Therapists in Richmond, VA
Danakristal Crone
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Richmond, VA 23223
Dana Crone is a Resident Clinical Social Worker. Her clinical experience includes work in inpatient hospitalization, community-based treatment, and outpatient treatment. As a queer-identified POC, she understands the unique issue of identity exploration and intersectionality. She is passionate about helping adolescents, adults, and couples address their unique challenges and live more fulfilled lives. Dana specializes in racial identity, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, life transitions, and borderline personality disorder.
Dana Crone is a Resident Clinical Social Worker. Her clinical experience includes work in inpatient hospitalization, community-based treatment, and outpatient treatment. As a queer-identified POC, she understands the unique issue of identity exploration and intersectionality. She is passionate about helping adolescents, adults, and couples address their unique challenges and live more fulfilled lives. Dana specializes in racial identity, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, life transitions, and borderline personality disorder.
Jessica Roane
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Richmond, VA 23225 (Online Only)
You may feel overwhelmed, misunderstood and feel like you lack support. You may constantly worry and wonder if you are making the right decisions in life. You may find yourself frustrated, easily angered and difficult to calm down. You may feel depressed and lack motivation and happiness. Does it feel like you have exhausted all coping strategies? Do you feel stagnant in progressing through life? Take charge of your emotional well-being by making the choice to get started. In taking this step, you are working to move onward and become your best self.
You may feel overwhelmed, misunderstood and feel like you lack support. You may constantly worry and wonder if you are making the right decisions in life. You may find yourself frustrated, easily angered and difficult to calm down. You may feel depressed and lack motivation and happiness. Does it feel like you have exhausted all coping strategies? Do you feel stagnant in progressing through life? Take charge of your emotional well-being by making the choice to get started. In taking this step, you are working to move onward and become your best self.
Blair Marini Bowman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CEDS-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Richmond, VA 23220
Eating challenges, whether yours or your loved ones, can feel lonely, confusing, and shameful. And yet, for many, they can also feel stabilizing and familiar, or simply unavoidable. The relationships we keep with our food and body can be incredibly complex and influenced by a multitude of factors. After years of experience working with eating disorders at all levels of care, I understand those complexities and the sensitive nature of this type of work. I offer a collaborative space for those individuals and families who are ready to work towards a life where eating is intuitive, connective, and safe.
Eating challenges, whether yours or your loved ones, can feel lonely, confusing, and shameful. And yet, for many, they can also feel stabilizing and familiar, or simply unavoidable. The relationships we keep with our food and body can be incredibly complex and influenced by a multitude of factors. After years of experience working with eating disorders at all levels of care, I understand those complexities and the sensitive nature of this type of work. I offer a collaborative space for those individuals and families who are ready to work towards a life where eating is intuitive, connective, and safe.
Newzaira Khan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Richmond, VA 23225 (Online Only)
Hello! My name is Newzaira, which translates to someone who sees's the good in others. Do you feel that at times you struggle with finding a deeper meaning in life? Or that little things can trigger a large emotional response? Is it hard to draw kindness to your experiences and others around you?
Hello! My name is Newzaira, which translates to someone who sees's the good in others. Do you feel that at times you struggle with finding a deeper meaning in life? Or that little things can trigger a large emotional response? Is it hard to draw kindness to your experiences and others around you?
Zahrah Khan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Richmond, VA 23233 (Online Only)
Creating harmony between our personal life, work, or school can help us feel hopeful, and secure in who we are. Using a person centered, holistic, and culturally sensitive approach, my goal is to help others discover healthy ways to manage their stress. I share practical tools to help others get through their day to day stressors. I may also assign homework in between sessions, such as applying and practicing mindfulness based techniques, or facing a fear or difficult task you may be avoiding or struggling with.
Creating harmony between our personal life, work, or school can help us feel hopeful, and secure in who we are. Using a person centered, holistic, and culturally sensitive approach, my goal is to help others discover healthy ways to manage their stress. I share practical tools to help others get through their day to day stressors. I may also assign homework in between sessions, such as applying and practicing mindfulness based techniques, or facing a fear or difficult task you may be avoiding or struggling with.
