Therapists in San Francisco, CA
Justine Gordon
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, EMDR
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114
Navigating life's challenges is never easy, but reaching out for help is a brave first step to living a more genuine and fulfilling life. I have expertise in working with individuals struggling with childhood trauma and trauma-related symptoms such as grief, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and relational conflict. I believe every client is unique and deserves to be listened to and understood in an empathetic way. I am passionate about creating a safe, kind, collaborative and judgment-free space where clients can attain new insights, experience new feelings, and find a renewed sense of physical and mental well-being.
Navigating life's challenges is never easy, but reaching out for help is a brave first step to living a more genuine and fulfilling life. I have expertise in working with individuals struggling with childhood trauma and trauma-related symptoms such as grief, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and relational conflict. I believe every client is unique and deserves to be listened to and understood in an empathetic way. I am passionate about creating a safe, kind, collaborative and judgment-free space where clients can attain new insights, experience new feelings, and find a renewed sense of physical and mental well-being.
Cherise Arzaga
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, 74795
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115 (Online Only)
Are you a driven person yet having difficulties managing your relationships, work stress, and family life? Are you feeling anxious or depressed? Do you need help getting through a traumatic event? Are you feeling like you’ve exhausted all your coping skills and nothing seems to work? From a trauma informed and attachment-based lens we will explore your core issues and help you improve your mental health and emotional well-being. You can heal from past trauma, learn to regulate your emotions, lift your mood, and communicate effectively. Together we'll work through unresolved feelings and patterns to live a more authentic life now.
Are you a driven person yet having difficulties managing your relationships, work stress, and family life? Are you feeling anxious or depressed? Do you need help getting through a traumatic event? Are you feeling like you’ve exhausted all your coping skills and nothing seems to work? From a trauma informed and attachment-based lens we will explore your core issues and help you improve your mental health and emotional well-being. You can heal from past trauma, learn to regulate your emotions, lift your mood, and communicate effectively. Together we'll work through unresolved feelings and patterns to live a more authentic life now.
Sarah Swanger
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94122
I work with athletes, individuals, teams, and organizations to help catalyze change, overcome anxiety, and reach goals, and perform to their capabilities. I help athletes and individuals experience wholeness and find satisfaction and excellence in their lives, their sports, and accomplishments. I also support women before and during pregnancy and postpartum adjustment to find balance and emotional and physical strength and wellness. My experience as a therapist, lifetime as a competitive athlete, and experience as a parent, I am here to help you find the best mental perspectives, overcome pressure, and achieve your goals.
I work with athletes, individuals, teams, and organizations to help catalyze change, overcome anxiety, and reach goals, and perform to their capabilities. I help athletes and individuals experience wholeness and find satisfaction and excellence in their lives, their sports, and accomplishments. I also support women before and during pregnancy and postpartum adjustment to find balance and emotional and physical strength and wellness. My experience as a therapist, lifetime as a competitive athlete, and experience as a parent, I am here to help you find the best mental perspectives, overcome pressure, and achieve your goals.
Renee Hawley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114 (Online Only)
Life brings many challenges (and many blessings). At times you may feel “out of balance,” notice a heightened sense of anxiety, low mood, an increase of unhealthy habits, and stressors in your relationships. Together, we will examine how your experiences (including your thoughts, beliefs, expectations, motivations, fears and needs) are affecting your current life situation. We will identify your strengths and build a solid tool kit of skills to help you cope with life’s stressors, enabling you a sense of harmony and peace.
Life brings many challenges (and many blessings). At times you may feel “out of balance,” notice a heightened sense of anxiety, low mood, an increase of unhealthy habits, and stressors in your relationships. Together, we will examine how your experiences (including your thoughts, beliefs, expectations, motivations, fears and needs) are affecting your current life situation. We will identify your strengths and build a solid tool kit of skills to help you cope with life’s stressors, enabling you a sense of harmony and peace.
