Therapists in Uptown, Denver, CO

Photo of Kristy Center, Psychologist, PhD
Kristy Center
Psychologist, PhD
3 Endorsed
Uptown, Denver, CO 80204
Are you generally successful but feel like something is blocking you from living your best life? Are you suddenly feeling lost or overwhelmed? Do you want to realign? I would love to help you free yourself from the distress that comes from being stuck in patterns that no longer serve you. My goal is to help you peel back the layers to begin to truly heal from the inside out. I strive for authenticity and compassion and take great care to provide you with a safe container to do this (most) important work. I would love to help you heal the parts of you that may be suffering and reunite with the greatest version of yourself.
Are you generally successful but feel like something is blocking you from living your best life? Are you suddenly feeling lost or overwhelmed? Do you want to realign? I would love to help you free yourself from the distress that comes from being stuck in patterns that no longer serve you. My goal is to help you peel back the layers to begin to truly heal from the inside out. I strive for authenticity and compassion and take great care to provide you with a safe container to do this (most) important work. I would love to help you heal the parts of you that may be suffering and reunite with the greatest version of yourself.
(720) 432-7589 View (720) 432-7589
Photo of Tricia Corso, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Tricia Corso
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Uptown, Denver, CO 80218
You might feel torn between what you want and what everyone else expects from you. You try to make the right choices, keep the peace, and be there for everyone, yet you are left feeling anxious, guilty, and unsure of your own needs. I work with women who feel stuck in relationships, career decisions, and life transitions, and who want to understand themselves more clearly and set healthier boundaries.
You might feel torn between what you want and what everyone else expects from you. You try to make the right choices, keep the peace, and be there for everyone, yet you are left feeling anxious, guilty, and unsure of your own needs. I work with women who feel stuck in relationships, career decisions, and life transitions, and who want to understand themselves more clearly and set healthier boundaries.
(720) 797-8973 View (720) 797-8973
Photo of Elise Shulman, Marriage and Family Therapist Candidate, MFTC, MA
Elise Shulman
Marriage and Family Therapist Candidate, MFTC, MA
3 Endorsed
Uptown, Denver, CO 80218
Being human can be heavy, confusing, and at times breathtakingly painful, but it’s not supposed to be done alone. You might be thoughtful, self-aware, and still stuck in the same painful patterns in your relationships or inner world. Maybe you feel a little outside the mainstream - neurodivergent, childfree, climate-aware, or simply someone who feels things deeply. I work especially well with adults and couples who want the kind of meaningful change that grows from understanding themselves more deeply, instead of criticizing who they are.
Being human can be heavy, confusing, and at times breathtakingly painful, but it’s not supposed to be done alone. You might be thoughtful, self-aware, and still stuck in the same painful patterns in your relationships or inner world. Maybe you feel a little outside the mainstream - neurodivergent, childfree, climate-aware, or simply someone who feels things deeply. I work especially well with adults and couples who want the kind of meaningful change that grows from understanding themselves more deeply, instead of criticizing who they are.
(720) 927-9651 View (720) 927-9651
Photo of Annabella Cordova Barnes, Licensed Professional Counselor, LCP
Annabella Cordova Barnes
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCP
10 Endorsed
Uptown, Denver, CO 80205
Now accepting new patients. Visit our website or call to schedule. Hello, I am Annabella Cordova Barnes, a Licensed Professional Counselor working with adolescents ages 14 and older and adults. I help with substance use recovery, anxiety, mood concerns, borderline personality disorder, and trauma. I offer a safe and supportive space where you feel heard and understood. Together we build insight, emotional balance, and resilience so you can feel more confident and grounded in your daily life.
Now accepting new patients. Visit our website or call to schedule. Hello, I am Annabella Cordova Barnes, a Licensed Professional Counselor working with adolescents ages 14 and older and adults. I help with substance use recovery, anxiety, mood concerns, borderline personality disorder, and trauma. I offer a safe and supportive space where you feel heard and understood. Together we build insight, emotional balance, and resilience so you can feel more confident and grounded in your daily life.
(720) 792-6117 View (720) 792-6117
Photo of Dr. Jeff Paulez, Psychologist, PhD, PSYPACT
Dr. Jeff Paulez
Psychologist, PhD, PSYPACT
4 Endorsed
Uptown, Denver, CO 80218