Lupita Rodriguez
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Richmond, VA 23225 (Online Only)
Welcome, my name is Lupita. I am an LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) based in Virginia. I enjoy mixing modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), person-centered therapy, motivational interviewing and more depending on the unique needs and personalities of my clients. I am particularly interested in working with folks with trauma. I am trained in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, Adoption competency, and Trauma-focused CBT. I am an LGBTQ+ affirming counselor and ally. I am also bilingual (English/Spanish).
Welcome, my name is Lupita. I am an LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) based in Virginia. I enjoy mixing modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), person-centered therapy, motivational interviewing and more depending on the unique needs and personalities of my clients. I am particularly interested in working with folks with trauma. I am trained in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, Adoption competency, and Trauma-focused CBT. I am an LGBTQ+ affirming counselor and ally. I am also bilingual (English/Spanish).
Yvette Coronado
Registered Psychotherapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Richmond, VA 23220
Our physical, mental, and spiritual/relational health are priorities. Walk & Talks! A dose of nature, movement, and therapeutic support in Richmond's green spaces! Children, teens, and young adults feeling stuck. Parents and elders feeling isolated or anxious. + YVETTE is fully trained in EMDR for trauma and stress. Decrease negative thinking, interactions, and habits. Increase the peace and enjoyment even the bliss of life. You will receive practice and tools for a better life experience. You will let go of old beliefs and expand and create new ones! Welcome ALL - PoC, LGBTQ+, artists, poly, and kink! SUPERvisor certified.
Our physical, mental, and spiritual/relational health are priorities. Walk & Talks! A dose of nature, movement, and therapeutic support in Richmond's green spaces! Children, teens, and young adults feeling stuck. Parents and elders feeling isolated or anxious. + YVETTE is fully trained in EMDR for trauma and stress. Decrease negative thinking, interactions, and habits. Increase the peace and enjoyment even the bliss of life. You will receive practice and tools for a better life experience. You will let go of old beliefs and expand and create new ones! Welcome ALL - PoC, LGBTQ+, artists, poly, and kink! SUPERvisor certified.
It's Time to Heal! Schedule an Appointment Today!
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Richmond, VA 23225 (Online Only)
Are you going through a stage in your life where you feel lost, confused, or conflicted? Is your mental health making you feel like you’re disconnected with your peers, friends, co-worker’s, or even with yourself? Are you feeling a lack of motivation, or understanding of your true purpose? Do you struggle with functioning socially, mentally or emotionally? With my specialization in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, I frequently work with my clients on improving their mental health by helping them to develop coping mechanisms to overcome any current mental health struggle.
Are you going through a stage in your life where you feel lost, confused, or conflicted? Is your mental health making you feel like you’re disconnected with your peers, friends, co-worker’s, or even with yourself? Are you feeling a lack of motivation, or understanding of your true purpose? Do you struggle with functioning socially, mentally or emotionally? With my specialization in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, I frequently work with my clients on improving their mental health by helping them to develop coping mechanisms to overcome any current mental health struggle.
Jeff T. Lloyd
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, SAP
Verified Verified
Richmond, VA 23220 (Online Only)
Hello! My name is Jeffrey Lloyd and I’m a board-certified psychotherapist. I attended Virginia Commonwealth University and have been practicing therapy for 20 years. I specialize in helping individuals overcome relationship issues, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, substance abuse related issues, work stress, and unresolved grief. I offer professional experience, focused attention, encouragement and where appropriate, humor. I’m happy to help you. Let's get started!
Hello! My name is Jeffrey Lloyd and I’m a board-certified psychotherapist. I attended Virginia Commonwealth University and have been practicing therapy for 20 years. I specialize in helping individuals overcome relationship issues, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, substance abuse related issues, work stress, and unresolved grief. I offer professional experience, focused attention, encouragement and where appropriate, humor. I’m happy to help you. Let's get started!
Painted Bird Psychotherapy LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CMCC
Verified Verified
Richmond, VA 23225 (Online Only)
Are you struggling with something and do not know where to turn? Are current issues with career, relationships, finances keeping you stuck? Perhaps, it’s buried deeper in your past and you need the positive space to process and ultimately heal. Whatever you are having difficulty moving through, we are committed to providing you with the nonjudgmental, empathetic and caring therapeutic intervention that you seek. Highly trained in complex trauma, depression and anxiety disorders. we utilize a humanistic and whole person approach which utilizes a tailored treatment plan dependent on your individual needs. Call for free consultation.