Erica Antoinette Nocera
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94108 (Online Only)
Hi! I'm Erica, a warm, empathetic, and open Marriage and Family Therapist that helps clients find their purpose, heal, and thrive! I'd love to be your guide to holistic healing and transformation. With expertise in trauma- rooted anxiety and depression, recovery counseling with addictions, and women’s issues including body image, low self esteem, and eating disorders, I'll help teach you evidence-based tools to reframe thoughts and regulate emotions, as well as explore root causes for symptom management. Let's empower you to achieve resilience and personal growth, leading to a healthier and happier future:)
Hi! I'm Erica, a warm, empathetic, and open Marriage and Family Therapist that helps clients find their purpose, heal, and thrive! I'd love to be your guide to holistic healing and transformation. With expertise in trauma- rooted anxiety and depression, recovery counseling with addictions, and women’s issues including body image, low self esteem, and eating disorders, I'll help teach you evidence-based tools to reframe thoughts and regulate emotions, as well as explore root causes for symptom management. Let's empower you to achieve resilience and personal growth, leading to a healthier and happier future:)
Amy Powers
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94110
Welcome! I am Amy Powers and hold a license as a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). My approach to therapy is rooted in compassion, unconditional positive regard and authenticity. I have been practicing therapy for ten years, and my background includes a combination of private practice and non-profit sector treatment. Most of the therapeutic work I do comes from a trauma-focused lens, as I am an EMDR trained therapist and utilize different approaches to address underlying trauma. Additionally, I am seasoned in other traditional talk therapy, such as, CBT, Strengths-Based, and Psychoanalytic.
Welcome! I am Amy Powers and hold a license as a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). My approach to therapy is rooted in compassion, unconditional positive regard and authenticity. I have been practicing therapy for ten years, and my background includes a combination of private practice and non-profit sector treatment. Most of the therapeutic work I do comes from a trauma-focused lens, as I am an EMDR trained therapist and utilize different approaches to address underlying trauma. Additionally, I am seasoned in other traditional talk therapy, such as, CBT, Strengths-Based, and Psychoanalytic.
Michael Myette
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115 (Online Only)
Welcome!...If you are reading this, you are most likely looking to make a change. It could be something you have been working towards for some time, or a sudden spark of inspiration and clarity. Whatever your journey to this moment, you are in a ripe time for development and growth! I have extensive experience helping adults of all ages and orientations identify and meet their therapy, work, relationship, and life goals. I especially enjoy working adults struggling with anxiety, trauma, low-self-worth, life transitions, work/life balance, perfectionism, and self-actualization.
Welcome!...If you are reading this, you are most likely looking to make a change. It could be something you have been working towards for some time, or a sudden spark of inspiration and clarity. Whatever your journey to this moment, you are in a ripe time for development and growth! I have extensive experience helping adults of all ages and orientations identify and meet their therapy, work, relationship, and life goals. I especially enjoy working adults struggling with anxiety, trauma, low-self-worth, life transitions, work/life balance, perfectionism, and self-actualization.
David Torres
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114 (Online Only)
I specialize working with individuals who have endured/are enduring narcissistic abuse (like gaslighting and emotional manipulation) who often arrive at therapy feeling confused and depressed. Victims of narcissistic partners/family often struggle with self-blame, fueling a painful cycle of self-doubt, shame, and depression. I also work with sexual abuse and complex trauma, and substance misuse. We will focus on rebuilding self-esteem and embracing a future where you feel validated and strong.
I specialize working with individuals who have endured/are enduring narcissistic abuse (like gaslighting and emotional manipulation) who often arrive at therapy feeling confused and depressed. Victims of narcissistic partners/family often struggle with self-blame, fueling a painful cycle of self-doubt, shame, and depression. I also work with sexual abuse and complex trauma, and substance misuse. We will focus on rebuilding self-esteem and embracing a future where you feel validated and strong.
Sandra Chu
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94105 (Online Only)
I believe therapy is a journey that can foster healing, change, and personal growth. My goal is to provide a compassionate, collaborative, and safe therapeutic space that allows for vulnerability, healing, and transformation. I have over 17 years of clinical experience helping individuals work through depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, life transitions, stress, and relationship issues.
I believe therapy is a journey that can foster healing, change, and personal growth. My goal is to provide a compassionate, collaborative, and safe therapeutic space that allows for vulnerability, healing, and transformation. I have over 17 years of clinical experience helping individuals work through depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, life transitions, stress, and relationship issues.
Veronica Elizabeth Encinas
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94117
My passion and dedication to this work lies in that asking for help is not a sign of weakness. Everyone at some point in their life has had some frictions or challenges and need support to get through those times. I work experientially and relationally. Welcoming clients to tell their stories, histories, and important aspects of life.
