Therapists in Chicago, IL

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Photo of Kathleen Carter, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Kathleen Carter
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Online Only
Life is hard, and I want to help you navigate it. Whether your struggles are personal or relationship-based, big or small, you deserve support. I work with teens and adults using a blend of Person-Centered, DBT, CBT, and Solution-Focused therapy, tailoring care to what matters most to you. These approaches can be applied to many concerns, including anxiety, emotional regulation, or life transitions. I’ve worked with a wide variety of clients and believe we can find meaningful solutions together.
Life is hard, and I want to help you navigate it. Whether your struggles are personal or relationship-based, big or small, you deserve support. I work with teens and adults using a blend of Person-Centered, DBT, CBT, and Solution-Focused therapy, tailoring care to what matters most to you. These approaches can be applied to many concerns, including anxiety, emotional regulation, or life transitions. I’ve worked with a wide variety of clients and believe we can find meaningful solutions together.
(708) 938-3210 View (708) 938-3210
Photo of Talia Farrell-Rosen, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Talia Farrell-Rosen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60647
I am a compassionate psychotherapist intensely trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), working under the supervision of a DBT-Linehan Board Certified clinician. I work with children, teens, young adults, and adults, specializing in Borderline Personality Disorder, and management of high-risk, self-harming, suicidal, and impulsive behaviors. I use a blend of mindfulness, acceptance, and change-focused strategies in a collaborative space to support my clients in achieving their goals. Currently, I provide therapy at Rosewatter Chicagoland Counseling, where I offer both in-person and virtual sessions.
I am a compassionate psychotherapist intensely trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), working under the supervision of a DBT-Linehan Board Certified clinician. I work with children, teens, young adults, and adults, specializing in Borderline Personality Disorder, and management of high-risk, self-harming, suicidal, and impulsive behaviors. I use a blend of mindfulness, acceptance, and change-focused strategies in a collaborative space to support my clients in achieving their goals. Currently, I provide therapy at Rosewatter Chicagoland Counseling, where I offer both in-person and virtual sessions.
(872) 328-5113 View (872) 328-5113
Photo of Lorena Maldonado, Pre-Licensed Professional, LPC, NCC
Lorena Maldonado
Pre-Licensed Professional, LPC, NCC
Chicago, IL 60622
I provide individual and couples therapy for adults seeking lasting change, greater clarity, and a deeper connection with themselves. I offer services in English and Spanish to support clients from diverse backgrounds. Whether you are navigating life transitions, anxiety, relationship struggles, self-doubt, or low mood, my approach invites reflection and emotional honesty in a supportive and non-judgmental setting.
I provide individual and couples therapy for adults seeking lasting change, greater clarity, and a deeper connection with themselves. I offer services in English and Spanish to support clients from diverse backgrounds. Whether you are navigating life transitions, anxiety, relationship struggles, self-doubt, or low mood, my approach invites reflection and emotional honesty in a supportive and non-judgmental setting.
(773) 839-4419 View (773) 839-4419
Photo of Silvija Barisic, Counselor, MA, LCPC
Silvija Barisic
Counselor, MA, LCPC
6 Endorsed
Online Only
If you feel unsuccessful, unproductive, unloved, overwhelmed by your own or other people expectations; stressed at work, home, or feel professionally and socially inadequate; or if you are going through sudden crises, trauma, loss, disruptive transitions such as job loss, divorce, and migration, then these problems could be addressed, transformed, and healed through counseling process. My extensive counseling experience has helped many clients to re-build their self-confidence, regain lost hope, and transcendent barriers. I am confident that together we can transform adversities into potentials and weaknesses into strengths.
If you feel unsuccessful, unproductive, unloved, overwhelmed by your own or other people expectations; stressed at work, home, or feel professionally and socially inadequate; or if you are going through sudden crises, trauma, loss, disruptive transitions such as job loss, divorce, and migration, then these problems could be addressed, transformed, and healed through counseling process. My extensive counseling experience has helped many clients to re-build their self-confidence, regain lost hope, and transcendent barriers. I am confident that together we can transform adversities into potentials and weaknesses into strengths.
(773) 295-0971 View (773) 295-0971
Photo of Dawn M Bangert, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Dawn M Bangert
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
