Therapists in Falls Church, VA
Maryellen Buchanan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Falls Church, VA 22046
If you have been struggling for a while with something and unable to resolve it on your own, it’s probably time to consult a therapist. This process can seem really daunting but doesn’t have to. If you feel the need for change in some area of your life and are willing to work for it, you just need a skilled therapist to help you narrate your journey to a happier place. With 30 years of work in community mental health, public schools, and private practice, I have assisted many individuals and families make meaningful changes in their lives. I currently see individual adults and also provide guidance and consultation to parents.
If you have been struggling for a while with something and unable to resolve it on your own, it’s probably time to consult a therapist. This process can seem really daunting but doesn’t have to. If you feel the need for change in some area of your life and are willing to work for it, you just need a skilled therapist to help you narrate your journey to a happier place. With 30 years of work in community mental health, public schools, and private practice, I have assisted many individuals and families make meaningful changes in their lives. I currently see individual adults and also provide guidance and consultation to parents.
Olga A Haines
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
Falls Church, VA 22046
Increasing self-awareness is a key point to understanding causes of distress one might feel. This can be accomplished through identifying problems, detecting unhealthy patterns, looking into deeper meanings of the events and core values. Tapping into past experiences and the unconscious mind can bring an important insight necessary for gaining control over our life. I provide a warm, welcoming environment for my clients, so they feel safe to open up and find the answers that they need.
Increasing self-awareness is a key point to understanding causes of distress one might feel. This can be accomplished through identifying problems, detecting unhealthy patterns, looking into deeper meanings of the events and core values. Tapping into past experiences and the unconscious mind can bring an important insight necessary for gaining control over our life. I provide a warm, welcoming environment for my clients, so they feel safe to open up and find the answers that they need.
Anton W DeRosa
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Falls Church, VA 22046 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Sometimes in life we become overwhelmed, depressed or anxious. We feel that something needs to change, but what? And where to start? I help clients utilize their own strengths to navigate the negative and explore what is positive and possible in life. I collaborate with you to create emotional, physical, and spiritual solutions that fit into your unique lifestyle. I want to help you achieve your personal goals and give you the room to discover and embrace your own capacity.
Sometimes in life we become overwhelmed, depressed or anxious. We feel that something needs to change, but what? And where to start? I help clients utilize their own strengths to navigate the negative and explore what is positive and possible in life. I collaborate with you to create emotional, physical, and spiritual solutions that fit into your unique lifestyle. I want to help you achieve your personal goals and give you the room to discover and embrace your own capacity.
Melina Mora
Resident in Counseling, MS, NCC, LPC-R
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Falls Church, VA 22041 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I facilitate safe spaces for individuals to access their innate curiosity and compassion for themselves, their loved ones, and our community. My vision is to support others in experiencing authentic connection and pleasure in all seasons of life. Like many of you, I come with a colorful life story full of love, betrayal, healing, failure, and transformation. I use a blend of life experience, integration of body, mind, spirit, circle process, and my degree in clinical mental health counseling to support you in accessing your inner healer.
I facilitate safe spaces for individuals to access their innate curiosity and compassion for themselves, their loved ones, and our community. My vision is to support others in experiencing authentic connection and pleasure in all seasons of life. Like many of you, I come with a colorful life story full of love, betrayal, healing, failure, and transformation. I use a blend of life experience, integration of body, mind, spirit, circle process, and my degree in clinical mental health counseling to support you in accessing your inner healer.
Yael Israel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW, RMT
Verified Verified
Falls Church, VA 22046
Waitlist for new clients
My approach is empathetic and empowering and I strive to work in tandem with my clients to reach their wellness goals. I have direct clinical experience working with Postpartum Stress & Anxiety, Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury, suicide prevention, active duty service members, wounded veterans, military families and caregivers. With over a decade of experience working with the military and first responder community my work often focuses on anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, transition, reintegration, Post Traumatic Stress, moral injury and care for the caregiver. I also work with adolescents and couples.