My passion and dedication to this work lies in that asking for help is not a sign of weakness. Everyone at some point in their life has had some frictions or challenges and need support to get through those times. I work experientially and relationally. Welcoming clients to tell their stories, histories, and important aspects of life.
Melanie R. Cleary
Psychologist, MS, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94118
Therapy is a confidential space to explore areas where you are feeling stuck, experiencing difficulty, or contemplating change, with the goal of feeling more confident and whole as a person. I work with adult individuals who seek a deeper understanding of, and relief from, their suffering: depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship problems, spiritual/existential questions, and various forms of addiction (pornography, hypersexuality, substance abuse). Many times, addiction is accompanied by interactions with the legal system and therapy can be a safe space to process thoughts and feelings about legal problems or incarceration.
Therapy is a confidential space to explore areas where you are feeling stuck, experiencing difficulty, or contemplating change, with the goal of feeling more confident and whole as a person. I work with adult individuals who seek a deeper understanding of, and relief from, their suffering: depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship problems, spiritual/existential questions, and various forms of addiction (pornography, hypersexuality, substance abuse). Many times, addiction is accompanied by interactions with the legal system and therapy can be a safe space to process thoughts and feelings about legal problems or incarceration.
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Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115 (Online Only)
Still struggling?! Have you tried a number of things, but nothing is working? Do you feel like you’re losing hope that things can improve? I work with individuals who are struggling with anxiety, depression, stress reduction, and life transitions. I also work with couples who need help improving their relationship dynamics, working through family challenges, or who need a space to understand and work through each other's differences. I use a number of therapeutic modalities to serve each individual client's needs and help them move towards change and achieve their goal.
Still struggling?! Have you tried a number of things, but nothing is working? Do you feel like you’re losing hope that things can improve? I work with individuals who are struggling with anxiety, depression, stress reduction, and life transitions. I also work with couples who need help improving their relationship dynamics, working through family challenges, or who need a space to understand and work through each other's differences. I use a number of therapeutic modalities to serve each individual client's needs and help them move towards change and achieve their goal.
John Mark Krejci
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94131 (Online Only)
Hello! What if you woke up tomorrow and all your difficulties disappeared? Though hard to imagine, envisioning how you'd like your life to be is the first step in finding solutions. After hearing your story, I focus on strengths (in individuals and couples), and help you see the possibilities for positive change. This can be difficult for anxious or depressed clients, but I find it a good start. I embrace the role of authentic, non-judgmental collaborator. I use techniques that can immediately reduce anxiety, and I show clients that depression is treatable.
Hello! What if you woke up tomorrow and all your difficulties disappeared? Though hard to imagine, envisioning how you'd like your life to be is the first step in finding solutions. After hearing your story, I focus on strengths (in individuals and couples), and help you see the possibilities for positive change. This can be difficult for anxious or depressed clients, but I find it a good start. I embrace the role of authentic, non-judgmental collaborator. I use techniques that can immediately reduce anxiety, and I show clients that depression is treatable.
Sage Swiatek
Pre-Licensed Professional, ACSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115 (Online Only)
Healing isn't something we do best in isolation. As a therapist, I work with clients to build greater connection and community to support them on their path. My clients are women and LGBTQIA+ folks seeking therapy where they can show up and be seen as their authentic selves. Many have a history of trauma or have experienced interpersonal violence, such as domestic abuse or sexual assault. Others are working to manage chronic stress and anxiety at work or at home. Whatever concerns are bringing you to my (online) office today, I'll work with you from a place of respect, curiosity, and collaboration.
Healing isn't something we do best in isolation. As a therapist, I work with clients to build greater connection and community to support them on their path. My clients are women and LGBTQIA+ folks seeking therapy where they can show up and be seen as their authentic selves. Many have a history of trauma or have experienced interpersonal violence, such as domestic abuse or sexual assault. Others are working to manage chronic stress and anxiety at work or at home. Whatever concerns are bringing you to my (online) office today, I'll work with you from a place of respect, curiosity, and collaboration.
