Therapists in Saugus, MA

Photo of Caitlin Sweeney, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Caitlin Sweeney
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Online Only
I work primarily with LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent adults. If you’re a bit quirky and looking for that to be celebrated, this is the place. My clients are most often in need of tools to navigate anxiety, depression, identity, life stressors and increasing self-esteem. They are on a journey to self betterment and want to examine themselves with a little help and curiosity.
I work primarily with LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent adults. If you’re a bit quirky and looking for that to be celebrated, this is the place. My clients are most often in need of tools to navigate anxiety, depression, identity, life stressors and increasing self-esteem. They are on a journey to self betterment and want to examine themselves with a little help and curiosity.
(781) 773-6129 View (781) 773-6129
Photo of Susan D'Antilio, Counselor, LMHC
Susan D'Antilio
Counselor, LMHC
Saugus, MA 01906
Waitlist for new clients
Hi, I offer a warm, attuned, and compassionate approach with Internal Family Systems - IFS therapy that is tailored to each individual. I work with adults seeking depth-oriented, relational therapy. When you reach out, you are contacting me directly, not a therapy platform or referral service. You may feel anxious, emotionally overwhelmed, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve you, especially in relationships. Many carry the effects of attachment wounds, complex trauma, codependency, or major life transitions. You want more than coping tools. You want to understand yourself more deeply and feel steadier and more connected.
Hi, I offer a warm, attuned, and compassionate approach with Internal Family Systems - IFS therapy that is tailored to each individual. I work with adults seeking depth-oriented, relational therapy. When you reach out, you are contacting me directly, not a therapy platform or referral service. You may feel anxious, emotionally overwhelmed, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve you, especially in relationships. Many carry the effects of attachment wounds, complex trauma, codependency, or major life transitions. You want more than coping tools. You want to understand yourself more deeply and feel steadier and more connected.
(781) 678-4908 View (781) 678-4908
Photo of Katherine Perakis, Counselor, LMHC, MT-BC
Katherine Perakis
Counselor, LMHC, MT-BC
Online Only
Do you ever feel misunderstood or unheard in your daily life? Have you felt stuck and unsure of how to move forward in your journey? Do you find it difficult expressing your thoughts and feelings? This is a space to find empowerment and your inner voice. It is a space where we work together to help you reach your goals and realize your full potential. I strive to make therapy a welcoming, creative, and safe space to explore and learn your inner self and strengths. A space to feel seen, heard, safe, and where you can uncover the best version of you! To book an appointment view my website below.
Do you ever feel misunderstood or unheard in your daily life? Have you felt stuck and unsure of how to move forward in your journey? Do you find it difficult expressing your thoughts and feelings? This is a space to find empowerment and your inner voice. It is a space where we work together to help you reach your goals and realize your full potential. I strive to make therapy a welcoming, creative, and safe space to explore and learn your inner self and strengths. A space to feel seen, heard, safe, and where you can uncover the best version of you! To book an appointment view my website below.
(617) 446-5618 View (617) 446-5618
Photo of Valerie Lavacca, Counselor, LMHC
Valerie Lavacca
Counselor, LMHC
Saugus, MA 01906
I’m honored to offer a safe, non-judgemental, and supportive space for growth/healing & self-exploration. On our life’s path we all have highs and lows. We experience various emotions, some more difficult than others. It can be hard to know what to do with our feelings; how to have them, how to show & share them or simply how to acknowledge them. Emotions can be heavy yet fragile & deserve to be treated with the utmost respect. Using tools & techniques, I help people to observe, describe, experience & participate in the full spectrum of emotions along their life’s path in a non-judgemental way.
I’m honored to offer a safe, non-judgemental, and supportive space for growth/healing & self-exploration. On our life’s path we all have highs and lows. We experience various emotions, some more difficult than others. It can be hard to know what to do with our feelings; how to have them, how to show & share them or simply how to acknowledge them. Emotions can be heavy yet fragile & deserve to be treated with the utmost respect. Using tools & techniques, I help people to observe, describe, experience & participate in the full spectrum of emotions along their life’s path in a non-judgemental way.
(508) 680-7266 View (508) 680-7266