My approach is empathetic and empowering and I strive to work in tandem with my clients to reach their wellness goals. I have direct clinical experience working with Postpartum Stress & Anxiety, Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury, suicide prevention, active duty service members, wounded veterans, military families and caregivers. With over a decade of experience working with the military and first responder community my work often focuses on anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, transition, reintegration, Post Traumatic Stress, moral injury and care for the caregiver. I also work with adolescents and couples.
Tresha Eaglin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW, MEd
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Falls Church, VA 22046 (Online Only)
We all have challenges. Pretending that they don't exist only makes them bigger. Learning how to accept and navigate our way through negative emotions and experiences helps us grow, heal, and become more aligned with ourselves and tap into our strengths. I can help you work through challenges and learn how to overcome them to become stronger and create a better life. I've spent years helping teens and adults navigate sadness, loneliness, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and a host of complex issues.
We all have challenges. Pretending that they don't exist only makes them bigger. Learning how to accept and navigate our way through negative emotions and experiences helps us grow, heal, and become more aligned with ourselves and tap into our strengths. I can help you work through challenges and learn how to overcome them to become stronger and create a better life. I've spent years helping teens and adults navigate sadness, loneliness, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and a host of complex issues.
Zachary Shifflett
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CSAC, CCPT, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Falls Church, VA 22046
Waitlist for new clients
Calm Seas Counseling VA is serving Virginia residents, adults and adolescents, in their mental health needs. I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional with expertise in co-occurring disorders. My practice is primarily focused on the treatment of Trauma, Substance Misuse, Depression and Anxiety. If you are an individual who may be struggling with co-occurring Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health concerns, we can work together to manage all of your counseling needs simultaneously. If you are interested in learning more about my practice feel free to visit calmseascounselingva.com.
Calm Seas Counseling VA is serving Virginia residents, adults and adolescents, in their mental health needs. I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional with expertise in co-occurring disorders. My practice is primarily focused on the treatment of Trauma, Substance Misuse, Depression and Anxiety. If you are an individual who may be struggling with co-occurring Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health concerns, we can work together to manage all of your counseling needs simultaneously. If you are interested in learning more about my practice feel free to visit calmseascounselingva.com.
Kristin Slacin
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Falls Church, VA 22046
I believe that building a supportive and collaborative relationship with clients is the best way to approach the therapeutic process. Processing difficult life experiences in a safe and non-judgmental environment may help reduce internal distress and initiate the healing process. I will apply an insight-oriented approach to help you examine how your thoughts, feelings, and actions may be holding you back. I will help you learn new ways to handle stressors and to better access your natural coping mechanisms. I look forward to hearing from you to see if we might work together.
I believe that building a supportive and collaborative relationship with clients is the best way to approach the therapeutic process. Processing difficult life experiences in a safe and non-judgmental environment may help reduce internal distress and initiate the healing process. I will apply an insight-oriented approach to help you examine how your thoughts, feelings, and actions may be holding you back. I will help you learn new ways to handle stressors and to better access your natural coping mechanisms. I look forward to hearing from you to see if we might work together.
Emily G Nagel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Falls Church, VA 22046
Life was hard enough before corona. Now, as everyone struggles, some are hurting more than others. If that sounds like you, or your child/teen, let's talk. Issues that were already there may have gotten worse, or maybe you're being proactive and need support to now to prevent escalation. Whatever is going on, I am here to help and genuinely care about what is best for you.
Life was hard enough before corona. Now, as everyone struggles, some are hurting more than others. If that sounds like you, or your child/teen, let's talk. Issues that were already there may have gotten worse, or maybe you're being proactive and need support to now to prevent escalation. Whatever is going on, I am here to help and genuinely care about what is best for you.