Are you struggling with something and do not know where to turn? Are current issues with career, relationships, finances keeping you stuck? Perhaps, it’s buried deeper in your past and you need the positive space to process and ultimately heal. Whatever you are having difficulty moving through, we are committed to providing you with the nonjudgmental, empathetic and caring therapeutic intervention that you seek. Highly trained in complex trauma, depression and anxiety disorders. we utilize a humanistic and whole person approach which utilizes a tailored treatment plan dependent on your individual needs. Call for free consultation.
Debbie Anderson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Richmond, VA 23235
Hi! My name is Debbie and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been practicing in the field for over 13 years. I specialize primarily in the treatment of trauma, depression, and anxiety, but have also helped individuals diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, Schizoaffective Disorder, and Schizophrenia. I am trained in CBT, DBT, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and EMDR, and have spent the majority of my adult life developing and authenticating my skills to help those in need. I am very passionate about the work I do, and believe that all have the power within them to heal and recover, whatever that might look like.
Hi! My name is Debbie and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been practicing in the field for over 13 years. I specialize primarily in the treatment of trauma, depression, and anxiety, but have also helped individuals diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, Schizoaffective Disorder, and Schizophrenia. I am trained in CBT, DBT, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and EMDR, and have spent the majority of my adult life developing and authenticating my skills to help those in need. I am very passionate about the work I do, and believe that all have the power within them to heal and recover, whatever that might look like.
15 Second Videos
Yvette Coronado
Renee Tong
Elise Kindya
Marcella Sims
Amplify Counseling & Coaching LLC
Sharmane Duren Grady
Khia Glover
Caitlin Shiflett
Alyssa Shank
Andrea Marburger
Angela Pobanz
Shirley Moore
Taylor Hayden
Vanessa Johnson
Jackson Caswell
Lisa Berman
Nyeesha Thompson
Brittany Morris
Brandy Rucker
J Group Counseling Services, LLC
Maxine W. Fuller
Adam Alderson
Marie P Norton
Shayna Sweezy
Chris E Carson
Sonja Harrison
Lindsay Pugh
Jennifer Eid
Rebecca Nicholson
Jenna Budreau
JacLovelle Coaching & Consulting Group, LLC
Transgender Dysphoria Diagnosis - WPATH Letters
Behavioral Health Therapy & Consulting
Kara Weiland
Sofia Anna Crowe
Paula Schoenau
Shannon Fowler
Tracey Johnson King
Erin Delp
Nastassja Marshall
Blair S Caldwell
K. Jason Pryor
Stephen Barlow
Micky Greene
Jeffrey Everett
Jerry L Mize
Brittany A Flora
Trasie Marie Phillips
Relationship Consultants
Jordan M Nacht
Karen Burroughs
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Richmond, VA 23225 (Online Only)
My passion is providing quality therapy that creates a place of safety and healing by incorporating a non-judgmental stance along with being genuine and authentic. Life can introduce overwhelming circumstances that may lead to a negative shift in one's own belief system. These beliefs may begin in early childhood and expand into adulthood. They can keep us stuck and frustrated as we want to change and grow but don't know where to start. I meet the person where they are. We work together to ensure the session acknowledges and validates your individual needs.
My passion is providing quality therapy that creates a place of safety and healing by incorporating a non-judgmental stance along with being genuine and authentic. Life can introduce overwhelming circumstances that may lead to a negative shift in one's own belief system. These beliefs may begin in early childhood and expand into adulthood. They can keep us stuck and frustrated as we want to change and grow but don't know where to start. I meet the person where they are. We work together to ensure the session acknowledges and validates your individual needs.
Samantha Singer
Pre-Licensed Professional, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Richmond, VA 23220 (Online Only)
Whether you're just beginning your journey or continuing your recovery, I am here to support you. I encourage and support clients through their journey of recovery through learning and implementing self-care, self-advocacy and increasing self-worth. I believe there is no perfect trajectory in recovery, and each success and challenge can benefit our work together. Most often underlying issues of depression, anxiety, and trauma can be addressed, which can help work through what purpose the eating disorder is serving.
