Therapists in Silver Spring, MD
Michelle L McGrath
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, LICSW
Verified Verified
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Not accepting new clients
Not accepting new clients at this time. Finding support for yourself to help get through times of feeling stuck or managing emotions can be so helpful. What I enjoy most about my work is partnering with clients as they build their resilence in working through challenges. I've seen this in both my work as a psychotherapist as well as being a social work care manager and social worker in health care settings for 20 plus years.
Not accepting new clients at this time. Finding support for yourself to help get through times of feeling stuck or managing emotions can be so helpful. What I enjoy most about my work is partnering with clients as they build their resilence in working through challenges. I've seen this in both my work as a psychotherapist as well as being a social work care manager and social worker in health care settings for 20 plus years.
Terry Ullman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Silver Spring, MD 20904
Not accepting new clients
I have had over 30 years of experience helping adults develop the tools they need to overcome life's challenges and live full and meaningful lives. Having worked with individuals 18 to 104 years old, I believe that people have a tremendous capacity for growth and change at any stage of life. During the course of my career I have successfully treated people suffering from depression, anxiety and relationship difficulties. My other areas of expertise include geriatrics, dementia, caregiving, life transitions, chronic illness and grief and loss.
I have had over 30 years of experience helping adults develop the tools they need to overcome life's challenges and live full and meaningful lives. Having worked with individuals 18 to 104 years old, I believe that people have a tremendous capacity for growth and change at any stage of life. During the course of my career I have successfully treated people suffering from depression, anxiety and relationship difficulties. My other areas of expertise include geriatrics, dementia, caregiving, life transitions, chronic illness and grief and loss.
Michael Morad-McCoy
Counselor, PhD, NCC, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Our lives are filled with loss: relationships, jobs, physical abilities; deaths of loved ones; our own mortality. These losses shape our sense of who we are and our assumptions about life. However, these losses can give us the chance to make meaning, not by “moving on” or “finding closure,” but by walking and working through darker times. My job is not to help you “feel better,” but to join you on your journey. I won’t bring timelines or stages or expectations. I will bring my training and lived experience and hope to work with you as a fellow traveler on this shared journey to make meaning of our losses.
Our lives are filled with loss: relationships, jobs, physical abilities; deaths of loved ones; our own mortality. These losses shape our sense of who we are and our assumptions about life. However, these losses can give us the chance to make meaning, not by “moving on” or “finding closure,” but by walking and working through darker times. My job is not to help you “feel better,” but to join you on your journey. I won’t bring timelines or stages or expectations. I will bring my training and lived experience and hope to work with you as a fellow traveler on this shared journey to make meaning of our losses.
Stacey Jackson-Roberts
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
14 Endorsed
Silver Spring, MD 20910 (Online Only)
Are you seeking a therapist who specializes in major life transitions, including gender, sexuality, faith, and career transitions? Do you need a therapist with experience meeting the unique needs of women, transgender, and LGBTQ individuals? Are you seeking an affirming therapist with a focus on centering you as expert over your own identity and empowering you to reach your fullest potential? Are you seeking a therapist with experience working with high-profile (i.e., political, executive, and entertainment) individuals and their unique needs?
Are you seeking a therapist who specializes in major life transitions, including gender, sexuality, faith, and career transitions? Do you need a therapist with experience meeting the unique needs of women, transgender, and LGBTQ individuals? Are you seeking an affirming therapist with a focus on centering you as expert over your own identity and empowering you to reach your fullest potential? Are you seeking a therapist with experience working with high-profile (i.e., political, executive, and entertainment) individuals and their unique needs?
James Chia
Counselor, LGPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Are you ready to find joy and connection? Are you struggling to tap into your resilience? Then you've come to the right place! My passion lies in helping individuals from diverse backgrounds. I specialize in assisting adults facing mood and anxiety disorders, grief, relationship struggles, and exploring identity. Originally from Singapore, I offer a safe, collaborative space, using trauma-informed approaches tailored to your cultural needs. Let's embark on a journey together as you navigate life's challenges.
Are you ready to find joy and connection? Are you struggling to tap into your resilience? Then you've come to the right place! My passion lies in helping individuals from diverse backgrounds. I specialize in assisting adults facing mood and anxiety disorders, grief, relationship struggles, and exploring identity. Originally from Singapore, I offer a safe, collaborative space, using trauma-informed approaches tailored to your cultural needs. Let's embark on a journey together as you navigate life's challenges.