Caitlin Davis
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ASW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118 (Online Only)
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of life? Seeking support can be a transformative step towards well-being. As an Associate Clinical Social Worker, I am here to guide you on your journey to a more balanced and fulfilling life. I specialize in working with adult individuals facing various life challenges. Whether it’s navigating work or school-related stress, managing burnout, coping with life transitions, supporting young adults (18+) navigating the complexities of "adulting," or addressing anxiety and ADHD, I am committed to providing a safe space for exploration and healing.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of life? Seeking support can be a transformative step towards well-being. As an Associate Clinical Social Worker, I am here to guide you on your journey to a more balanced and fulfilling life. I specialize in working with adult individuals facing various life challenges. Whether it’s navigating work or school-related stress, managing burnout, coping with life transitions, supporting young adults (18+) navigating the complexities of "adulting," or addressing anxiety and ADHD, I am committed to providing a safe space for exploration and healing.
Yvonne Guertin
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, RMBP, SEP
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94109
Coming from a holistic, mind-body, humanistic, compassionate perspective, I work with clients who desire to improve the quality of their lives, reducing stress and emotional pain. Clients may suffer from loneliness, depression, low self-esteem, anxiety or loss. They may need help with communication awareness, grounding methods, self-care, sexual fulfillment or life purpose. These conditions are more normal than abnormal, while sometimes feeling overwhelming. I invite clients to listen to and trust their innate wisdom, guiding them to identify and move through the obstacles preventing them from living their life to the fullest.
Coming from a holistic, mind-body, humanistic, compassionate perspective, I work with clients who desire to improve the quality of their lives, reducing stress and emotional pain. Clients may suffer from loneliness, depression, low self-esteem, anxiety or loss. They may need help with communication awareness, grounding methods, self-care, sexual fulfillment or life purpose. These conditions are more normal than abnormal, while sometimes feeling overwhelming. I invite clients to listen to and trust their innate wisdom, guiding them to identify and move through the obstacles preventing them from living their life to the fullest.
Claudia Sinay-Mosias, Mft Online Psychotherapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MHS, LFMT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118
I specialize in treating survivors of narcissistic abuse, relationship issues, anxiety and depression. I am also very interested in what it means and how to become, a fully functioning human being, emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually. In this world that has been accelerating at a pace beyond our expectations and sometimes our ability to cope,how do we find peace, happiness and fulfillment, or at least the absence of anxiety and depression? Locked within our own personal stories lie the answer to these questions. Whatever "pathology" you present with can be turned into a "path" toward healing.
I specialize in treating survivors of narcissistic abuse, relationship issues, anxiety and depression. I am also very interested in what it means and how to become, a fully functioning human being, emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually. In this world that has been accelerating at a pace beyond our expectations and sometimes our ability to cope,how do we find peace, happiness and fulfillment, or at least the absence of anxiety and depression? Locked within our own personal stories lie the answer to these questions. Whatever "pathology" you present with can be turned into a "path" toward healing.
Lucy Strand
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123 (Online Only)
Are you a woman in your 20s or 30s who's been to therapy before, found it useful, but is now seeking a deeper level of change? Perhaps you're feeling anxious and overwhelmed, stuck in indecision limbo, longing to feel more fulfilled in your career/relationships, and weighed down by societal and family expectations. If so, please know that you're not alone! As someone who specializes in helping women & non-binary folks navigate their quarter-life phase, I understand the unique challenges that you're facing. I'd love to support you so you can feel more at ease, confident, and empowered on your path forward.
Are you a woman in your 20s or 30s who's been to therapy before, found it useful, but is now seeking a deeper level of change? Perhaps you're feeling anxious and overwhelmed, stuck in indecision limbo, longing to feel more fulfilled in your career/relationships, and weighed down by societal and family expectations. If so, please know that you're not alone! As someone who specializes in helping women & non-binary folks navigate their quarter-life phase, I understand the unique challenges that you're facing. I'd love to support you so you can feel more at ease, confident, and empowered on your path forward.
Bianca Aarons Integrative Psychotherapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114 (Online Only)
Bianca Aarons is a San Francisco based Couples Therapist and Individual Therapist who works in an integrative way, incorporating a psychoanalytic, relational, and somatic styles of working. Bianca treats couples who struggle with communication, survivors of sexual abuse, and others to help people find their voice, to feel empowered, and to access healthy anger and boundaries. Bianca also works with people who struggle within relationships because of anxiety and past family issues which may have let to lower self esteem and perfectionism. She works in a direct and honest way while also being very compassionate and empathetic.