Feeling stressed, anxious, unsure of yourself? Experienced trauma and don't know how to heal and move forward? Struggling with finding relationships that feel good and meaningful? I help individuals and couples/relationships feel seen, safe, and understood while healing and gaining emotional skills for navigating our often isolating, unsafe, and stressful world. We'll compassionately explore your story, identities, values, and ways of surviving and coping to figure out what's working and what you want to change. Being human is messy. You don't have to do this alone.
Feeling stressed, anxious, unsure of yourself? Experienced trauma and don't know how to heal and move forward? Struggling with finding relationships that feel good and meaningful? I help individuals and couples/relationships feel seen, safe, and understood while healing and gaining emotional skills for navigating our often isolating, unsafe, and stressful world. We'll compassionately explore your story, identities, values, and ways of surviving and coping to figure out what's working and what you want to change. Being human is messy. You don't have to do this alone.
(720) 619-6875 View (720) 619-6875
Photo of Stephanie Spjuth - Hope Counseling, pllc, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Hope Counseling, pllc
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
1 Endorsed
Uptown, Denver, CO 80203
Hope Counseling: Where Healing Begins & Hope Grows. You may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, disconnected, or unsure how to move forward. You want relief from anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship strain—and support that fits real life. At Hope Counseling, we meet clients seeking clarity, balance, and meaningful change. Our fully virtual Colorado-based practice removes barriers like travel and scheduling, making therapy accessible statewide. We serve children through seniors, couples, families, and groups in a secure, supportive setting. Our clinicians help you heal, build resilience, strengthen relationships, explore identity,
Hope Counseling: Where Healing Begins & Hope Grows. You may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, disconnected, or unsure how to move forward. You want relief from anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship strain—and support that fits real life. At Hope Counseling, we meet clients seeking clarity, balance, and meaningful change. Our fully virtual Colorado-based practice removes barriers like travel and scheduling, making therapy accessible statewide. We serve children through seniors, couples, families, and groups in a secure, supportive setting. Our clinicians help you heal, build resilience, strengthen relationships, explore identity,
(970) 535-8073 View (970) 535-8073
Photo of Deb Felio, Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Deb Felio
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Uptown, Denver, CO 80203
Providing help throughout Colorado through telehealth and in person at 1600 Pennsylvania St in Denver. Life is hard, and none of us can do it alone. We all get tired of making the same mistakes and feeling stuck. It could be the way your brain operates - ADHD, gifted, creative. That can impact how we think, feel, act and react in our current lives. Whether you are searching for the first time, or after several tries, now is the time to do the deep work. You deserve to know and live a different experience. Appointments available days, evenings and Saturdays, in person and Zoom.
Providing help throughout Colorado through telehealth and in person at 1600 Pennsylvania St in Denver. Life is hard, and none of us can do it alone. We all get tired of making the same mistakes and feeling stuck. It could be the way your brain operates - ADHD, gifted, creative. That can impact how we think, feel, act and react in our current lives. Whether you are searching for the first time, or after several tries, now is the time to do the deep work. You deserve to know and live a different experience. Appointments available days, evenings and Saturdays, in person and Zoom.
(720) 310-6162 View (720) 310-6162
Photo of Michael Putzel, Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, ATR
Michael Putzel
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, ATR
3 Endorsed
Uptown, Denver, CO 80218
I specialize in helping you see your value and the power of combining personal accountability with kind self awareness. I have experience helping people navigate a breadth of issues including anxiety, depression, severe and persistent mental illness, trauma, grief, transitions, and co-occurring mental health and substance use issues. Above all, I believe that a genuine, honest, supportive, and caring therapeutic relationship is essential to healing and recovery. It is my aim to help you to unlock your strengths and expertise in becoming your fullest, most joyful self.
I specialize in helping you see your value and the power of combining personal accountability with kind self awareness. I have experience helping people navigate a breadth of issues including anxiety, depression, severe and persistent mental illness, trauma, grief, transitions, and co-occurring mental health and substance use issues. Above all, I believe that a genuine, honest, supportive, and caring therapeutic relationship is essential to healing and recovery. It is my aim to help you to unlock your strengths and expertise in becoming your fullest, most joyful self.
