Therapists in Saint Charles, IL

Michael Pica
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Saint Charles, IL 60175
I bring to the practice over ten years of working with adults, adolescents, and their families in outpatient, residential, and inpatient settings. For a period, I served as clinical director of a child and adolescent psychiatric unit. As a result, I frequently takes on adolescents with more significant emotional and behavioral disorders and families in crisis in which hospitalization may be required. Outside of working with adolescents, one of my particular interests is doing marital therapy. Additionally, my specialties with adults are anger management, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorders, borderline personality disorder, pain management, and men's issues.
I bring to the practice over ten years of working with adults, adolescents, and their families in outpatient, residential, and inpatient settings. For a period, I served as clinical director of a child and adolescent psychiatric unit. As a result, I frequently takes on adolescents with more significant emotional and behavioral disorders and families in crisis in which hospitalization may be required. Outside of working with adolescents, one of my particular interests is doing marital therapy. Additionally, my specialties with adults are anger management, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorders, borderline personality disorder, pain management, and men's issues.
(630) 318-4998 View (630) 318-4998
Photo of Nancy Robin Krtek, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Saint Charles, IL
Nancy Robin Krtek
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, ND, LCSW, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
Saint Charles, IL 60174
Therapeutic interventions include integrative approaches along with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Schema Therapy, Psycho-Education, as well as Eastern philosophical tenets, and EMDR. If you deal with Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Addiction issues, a Trauma history, Dissociative Disorders or Personality Disorders, you will receive competent, compassionate and empathic care. Treatment needs can be met through individual therapy, family therapy, couples therapy and/or group therapy. Other issues that I can help you with are Eating Disorders, Weight management, Pain management/somatic issues. as well as Grief/Loss issues. Check out my Facebook page "Nancy Krtek Mind/Body Practitioner."
Therapeutic interventions include integrative approaches along with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Schema Therapy, Psycho-Education, as well as Eastern philosophical tenets, and EMDR. If you deal with Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Addiction issues, a Trauma history, Dissociative Disorders or Personality Disorders, you will receive competent, compassionate and empathic care. Treatment needs can be met through individual therapy, family therapy, couples therapy and/or group therapy. Other issues that I can help you with are Eating Disorders, Weight management, Pain management/somatic issues. as well as Grief/Loss issues. Check out my Facebook page "Nancy Krtek Mind/Body Practitioner."
(630) 282-6959 View (630) 282-6959
Photo of Buffy Cramer-Hammann, Psychologist in Saint Charles, IL
Buffy Cramer-Hammann
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Saint Charles, IL 60174
For over a decade I have worked with Adult and Adolescent Patients coping with various Life Challenges. I maintain a supportive and collaborative therapeutic relationship with my Patients as they negotiate their identified challenge areas. Specific areas of focus within my practice are Life Stage Challenges; Grief and Loss; Fertility and Postpartum; and Anxiety and Depression. Over the last five years, I have incorporated Animal Assisted Psychotherapy with my Canine Co-therapists. While not all sessions are appropriate for Animal Assisted Psychotherapy, the addition of Canine Co-therapists has been met with positive feedback.
For over a decade I have worked with Adult and Adolescent Patients coping with various Life Challenges. I maintain a supportive and collaborative therapeutic relationship with my Patients as they negotiate their identified challenge areas. Specific areas of focus within my practice are Life Stage Challenges; Grief and Loss; Fertility and Postpartum; and Anxiety and Depression. Over the last five years, I have incorporated Animal Assisted Psychotherapy with my Canine Co-therapists. While not all sessions are appropriate for Animal Assisted Psychotherapy, the addition of Canine Co-therapists has been met with positive feedback.
(630) 560-6740 View (630) 560-6740
Photo of David Alan Niekamp, Psychologist in Saint Charles, IL
David Alan Niekamp
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Saint Charles, IL 60175
