) 805-9963
Photo of Matthew Gould, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Matthew Gould
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123
Life can be better... we can feel, think, and live more in alignment with the ways that we really want to. Psychotherapy is an effective tool that can help get us there. While friends can help relieve loneliness and various medications can ease symptoms, the process of psychotherapy helps us to change the way we experience and interact with our feelings and with the world around us. For the past 25 years I have had a full-time psychotherapy and coaching practice and have helped many individuals and couples activate potential and live fuller more rewarding lives.
Life can be better... we can feel, think, and live more in alignment with the ways that we really want to. Psychotherapy is an effective tool that can help get us there. While friends can help relieve loneliness and various medications can ease symptoms, the process of psychotherapy helps us to change the way we experience and interact with our feelings and with the world around us. For the past 25 years I have had a full-time psychotherapy and coaching practice and have helped many individuals and couples activate potential and live fuller more rewarding lives.
(415) 683-7410 View (415) 683-7410
Photo of Breanna Turner, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Breanna Turner
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
I specialize in guiding individuals through their journeys of healing and self-discovery with a focus on the mind-body-spirit connection. My work is rooted in the belief that true transformation involves more than just addressing thoughts and feelings; it requires an exploration of the whole self.
I specialize in guiding individuals through their journeys of healing and self-discovery with a focus on the mind-body-spirit connection. My work is rooted in the belief that true transformation involves more than just addressing thoughts and feelings; it requires an exploration of the whole self.
(559) 785-3775 View (559) 785-3775
Photo of Chia-Ying Chou, PhD, Psychologist
Chia-Ying Chou
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94104
Let go, let in, and embrace - I believe these three steps can be the hardest, yet, with compassion, they can be the most life-giving and beautiful approaches to human life. It has always been my greatest pleasure to assist clients in the process of letting go, letting in, and embracing life more intimately. Clients I work with include individuals seeking to transform impacts of trauma or loss, relieve burden associated with hoarding or clutterring, learn more about self-love and love for and with others.
Let go, let in, and embrace - I believe these three steps can be the hardest, yet, with compassion, they can be the most life-giving and beautiful approaches to human life. It has always been my greatest pleasure to assist clients in the process of letting go, letting in, and embracing life more intimately. Clients I work with include individuals seeking to transform impacts of trauma or loss, relieve burden associated with hoarding or clutterring, learn more about self-love and love for and with others.
(415) 792-1794 View (415) 792-1794
Photo of Andrea De Leon, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Andrea De Leon
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114  (Online Only)
Modern dating and relationships have become a tumultuous territory of uncertainty, miscommunication, rampant ghosting and infidelity. Friendships have become increasingly harder to navigate, and the desire to build and maintain community remains higher than ever. The state of the world has left us feeling helpless. We may feel disconnected from our families, our peers, our jobs, our personal identities, and our places in society. While it may be hard to process and express these experiences with others and even with ourselves... I am here with you.
Modern dating and relationships have become a tumultuous territory of uncertainty, miscommunication, rampant ghosting and infidelity. Friendships have become increasingly harder to navigate, and the desire to build and maintain community remains higher than ever. The state of the world has left us feeling helpless. We may feel disconnected from our families, our peers, our jobs, our personal identities, and our places in society. While it may be hard to process and express these experiences with others and even with ourselves... I am here with you.
(415) 915-0379 View (415) 915-0379
Photo of Lisa Garbus, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lisa Garbus
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123
I offer a warm, honest, and collaborative space within which we can explore issues that are troubling you. My aim is for you to feel more fully alive, to find the flexibility and resilience for stronger connections to others and a more vigorous pursuit of your goals and dreams. Change is possible. Deep, long-lasting change comes from within and radiates out into the world. I welcome people of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences. The areas I work with include depression, anxiety, trauma, intergenerational trauma and stress, life transitions, illness, grief, anger, and career, relationship, parenting, and self-esteem issues.
I offer a warm, honest, and collaborative space within which we can explore issues that are troubling you. My aim is for you to feel more fully alive, to find the flexibility and resilience for stronger connections to others and a more vigorous pursuit of your goals and dreams. Change is possible. Deep, long-lasting change comes from within and radiates out into the world. I welcome people of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences. The areas I work with include depression, anxiety, trauma, intergenerational trauma and stress, life transitions, illness, grief, anger, and career, relationship, parenting, and self-esteem issues.
(415) 891-0082 View (415) 891-0082
Photo of Ifeyinwa A Nzerem, LCSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ifeyinwa A Nzerem
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94188  (Online Only)
I specialize in Eating Disorders (primarily with Binge Eating Disorder and Obesity) to a culturally diverse population. I provide treatment for health & wellness lifestyle issues, family vs. blended family crises, anxiety & depression, binge eating, substance abuse/dependencies, employment challenges and loss & bereavement. I also provide community referrals and resources that will assist and support client's daily challenges and obstacles. I enjoy working with others and I am experience in treating families from all ethnic backgrounds with disadvantage, traumatic, and abusive histories.
I specialize in Eating Disorders (primarily with Binge Eating Disorder and Obesity) to a culturally diverse population. I provide treatment for health & wellness lifestyle issues, family vs. blended family crises, anxiety & depression, binge eating, substance abuse/dependencies, employment challenges and loss & bereavement. I also provide community referrals and resources that will assist and support client's daily challenges and obstacles. I enjoy working with others and I am experience in treating families from all ethnic backgrounds with disadvantage, traumatic, and abusive histories.
