Therapists in Batavia, IL

Photo of Dr. Alison Aschenbach, Psychologist, PsyD, LCP, LP, APIT
Dr. Alison Aschenbach
Psychologist, PsyD, LCP, LP, APIT
Online Only
Looking for a nonjudgmental therapist who can help you heal and grow in a safe space? I can help you replace old thought patterns and coping mechanisms with ones that will be more effective in your current circumstances, leading to a more fulfilling life. I see each therapy or testing session as an act of great trust by the client to let me into your world. I approach therapy from a Relational-Cultural model, integrating your values, history, personality, and strengths with what we learn from our time together. Let's work together to take those next steps toward a life worth living.
Looking for a nonjudgmental therapist who can help you heal and grow in a safe space? I can help you replace old thought patterns and coping mechanisms with ones that will be more effective in your current circumstances, leading to a more fulfilling life. I see each therapy or testing session as an act of great trust by the client to let me into your world. I approach therapy from a Relational-Cultural model, integrating your values, history, personality, and strengths with what we learn from our time together. Let's work together to take those next steps toward a life worth living.
(630) 749-9917 View (630) 749-9917
Photo of Natalie Burch, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Natalie Burch
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Online Only
If you’re walking through the postpartum period, grappling with infertility, or navigating significant life changes, you already know how lonely and challenging these experiences can be. It’s not just about the physical or external changes; it’s the internal battle, the emotional rollercoaster, and the quest for understanding and acceptance that can be the most daunting. I get it. In session I provide a compassionate, professional space uniquely designed to support women through these times.
If you’re walking through the postpartum period, grappling with infertility, or navigating significant life changes, you already know how lonely and challenging these experiences can be. It’s not just about the physical or external changes; it’s the internal battle, the emotional rollercoaster, and the quest for understanding and acceptance that can be the most daunting. I get it. In session I provide a compassionate, professional space uniquely designed to support women through these times.
(331) 334-2707 View (331) 334-2707
Photo of Stephanie Martinez, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Stephanie Martinez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
1 Endorsed
Batavia, IL 60510
Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and I’m here to walk alongside you through the process. I work with children, adolescents and adults navigating life transitions, anxiety, stress, and relationship challenges. My goal is to provide a warm, supportive space where you can feel understood, explore what’s on your mind, and discover new ways of coping and connecting.
Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and I’m here to walk alongside you through the process. I work with children, adolescents and adults navigating life transitions, anxiety, stress, and relationship challenges. My goal is to provide a warm, supportive space where you can feel understood, explore what’s on your mind, and discover new ways of coping and connecting.
(630) 521-3016 View (630) 521-3016
Photo of Marisol Reyes Schroeder, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Marisol Reyes Schroeder
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Online Only
You've been carrying so much for so long that it probably feels normal by now. You're used to taking care of everyone else, your kids, your home, your family, but inside, you're exhausted, overwhelmed, and wishing someone could finally take care of you. Maybe anxiety has become part of your everyday life. Maybe past trauma still shows up in ways you don't talk about. Or maybe you're going through an immigration process and need an evaluation from someone who understands how emotional that journey can feel. If any of this sounds familiar, you're in the right place.
You've been carrying so much for so long that it probably feels normal by now. You're used to taking care of everyone else, your kids, your home, your family, but inside, you're exhausted, overwhelmed, and wishing someone could finally take care of you. Maybe anxiety has become part of your everyday life. Maybe past trauma still shows up in ways you don't talk about. Or maybe you're going through an immigration process and need an evaluation from someone who understands how emotional that journey can feel. If any of this sounds familiar, you're in the right place.
(331) 244-5584 View (331) 244-5584
Photo of Maria E.j. Kuhn, Counselor, MA, MS, NCC, LCPC, FAPA
Maria E.j. Kuhn
Counselor, MA, MS, NCC, LCPC, FAPA
Batavia, IL 60510
I have established two multi-faceted counseling centers in Naperville and Batavia and bring over 30 years of clinical experience working with individuals, families, couples and children. I am a Nationally Certified Counselor, a Fellow in the American Psychotherapy Association, as well as an Illinois Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. I also act as a consultant to numerous schools and courts in Illinois. *** MSW Intern on site in Batavia taking clients for a reduced rate with availability ***