Photo of Sheriese Fowler, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Sheriese Fowler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Online Only
You may look like you’re holding it all together on the outside while internally feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or stuck in survival mode. I specialize in supporting women & caregivers carrying the invisible weight of emotional labor, relationship stress, parenting demands, child development concerns, trauma, grief, life transitions, & racial disparities. My clients may start therapy feeling anxious, depressed, or disconnected from themselves, trying to meet everyone else’s needs & neglecting their own. Together, we create a supportive space to slow down & develop healthier ways to cope, communicate, heal & reconnect with yourself.
You may look like you’re holding it all together on the outside while internally feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or stuck in survival mode. I specialize in supporting women & caregivers carrying the invisible weight of emotional labor, relationship stress, parenting demands, child development concerns, trauma, grief, life transitions, & racial disparities. My clients may start therapy feeling anxious, depressed, or disconnected from themselves, trying to meet everyone else’s needs & neglecting their own. Together, we create a supportive space to slow down & develop healthier ways to cope, communicate, heal & reconnect with yourself.
(339) 331-2593 View (339) 331-2593
Photo of Maria Mujica, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Maria Mujica
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Online Only
My name is Maria Mujica, and I utilize the pronouns She/Her/Ella. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who is trilingual, proficient in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Granite State College, a Master of Arts in Birth to Three: Early Intervention from Wheelock College, and a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. I have a dynamic, inquisitive, and active approach to therapy. I enjoy collaborating with my clients to think and problem-solve together, enhancing their sense of agency and clarity.
My name is Maria Mujica, and I utilize the pronouns She/Her/Ella. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who is trilingual, proficient in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Granite State College, a Master of Arts in Birth to Three: Early Intervention from Wheelock College, and a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. I have a dynamic, inquisitive, and active approach to therapy. I enjoy collaborating with my clients to think and problem-solve together, enhancing their sense of agency and clarity.
(617) 405-8665 View (617) 405-8665
Photo of Tina Spadafora, Counselor, MS, LMHC
Tina Spadafora
Counselor, MS, LMHC
6 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
Welcome! Therapy can help you work through challenges, gain insight into patterns and stressors, and feel more equipped to navigate daily life. You do not have to unpack everything at once. I support clients in understanding what may be contributing to their current struggles, including anxiety, depression, trauma, loss, long-standing emotional patterns, and everyday stressors such as work, family dynamics, and social pressures, while building practical tools to make life feel more manageable.
Welcome! Therapy can help you work through challenges, gain insight into patterns and stressors, and feel more equipped to navigate daily life. You do not have to unpack everything at once. I support clients in understanding what may be contributing to their current struggles, including anxiety, depression, trauma, loss, long-standing emotional patterns, and everyday stressors such as work, family dynamics, and social pressures, while building practical tools to make life feel more manageable.
(339) 229-0186 View (339) 229-0186
Photo of Elisabeth Harvey, Counselor, LMHC
Elisabeth Harvey
Counselor, LMHC
Online Only
Hello! I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Massachusetts. I received my Master's Degree from Boston College and have been practicing for 7+ years. I have experience working in community mental health, outpatient, and inpatient psychiatric settings. As a therapist, I have worked with all ages, primarily adolescents and adults, and populations including those with chronic health issues, DV survivors, and those recently released from incarceration. I am also an LGBTQ+, non-monogamy, sex work, racial justice, and kink allied therapist and support harm reduction.
Hello! I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Massachusetts. I received my Master's Degree from Boston College and have been practicing for 7+ years. I have experience working in community mental health, outpatient, and inpatient psychiatric settings. As a therapist, I have worked with all ages, primarily adolescents and adults, and populations including those with chronic health issues, DV survivors, and those recently released from incarceration. I am also an LGBTQ+, non-monogamy, sex work, racial justice, and kink allied therapist and support harm reduction.
(617) 420-7791 View (617) 420-7791