4 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60618
Struggling to feel like yourself? Is it difficult to get through the day? You do not need to face life's challenges alone. Together we can build the life you want and create meaningful change. I treat the whole person which starts with building a relationship and trust.
Struggling to feel like yourself? Is it difficult to get through the day? You do not need to face life's challenges alone. Together we can build the life you want and create meaningful change. I treat the whole person which starts with building a relationship and trust.
(312) 561-9348 View (312) 561-9348
Photo of Steven Meyers, Psychologist, PhD, ABPP
Steven Meyers
Psychologist, PhD, ABPP
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60605
Are you looking for an encouraging therapist who will focus on solutions? Are you ready to make changes so that your problems will no longer have the upper hand? I'll work hard with you to help make life better soon. I have helped many clients overcome feelings like sadness, worry, anger, or unhappiness with their relationships over the past 30 years. I have published extensively, been quoted in newspapers, and appeared on television and radio for my clinical work as a licensed, board certified psychologist and as a university professor.
Are you looking for an encouraging therapist who will focus on solutions? Are you ready to make changes so that your problems will no longer have the upper hand? I'll work hard with you to help make life better soon. I have helped many clients overcome feelings like sadness, worry, anger, or unhappiness with their relationships over the past 30 years. I have published extensively, been quoted in newspapers, and appeared on television and radio for my clinical work as a licensed, board certified psychologist and as a university professor.
(312) 878-7005 View (312) 878-7005
Photo of Keeton Phillips, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Keeton Phillips
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60640
Hello, Hello, Hello! Are you a Queer/Trans person, or couple, searching, but have yet to find a therapist who sees, understands, and meets you where you currently are at in life? I believe you are the expert within your own life, and I am here to help you process, explore, & navigate through trauma and challenges you’ve endured. Our best work is achieved when you feel supported, heard, & challenged. Using humor, compassion, and honesty in a way that we can collaboratively work together to unpack and overcome the challenges & tribulations you're facing, to help you achieve your goals, & be a more authentic grounded you.
Hello, Hello, Hello! Are you a Queer/Trans person, or couple, searching, but have yet to find a therapist who sees, understands, and meets you where you currently are at in life? I believe you are the expert within your own life, and I am here to help you process, explore, & navigate through trauma and challenges you’ve endured. Our best work is achieved when you feel supported, heard, & challenged. Using humor, compassion, and honesty in a way that we can collaboratively work together to unpack and overcome the challenges & tribulations you're facing, to help you achieve your goals, & be a more authentic grounded you.
(773) 692-6670 View (773) 692-6670
Photo of Mackenzie Muller, Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CSTIP
Mackenzie Muller
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CSTIP
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Exploring your needs in your relationship to yourself or with a partner can be challenging especially if you're not sure what those needs are or where to start. Maybe in the past these needs were never a priority, or you've had to change and prioritize someone else’s needs over your own. Either way, it can be scary to start looking at what you need to feel seen and understood. Whether that be in starting a new chapter in life, with your partner, or just finding out more about yourself and who you are, it’s time to start prioritizing who you truly want to be and how you want your relationships in life to be.
Exploring your needs in your relationship to yourself or with a partner can be challenging especially if you're not sure what those needs are or where to start. Maybe in the past these needs were never a priority, or you've had to change and prioritize someone else’s needs over your own. Either way, it can be scary to start looking at what you need to feel seen and understood. Whether that be in starting a new chapter in life, with your partner, or just finding out more about yourself and who you are, it’s time to start prioritizing who you truly want to be and how you want your relationships in life to be.
(312) 278-3592 View (312) 278-3592
Photo of Julianne Clifton-Marquez, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Julianne Clifton-Marquez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Online Only
We all have the ability to break patterns, confront the things which are hurting us, and to live our lives with more grace, happiness, and ease; that includes you. I know that the therapeutic relationship is built on trust, and I have been honored to have the trust of the people I work with and to see the impact of their progress on their lives and the lives of all those around them. I’ll be direct with you, but I’ll also be your biggest cheerleader. If you're wrestling with moods or anxiety that is taking over your life, let's tackle it together so you can focus on the things that are most important to you.