Bianca Aarons is a San Francisco based Couples Therapist and Individual Therapist who works in an integrative way, incorporating a psychoanalytic, relational, and somatic styles of working. Bianca treats couples who struggle with communication, survivors of sexual abuse, and others to help people find their voice, to feel empowered, and to access healthy anger and boundaries. Bianca also works with people who struggle within relationships because of anxiety and past family issues which may have let to lower self esteem and perfectionism. She works in a direct and honest way while also being very compassionate and empathetic.
Victoria Zurkan
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94109 (Online Only)
I've been licensed since 2006. Much like a process of sharing, therapist and client together learn to pay close attention to aspects of yourself that you may be unable to touch on your own. I look for patterns in either behavior or thoughts. Also, while examining past family dynamics and reaching unconscious behavior, I link that information to how it affects our current lives. My background includes extensive addiction work in inpatient, outpatient and detox units. Currently I am doing telemedicine with couples, individuals and I run CBT and DBT addiction groups.
I've been licensed since 2006. Much like a process of sharing, therapist and client together learn to pay close attention to aspects of yourself that you may be unable to touch on your own. I look for patterns in either behavior or thoughts. Also, while examining past family dynamics and reaching unconscious behavior, I link that information to how it affects our current lives. My background includes extensive addiction work in inpatient, outpatient and detox units. Currently I am doing telemedicine with couples, individuals and I run CBT and DBT addiction groups.
See more therapy options for San Francisco
Nearby Searches for San Francisco
- Alameda
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- Brisbane
- Daly City
- Emeryville
- Oakland
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How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in San Francisco, CA
3,000+
Average cost per session
$189
Therapists in San Francisco, CA who prioritize treating:
93% | Anxiety |
87% | Depression |
81% | Relationship Issues |
75% | Self Esteem |
70% | Trauma and PTSD |
68% | Stress |
66% | Life Transitions |
Average years in practice
12 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
69% | Aetna |
55% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
54% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Therapists in San Francisco, CA see their clients
55% | In Person and Online | |
45% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
75% | Female | |
23% | Male | |
2% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in San Francisco?
Search for nearby therapists or counselors by inputting your city, town, or suburb; or zip code; or a provider’s name into the search bar. From there, you can filter providers by the issues they treat, cost, insurance, gender, and other factors to find providers who are well-suited to your needs. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or zip code into the search bar.
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?
The Psychology Today directory lists providers who offer legitimate mental health services to the public, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counselor?
Therapists, psychologists, and counselors are all licensed mental health professionals. In the US, psychologists have earned a doctoral degree. The terms “therapist” and “counselor” are used somewhat interchangeably, but generally therapists offer longer-term, mental health care, while counselors offer shorter-term care that may focus on one domain, such as marriage, career, or academic challenges.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
What type of therapy is right for me?
The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.
How much does therapy cost?
The cost of therapy depends on a number of variables, including location and the therapist’s experience and training. On average, a therapy session in the United States could cost between $100 and $200 or more. If you have insurance, the expense of mental health care is typically lower, but it varies based on your insurance plan details and whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network mental healthcare provider.
What are more affordable or low cost therapy solutions?
Many therapists offer sliding scale payments, usually on a limited number of slots, which consists in an agreement between the therapist and a client to pay a reduced rate. Therapists who provide such arrangements often consider the client's income or ability to pay, but the extent of the discount is ultimately at the therapist's discretion. Furthermore, while group therapy may have different goals and benefits compared to individual therapy, it can be a more affordable solution to address certain types of issues.
Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?
Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.
Is online therapy a good option?
Therapy conducted online can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your zip code.
Are therapy sessions confidential?
Confidentiality is a crucial part of the therapeutic relationship. Therapists in the United States are bound by the regulations set out by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), which aims to protect sensitive health information. With very few exceptions, a therapist will only discuss their client with others when the client has given their written permission. The instances in which a therapist would be required to disclose personal information are: if a client poses a danger to themselves or others, if the therapist suspects the abuse of a child or an elderly or otherwise dependent adult, or if they are legally forced to by court order. These exceptions to the confidentiality agreement are usually discussed with a client before their first session.