Photo of Kerry Ann Penta, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC
Kerry Ann Penta
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Fastest way to get in touch with me is to email me! I am now taking new clients! Please note I changed my email address just for clients so I can get back to my clients sooner. My ideal client is someone who has experienced trauma, struggles with depression, anxiety, mood stabilization, grief or substance use, and is tired of carrying the weight alone. They may feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected, but they deeply want to heal and live with more peace and purpose. They’re ready to be honest—with themselves and in therapy—and are motivated to grow. What they want is real, lasting change.
Fastest way to get in touch with me is to email me! I am now taking new clients! Please note I changed my email address just for clients so I can get back to my clients sooner. My ideal client is someone who has experienced trauma, struggles with depression, anxiety, mood stabilization, grief or substance use, and is tired of carrying the weight alone. They may feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected, but they deeply want to heal and live with more peace and purpose. They’re ready to be honest—with themselves and in therapy—and are motivated to grow. What they want is real, lasting change.
(339) 331-1292 View (339) 331-1292
Photo of Michelle D'Amico, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Michelle D'Amico
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
1 Endorsed
Saugus, MA 01906
Congratulations on taking that first step to obtain support! Searching for a therapist can be a difficult and overwhelming process. Taking this step and setting up an initial therapy appointment can be terrifying, so let me tell you what you can expect if we decide to work together. Maybe you're grieving a loss, struggling with a life transition, or feeling in a rut. Together, we can build up your skills to better understand and manage distressing feelings and the challenges that are currently weighing you down.
Congratulations on taking that first step to obtain support! Searching for a therapist can be a difficult and overwhelming process. Taking this step and setting up an initial therapy appointment can be terrifying, so let me tell you what you can expect if we decide to work together. Maybe you're grieving a loss, struggling with a life transition, or feeling in a rut. Together, we can build up your skills to better understand and manage distressing feelings and the challenges that are currently weighing you down.
(978) 231-9775 View (978) 231-9775
Photo of Jessica McCaffery, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, MSW
Jessica McCaffery
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, MSW
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
Hey, I'm Jess! I work with clients who might be struggling with perfectionism or people-pleasing, feeling like they spend all of their energy helping others but have trouble focusing on themselves. I am also passionate about providing support for people who work in helping professions! When I received my Masters in Social Work from Simmons University in Boston, I also achieved a certificate in trauma practice. I practice therapy through a trauma-informed lens, working to provide a space for clients to feel safe and understood.
Hey, I'm Jess! I work with clients who might be struggling with perfectionism or people-pleasing, feeling like they spend all of their energy helping others but have trouble focusing on themselves. I am also passionate about providing support for people who work in helping professions! When I received my Masters in Social Work from Simmons University in Boston, I also achieved a certificate in trauma practice. I practice therapy through a trauma-informed lens, working to provide a space for clients to feel safe and understood.
(617) 609-1862 View (617) 609-1862
Photo of Marcello Cugno - OCD/Anxiety & Mood Specialist, Marcello Cugno, MA, LMHC
OCD/Anxiety & Mood Specialist, Marcello Cugno
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Are you feeling stuck, burnt out, or struggling to get through each day? Is your anxiety or depression making you feel hopeless? Having thoughts of making changes are leaving you feeling overwhelmed or frustrated? Don't know who you can trust to express how you honestly feel so that you can move forward? Mind Matters Counseling can help you explore your thoughts, feelings, and relationships. You will be challenged to discover new perspectives in a non-judgmental manner and your feelings and emotions will be validated using the best practices.
Are you feeling stuck, burnt out, or struggling to get through each day? Is your anxiety or depression making you feel hopeless? Having thoughts of making changes are leaving you feeling overwhelmed or frustrated? Don't know who you can trust to express how you honestly feel so that you can move forward? Mind Matters Counseling can help you explore your thoughts, feelings, and relationships. You will be challenged to discover new perspectives in a non-judgmental manner and your feelings and emotions will be validated using the best practices.