David Steele
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Falls Church, VA 22042
Waitlist for new clients
PLEASE NOTE THAT I AM CURRENTLY NOT ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS, BUT WILL BE HAPPY TO ADD YOU TO A WAITING LIST. For those who seek to know and understand themselves better; for those who find themselves asking, "Why do I do what I do?" I am trained as a systemic thinker - assisting clients to identify the root causes of current struggles in thinking and behaving, then partner with clients to work toward a restorative, healing experience within the context of a warm, compassionate, therapeutic relationship. I can provide services from a Christian perspective, helping clients pursue God’s intention for a full, abundant life.
PLEASE NOTE THAT I AM CURRENTLY NOT ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS, BUT WILL BE HAPPY TO ADD YOU TO A WAITING LIST. For those who seek to know and understand themselves better; for those who find themselves asking, "Why do I do what I do?" I am trained as a systemic thinker - assisting clients to identify the root causes of current struggles in thinking and behaving, then partner with clients to work toward a restorative, healing experience within the context of a warm, compassionate, therapeutic relationship. I can provide services from a Christian perspective, helping clients pursue God’s intention for a full, abundant life.
Dr. Meghan Keely McMackin
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Falls Church, VA 22046
As a therapist, my primary goal is to cultivate a safe and non-judgmental space where clients feel comfortable and at ease exploring their thoughts, emotions, and challenges. In order to create that safe space, I approach my clients with unwavering warmth and compassion. I also see them in a positive light, emphasizing their strengths and capabilities. Building upon this foundation of trust and compassion, I engage in a collaborative partnership with clients, guiding them towards the pursuit of their goals.
As a therapist, my primary goal is to cultivate a safe and non-judgmental space where clients feel comfortable and at ease exploring their thoughts, emotions, and challenges. In order to create that safe space, I approach my clients with unwavering warmth and compassion. I also see them in a positive light, emphasizing their strengths and capabilities. Building upon this foundation of trust and compassion, I engage in a collaborative partnership with clients, guiding them towards the pursuit of their goals.
15 Second Videos
Olga A Haines
Melina Mora
David L Kupfer
Ashley Curl
Annah Mackin Applebaum
Aspen Starbird
Kelsey Myers
Julia Ward
Phyllis (Martin) Fortunato
Amy Young
Yasmeen Richards
David Tsveer
Bethany Baker
David Burkholder
Maya N Georgieva
Allison Medina
Susan Bender
Amy Crawford
Chereen Gamal
Nicole Campbell
Jacintha Carson
Michael Fleg
Lindsay Carroll
Jessica MacNair
Elizabeth Autrey
Matthew Barefoot
Lindsay Stejskal
Kristen Reid
Cathy Lau-Barraco
Nicole Moriarty: Complete Trauma Resolution
Kathleen E Hanagan
Open Heart Counseling, LLC
Henriette Kellum
Rafee Al-Mansur
Mary Calvert Speech Therapy Old Town Alexandria
Thrive & Shine Counseling
Irene Ilachinski
Carey Incledon
Claire D Felps
Leslie Weber
J.Pope & Associates, LLC
Anna Rae - Bridge To Wellness Centers
Willow Rose Counseling
Teri M Bullis
Mary Stewart
Antenette D Stokes
Antonio Kallungal
Harumi Sanchez-Yoza
Anne N Kamau
Kate Mullins
Steve Szopa
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Falls Church, VA 22044 (Online Only)
Thanks for looking at my profile. Times of transition, difficulty and pain are challenging but can help us grow. I enjoy working with people who are in transitions and are interested in discovering how their untapped internal strengths can help them. I work with teenagers, adults and seniors in individual therapy. I also work with couples. I see families and have an interest in working with families in which all members are gown up and want to work on family relationships. I have expertise and enjoy working with people in the LGBTQ+ community.
Thanks for looking at my profile. Times of transition, difficulty and pain are challenging but can help us grow. I enjoy working with people who are in transitions and are interested in discovering how their untapped internal strengths can help them. I work with teenagers, adults and seniors in individual therapy. I also work with couples. I see families and have an interest in working with families in which all members are gown up and want to work on family relationships. I have expertise and enjoy working with people in the LGBTQ+ community.