I have established two multi-faceted counseling centers in Naperville and Batavia and bring over 30 years of clinical experience working with individuals, families, couples and children. I am a Nationally Certified Counselor, a Fellow in the American Psychotherapy Association, as well as an Illinois Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. I also act as a consultant to numerous schools and courts in Illinois. *** MSW Intern on site in Batavia taking clients for a reduced rate with availability ***
(630) 984-7634 View (630) 984-7634
Photo of Jennifer King, Counselor, LCPC, EMDRIA
Jennifer King
Counselor, LCPC, EMDRIA
5 Endorsed
Batavia, IL 60510
Not accepting new clients
I am passionate about holding safe space and supporting your move toward inner awareness and expansion of living to your fullest potential. I incorporate tools and techniques I have refined during my own personal growth and self-discovery journey, as well as from working with both eastern and western therapies across multiple clinical roles. I believe all answers, truth, and healing come from within. Let’s work together to improve your mental and emotional wellness, help you find balance, remember who you really are, and live the future you want. “I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become.” — Carl Jung
I am passionate about holding safe space and supporting your move toward inner awareness and expansion of living to your fullest potential. I incorporate tools and techniques I have refined during my own personal growth and self-discovery journey, as well as from working with both eastern and western therapies across multiple clinical roles. I believe all answers, truth, and healing come from within. Let’s work together to improve your mental and emotional wellness, help you find balance, remember who you really are, and live the future you want. “I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become.” — Carl Jung
(630) 415-1486 View (630) 415-1486
Photo of Stephanie Johnson - A Better Day Teletherapy, LLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
A Better Day Teletherapy, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Online Only
Are you struggling with infertility, strains on your relationships with infertility or pregnancy, postpartum depression or anxiety? Teletherapy is an excellent option for those looking to receive quality therapy services from home or on the go. My goal is for my clients to feel heard and understood while building a sincere therapeutic relationship.
Are you struggling with infertility, strains on your relationships with infertility or pregnancy, postpartum depression or anxiety? Teletherapy is an excellent option for those looking to receive quality therapy services from home or on the go. My goal is for my clients to feel heard and understood while building a sincere therapeutic relationship.
(331) 214-3407 View (331) 214-3407
Photo of Caitlin Reisel, Licensed clinical professional counselor, LCPC, MS
Caitlin Reisel
Licensed clinical professional counselor, LCPC, MS
2 Endorsed
Batavia, IL 60510
Are you in need of extra support? I'm here to help! I have a passion for working with older children, adolescents, and young adults struggling with behavioral and emotional concerns. Conditions I commonly address include anxiety, depression, high functioning autism, ADHD, relationship difficulties, life transitions, LGBTQ+ difficulties, and more. I also have a background in Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Therapy, a common approach to working with children with behavioral concerns on the autism spectrum.
Are you in need of extra support? I'm here to help! I have a passion for working with older children, adolescents, and young adults struggling with behavioral and emotional concerns. Conditions I commonly address include anxiety, depression, high functioning autism, ADHD, relationship difficulties, life transitions, LGBTQ+ difficulties, and more. I also have a background in Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Therapy, a common approach to working with children with behavioral concerns on the autism spectrum.
(630) 413-4053 View (630) 413-4053
Photo of Maria Elena Santiago, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Maria Elena Santiago
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
1 Endorsed
Batavia, IL 60510
Whether you are experiencing emotional overwhelm, trauma, cultural stress, or identity challenges, I provide a safe, affirming, and compassionate space where you can be seen, heard, and supported in both English and Spanish. Together, we will focus on unlocking your strengths and helping you create meaningful, lasting change. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over twenty-four years of experience, I am passionate about helping individuals reclaim their strength, heal from trauma, and build the skills needed to thrive mentally and emotionally.