(978) 541-4339 View (978) 541-4339
Photo of Stephanie Jacob, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Stephanie Jacob
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
Do you find yourself overthinking conversations long after they happen, shutting down during conflict, or reacting more emotionally than you want to? Maybe anxiety leaves you feeling stuck and unsure of what to say, or emotions become so overwhelming that you later regret how you responded. These reactions are not signs of weakness—they are often protective responses shaped by stress, trauma, difficult relationships, or painful past experiences. Our experiences live not only in our thoughts, but also in our nervous system & body, influencing how we respond to situations in the present.
Do you find yourself overthinking conversations long after they happen, shutting down during conflict, or reacting more emotionally than you want to? Maybe anxiety leaves you feeling stuck and unsure of what to say, or emotions become so overwhelming that you later regret how you responded. These reactions are not signs of weakness—they are often protective responses shaped by stress, trauma, difficult relationships, or painful past experiences. Our experiences live not only in our thoughts, but also in our nervous system & body, influencing how we respond to situations in the present.
(978) 404-8469 View (978) 404-8469
Photo of Vicky Ge, Pre-Licensed Professional, M.Ed
Vicky Ge
Pre-Licensed Professional, M.Ed
Serves Area
Vicky believes therapy should be a space where you can truly be yourself, and my role is to walk alongside you, understand what you’re going through, and support you in finding a path forward that feels meaningful to you. She has experience working with teens and adults navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, anger, gender dysphoria, and relationship challenges. As a bilingual therapist from China, she speaks both English and Mandarin and she is deeply committed to providing culturally responsive and affirming care.
Vicky believes therapy should be a space where you can truly be yourself, and my role is to walk alongside you, understand what you’re going through, and support you in finding a path forward that feels meaningful to you. She has experience working with teens and adults navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, anger, gender dysphoria, and relationship challenges. As a bilingual therapist from China, she speaks both English and Mandarin and she is deeply committed to providing culturally responsive and affirming care.
(978) 780-2287 View (978) 780-2287
Photo of Rachael Barry, Counselor, MA, LMHC
Rachael Barry
Counselor, MA, LMHC
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I offer therapy services to help with self-discovery, personal growth and to help you understand the challenges you are facing. Establishing a safe, non judgmental, and collaborative environment is the key to therapeutic success. I can help you explore and process emotions, especially during difficult times like: breakups, grief, or major life changes or transitions.
I offer therapy services to help with self-discovery, personal growth and to help you understand the challenges you are facing. Establishing a safe, non judgmental, and collaborative environment is the key to therapeutic success. I can help you explore and process emotions, especially during difficult times like: breakups, grief, or major life changes or transitions.
(508) 290-6291 View (508) 290-6291
Photo of Joshua Vinocour, Psychologist, LCP
Joshua Vinocour
Psychologist, LCP
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Kudos for making it this far. The first step is often the hardest. My goal is to help you take the next steps, whatever those might be. I'm a generalist who is comfortable addressing a wide range of symptoms and life challenges. I take a client-centered, humanistic approach, tailoring treatment to each client's needs. I take an integrative approach to treatment, meaning that I draw from a variety of therapeutic techniques, selecting one or more approaches depending on each client's unique difficulties and goals.
Kudos for making it this far. The first step is often the hardest. My goal is to help you take the next steps, whatever those might be. I'm a generalist who is comfortable addressing a wide range of symptoms and life challenges. I take a client-centered, humanistic approach, tailoring treatment to each client's needs. I take an integrative approach to treatment, meaning that I draw from a variety of therapeutic techniques, selecting one or more approaches depending on each client's unique difficulties and goals.
(508) 978-1347 View (508) 978-1347
Photo of Lydia Rosenfield, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Lydia Rosenfield
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
7 Endorsed
Serves Area
