Therapists in Portland, OR

View neighborhoods in Portland
Photo of Robin Kellett, LPC, LLC, Licensed Professional Counselor in Portland, OR
Robin Kellett, LPC, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, LMHC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97215
Waitlist for new clients
Living with anxieties / fears, depression and stress can be overwhelming. One may resort to avoidance and unhealthy lifestyle choices as a means of escape. I offer a safe place and opportunity for you to explore your concerns while learning healthy and effective ways to manage intense feelings and resolve problems. Our work together can help you uncover issues that impact your present, learn different ways of looking at things and grow confidence in your ability to live well.
Living with anxieties / fears, depression and stress can be overwhelming. One may resort to avoidance and unhealthy lifestyle choices as a means of escape. I offer a safe place and opportunity for you to explore your concerns while learning healthy and effective ways to manage intense feelings and resolve problems. Our work together can help you uncover issues that impact your present, learn different ways of looking at things and grow confidence in your ability to live well.
(978) 415-9926 View (978) 415-9926
Photo of Katheryn Rose Hayward, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Portland, OR
Katheryn Rose Hayward
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97283  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
My name is Katheryn. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has an extensive history of working with children, adults, and older adults in a variety of community, inpatient and outpatient settings. I work under an eclectic framework and primarily support individuals who experience anxiety, phobias, depression, and trauma related symptoms. Using a strengths-based approach, I guide individuals in bringing change to their lives that is positive and constructive. I believe in creating safe, collaborative environments for individuals to take on their journey toward growth and healing. I am licensed in California and Oregon.
My name is Katheryn. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has an extensive history of working with children, adults, and older adults in a variety of community, inpatient and outpatient settings. I work under an eclectic framework and primarily support individuals who experience anxiety, phobias, depression, and trauma related symptoms. Using a strengths-based approach, I guide individuals in bringing change to their lives that is positive and constructive. I believe in creating safe, collaborative environments for individuals to take on their journey toward growth and healing. I am licensed in California and Oregon.
(971) 999-3177 View (971) 999-3177
Photo of Rose City Health & Wellness, Licensed Professional Counselor in Portland, OR
Rose City Health & Wellness
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97212
I am open for new clients! Often times when we experience distressing events, trauma or abuse in our relationships (growing up and in adulthood) we can begin to feel isolated and misunderstood. Reactions to 'day in the life' events can feel overwhelming and even debilitating. I believe individuals have the potential to change and ultimately are striving toward emotional, mental, physical and social satisfaction. I can support and guide you safely in achieving your goals by examining the connection between your behaviors, thoughts, body sensations and feelings, moving toward a more flexible, less rigid state of mental health.
I am open for new clients! Often times when we experience distressing events, trauma or abuse in our relationships (growing up and in adulthood) we can begin to feel isolated and misunderstood. Reactions to 'day in the life' events can feel overwhelming and even debilitating. I believe individuals have the potential to change and ultimately are striving toward emotional, mental, physical and social satisfaction. I can support and guide you safely in achieving your goals by examining the connection between your behaviors, thoughts, body sensations and feelings, moving toward a more flexible, less rigid state of mental health.
(503) 782-0448 x102 View (503) 782-0448 x102
Photo of Ashley Huddleston, Professional Counselor Associate in Portland, OR
Ashley Huddleston
Professional Counselor Associate, MA
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97214  (Online Only)
Hello! I offer a collaborative & compassionate therapy grounded in the humanistic, depth & somatic traditions. Areas of Focus: Life Transitions, Emotional Distress, Pregnancy/ Postpartum, Parenting Concerns, Existential Woe/Personal Growth, Relationship Challenges, Chronic Stress/Burnout
Hello! I offer a collaborative & compassionate therapy grounded in the humanistic, depth & somatic traditions. Areas of Focus: Life Transitions, Emotional Distress, Pregnancy/ Postpartum, Parenting Concerns, Existential Woe/Personal Growth, Relationship Challenges, Chronic Stress/Burnout
(503) 832-6069 View (503) 832-6069