Emotional and psychological well being rests on numerous factors. These factors are both historical and concurrent. Additionally, each person carries various coping skills and resources that need to be utilized, enhanced and incorporated to establish an effective protocal when contending with life's innate struggles and challenges. Healthy relationships, personal and professional, are the antidote to many of life's difficulties. Removing barriers that limit our relationships is key to establishing a balanced and enjoyable lifestyle.
Emotional and psychological well being rests on numerous factors. These factors are both historical and concurrent. Additionally, each person carries various coping skills and resources that need to be utilized, enhanced and incorporated to establish an effective protocal when contending with life's innate struggles and challenges. Healthy relationships, personal and professional, are the antidote to many of life's difficulties. Removing barriers that limit our relationships is key to establishing a balanced and enjoyable lifestyle.
(630) 446-0341 View (630) 446-0341
Annmarie Belmonte
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Saint Charles, IL 60174
I have created a supportive environment that services clients that struggle with all facets of eating disorders that include anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, and emotional eating while addressing the mood components that occur along side disordered eating from a self-regulatory position. When struggling with disordered eating it is difficult to find treatment that will fit your needs wherever you are on your journey. If you are new to treatment, continuing on your treatment journey or if you have recently been discharged from treatment I offer individual and group services to meet you where you are at.
I have created a supportive environment that services clients that struggle with all facets of eating disorders that include anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, and emotional eating while addressing the mood components that occur along side disordered eating from a self-regulatory position. When struggling with disordered eating it is difficult to find treatment that will fit your needs wherever you are on your journey. If you are new to treatment, continuing on your treatment journey or if you have recently been discharged from treatment I offer individual and group services to meet you where you are at.
(331) 210-9689 View (331) 210-9689
Photo of Stephanie Polan, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Saint Charles, IL
Stephanie Polan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Charles, IL 60174  (Online Only)
I am AuDHD and a Queer and ND affirming therapist. I work with neurodivergent adults from a strength’s perspective, focusing on individual goals and improving quality of life as defined by my clients. I work on unmasking, neurodivergent burnout, interoception, emotional regulation, self-advocacy, executive functioning, and navigating living in a neurotypical society. I work with parents to address the transition to parenthood, postpartum disorders, low demand/gentle parenting, managing the mental load, and breaking generational cycles. When working with helping professionals, I focus on addressing compassion fatigue and burnout.
I am AuDHD and a Queer and ND affirming therapist. I work with neurodivergent adults from a strength’s perspective, focusing on individual goals and improving quality of life as defined by my clients. I work on unmasking, neurodivergent burnout, interoception, emotional regulation, self-advocacy, executive functioning, and navigating living in a neurotypical society. I work with parents to address the transition to parenthood, postpartum disorders, low demand/gentle parenting, managing the mental load, and breaking generational cycles. When working with helping professionals, I focus on addressing compassion fatigue and burnout.
(224) 352-0210 View (224) 352-0210
Photo of Sara Lee, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Saint Charles, IL
Sara Lee
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Charles, IL 60174
Life can be hard and we are so busy living our lives that it can be difficult to take a pause to see and do something different. That is where therapy can be extremely beneficial. Therapy can assist you in caring for your whole self to promote a healthy you so you can continue to thrive in your life. Therapy can remind you of your worth, potential and hope. It can be a place to unwind, to explore, to process and to grow. Therapy is a journey and I'm excited you have started on your journey!
Life can be hard and we are so busy living our lives that it can be difficult to take a pause to see and do something different. That is where therapy can be extremely beneficial. Therapy can assist you in caring for your whole self to promote a healthy you so you can continue to thrive in your life. Therapy can remind you of your worth, potential and hope. It can be a place to unwind, to explore, to process and to grow. Therapy is a journey and I'm excited you have started on your journey!
(630) 656-9256 View (630) 656-9256
Photo of Lisa Naatz, Psychologist in Saint Charles, IL
Lisa Naatz
Psychologist, PsyD, ABSNP
Verified Verified
Saint Charles, IL 60174  (Online Only)