Nicholle Michalski
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Falls Church, VA 22044 (Online Only)
You feel stuck. You don’t understand how you came to feel this way or when it started. Relational and emotional difficulties can often express themselves in depression, anxiety, complex trauma, spirituality, and identity. Whether you are experiencing a life transition, stress, anxiety, depression, or relationship stressors, I am intentional about providing a healing space to help you find relief, healing, meaning, and begin to build or cultivate satisfying relationships.
You feel stuck. You don’t understand how you came to feel this way or when it started. Relational and emotional difficulties can often express themselves in depression, anxiety, complex trauma, spirituality, and identity. Whether you are experiencing a life transition, stress, anxiety, depression, or relationship stressors, I am intentional about providing a healing space to help you find relief, healing, meaning, and begin to build or cultivate satisfying relationships.
Ashley Fischer
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Falls Church, VA 22046
You’ve made it this far, now what? Starting your counseling journey can be overwhelming and confusing at times. The most important things to remember are that you are worth the effort, to always be curious, and that I am here to help support you through your process. It has always been clear to me that it takes a community to support an individual. We often turn to our families, friends, educators, and leaders for guidance in challenging situations. My role as a counselor is to help guide you through the challenges you might be facing in a confidential, empathetic, and supportive environment.
You’ve made it this far, now what? Starting your counseling journey can be overwhelming and confusing at times. The most important things to remember are that you are worth the effort, to always be curious, and that I am here to help support you through your process. It has always been clear to me that it takes a community to support an individual. We often turn to our families, friends, educators, and leaders for guidance in challenging situations. My role as a counselor is to help guide you through the challenges you might be facing in a confidential, empathetic, and supportive environment.
Bonnie R Sobel RN LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, RN, LCSW, BCD
Verified Verified
Falls Church, VA 22046 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Do you feel stressed? Irritable, moody, not sleeping well? Do you worry about yourself, your spouse, your children, your parents, your work, medical conditions? 2020 has been a particularly stressful year for individuals, families, workplaces, our country and world. Talking with a therapist offers a safe place to talk about your thoughts and feelings and learn stress management strategies.
Do you feel stressed? Irritable, moody, not sleeping well? Do you worry about yourself, your spouse, your children, your parents, your work, medical conditions? 2020 has been a particularly stressful year for individuals, families, workplaces, our country and world. Talking with a therapist offers a safe place to talk about your thoughts and feelings and learn stress management strategies.
Grace Moore
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Falls Church, VA 22041 (Online Only)
I believe that therapy is most effective when safety and trust are prioritized in the therapeutic relationship. I intentionally foster safety and trust so that I can provide a space where you grow and achieve your desire outcomes by gaining a deep understanding of self, societal, and trauma imposed limitations that hinder you from showing up in life the way you desire. Your session will become opportunity to explore beliefs and patterns, their origins, their impact, and a way forward. My ideal client is someone that is looking to transcend the imposed labels of life and reclaim their power to live and achieve balance.
I believe that therapy is most effective when safety and trust are prioritized in the therapeutic relationship. I intentionally foster safety and trust so that I can provide a space where you grow and achieve your desire outcomes by gaining a deep understanding of self, societal, and trauma imposed limitations that hinder you from showing up in life the way you desire. Your session will become opportunity to explore beliefs and patterns, their origins, their impact, and a way forward. My ideal client is someone that is looking to transcend the imposed labels of life and reclaim their power to live and achieve balance.
Sarah Brooks
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Falls Church, VA 22046
My sole focus is grief--whether you have experienced a death, or you or someone you love is currently navigating a life-limiting illness. You may be grappling with a number of grief reactions--physical, emotional, behavioral, cognitive and spiritual. Grief counseling is a place to discuss and better understand your experiences, identify coping and self-care strategies and find new paths forward.