Stop just 'managing' your symptoms and start addressing root causes. I use talk therapy, EMDR and ART to help adults and teens move past anxiety and trauma faster—and I have immediate openings. I provide a safe space where people feel seen, challenged, and fully supported. Whether you are dealing with past trauma, anxiety, or depression, we start exactly where you are, ensuring your goals feel both meaningful and possible. While we will work to ease the weight of anxiety and stress in the present, I am passionate about helping uncover the root causes of mental health challenges to create lasting change.
Stop just 'managing' your symptoms and start addressing root causes. I use talk therapy, EMDR and ART to help adults and teens move past anxiety and trauma faster—and I have immediate openings. I provide a safe space where people feel seen, challenged, and fully supported. Whether you are dealing with past trauma, anxiety, or depression, we start exactly where you are, ensuring your goals feel both meaningful and possible. While we will work to ease the weight of anxiety and stress in the present, I am passionate about helping uncover the root causes of mental health challenges to create lasting change.
(978) 404-4516 View (978) 404-4516
Photo of Siddi Kallon, Counselor, LMHC, ACRA
Siddi Kallon
Counselor, LMHC, ACRA
Online Only
Hi there! I specialize in supporting individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, self-esteem challenges, and trauma. With years of experience helping people navigate mental health concerns and developmental disabilities, I understand the courage it takes to reach out for help.
Hi there! I specialize in supporting individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, self-esteem challenges, and trauma. With years of experience helping people navigate mental health concerns and developmental disabilities, I understand the courage it takes to reach out for help.
(781) 386-1094 View (781) 386-1094
Photo of Emalie Novick, Counselor, LMHC, SAC
Emalie Novick
Counselor, LMHC, SAC
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
I support children, adolescents, young adults, and caregivers who may be struggling with anxiety, big emotions, school stress, life transitions, or relationship challenges. Many parents experience feeling unsure how to best support their child or teen, while young adults often feel stuck, overwhelmed, or uncertain about next steps. I bring 7 years of post-master’s clinical experience and over a decade of work in school-based and community mental health settings. Together, we slow things down, understand what’s underneath behavior and emotions, and build practical tools that support real change across home, school, and daily life.
I support children, adolescents, young adults, and caregivers who may be struggling with anxiety, big emotions, school stress, life transitions, or relationship challenges. Many parents experience feeling unsure how to best support their child or teen, while young adults often feel stuck, overwhelmed, or uncertain about next steps. I bring 7 years of post-master’s clinical experience and over a decade of work in school-based and community mental health settings. Together, we slow things down, understand what’s underneath behavior and emotions, and build practical tools that support real change across home, school, and daily life.
(781) 557-4605 View (781) 557-4605
Photo of Ellen Holtzman, Psychologist, PsyD
Ellen Holtzman
Psychologist, PsyD
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Not accepting new clients
My areas of expertise are the treatment of anxiety, depression and relationship issues in adults. I particularly enjoy counseling millennials. As a warm and understanding therapist, I have successfully worked with clients with a wide variety of life problems to help them decrease distress and lead fuller lives. I provide individual, couple, and family therapy, using a combination of cognitive behavioral and insight oriented techniques. I am the author of "Bouncing Back: How Women Lose & Find Themselves in Marriage & Divorce."
My areas of expertise are the treatment of anxiety, depression and relationship issues in adults. I particularly enjoy counseling millennials. As a warm and understanding therapist, I have successfully worked with clients with a wide variety of life problems to help them decrease distress and lead fuller lives. I provide individual, couple, and family therapy, using a combination of cognitive behavioral and insight oriented techniques. I am the author of "Bouncing Back: How Women Lose & Find Themselves in Marriage & Divorce."
(781) 990-2292 View (781) 990-2292

See more therapy options for Saugus

How does your Therapist compare?

Number of Therapists in Saugus, MA

30+

Average cost per session

$150

Therapists in Saugus, MA who prioritize treating:

94% Depression
94% Anxiety
94% Social Anxiety
94% Health Anxiety
94% Driving Anxiety
79% Self Esteem
73% Life Transitions

Average years in practice

10 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

88% Aetna
77% BlueCross and BlueShield
69% UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH

How Therapists in Saugus, MA see their clients

52% Online Only
48% In Person and Online

Gender breakdown

79% Female
17% Male
4% Non-Binary
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling

How can I find a therapist in Saugus?

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.