At Hesed Psychological Services we provide excellent neuropsychological assessment and therapy services across the lifespan. We strive to help each client understand the implications of the neuropsychological test data in each particular life situation (work, school, home). We have years of experience not only in the work of neuropsychology but also in the training of others in this work. Our areas of competence/specialization include learning disability, autism, dyslexia, ADHD, academic concerns, memory concerns, dementia (including Alzheimer's disease), stroke, epilepsy, TBI, depression, and anxiety.
At Hesed Psychological Services we provide excellent neuropsychological assessment and therapy services across the lifespan. We strive to help each client understand the implications of the neuropsychological test data in each particular life situation (work, school, home). We have years of experience not only in the work of neuropsychology but also in the training of others in this work. Our areas of competence/specialization include learning disability, autism, dyslexia, ADHD, academic concerns, memory concerns, dementia (including Alzheimer's disease), stroke, epilepsy, TBI, depression, and anxiety.
(331) 207-1849 View (331) 207-1849
Photo of Jacqueline Marshall, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Saint Charles, IL
Jacqueline Marshall
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Charles, IL 60174
Are you dealing with life stressors that are leaving you feeling overwhelmed and confused? Maybe your feelings of anxiety and depression are causing so much emotional distress that it is affecting your job, school work, and/or relationships. Allow me to help you gain understanding and find solutions to improving your functioning and feeling better.
Are you dealing with life stressors that are leaving you feeling overwhelmed and confused? Maybe your feelings of anxiety and depression are causing so much emotional distress that it is affecting your job, school work, and/or relationships. Allow me to help you gain understanding and find solutions to improving your functioning and feeling better.
(847) 565-1381 View (847) 565-1381
Photo of Holly K Orcutt, Psychologist in Saint Charles, IL
Holly K Orcutt
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Saint Charles, IL 60174
Not accepting new clients
"Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" —Mary Oliver. I am privileged to join people on their journey to expand their lives. I approach therapy with plenty of warmth, humor and compassion.
"Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" —Mary Oliver. I am privileged to join people on their journey to expand their lives. I approach therapy with plenty of warmth, humor and compassion.
(331) 225-4118 View (331) 225-4118
Photo of Marquita Crudup, Licensed Professional Counselor in Saint Charles, IL
Marquita Crudup
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Charles, IL 60174
Marquita has experience working with children, teens, and adults with a variety of backgrounds and concerns. Her experience includes working with anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, LGBTQ+, military, couples, family, grief, personality disorders, and eating disorders. Her resume includes volunteer work as a sexual assault crisis advocate- assisting victims of sexual assault in local county hospitals, as well as, counseling survivors of domestic violence.
Marquita has experience working with children, teens, and adults with a variety of backgrounds and concerns. Her experience includes working with anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, LGBTQ+, military, couples, family, grief, personality disorders, and eating disorders. Her resume includes volunteer work as a sexual assault crisis advocate- assisting victims of sexual assault in local county hospitals, as well as, counseling survivors of domestic violence.
(630) 349-2045 View (630) 349-2045
Photo of Danielle Slyder, Counselor in Saint Charles, IL
Danielle Slyder
Counselor, LCPC, ATR
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Saint Charles, IL 60174
Waitlist for new clients
Danielle is here to empower families and adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma reactions, ADHD, behavioral issues, and many other struggles. Danielle supports individuals with whom need support surrounding gender and sexual orientation (LGBTQ+ community). She also has experience working with individuals whom are in foster care or have been adopted.
Danielle is here to empower families and adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma reactions, ADHD, behavioral issues, and many other struggles. Danielle supports individuals with whom need support surrounding gender and sexual orientation (LGBTQ+ community). She also has experience working with individuals whom are in foster care or have been adopted.
(773) 232-2358 View (773) 232-2358
Photo of Carol Elendt, Licensed Professional Counselor in Saint Charles, IL
Carol Elendt
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, MA
Verified Verified
Saint Charles, IL 60175
Waitlist for new clients