Whether you're just beginning your journey or continuing your recovery, I am here to support you. I encourage and support clients through their journey of recovery through learning and implementing self-care, self-advocacy and increasing self-worth. I believe there is no perfect trajectory in recovery, and each success and challenge can benefit our work together. Most often underlying issues of depression, anxiety, and trauma can be addressed, which can help work through what purpose the eating disorder is serving.
Renee Tong
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Richmond, VA 23225 (Online Only)
Renee Tong Psychotherapist - LCSW and LISW-CP Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the states of Florida, Arizona, Virginia, Massachusetts, North Carolina, and South Carolina, providing psychotherapy for adults and seniors.
Renee Tong Psychotherapist - LCSW and LISW-CP Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the states of Florida, Arizona, Virginia, Massachusetts, North Carolina, and South Carolina, providing psychotherapy for adults and seniors.
Elise Kindya
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Richmond, VA 23220
I always return emails. Often, past memories are debilitating and you feel like you're right back in that overwhelming situation. At times, you wish you could change what happened in the past but know you can't. What if you could change the way you relate to these memories and take back control over your body and emotions? There has been so much opportunity for your inner critic to speak. A voice in your head constantly criticizes you, and you've had enough. It's time to change what this voice says. I can help you see your past from the perspective of compassion, not judgment, and learn tools to move forward to an exciting future.
I always return emails. Often, past memories are debilitating and you feel like you're right back in that overwhelming situation. At times, you wish you could change what happened in the past but know you can't. What if you could change the way you relate to these memories and take back control over your body and emotions? There has been so much opportunity for your inner critic to speak. A voice in your head constantly criticizes you, and you've had enough. It's time to change what this voice says. I can help you see your past from the perspective of compassion, not judgment, and learn tools to move forward to an exciting future.
Stephanie Tingler
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Richmond, VA 23223
Stephanie Tingler is a Resident in Counseling (RIC) with over 7 years of experience in the counseling field. She is extremely passionate about walking alongside clients and providing the support and tools to help them reach their personal goals and live the life they desire. Stephanie completed her Master's degree in Professional Counseling at Liberty University. She has experienced many different mental health challenges and knows what it’s like to work through them and experience true happiness through hardship.
Stephanie Tingler is a Resident in Counseling (RIC) with over 7 years of experience in the counseling field. She is extremely passionate about walking alongside clients and providing the support and tools to help them reach their personal goals and live the life they desire. Stephanie completed her Master's degree in Professional Counseling at Liberty University. She has experienced many different mental health challenges and knows what it’s like to work through them and experience true happiness through hardship.
Natasha Cook
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Richmond, VA 23225 (Online Only)
Hi! Congrats on taking the initial steps to taking better care of your mental health! My name is Natasha Cook. I'm a licensed clinical psychologist, who has been working with children, teens, and adults for over 20 years. I received my training from Washington University in St. Louis, Loyola University Maryland, and The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ).
Hi! Congrats on taking the initial steps to taking better care of your mental health! My name is Natasha Cook. I'm a licensed clinical psychologist, who has been working with children, teens, and adults for over 20 years. I received my training from Washington University in St. Louis, Loyola University Maryland, and The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ).
Marcella Sims
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Richmond, VA 23284 (Online Only)
I have a special interest working with individuals who are going through a Quarter-Life Crisis (yes, this is a real thing), as well as first-therapy goers. Feeling stuck? Have you exhaustively explored every self-help book out there, only to find yourself struggling to put into practice all that you've learned? Do you want things to get better but are unsure where/how to start? You're not alone-I'm here to help. I understand how excruciating and frustrating it can be to repeat the same painful patterns and feel like nothing will get better. We will explore ways to start moving past the pain and towards a happier and healthier life
I have a special interest working with individuals who are going through a Quarter-Life Crisis (yes, this is a real thing), as well as first-therapy goers. Feeling stuck? Have you exhaustively explored every self-help book out there, only to find yourself struggling to put into practice all that you've learned? Do you want things to get better but are unsure where/how to start? You're not alone-I'm here to help. I understand how excruciating and frustrating it can be to repeat the same painful patterns and feel like nothing will get better. We will explore ways to start moving past the pain and towards a happier and healthier life
Amplify Counseling & Coaching LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Richmond, VA 23225
Are you struggling with negative self-talk, low self-esteem, or a lack of self-love? Our self-love therapy can help you overcome these challenges and develop a more positive and compassionate relationship with yourself. Our therapists specialize in helping clients develop self-awareness, self-compassion, and self-love to overcome negative self-talk, and past traumas, and develop a more positive outlook on life. Our self-love therapy is designed to help you develop a deeper understanding of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and to identify and challenge negative self-beliefs that are holding you back.