We all have the ability to break patterns, confront the things which are hurting us, and to live our lives with more grace, happiness, and ease; that includes you. I know that the therapeutic relationship is built on trust, and I have been honored to have the trust of the people I work with and to see the impact of their progress on their lives and the lives of all those around them. I’ll be direct with you, but I’ll also be your biggest cheerleader. If you're wrestling with moods or anxiety that is taking over your life, let's tackle it together so you can focus on the things that are most important to you.
(872) 217-2444 View (872) 217-2444
Photo of Dr. Dean Leav - Psychological Testing & Evaluations - Dr. Dean, Psychologist, PsyD, QME, Author
Psychological Testing & Evaluations - Dr. Dean
Psychologist, PsyD, QME, Author
Chicago, IL 60630
I’m Dr. Dean Leav. I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I conduct ADHD / autism / learning disability evaluations, legal / forensic evaluations for court, risk assessment (violence / sexual), cognitive / neuropsychological evaluations, diagnostic psychological evaluations, immigration evaluations, adoption evaluations, parenting / bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, fitness for duty evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME) evaluations, and other types of psychological evaluations / assessments.
I’m Dr. Dean Leav. I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I conduct ADHD / autism / learning disability evaluations, legal / forensic evaluations for court, risk assessment (violence / sexual), cognitive / neuropsychological evaluations, diagnostic psychological evaluations, immigration evaluations, adoption evaluations, parenting / bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, fitness for duty evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME) evaluations, and other types of psychological evaluations / assessments.
(708) 564-3532 View (708) 564-3532
Photo of Jade Albin, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
Jade Albin
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Are you feeling exhausted or overwhelmed navigating the world? Are you struggling to identify your needs and how to best take care of your mental health? Are you feeling curious about your brain? As a neurodivergent therapist, I am passionate about supporting others as they explore their own neurodivergencies, with a specific focus on autism and ADHD. I'm particularly passionate about supporting those on a journey of autistic self-discovery. It would be my honor and privilege as your therapist to hold space for you as you explore your identities.
Are you feeling exhausted or overwhelmed navigating the world? Are you struggling to identify your needs and how to best take care of your mental health? Are you feeling curious about your brain? As a neurodivergent therapist, I am passionate about supporting others as they explore their own neurodivergencies, with a specific focus on autism and ADHD. I'm particularly passionate about supporting those on a journey of autistic self-discovery. It would be my honor and privilege as your therapist to hold space for you as you explore your identities.
(312) 728-8798 View (312) 728-8798
Photo of Nakia Hardy, LPC Intern
Nakia Hardy
LPC Intern
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60616
Greetings, My name is Nakia! I am dedicated to making a positive impact in the field of mental health and well-being. I am fueled by a genuine desire to help people navigate life's challenges, discover their inner strength, and achieve personal growth. My approach is grounded in empathy, aiming to provide you with a secure and supportive environment where you feel comfortable to explore your life's spaces, your thoughts, feelings, and aspirations.
Greetings, My name is Nakia! I am dedicated to making a positive impact in the field of mental health and well-being. I am fueled by a genuine desire to help people navigate life's challenges, discover their inner strength, and achieve personal growth. My approach is grounded in empathy, aiming to provide you with a secure and supportive environment where you feel comfortable to explore your life's spaces, your thoughts, feelings, and aspirations.
(312) 487-3994 View (312) 487-3994
Photo of Amani Rabai, Pre-Licensed Professional, PsyD
Amani Rabai
Pre-Licensed Professional, PsyD
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60640