Photo of Christine J. Reeh, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Portland, OR
Christine J. Reeh
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97209  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I believe that each of us have great capacity for personal growth. Psychotherapy can be a powerful and effective modality in the process of better understanding ourselves and in working toward change. I specialize in attachment-related issues that often result in vulnerabilities that affect one's current relationships as well as one's sense of self worth. I also have a focus on identity issues related to race, culture, and sexual orientation with a focus on the experience of Asian, biracial, and multiracial people. Additionally, I have extensive experience in treating healthcare workers affected by trauma and burnout.
I believe that each of us have great capacity for personal growth. Psychotherapy can be a powerful and effective modality in the process of better understanding ourselves and in working toward change. I specialize in attachment-related issues that often result in vulnerabilities that affect one's current relationships as well as one's sense of self worth. I also have a focus on identity issues related to race, culture, and sexual orientation with a focus on the experience of Asian, biracial, and multiracial people. Additionally, I have extensive experience in treating healthcare workers affected by trauma and burnout.
(503) 822-6686 View (503) 822-6686
Photo of Celine Elise Redfield, Marriage & Family Therapist in Portland, OR
Celine Elise Redfield
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, ATR, EFT, MP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97232
My pronouns are they/them/theirs. I am currently only accepting clients for my anxiety group. I will collaborate with you by assisting you in identifying patterns that are no longer serving you. I will encourage you to be kind, loving, and compassionate towards yourself. Working from an empathic-based perspective, I will teach you to nurture yourself by using the tools of creative arts therapy, cognitive restructuring, mindfulness, visualization, acupressure, and EFT tapping to help find your innate strengths.
My pronouns are they/them/theirs. I am currently only accepting clients for my anxiety group. I will collaborate with you by assisting you in identifying patterns that are no longer serving you. I will encourage you to be kind, loving, and compassionate towards yourself. Working from an empathic-based perspective, I will teach you to nurture yourself by using the tools of creative arts therapy, cognitive restructuring, mindfulness, visualization, acupressure, and EFT tapping to help find your innate strengths.
(503) 837-3478 View (503) 837-3478
Photo of Lisa J Wittorff, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Portland, OR
Lisa J Wittorff
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97233  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I am NOT currently accepting new clients. I am licensed in both Oregon and Washington. Are you trying to recover from childhood trauma? Or trying to adjust to the shock of being diagnosed with ADHD or Autism as an adult? Perhaps you're a parent of a child you just can't figure out how to parent because their needs are so great and unpredictable. Or maybe your child is telling you they are a girl, when they seemed to be a boy at birth? Some of my clients are struggling in their relationships because their partner is transitioning, or has a different type of brain that makes mutual communication hard. You've come to the right place!
I am NOT currently accepting new clients. I am licensed in both Oregon and Washington. Are you trying to recover from childhood trauma? Or trying to adjust to the shock of being diagnosed with ADHD or Autism as an adult? Perhaps you're a parent of a child you just can't figure out how to parent because their needs are so great and unpredictable. Or maybe your child is telling you they are a girl, when they seemed to be a boy at birth? Some of my clients are struggling in their relationships because their partner is transitioning, or has a different type of brain that makes mutual communication hard. You've come to the right place!
(503) 549-4916 View (503) 549-4916
Photo of Nancy F Nasser-Marsh, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Portland, OR
Nancy F Nasser-Marsh
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97232
I have two specialties, working with children and parents through adoption issues and working with children whose parents are experiencing separation and divorce. As a certified adoption specialist, I help adoptive parents and adopted children navigate through the developmental stages adoption brings. I also assist birth parents and adult adoptees through the complexities of search and reunion issues so they can complete their stories and find healing.
I have two specialties, working with children and parents through adoption issues and working with children whose parents are experiencing separation and divorce. As a certified adoption specialist, I help adoptive parents and adopted children navigate through the developmental stages adoption brings. I also assist birth parents and adult adoptees through the complexities of search and reunion issues so they can complete their stories and find healing.