(720) 513-1571 View (720) 513-1571
Photo of Eliza Kienitz, Psychologist, PsyD
Eliza Kienitz
Psychologist, PsyD
Uptown, Denver, CO 80218
Welcome, I am Eliza Kienitz, a psychologist here in Denver, CO. Starting the process of therapy can be daunting. I want to help you find the right fit with a therapist, even if that is not me. I am passionate about the ethics of my role and want you to feel empowered to ask questions and clarify your goals. The folks I work with are often experiencing life transitions, are connected to the medical community, or are first responder or frontline workers. I specialize in adults and older adults. If you have found yourself at the point of seeking out a therapist, you have already done some hard work. I would be honored to help as I can.
Welcome, I am Eliza Kienitz, a psychologist here in Denver, CO. Starting the process of therapy can be daunting. I want to help you find the right fit with a therapist, even if that is not me. I am passionate about the ethics of my role and want you to feel empowered to ask questions and clarify your goals. The folks I work with are often experiencing life transitions, are connected to the medical community, or are first responder or frontline workers. I specialize in adults and older adults. If you have found yourself at the point of seeking out a therapist, you have already done some hard work. I would be honored to help as I can.
(720) 702-4058 View (720) 702-4058
Photo of Hannah Gandsey - Hannah Gandsey Therapy, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, EMDR
Hannah Gandsey Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, EMDR
4 Endorsed
Uptown, Denver, CO 80218
My ideal clients come into my office hoping to explore and better understand themselves and others, foster healthy and happy relationships, shift ineffective behavioral and relational patterns, and work towards a life that they consider fulfilled and worth living. Let’s focus on symptom reduction and personal growth. Change can be terrifying and at times feel impossible. Our work will be exploring and attending to how to best balance safety and risk to reach your personal goals. Change, which can be joyful and exciting, often also comes with loss and pain. Let’s work together to understand what that balance looks like for you.
My ideal clients come into my office hoping to explore and better understand themselves and others, foster healthy and happy relationships, shift ineffective behavioral and relational patterns, and work towards a life that they consider fulfilled and worth living. Let’s focus on symptom reduction and personal growth. Change can be terrifying and at times feel impossible. Our work will be exploring and attending to how to best balance safety and risk to reach your personal goals. Change, which can be joyful and exciting, often also comes with loss and pain. Let’s work together to understand what that balance looks like for you.
(720) 807-9932 View (720) 807-9932
Photo of Gina Crites, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, OT
Gina Crites
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, OT
1 Endorsed
Uptown, Denver, CO 80228
I am passionate about walking beside my clients, undoing their aloneness, and have a strong sense of justice, advocating with passion for my clients. I believe our relational experiences significantly impact our health and wellbeing, including the therapeutic relationship. When we feel less alone in our experiences of pain and distress, we can more easily connect to ourselves and others in a way that supports individual and collective health. Within a safe space, and through an attuned relationship with ourselves and others, we all have the power to tune into our instinct towards healing.
I am passionate about walking beside my clients, undoing their aloneness, and have a strong sense of justice, advocating with passion for my clients. I believe our relational experiences significantly impact our health and wellbeing, including the therapeutic relationship. When we feel less alone in our experiences of pain and distress, we can more easily connect to ourselves and others in a way that supports individual and collective health. Within a safe space, and through an attuned relationship with ourselves and others, we all have the power to tune into our instinct towards healing.
(303) 529-3048 View (303) 529-3048
Photo of Emily M Kleeman - Kleeman Counseling, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Kleeman Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Uptown, Denver, CO 80203
I have been working in the mental health field for over ten years, with children and families struggling with challenges such as life transitions, domestic abuse, anxiety/depression, mood disorders, and developmental delay. I graduated from Colorado State University in 2005 with a B.S. in Human Development & Families Studies. In 2011, I received my Masters of Social Work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, with a dual specialization in Clinical Social Work and Management & Community Organizations. Following, I embarked on my road to obtaining my License in Clinical Social Worker and successfully completed in 2014.