Whether you are experiencing emotional overwhelm, trauma, cultural stress, or identity challenges, I provide a safe, affirming, and compassionate space where you can be seen, heard, and supported in both English and Spanish. Together, we will focus on unlocking your strengths and helping you create meaningful, lasting change. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over twenty-four years of experience, I am passionate about helping individuals reclaim their strength, heal from trauma, and build the skills needed to thrive mentally and emotionally.
(630) 415-1908 View (630) 415-1908
Photo of Amy MacDonald, Psychologist, PsyD
Amy MacDonald
Psychologist, PsyD
Batavia, IL 60510
All good psychotherapy has these elements in common: the presence of empathy; a process for self-examination; tools for healing and change; and support during the process of change. Whether the focus of therapy is improving marriage, negotiating a family problem, facing addiction, healing trauma, or controlling anxiety or depression symptoms, clients deserve empathic, respectful support in increasing their self-understanding and in changing their lives. People seek therapy because they need understanding, help, and relief--the relief that comes from immediate attention to their suffering, and relief that comes from beginning to hope for a more peaceful, joyful life.
All good psychotherapy has these elements in common: the presence of empathy; a process for self-examination; tools for healing and change; and support during the process of change. Whether the focus of therapy is improving marriage, negotiating a family problem, facing addiction, healing trauma, or controlling anxiety or depression symptoms, clients deserve empathic, respectful support in increasing their self-understanding and in changing their lives. People seek therapy because they need understanding, help, and relief--the relief that comes from immediate attention to their suffering, and relief that comes from beginning to hope for a more peaceful, joyful life.
(630) 883-4933 View (630) 883-4933
Photo of Jennifer Watgen, Counselor, MA, NCC, LCPC
Jennifer Watgen
Counselor, MA, NCC, LCPC
1 Endorsed
Batavia, IL 60510
Not accepting new clients
Limited Availability - a few daytime appts, unfortunately no evenings. There are times life hurts, disappoints and frustrates, or goes beyond a sense of control or understanding. Sometimes redirecting and adjusting life's energies takes the assistance of a clinical professional. Personal growth, identity, and integration is a journey that is made easier with the trust and care of a professional. The Ely labyrinth, as used in our logo, is used as a symbol of Kuhn Counseling Center as it represents a path to a more balanced, whole-person well-being. Kuhn Counseling Center aims to help individuals deal with their struggles in life.
Limited Availability - a few daytime appts, unfortunately no evenings. There are times life hurts, disappoints and frustrates, or goes beyond a sense of control or understanding. Sometimes redirecting and adjusting life's energies takes the assistance of a clinical professional. Personal growth, identity, and integration is a journey that is made easier with the trust and care of a professional. The Ely labyrinth, as used in our logo, is used as a symbol of Kuhn Counseling Center as it represents a path to a more balanced, whole-person well-being. Kuhn Counseling Center aims to help individuals deal with their struggles in life.
(630) 931-0825 View (630) 931-0825
Photo of Kevin Pruitt, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Kevin Pruitt
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Online Only
You’re feeling disconnected in your relationship—maybe communication has broken down, intimacy feels distant, or you’re struggling to rebuild after infidelity. You want to feel close again, to trust your partner, and to handle challenges without shutting down or blowing up. You may also be navigating parenting stress, trying to stay connected as a couple while raising children. You long for deeper connection, better understanding, and a path forward that feels healing and hopeful.
You’re feeling disconnected in your relationship—maybe communication has broken down, intimacy feels distant, or you’re struggling to rebuild after infidelity. You want to feel close again, to trust your partner, and to handle challenges without shutting down or blowing up. You may also be navigating parenting stress, trying to stay connected as a couple while raising children. You long for deeper connection, better understanding, and a path forward that feels healing and hopeful.
(331) 297-8624 View (331) 297-8624
Photo of Jim M. Gilligan, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Jim M. Gilligan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
1 Endorsed
Batavia, IL 60510
Are you a law enforcement officer, hospital or healthcare professional or military veteran who has experienced a traumatic event and is having a difficulty time managing your life? Do you find yourself needing to isolate and avoid people, places or situations in order to feel safe? Do have a difficult time getting to sleep and staying asleep? Have you experienced frustration towards others when they tell you that you should "get over it...and move on" by family, friends or coworkers. The need to feel truly heard and understood in a safe environment is vital towards the road to recovery.