(971) 270-0961 View (971) 270-0961
Photo of Amanda Helmers, Psychologist in Portland, OR
Amanda Helmers
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97210
I am a Clinical Psychologist licensed in Oregon and New York providing individual psychotherapy for adolescents & adults. I enjoy the collaborative and creative process of therapy and offer support around topics including emotional difficulties, relationship problems, life and role transitions, trauma, and perinatal mental health concerns. I focus on building a therapeutic relationship grounded in warmth, respect and authenticity.
I am a Clinical Psychologist licensed in Oregon and New York providing individual psychotherapy for adolescents & adults. I enjoy the collaborative and creative process of therapy and offer support around topics including emotional difficulties, relationship problems, life and role transitions, trauma, and perinatal mental health concerns. I focus on building a therapeutic relationship grounded in warmth, respect and authenticity.
(503) 837-3494 View (503) 837-3494
Photo of J Renee Tate, Psychologist in Portland, OR
J Renee Tate
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97214
I am a licensed psychologist based in Portland, Oregon with a primary focus in evaluation and assessment. I also conduct individual psychotherapy for adults, particularly those adjusting to medical diagnoses. I periodically run groups for caregivers about managing the cognitive and emotional effects of strokes and brain injuries, drawing on current research and my history working in a rehabilitation unit.
I am a licensed psychologist based in Portland, Oregon with a primary focus in evaluation and assessment. I also conduct individual psychotherapy for adults, particularly those adjusting to medical diagnoses. I periodically run groups for caregivers about managing the cognitive and emotional effects of strokes and brain injuries, drawing on current research and my history working in a rehabilitation unit.
(503) 217-6990 View (503) 217-6990
Photo of Teresa F Jansen, Licensed Professional Counselor in Portland, OR
Teresa F Jansen
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, EMDR-C, C6562
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97212
Tired of looping through "coping skills," and ready to heal? If you (or a loved one) continues to struggle with anxiety, depression, dissociation, grief, parenting, relationships, trauma, or other stressful life transitions, it may be time to talk. Clients who often do well in this type of work have already worked on stability (ie safe housing, distress tolerance, "coping skills"), so a consistent focus on mental health can be a priority for the next step. Everyone is unique, but with right brained protocols and EMDR, we often see significant results in a shorter time period than talk therapy alone. Consistency is key.
Tired of looping through "coping skills," and ready to heal? If you (or a loved one) continues to struggle with anxiety, depression, dissociation, grief, parenting, relationships, trauma, or other stressful life transitions, it may be time to talk. Clients who often do well in this type of work have already worked on stability (ie safe housing, distress tolerance, "coping skills"), so a consistent focus on mental health can be a priority for the next step. Everyone is unique, but with right brained protocols and EMDR, we often see significant results in a shorter time period than talk therapy alone. Consistency is key.
(971) 251-1439 View (971) 251-1439
Photo of Olivia Torres Sprauer, Psychologist in Portland, OR
Olivia Torres Sprauer
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97239
Not accepting new clients
Psychotherapy, when undertaken with a trusted professional, can aid in understanding and resolving distressing symptoms, processing and integrating traumatic experience, and improving and deepening your relationships. I work with adults and couples to develop novel, nuanced understandings of symptoms and patterns in their lives to effect lasting change.
Psychotherapy, when undertaken with a trusted professional, can aid in understanding and resolving distressing symptoms, processing and integrating traumatic experience, and improving and deepening your relationships. I work with adults and couples to develop novel, nuanced understandings of symptoms and patterns in their lives to effect lasting change.
(503) 395-3929 View (503) 395-3929
Photo of Sofia Khan, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Portland, OR
Sofia Khan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97213
I am passionate about empowering folks to gain awareness into their own lives so that they can learn to support themselves while navigating life’s challenges. I strive to help people live in a way that invites deeper fulfillment and balance by harnessing their natural ability to cope with stress, emotional pain, and trauma. My therapeutic style incorporates warmth, humor, honest feedback, and values respect and creativity. I prioritize creating a space to safely experiment with sincere ways of being. My goal is to help people create meaningful and positive changes to their lives.