(415) 767-0743 View (415) 767-0743
Photo of Daniel Jackson, PhD, Psychologist
Daniel Jackson
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94105  (Online Only)
My approach to therapy starts with building a foundation of collaboration, safety, and trust. Therapy works best when you are able to make a commitment to personal betterment, healing, and change. Change can apply to your ways of thinking, relationship interactions, and habits. Even small changes can make a big difference in quality of life. I also pay close to attention to what your strengths are and what you value, and encourage you to trust and use those strengths while living out those values in order to create a greater sense of well-being.
My approach to therapy starts with building a foundation of collaboration, safety, and trust. Therapy works best when you are able to make a commitment to personal betterment, healing, and change. Change can apply to your ways of thinking, relationship interactions, and habits. Even small changes can make a big difference in quality of life. I also pay close to attention to what your strengths are and what you value, and encourage you to trust and use those strengths while living out those values in order to create a greater sense of well-being.
(415) 943-2530 View (415) 943-2530
Photo of Jessica Tracy, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jessica Tracy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115
Psychotherapy can be a truly life-changing process. It helps to gradually release stuck patterns in your life, creating space for vitality and creativity. Whether you’re healing from past wounds, navigating anxiety, loneliness, or relationship challenges, or simply feel that something deeper is missing, I am dedicated to supporting you on this journey.
Psychotherapy can be a truly life-changing process. It helps to gradually release stuck patterns in your life, creating space for vitality and creativity. Whether you’re healing from past wounds, navigating anxiety, loneliness, or relationship challenges, or simply feel that something deeper is missing, I am dedicated to supporting you on this journey.
(415) 969-9142 View (415) 969-9142
Photo of Dr. Aaron Robert Jacobson, PsyD , Psychologist
Dr. Aaron Robert Jacobson
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94118
I believe that therapy should be collaborative, and I will invite you to share your hopes for therapy, as well as your reservations about the process. I will work with you to uncover what led you to reach out, and what works best for you in therapy. Your story is particular and specific to you, and I will ask for your guidance as we lead you around the blind corners of your own life. Stylistically, I believe in direct and transparent communication, and in making as much space for laughter as for other challenging emotions that can come up in therapy.
I believe that therapy should be collaborative, and I will invite you to share your hopes for therapy, as well as your reservations about the process. I will work with you to uncover what led you to reach out, and what works best for you in therapy. Your story is particular and specific to you, and I will ask for your guidance as we lead you around the blind corners of your own life. Stylistically, I believe in direct and transparent communication, and in making as much space for laughter as for other challenging emotions that can come up in therapy.
(415) 712-1267 View (415) 712-1267
Photo of Ryan B Dooley, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Ryan B Dooley
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94110  (Online Only)
I work primarily with gay/queer individuals and relationships (couples/polycules). Identity, transition, and shame come up regularly in my sessions, and I facilitate exploration of sex, from kink/BDSM to pleasure to communication. I focus on issues like self-blame, perfectionism, and anxiety. With relationships, we'll evaluate your current goals and needs before exploring new ways of connecting, with joy and understanding. Bring your whole self and we'll get curious together.
I work primarily with gay/queer individuals and relationships (couples/polycules). Identity, transition, and shame come up regularly in my sessions, and I facilitate exploration of sex, from kink/BDSM to pleasure to communication. I focus on issues like self-blame, perfectionism, and anxiety. With relationships, we'll evaluate your current goals and needs before exploring new ways of connecting, with joy and understanding. Bring your whole self and we'll get curious together.
(415) 840-3508 View (415) 840-3508
Photo of Amanda Grumet, AMFT, APCC, DMA, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Amanda Grumet
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, APCC, DMA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114
I love working with individual clients from teens to elders. It is a privilege to have a person's trust. I love to help clients in their 20's adjust to new independence after college and discover their passions and triumph over anxiety. I also enjoy helping adults over 65 manage life adjustments and build resilience. I very much value working with families and couples to resolve conflict and make decisions. I like to help clients improve romantic relationships, conflict with colleagues at work, and family dynamics. I speak multiple languages and am drawn to helping clients understand cultural differences in couples and families.
I love working with individual clients from teens to elders. It is a privilege to have a person's trust. I love to help clients in their 20's adjust to new independence after college and discover their passions and triumph over anxiety. I also enjoy helping adults over 65 manage life adjustments and build resilience. I very much value working with families and couples to resolve conflict and make decisions. I like to help clients improve romantic relationships, conflict with colleagues at work, and family dynamics. I speak multiple languages and am drawn to helping clients understand cultural differences in couples and families.
(415) 592-6918 View (415) 592-6918
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How does your Therapist compare?

Number of Therapists in San Francisco, CA

3,000+

Average cost per session

$190

Therapists in San Francisco, CA who prioritize treating:

93% Anxiety
86% Depression
82% Relationship Issues
74% Self Esteem
70% Trauma and PTSD
68% Stress
66% Life Transitions

Average years in practice

11 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

72% Aetna
56% Cigna and Evernorth
54% UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH

How Therapists in San Francisco, CA see their clients

54% In Person and Online
46% Online Only

Gender breakdown

75% Female
23% Male
2% Non-Binary
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling

How can I find a therapist in San Francisco?

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.