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck in painful patterns, or struggling with anxiety or intense emotions, you’re not alone. Many of the adults and college students I work with are navigating trauma, academic pressure, identity stress, ADHD, or major life transitions. You may be balancing competing demands while trying to stay grounded and true to yourself. Together, we’ll build insight, stronger boundaries, and practical coping skills so you can feel more steady, confident, and connected in your relationships and daily life.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck in painful patterns, or struggling with anxiety or intense emotions, you’re not alone. Many of the adults and college students I work with are navigating trauma, academic pressure, identity stress, ADHD, or major life transitions. You may be balancing competing demands while trying to stay grounded and true to yourself. Together, we’ll build insight, stronger boundaries, and practical coping skills so you can feel more steady, confident, and connected in your relationships and daily life.
(773) 985-8976 View (773) 985-8976
Photo of Eric Lindquist, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, CADC
Eric Lindquist
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, CADC
Chicago, IL 60643
Even without a crisis, one can still be troubled: "I know what to do to make my life better. But it's hard for me to move on things. . . I always felt that I loved everyone I live with. But now I'm not so sure. . . I am trying to stay in my job until I get Social Security. But I don't know if I can bear eight more years of misery." Thoughts like the above are common. Sometimes, we can confine them to a few moments. Beyond that, they can drain us. Unfortunately, there are risks in confiding these thoughts to those we care about. The risks in disclosing them to a therapist are less. After all, they will not benefit from your choices.
Even without a crisis, one can still be troubled: "I know what to do to make my life better. But it's hard for me to move on things. . . I always felt that I loved everyone I live with. But now I'm not so sure. . . I am trying to stay in my job until I get Social Security. But I don't know if I can bear eight more years of misery." Thoughts like the above are common. Sometimes, we can confine them to a few moments. Beyond that, they can drain us. Unfortunately, there are risks in confiding these thoughts to those we care about. The risks in disclosing them to a therapist are less. After all, they will not benefit from your choices.
(773) 345-9337 View (773) 345-9337
Photo of Sarah Hammer, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PEL
Sarah Hammer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PEL
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60618
As a clinical supervisor, my goal is to provide high-quality support and guidance to mental health providers. Clinicians are often overworked and under-supported. I provide empathy and collaboration to mental health providers as they navigate clinical issues and develop their personal intervention style. Supervision and consultation is based on individual needs and interests but typically encompass clinical questions and concerns, case consultation, navigating work settings and structures, best practices in service delivery and self care and burnout prevention.
As a clinical supervisor, my goal is to provide high-quality support and guidance to mental health providers. Clinicians are often overworked and under-supported. I provide empathy and collaboration to mental health providers as they navigate clinical issues and develop their personal intervention style. Supervision and consultation is based on individual needs and interests but typically encompass clinical questions and concerns, case consultation, navigating work settings and structures, best practices in service delivery and self care and burnout prevention.
(773) 945-9932 View (773) 945-9932
Photo of Sandi Langham, Counselor, LCPC
Sandi Langham
Counselor, LCPC
4 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60640
I believe there is incredible potential and hope for each person to have a fulfilling and meaningful life, even despite challenges in a person's background or current stressful situation. Each person possesses the resources within themselves to create the change they desire. Counseling simply facilitates unlocking those resources as providing additional "tools" for desired change. I enjoy working with a variety of people and consider it a pleasure to listen, encourage, offer these additional tools to move closer to a person's desired goals, healing, and happiness.
I believe there is incredible potential and hope for each person to have a fulfilling and meaningful life, even despite challenges in a person's background or current stressful situation. Each person possesses the resources within themselves to create the change they desire. Counseling simply facilitates unlocking those resources as providing additional "tools" for desired change. I enjoy working with a variety of people and consider it a pleasure to listen, encourage, offer these additional tools to move closer to a person's desired goals, healing, and happiness.
(773) 649-1017 View (773) 649-1017
Photo of Nicole Schafer, Licensed Professional Counselor
Nicole Schafer
Licensed Professional Counselor
Online Only
Nicole works with clients on their relationships, intimacy, sexuality, dating, attachment styles, and holistic & alternative health. She helps clients work on boundary issues, differing attachment styles, codependency, feeling comfortable in their skin, and exploring desires. She also works with relationship partners (couples, thruples, polycules, etc.) on communicating needs, building emotional intimacy, exploring sexuality, and generally improving relationship health. Nicole can help guide you and provide tools to navigate challenging situations.