I have been working in the mental health field for over ten years, with children and families struggling with challenges such as life transitions, domestic abuse, anxiety/depression, mood disorders, and developmental delay. I graduated from Colorado State University in 2005 with a B.S. in Human Development & Families Studies. In 2011, I received my Masters of Social Work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, with a dual specialization in Clinical Social Work and Management & Community Organizations. Following, I embarked on my road to obtaining my License in Clinical Social Worker and successfully completed in 2014.
(720) 573-0883 View (720) 573-0883
Photo of Chelli Pumphrey, Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CCTPII, NAST
Chelli Pumphrey
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CCTPII, NAST
5 Endorsed
Uptown, Denver, CO 80218
Are you looking for expertise in treating survivors of narcissistic abuse, intimate partner violence, and trauma? With 30 years of experience, I am skilled at identifying toxic relationship patterns, core wounds, blind spots, and trauma that can prevent you from living a healthy, happy, and authentic life. Honoring mind, body, & spirit, I use a heart-centered, intuitive, holistic approach to therapy while remaining grounded and informed by evidence-based training and research. My warm, direct, compassionate style can help you feel comfortable, understood, and safe.
Are you looking for expertise in treating survivors of narcissistic abuse, intimate partner violence, and trauma? With 30 years of experience, I am skilled at identifying toxic relationship patterns, core wounds, blind spots, and trauma that can prevent you from living a healthy, happy, and authentic life. Honoring mind, body, & spirit, I use a heart-centered, intuitive, holistic approach to therapy while remaining grounded and informed by evidence-based training and research. My warm, direct, compassionate style can help you feel comfortable, understood, and safe.
(720) 763-9301 View (720) 763-9301
Photo of Caroline Wagner, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Caroline Wagner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Uptown, Denver, CO 80203
In her free time, Caroline enjoys moving her body and being outside. She likes to hike, dance, swim, play sports, and run. She also enjoys camping, live music, and watching movies.
In her free time, Caroline enjoys moving her body and being outside. She likes to hike, dance, swim, play sports, and run. She also enjoys camping, live music, and watching movies.
(720) 783-1196 View (720) 783-1196
Photo of Karen Wise, Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Karen Wise
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Uptown, Denver, CO 80218
Are you stuck in painful patterns, repeating struggles in relationships, or feeling trapped by your past? Much of this comes from childhood trauma, narcissistic or dysfunctional family dynamics, and unhealed wounds. I help adults and couples uncover these roots, heal family-of-origin pain, and shift the beliefs and behaviors that keep them stuck. My approach combines trauma-informed therapy, inner child work, and nervous system regulation, with low-dose ketamine-assisted therapy for adults who want it. Together, we create lasting change, greater emotional freedom, and healthier connections.
Are you stuck in painful patterns, repeating struggles in relationships, or feeling trapped by your past? Much of this comes from childhood trauma, narcissistic or dysfunctional family dynamics, and unhealed wounds. I help adults and couples uncover these roots, heal family-of-origin pain, and shift the beliefs and behaviors that keep them stuck. My approach combines trauma-informed therapy, inner child work, and nervous system regulation, with low-dose ketamine-assisted therapy for adults who want it. Together, we create lasting change, greater emotional freedom, and healthier connections.
(720) 439-9774 View (720) 439-9774
Photo of Madeline S Crawford, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Madeline S Crawford
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
1 Endorsed
Uptown, Denver, CO 80218
I offer psychotherapy that is personalized to your unique needs, whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, or other life challenges. Together we can work to explore what is occurring for you both internally and externally in order to achieve greater fulfillment, happiness and connectedness to others.
I offer psychotherapy that is personalized to your unique needs, whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, or other life challenges. Together we can work to explore what is occurring for you both internally and externally in order to achieve greater fulfillment, happiness and connectedness to others.
(720) 735-4418 View (720) 735-4418
Photo of Dale Gibson - Dale Gibson with Gravity Counseling, LLC, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LAC