Are you struggling with negative self-talk, low self-esteem, or a lack of self-love? Our self-love therapy can help you overcome these challenges and develop a more positive and compassionate relationship with yourself. Our therapists specialize in helping clients develop self-awareness, self-compassion, and self-love to overcome negative self-talk, and past traumas, and develop a more positive outlook on life. Our self-love therapy is designed to help you develop a deeper understanding of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and to identify and challenge negative self-beliefs that are holding you back.
Paul Stolzenbach
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Richmond, VA 23225 (Online Only)
Are you looking to reset a relationship to resolve conflict or gain satisfaction? Do you need to get a handle on your stress level, feel more grounded or less anxious? Or are you suffering from depression or other mental illness? I am an experienced clinician who has worked with individuals and couples to help them achieve better mental health and emotional balance. I use traditional psychotherapeutic techniques of CBT, Behavior Modification, or Cognitive therapy to relieve symptoms and help clients reset a positive path forward.
Are you looking to reset a relationship to resolve conflict or gain satisfaction? Do you need to get a handle on your stress level, feel more grounded or less anxious? Or are you suffering from depression or other mental illness? I am an experienced clinician who has worked with individuals and couples to help them achieve better mental health and emotional balance. I use traditional psychotherapeutic techniques of CBT, Behavior Modification, or Cognitive therapy to relieve symptoms and help clients reset a positive path forward.
See more therapy options for Richmond
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Richmond, VA
1,000+
Average cost per session
$135
Therapists in Richmond, VA who prioritize treating:
93% | Anxiety |
88% | Depression |
75% | Self Esteem |
74% | Coping Skills |
70% | Trauma and PTSD |
68% | Relationship Issues |
67% | Stress |
Average years in practice
11 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
78% | Aetna |
77% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
76% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Therapists in Richmond, VA see their clients
56% | In Person and Online | |
44% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
83% | Female | |
16% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in Richmond?
Search for nearby therapists or counselors by inputting your city, town, or suburb; or zip code; or a provider’s name into the search bar. From there, you can filter providers by the issues they treat, cost, insurance, gender, and other factors to find providers who are well-suited to your needs. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or zip code into the search bar.
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?
The Psychology Today directory lists providers who offer legitimate mental health services to the public, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counselor?
Therapists, psychologists, and counselors are all licensed mental health professionals. In the US, psychologists have earned a doctoral degree. The terms “therapist” and “counselor” are used somewhat interchangeably, but generally therapists offer longer-term, mental health care, while counselors offer shorter-term care that may focus on one domain, such as marriage, career, or academic challenges.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
What type of therapy is right for me?
The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.
How much does therapy cost?
The cost of therapy depends on a number of variables, including location and the therapist’s experience and training. On average, a therapy session in the United States could cost between $100 and $200 or more. If you have insurance, the expense of mental health care is typically lower, but it varies based on your insurance plan details and whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network mental healthcare provider.
What are more affordable or low cost therapy solutions?
Many therapists offer sliding scale payments, usually on a limited number of slots, which consists in an agreement between the therapist and a client to pay a reduced rate. Therapists who provide such arrangements often consider the client's income or ability to pay, but the extent of the discount is ultimately at the therapist's discretion. Furthermore, while group therapy may have different goals and benefits compared to individual therapy, it can be a more affordable solution to address certain types of issues.
Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?
Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.
Is online therapy a good option?
Therapy conducted online can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your zip code.
Are therapy sessions confidential?
Confidentiality is a crucial part of the therapeutic relationship. Therapists in the United States are bound by the regulations set out by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), which aims to protect sensitive health information. With very few exceptions, a therapist will only discuss their client with others when the client has given their written permission. The instances in which a therapist would be required to disclose personal information are: if a client poses a danger to themselves or others, if the therapist suspects the abuse of a child or an elderly or otherwise dependent adult, or if they are legally forced to by court order. These exceptions to the confidentiality agreement are usually discussed with a client before their first session.