Nicole works with clients on their relationships, intimacy, sexuality, dating, attachment styles, and holistic & alternative health. She helps clients work on boundary issues, differing attachment styles, codependency, feeling comfortable in their skin, and exploring desires. She also works with relationship partners (couples, thruples, polycules, etc.) on communicating needs, building emotional intimacy, exploring sexuality, and generally improving relationship health. Nicole can help guide you and provide tools to navigate challenging situations.
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Photo of Katherine Dowen, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Katherine Dowen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Chicago, IL 60642
I’ve always had a passion for helping others, which led me to pursue a career in social work. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds to work toward their personal goals. My approach to therapy is person-centered and strength-based. I believe in meeting people where they are and empowering them to move forward at their own pace. By building on each individual’s strengths, I strive to create a supportive space for growth, healing, and lasting change.
I’ve always had a passion for helping others, which led me to pursue a career in social work. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds to work toward their personal goals. My approach to therapy is person-centered and strength-based. I believe in meeting people where they are and empowering them to move forward at their own pace. By building on each individual’s strengths, I strive to create a supportive space for growth, healing, and lasting change.
(815) 420-4417 View (815) 420-4417
Photo of Tim Sawyier, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
Tim Sawyier
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
Chicago, IL 60602
Psychotherapy relieves mental distress by cultivating one's innate capacities to think and grow. We all negotiate the world in idiosyncratic ways developed over the course of our lives, and emotional suffering results when initially adaptive measures no longer suffice to meet our emotional needs. Understanding the origins of repetitive unsatisfying relationships, low self-esteem, anxiety, and other psychological difficulties allows one to make more informed decisions about how to meet these needs authentically and effectively.
Psychotherapy relieves mental distress by cultivating one's innate capacities to think and grow. We all negotiate the world in idiosyncratic ways developed over the course of our lives, and emotional suffering results when initially adaptive measures no longer suffice to meet our emotional needs. Understanding the origins of repetitive unsatisfying relationships, low self-esteem, anxiety, and other psychological difficulties allows one to make more informed decisions about how to meet these needs authentically and effectively.
(872) 469-7024 View (872) 469-7024
Photo of Peggy Williams, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Peggy Williams
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Online Only
Currently Accepting New Clients via Telehealth. It would be a privilege to work with you navigating through life's challenges and feelings of anxiety and sadness. My style is warm and supportive as I hope to help you feel less isolated and alone. I will help you discover alternative ways of thinking and offer a variety of coping skills. I will also incorporate humor. Together we will develop goals for growth and seek achievable solutions, alleviate distress, and improve your quality of life fostering a feeling of joy and happiness. I feel honored to be part of your journey.
Currently Accepting New Clients via Telehealth. It would be a privilege to work with you navigating through life's challenges and feelings of anxiety and sadness. My style is warm and supportive as I hope to help you feel less isolated and alone. I will help you discover alternative ways of thinking and offer a variety of coping skills. I will also incorporate humor. Together we will develop goals for growth and seek achievable solutions, alleviate distress, and improve your quality of life fostering a feeling of joy and happiness. I feel honored to be part of your journey.
(312) 262-4867 View (312) 262-4867

See more therapy options for Chicago

How does your Therapist compare?

Number of Therapists in Chicago, IL

3,000+

Average cost per session

$160

Therapists in Chicago, IL who prioritize treating:

93% Anxiety
86% Depression
76% Relationship Issues
74% Self Esteem
71% Trauma and PTSD
68% Stress
61% Grief

Average years in practice

10 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

93% BlueCross and BlueShield
75% Aetna
53% Cigna and Evernorth

How Therapists in Chicago, IL see their clients

58% In Person and Online
42% Online Only

Gender breakdown

78% Female
18% Male
4% Non-Binary
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling

How can I find a therapist in Chicago?

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.