I am passionate about empowering folks to gain awareness into their own lives so that they can learn to support themselves while navigating life’s challenges. I strive to help people live in a way that invites deeper fulfillment and balance by harnessing their natural ability to cope with stress, emotional pain, and trauma. My therapeutic style incorporates warmth, humor, honest feedback, and values respect and creativity. I prioritize creating a space to safely experiment with sincere ways of being. My goal is to help people create meaningful and positive changes to their lives.
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Photo of Candace L. Patterson, Psychologist in Portland, OR
Candace L. Patterson
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97202  (Online Only)
I specialize in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for adults with concerns that include anxiety (e.g., generalized anxiety, phobias, panic, OCD, social anxiety), managing chronic medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, IBS), adjusting to life transitions (e.g., changing jobs, retirement, graduating from school), stress management, and changing health behaviors, such as smoking or overeating. I enjoy working with a variety of clients, including those who are diverse in terms of ethnicity, sexual orientation, economic status, nationality, and cultural background.
I specialize in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for adults with concerns that include anxiety (e.g., generalized anxiety, phobias, panic, OCD, social anxiety), managing chronic medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, IBS), adjusting to life transitions (e.g., changing jobs, retirement, graduating from school), stress management, and changing health behaviors, such as smoking or overeating. I enjoy working with a variety of clients, including those who are diverse in terms of ethnicity, sexual orientation, economic status, nationality, and cultural background.
(503) 461-0876 View (503) 461-0876
Photo of Khrystal Johnson, Licensed Professional Counselor in Portland, OR
Khrystal Johnson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97220  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Finding the right therapist can sometimes feel overwhelming. It's no secret that how well you connect with your counselor is essential to flourishing in therapy, and you have a right to choose what works for you. Therefore, I offer the first session free, so that you can decide if my approach best suits your needs.
Finding the right therapist can sometimes feel overwhelming. It's no secret that how well you connect with your counselor is essential to flourishing in therapy, and you have a right to choose what works for you. Therefore, I offer the first session free, so that you can decide if my approach best suits your needs.
(503) 564-7904 View (503) 564-7904
Photo of Dréa L Tyler, LPC Intern in Portland, OR
Dréa L Tyler
LPC Intern, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97220  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Do you find yourself often living anywhere but in the present moment? Missing the opportunity to savor and enjoy your life due to distractions from past traumas or future anxieties? Done with no longer serving and unhelpful coping habits and patterns? I collaborate with individuals and couples who wish to live most fully and skillfully in the here and now—leveraging evidence-based tools of reflection, reorientation, and resourcing to craft their vision of a most empowered, intentional, and joyful life.
Do you find yourself often living anywhere but in the present moment? Missing the opportunity to savor and enjoy your life due to distractions from past traumas or future anxieties? Done with no longer serving and unhelpful coping habits and patterns? I collaborate with individuals and couples who wish to live most fully and skillfully in the here and now—leveraging evidence-based tools of reflection, reorientation, and resourcing to craft their vision of a most empowered, intentional, and joyful life.
(971) 319-9071 View (971) 319-9071
Photo of Tara Palansky, Marriage & Family Therapist in Portland, OR
Tara Palansky
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97221  (Online Only)
"Only when we are brave enough to explore darkness will we discover infinite power of our light - B.B". Through a healthier understanding of our patterns and past we will gain the ultimate goal of therapy: unconditional self-acceptance. I create a safe and respectful space for us to explore ways to reduce your suffering, while creating alignment and joy in yourself and your relationships. I continue to be inspired by the work and the progress I see my clients make every day. My goal is to empower my clients and provide them with the support and tools they need to move forward, feeling more insightful, intentional, and fulfilled.