My sole focus is grief--whether you have experienced a death, or you or someone you love is currently navigating a life-limiting illness. You may be grappling with a number of grief reactions--physical, emotional, behavioral, cognitive and spiritual. Grief counseling is a place to discuss and better understand your experiences, identify coping and self-care strategies and find new paths forward.
Angelique Bush
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Falls Church, VA 22046
Being a therapist is a great privilege and honor. I am deeply passionate about working with older teens, college students, and young adults as they navigate the unique challenges life throws at them. I specialize in working with people who are struggling with anxiety and depression, as well as times of stress, adjustment, transitioning and changing identity to help reach a sense of authenticity, fulfillment, and well being again.
Being a therapist is a great privilege and honor. I am deeply passionate about working with older teens, college students, and young adults as they navigate the unique challenges life throws at them. I specialize in working with people who are struggling with anxiety and depression, as well as times of stress, adjustment, transitioning and changing identity to help reach a sense of authenticity, fulfillment, and well being again.
Linda Nicholson
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LSATP, ACS
Verified Verified
Falls Church, VA 22042 (Online Only)
My training in the art and science of counseling has allowed me to provide treatment for clients with a diverse range of behavioral and mental health concerns. I have worked in a variety of treatment settings using different modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-Based DBT and Play Therapy. I also specialize in the treatment of ADHD and PTSD. I have years of experience in the treatment of substance abuse and addictive behaviors. I provide ASAM (American Society for Addiction Medicine) - approved substance abuse assessments to determine severity and level of care needs for alcohol & substance abuse issues.
My training in the art and science of counseling has allowed me to provide treatment for clients with a diverse range of behavioral and mental health concerns. I have worked in a variety of treatment settings using different modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-Based DBT and Play Therapy. I also specialize in the treatment of ADHD and PTSD. I have years of experience in the treatment of substance abuse and addictive behaviors. I provide ASAM (American Society for Addiction Medicine) - approved substance abuse assessments to determine severity and level of care needs for alcohol & substance abuse issues.
Jessica R Stoler
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CCTP-II
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Falls Church, VA 22046 (Online Only)
I am a Certified Complex Trauma Professional Level II and have extensive experience working with individuals dealing with trauma and related symptoms. I am real/down to earth and easy to talk to. In session, I foster an environment that is sensitive to clients'/parents' needs. Clients are encouraged to openly express thoughts/feelings so that we can focus on setting goals, identifying feelings and patterns, developing healthy/positive attitudes and behaviors, and problem solving. I would be honored to work with you/your child/family to move away from distress and towards wellness and increased satisfaction and happiness!
I am a Certified Complex Trauma Professional Level II and have extensive experience working with individuals dealing with trauma and related symptoms. I am real/down to earth and easy to talk to. In session, I foster an environment that is sensitive to clients'/parents' needs. Clients are encouraged to openly express thoughts/feelings so that we can focus on setting goals, identifying feelings and patterns, developing healthy/positive attitudes and behaviors, and problem solving. I would be honored to work with you/your child/family to move away from distress and towards wellness and increased satisfaction and happiness!
See more therapy options for Falls Church
Nearby Searches for Falls Church
- Annandale
- Arlington
- Baileys Crossroad
- Dunn Loring
- McLean
- Merrifield
- Mosby
- Pimmit
- Seven Corners
- Tysons
- Vienna
- West Mclean
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Falls Church, VA
500+
Average cost per session
$175
Therapists in Falls Church, VA who prioritize treating:
91% | Anxiety |
87% | Depression |
77% | Relationship Issues |
74% | Self Esteem |
67% | Stress |
64% | Coping Skills |
62% | Trauma and PTSD |
Average years in practice
14 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
78% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
64% | CareFirst |
53% | Anthem | Elevance |
How Therapists in Falls Church, VA see their clients
74% | In Person and Online | |
26% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
82% | Female | |
17% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in Falls Church?
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.