Are you a law enforcement officer, hospital or healthcare professional or military veteran who has experienced a traumatic event and is having a difficulty time managing your life? Do you find yourself needing to isolate and avoid people, places or situations in order to feel safe? Do have a difficult time getting to sleep and staying asleep? Have you experienced frustration towards others when they tell you that you should "get over it...and move on" by family, friends or coworkers. The need to feel truly heard and understood in a safe environment is vital towards the road to recovery.
(630) 715-5740 View (630) 715-5740
Photo of Tiffany Wu, Counselor, MA, NCC, LCPC, EMDR
Tiffany Wu
Counselor, MA, NCC, LCPC, EMDR
2 Endorsed
Batavia, IL 60510
As a mental health clinician, my goal is to help my clients explore themselves to make the changes in their lives that will allow them to have a happier future by their own definition. I believe that we all need someone to talk with - who will really listen and accept us as we are, without judgment. I provide my clients with a warm, nonjudgmental environment -a safe place to explore the issues that you want to discuss with me. I was trained as a plastic surgeon in China for 9 years. I also speak Mandarin and provide bilingual counseling services to my clients.
As a mental health clinician, my goal is to help my clients explore themselves to make the changes in their lives that will allow them to have a happier future by their own definition. I believe that we all need someone to talk with - who will really listen and accept us as we are, without judgment. I provide my clients with a warm, nonjudgmental environment -a safe place to explore the issues that you want to discuss with me. I was trained as a plastic surgeon in China for 9 years. I also speak Mandarin and provide bilingual counseling services to my clients.
(773) 570-2399 View (773) 570-2399
Photo of Jennifer DuBose, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CAS, MS
Jennifer DuBose
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CAS, MS
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Tired of holding it all together, and not feeling like yourself? Sleepless with worry? Big feelings are like dashboard lights. They get our attention. They’re not bad, they’re information. Your feelings are valid! And you deserve to feel better. Your relationship struggling with chronic conflict? Communication skills need a reboot? Some of the tough stuff you've been through may be 'showing up' in your relationship now, too. Let's reconnect you with your strengths, help you find your voice, and learn if you and your relationships can be healed.
Tired of holding it all together, and not feeling like yourself? Sleepless with worry? Big feelings are like dashboard lights. They get our attention. They’re not bad, they’re information. Your feelings are valid! And you deserve to feel better. Your relationship struggling with chronic conflict? Communication skills need a reboot? Some of the tough stuff you've been through may be 'showing up' in your relationship now, too. Let's reconnect you with your strengths, help you find your voice, and learn if you and your relationships can be healed.
(630) 884-5462 View (630) 884-5462
Photo of Mary Ellen Bratu, Psychologist, PsyD
Mary Ellen Bratu
Psychologist, PsyD
2 Endorsed
Batavia, IL 60510
Some clients come to me determined to understand why they find themselves entering the very relationships or situations they set out to avoid. Others have concerns about marital discontent. Maybe it's a new medical diagnosis, or an old way of coping that no longer works. Perhaps it's struggle rooted in childhood or related to aging. While life can at times involve struggle, even suffering, my work gives me undeniable proof that human nature provides inordinate potential for creative problem-solving. I encourage clients to tap into this capacity and together we create strategies for moving forward, with an eye toward healing.
Some clients come to me determined to understand why they find themselves entering the very relationships or situations they set out to avoid. Others have concerns about marital discontent. Maybe it's a new medical diagnosis, or an old way of coping that no longer works. Perhaps it's struggle rooted in childhood or related to aging. While life can at times involve struggle, even suffering, my work gives me undeniable proof that human nature provides inordinate potential for creative problem-solving. I encourage clients to tap into this capacity and together we create strategies for moving forward, with an eye toward healing.
(630) 672-0405 View (630) 672-0405
Photo of Pamela Mallette, Counselor, MA, LCPC
Pamela Mallette
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Batavia, IL 60510
At some point in our lives, we all go through challenging experiences that seem beyond our ability to manage on our own. Whether it's a life transition, something from our past, or a relationship struggle, these experiences can be overwhelming and may affect our sense of well-being. I am interested and experienced in working with adults and adolescents facing a variety of mental health concerns. Whatever the issue, you will be given wise guidance in a caring, authentic manner as we work together to achieve both short-term and long-term wellness.