"Only when we are brave enough to explore darkness will we discover infinite power of our light - B.B". Through a healthier understanding of our patterns and past we will gain the ultimate goal of therapy: unconditional self-acceptance. I create a safe and respectful space for us to explore ways to reduce your suffering, while creating alignment and joy in yourself and your relationships. I continue to be inspired by the work and the progress I see my clients make every day. My goal is to empower my clients and provide them with the support and tools they need to move forward, feeling more insightful, intentional, and fulfilled.
(503) 907-9900 View (503) 907-9900
Photo of Aaron Pomerantz in Portland, OR
Aaron Pomerantz
LMFT
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97209
With over 20 years of experience in the mental health field, I have found psychotherapy to be a powerful means to create lasting and meaningful change in lives. I consider myself to be an interactive, collaborative, and relational therapist and specialize in the treatment of individuals and couples. I am accepting new clients using telemedicine at this time. I am now in two offices, seeing Clients in Oregon and Colorado.
With over 20 years of experience in the mental health field, I have found psychotherapy to be a powerful means to create lasting and meaningful change in lives. I consider myself to be an interactive, collaborative, and relational therapist and specialize in the treatment of individuals and couples. I am accepting new clients using telemedicine at this time. I am now in two offices, seeing Clients in Oregon and Colorado.
(971) 319-9750 View (971) 319-9750
Photo of The Couples Clinic of Portland , Licensed Professional Counselor in Portland, OR
The Couples Clinic of Portland
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97209
At The Couples Clinic of Portland, helping people is our passion. We get great satisfaction in helping people improve their lives and relationships. We know from personal experience how restorative and empowering good counseling can be. We are here to collaboratively help you work through whatever you are struggling with, and find your true, empowered self. We also know how difficult it is to find a therapist who has advanced training in couples counseling. As we are dedicated to keeping abreast of the most cutting edge techniques, you are certain to find help here for yourself and for your relationship.
At The Couples Clinic of Portland, helping people is our passion. We get great satisfaction in helping people improve their lives and relationships. We know from personal experience how restorative and empowering good counseling can be. We are here to collaboratively help you work through whatever you are struggling with, and find your true, empowered self. We also know how difficult it is to find a therapist who has advanced training in couples counseling. As we are dedicated to keeping abreast of the most cutting edge techniques, you are certain to find help here for yourself and for your relationship.
(503) 866-0299 View (503) 866-0299
Jim Reavis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97205
I prefer to meet with people in person. OK, I am willing to connect virtually and I do that about 30% of the time. After 40 years of experience with no plan for stoppage, I humbly invite individuals into an exploration. Let's talk about the desire of your dopamine drive that both wants MORE and quietly seeks regulation. Many of my clients are experiencing emotional and behavioral dysregulation due self destructive attempts to soothe distress. This is most often called addiction. I love to find solutions by both examining causes and new remedies that work without guilt or creating a big mess.
I prefer to meet with people in person. OK, I am willing to connect virtually and I do that about 30% of the time. After 40 years of experience with no plan for stoppage, I humbly invite individuals into an exploration. Let's talk about the desire of your dopamine drive that both wants MORE and quietly seeks regulation. Many of my clients are experiencing emotional and behavioral dysregulation due self destructive attempts to soothe distress. This is most often called addiction. I love to find solutions by both examining causes and new remedies that work without guilt or creating a big mess.
(971) 314-6637 View (971) 314-6637

How does your Therapist compare?

Number of Therapists in Portland, OR

3,000+

Average cost per session

$160

Therapists in Portland, OR who prioritize treating:

91% Anxiety
85% Depression
78% Relationship Issues
76% Self Esteem
73% Trauma and PTSD
70% Stress
67% Life Transitions

Average years in practice

10 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

54% PacificSource
47% Aetna
38% BlueCross and BlueShield

How Therapists in Portland, OR see their clients

56% In Person and Online
44% Online Only

Gender breakdown

75% Female
21% Male
4% Non-Binary
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling

How can I find a therapist in Portland?

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.