It takes courage to begin therapy, and I would be honored to step into this process with you. My desire is to provide empathic therapy for adults, adolescents, and children who are experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma symptoms, or relationship issues. For people experiencing loss, you will find a safe space to grieve. I enjoy working with clients who have diverse beliefs and also offer a Christian perspective for those seeking a faith-focused therapist.
It takes courage to begin therapy, and I would be honored to step into this process with you. My desire is to provide empathic therapy for adults, adolescents, and children who are experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma symptoms, or relationship issues. For people experiencing loss, you will find a safe space to grieve. I enjoy working with clients who have diverse beliefs and also offer a Christian perspective for those seeking a faith-focused therapist.
(630) 592-4866 x206 View (630) 592-4866 x206
Photo of Sara Kaeding, Licensed Professional Counselor in Saint Charles, IL
Sara Kaeding
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Saint Charles, IL 60174
I enjoy working collaboratively with clients to create a plan for sustainable growth and change. I operate from a neuro-affirming, trauma-informed lens to support you in creating goals that align with your own vision for growth and healing. I understand how much effort it takes to create space in your life for therapy. I promise to honor that effort by providing a safe, non-judgmental environment where you feel heard, supported, and encouraged.
I enjoy working collaboratively with clients to create a plan for sustainable growth and change. I operate from a neuro-affirming, trauma-informed lens to support you in creating goals that align with your own vision for growth and healing. I understand how much effort it takes to create space in your life for therapy. I promise to honor that effort by providing a safe, non-judgmental environment where you feel heard, supported, and encouraged.
(224) 243-4076 x91 View (224) 243-4076 x91
Photo of Anna McCaffrey in Saint Charles, IL
Anna McCaffrey
MSEd, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Saint Charles, IL 60174
When confronted by a triggering event or stuck by life’s challenges, it can be easy to feel consumed by anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns. However, these challenges also provide you with an opportunity for growth. It takes a lot of courage to recognize your desire to seek change. By joining you where you are on this part of your journey, I will encourage you to become an active participant in your healing process.
When confronted by a triggering event or stuck by life’s challenges, it can be easy to feel consumed by anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns. However, these challenges also provide you with an opportunity for growth. It takes a lot of courage to recognize your desire to seek change. By joining you where you are on this part of your journey, I will encourage you to become an active participant in your healing process.
(630) 324-4640 View (630) 324-4640
Photo of Dr. Corie McNally, Pre-Licensed Professional in Saint Charles, IL
Dr. Corie McNally
Pre-Licensed Professional, PsyD
Verified Verified
Saint Charles, IL 60174
I have obtained my PsyD from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology, an APA accredited program. I am currently working towards licensure. In my clinical work I enjoy working with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families alike. I am currently most interested in the treatment of disorders and issues related to identity, attachment, relational problems, depression, anxiety, OCD, trauma, grief and loss, behavioral problems, parenting issues, and adoption.
I have obtained my PsyD from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology, an APA accredited program. I am currently working towards licensure. In my clinical work I enjoy working with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families alike. I am currently most interested in the treatment of disorders and issues related to identity, attachment, relational problems, depression, anxiety, OCD, trauma, grief and loss, behavioral problems, parenting issues, and adoption.
(630) 426-7809 View (630) 426-7809
Photo of Anita Funkhouser @ Calming Corner Therapy, Counselor in Saint Charles, IL
Anita Funkhouser @ Calming Corner Therapy
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Saint Charles, IL 60174
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling from Heidelberg University. I work with clients ranging from children, adolescents, adults, and parents who are dealing with depression, anxiety, self-esteem, self-injury, adjustment disorders, grief/loss, anger management, and mental Illness. ​
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling from Heidelberg University. I work with clients ranging from children, adolescents, adults, and parents who are dealing with depression, anxiety, self-esteem, self-injury, adjustment disorders, grief/loss, anger management, and mental Illness. ​
(630) 415-2809 View (630) 415-2809