At some point in our lives, we all go through challenging experiences that seem beyond our ability to manage on our own. Whether it's a life transition, something from our past, or a relationship struggle, these experiences can be overwhelming and may affect our sense of well-being. I am interested and experienced in working with adults and adolescents facing a variety of mental health concerns. Whatever the issue, you will be given wise guidance in a caring, authentic manner as we work together to achieve both short-term and long-term wellness.
(630) 948-7511 View (630) 948-7511
Photo of Stephanie Dewinski - Suicide Prevention Services of America, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Suicide Prevention Services of America
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Batavia, IL 60510
We are here because we’ve been there. Suicide Prevention Services of America is a non-profit dedicated to helping people along the continuum of care of suicide. We have been helping individuals in our community for over 25 years. Our mission is to open minds, save lives, and restore hope through prevention, intervention, and prevention services through education, advocacy, and collaboration in the community. SPSA is made up of a passionate and compassionate team of mental health professionals, many of whom have had suicide impact their lives. We assist people at any stage of their mental health treatment through individual therapy.
We are here because we’ve been there. Suicide Prevention Services of America is a non-profit dedicated to helping people along the continuum of care of suicide. We have been helping individuals in our community for over 25 years. Our mission is to open minds, save lives, and restore hope through prevention, intervention, and prevention services through education, advocacy, and collaboration in the community. SPSA is made up of a passionate and compassionate team of mental health professionals, many of whom have had suicide impact their lives. We assist people at any stage of their mental health treatment through individual therapy.
(630) 482-9699 View (630) 482-9699
Photo of Holly D Anderson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Holly D Anderson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Batavia, IL 60510
With over 15 years of clinical experience I understand that successful treatment outcomes occur when the foundation of one’s therapeutic approach integrates client-centered principles holistically. Contemporary Mental Health care operates under the premise that an individual's thoughts, feelings, beliefs, attitudes, physical and spiritual health are all intrinsically connected and thus requiring a holistic strategy to integrate all these core areas together to optimize effective and lasting successful treatment outcomes.
With over 15 years of clinical experience I understand that successful treatment outcomes occur when the foundation of one’s therapeutic approach integrates client-centered principles holistically. Contemporary Mental Health care operates under the premise that an individual's thoughts, feelings, beliefs, attitudes, physical and spiritual health are all intrinsically connected and thus requiring a holistic strategy to integrate all these core areas together to optimize effective and lasting successful treatment outcomes.
(630) 998-7423 View (630) 998-7423
Photo of Heather Anderson, Counselor, LCPC
Heather Anderson
Counselor, LCPC
4 Endorsed
Batavia, IL 60510
Hello! My name is Heather Anderson, my pronouns are she/her, and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults who are dealing with life transitions, stress, and symptoms of anxiety, depression, or neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD and autism spectrum disorder. I utilize a client-centered counseling approach to foster a genuine and empathetic relationship with every client and incorporate other therapeutic approaches like ACT, CBT, and DBT depending on each client’s goals for counseling.
Hello! My name is Heather Anderson, my pronouns are she/her, and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults who are dealing with life transitions, stress, and symptoms of anxiety, depression, or neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD and autism spectrum disorder. I utilize a client-centered counseling approach to foster a genuine and empathetic relationship with every client and incorporate other therapeutic approaches like ACT, CBT, and DBT depending on each client’s goals for counseling.
(331) 244-6068 View (331) 244-6068

See more therapy options for Batavia

How does your Therapist compare?

Number of Therapists in Batavia, IL

100+

Average cost per session

$150

Therapists in Batavia, IL who prioritize treating:

97% Anxiety
90% Depression
77% Relationship Issues
77% Self Esteem
68% Trauma and PTSD
68% Stress
60% Grief

Average years in practice

14 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

99% BlueCross and BlueShield
84% Aetna
72% Cigna and Evernorth

How Therapists in Batavia, IL see their clients

82% In Person and Online
18% Online Only

Gender breakdown

82% Female
18% Male
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling

How can I find a therapist in Batavia?

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.