Dale Gibson with Gravity Counseling, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LAC
1 Endorsed
Uptown, Denver, CO 80203
Living with chronic pain can change how you move through the world—physically, emotionally, and mentally. It can affect mood, relationships, identity, and sometimes lead to or complicate substance use. As a therapist who both treats chronic pain and lives with it, I bring not only clinical training, but deep personal understanding to this work. I specialize in working with individuals struggling with substance use, chronic pain, and the complex intersection of the two. Pain and substance use are often intertwined in ways that can feel overwhelming or misunderstood.
Living with chronic pain can change how you move through the world—physically, emotionally, and mentally. It can affect mood, relationships, identity, and sometimes lead to or complicate substance use. As a therapist who both treats chronic pain and lives with it, I bring not only clinical training, but deep personal understanding to this work. I specialize in working with individuals struggling with substance use, chronic pain, and the complex intersection of the two. Pain and substance use are often intertwined in ways that can feel overwhelming or misunderstood.
(720) 780-8896 View (720) 780-8896
Photo of Aryanna Klemme - LifeStance Health, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
LifeStance Health
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Uptown, Denver, CO 80203
Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by major insurance plans.
Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by major insurance plans.
(303) 536-7082 View (303) 536-7082
Photo of Olivia Kraus, Psychologist, PsyD
Olivia Kraus
Psychologist, PsyD
Uptown, Denver, CO 80203
You want more than just “getting by.” Maybe you’re feeling stuck—unsure about your relationships, career path, or next steps. You might be navigating anxiety, burnout, or questioning whether your current way of living reflects your deeper values. Perhaps you hold back from taking risks that could serve you—like initiating new connections, exploring different ways of living, or showing up more fully in friendships and romantic relationships. You’re ready to reconnect with what matters and move forward with clarity and self-trust. That’s what I’m here to support.
You want more than just “getting by.” Maybe you’re feeling stuck—unsure about your relationships, career path, or next steps. You might be navigating anxiety, burnout, or questioning whether your current way of living reflects your deeper values. Perhaps you hold back from taking risks that could serve you—like initiating new connections, exploring different ways of living, or showing up more fully in friendships and romantic relationships. You’re ready to reconnect with what matters and move forward with clarity and self-trust. That’s what I’m here to support.
(720) 706-7026 View (720) 706-7026
Photo of Kennedi Browne, Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Kennedi Browne
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Uptown, Denver, CO 80203
Growing up in a chaotic household, I learned to suppress my own needs and mask my anxiety, which became my baseline for years. As an adult, I often felt like an outsider, giving endlessly to others but feeling unseen in return. Through therapy, I’ve come to understand that healing is both personal and political. Our individual experiences are shaped by the cultural and systemic forces around us, and true healing involves recognizing these influences. We cannot truly understand ourselves without acknowledging the broader context of society and the impact it has on our well-being.
Growing up in a chaotic household, I learned to suppress my own needs and mask my anxiety, which became my baseline for years. As an adult, I often felt like an outsider, giving endlessly to others but feeling unseen in return. Through therapy, I’ve come to understand that healing is both personal and political. Our individual experiences are shaped by the cultural and systemic forces around us, and true healing involves recognizing these influences. We cannot truly understand ourselves without acknowledging the broader context of society and the impact it has on our well-being.
(720) 580-5458 View (720) 580-5458

See more therapy options for Uptown, Denver

How does your Therapist compare?

Number of Therapists in Uptown, Denver, CO

200+

Average cost per session

$150

Therapists in Uptown, Denver, CO who prioritize treating:

93% Anxiety
84% Depression
77% Relationship Issues
75% Trauma and PTSD
70% Self Esteem
66% Stress
58% Grief

Average years in practice

8 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

93% Aetna
74% Cigna and Evernorth
66% UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH

How Therapists in Uptown, Denver, CO see their clients

61% Online Only
39% In Person and Online

Gender breakdown

82% Female
13% Male
5% Non-Binary
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling

How can I find a therapist in Uptown, Denver?

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.