Photo of Kate Feifar Kindle, Counselor in Saint Charles, IL
Kate Feifar Kindle
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Saint Charles, IL 60174
Hi, I'm Kate! I enjoy working with many different clients with varying presenting concerns. I work with children aged 8 and older, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. I have helped people struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, adjustments and life changes, self esteem issues, and more. I particularly connect well with adolescent, young adult, and adult women, as well as men struggling with self expression or deep-seeded anxiety or mood issues. Working with adolescent girls is definitely a passion, and I have enjoyed working with them individually, in family therapy, as well as running various groups and workshops.
Hi, I'm Kate! I enjoy working with many different clients with varying presenting concerns. I work with children aged 8 and older, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. I have helped people struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, adjustments and life changes, self esteem issues, and more. I particularly connect well with adolescent, young adult, and adult women, as well as men struggling with self expression or deep-seeded anxiety or mood issues. Working with adolescent girls is definitely a passion, and I have enjoyed working with them individually, in family therapy, as well as running various groups and workshops.
(630) 394-6232 View (630) 394-6232
Photo of Katherine Schaefer Berg, Ph.D., P.C., Psychologist in Saint Charles, IL
Katherine Schaefer Berg, Ph.D., P.C.
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Saint Charles, IL 60174
Waitlist for new clients
Reaching out for help can be a difficult first step. It takes courage to address challenges in life that seem to keep us stuck. I believe therapy is a process by which one can in a safe and supportive environment face emotional struggles and work toward living a life that is valuable and fulfilling. I work with a variety of concerns including depression, grief and loss, anxiety, self-harm, emotion management, eating disorders, and life transitions such as adjustment to parenthood. I have a unique specialty and interest in treating chronic depression.
Reaching out for help can be a difficult first step. It takes courage to address challenges in life that seem to keep us stuck. I believe therapy is a process by which one can in a safe and supportive environment face emotional struggles and work toward living a life that is valuable and fulfilling. I work with a variety of concerns including depression, grief and loss, anxiety, self-harm, emotion management, eating disorders, and life transitions such as adjustment to parenthood. I have a unique specialty and interest in treating chronic depression.
(630) 518-4204 View (630) 518-4204
Photo of Katie Siadak, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Saint Charles, IL
Katie Siadak
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
Saint Charles, IL 60174
I believe that therapy works best as a process of uncovering our truest selves. Oftentimes life hands us burdens of stress, anxiety, grief, trauma, and pain that weigh us down and make it difficult to encounter the world in ways that we would like. I believe each individual has a unique and important story to tell, and I find joy in walking alongside clients as they begin to peel away the layers of life’s burdens to uncover the light of their authentic selves. I strive to offer a safe space for clients to author a personal narrative that feels genuine, and I operate from a gentle, trauma-informed, strengths-based perspective.
I believe that therapy works best as a process of uncovering our truest selves. Oftentimes life hands us burdens of stress, anxiety, grief, trauma, and pain that weigh us down and make it difficult to encounter the world in ways that we would like. I believe each individual has a unique and important story to tell, and I find joy in walking alongside clients as they begin to peel away the layers of life’s burdens to uncover the light of their authentic selves. I strive to offer a safe space for clients to author a personal narrative that feels genuine, and I operate from a gentle, trauma-informed, strengths-based perspective.
(630) 526-7037 View (630) 526-7037

See more therapy options for Saint Charles

How does your Therapist compare?

Number of Therapists in Saint Charles, IL

200+

Average cost per session

$150

Therapists in Saint Charles, IL who prioritize treating:

94% Anxiety
90% Depression
77% Relationship Issues
73% Self Esteem
71% Coping Skills
70% Trauma and PTSD
64% Grief

Average years in practice

13 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

98% BlueCross and BlueShield
71% Aetna
64% Cigna and Evernorth

How Therapists in Saint Charles, IL see their clients

86% In Person and Online
14% Online Only

Gender breakdown

78% Female
21% Male
1% Non-Binary

FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling

How can I find a therapist in Saint Charles?

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.