Phranci Williams
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LGPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Silver Spring, MD 20910 (Online Only)
The idea of going to therapy can be daunting and challenging for many…but it doesn’t have to be. (It can actually be pretty fun!) You tell me what you want, and I do what I can to help you achieve it. Sure, there may be challenging moments because I may push you out of your comfort zone at times, but I’m great at listening and understanding what my clients want and need.
The idea of going to therapy can be daunting and challenging for many…but it doesn’t have to be. (It can actually be pretty fun!) You tell me what you want, and I do what I can to help you achieve it. Sure, there may be challenging moments because I may push you out of your comfort zone at times, but I’m great at listening and understanding what my clients want and need.
Katie Culbertson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Silver Spring, MD 20904
My focus in therapy is to meet clients where they are and help them get to where they want to be. I believe this begins with providing a supportive and trusting relationship where clients feel comfortable to share and explore their experiences. I enjoy working collaboratively with clients to help them navigate through challenges and develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their strengths.
My focus in therapy is to meet clients where they are and help them get to where they want to be. I believe this begins with providing a supportive and trusting relationship where clients feel comfortable to share and explore their experiences. I enjoy working collaboratively with clients to help them navigate through challenges and develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their strengths.
Crystal Thorpe
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Silver Spring, MD 20902 (Online Only)
Counseling Made Easy makes it extremely easy for you to access serious, high-quality therapy. Founded by Crystal Thorpe, LCSW-C, Counseling Made Easy is fully online, offering live, full-length telehealth sessions that focus 100% on helping you get better. We take the time to get to know you, which ensures that your therapy is individualized and tailored to your specific needs. Our rates are reasonable and the quality of the care you receive matches that of traditional, in-person therapy. Reimbursable depending upon your insurance. Crystal Thorpe is currently accepting new clients.
Counseling Made Easy makes it extremely easy for you to access serious, high-quality therapy. Founded by Crystal Thorpe, LCSW-C, Counseling Made Easy is fully online, offering live, full-length telehealth sessions that focus 100% on helping you get better. We take the time to get to know you, which ensures that your therapy is individualized and tailored to your specific needs. Our rates are reasonable and the quality of the care you receive matches that of traditional, in-person therapy. Reimbursable depending upon your insurance. Crystal Thorpe is currently accepting new clients.
Emilia Henry
Counselor, LGPC, NBCC
Verified Verified
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Trauma’s impact can be extensive and diverse, often leaving individuals overwhelmed. As a trauma specialist, I prioritize building a foundation of safety for each client before delving into the processing of traumatic experiences. My expertise spans trauma across various stages of life, and extends into Marriage and Family therapy. With over a decade of experience as a helping professional, I employ integrative therapeutic approaches such as neiro-informed, narrative-focused, somatic, polyvagal, gottman, and attachment therapy, with a specific focus on BIPOC communities.
Trauma’s impact can be extensive and diverse, often leaving individuals overwhelmed. As a trauma specialist, I prioritize building a foundation of safety for each client before delving into the processing of traumatic experiences. My expertise spans trauma across various stages of life, and extends into Marriage and Family therapy. With over a decade of experience as a helping professional, I employ integrative therapeutic approaches such as neiro-informed, narrative-focused, somatic, polyvagal, gottman, and attachment therapy, with a specific focus on BIPOC communities.
Imani Shanklin Roberts | Mind Body Art Therapy
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, ATR-P
Verified Verified
Silver Spring, MD 20910 (Online Only)
“True mastery of life’s tasks depends upon a disciplined freedom, whose model may be found in the artistic process (Edith Kramer).” As an Art Therapist, I desire to guide your artistic process as you come to your means of liberation, grounding, self-awareness, and inner peace. In our practice, we will work to develop personalized creative tools to work through all you may be seeking in therapy.
“True mastery of life’s tasks depends upon a disciplined freedom, whose model may be found in the artistic process (Edith Kramer).” As an Art Therapist, I desire to guide your artistic process as you come to your means of liberation, grounding, self-awareness, and inner peace. In our practice, we will work to develop personalized creative tools to work through all you may be seeking in therapy.
Kathryn Rickard
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Not accepting new clients
I work with adults of any age, and have specialized training/experience with families and with children/adolescents, including play therapy for pre-school and young children. My clients find relief from painful symptoms (e.g., depression, anxiety); address troublesome behavioral problems (e.g., anger management; school/work performance); improve family/ interpersonal relationships; and access greater creative and spiritual potential to fulfill life goals. I work with many clients who have been exposed to trauma, violence, abuse, or loss, and with adoptive and foster children/families. My clients often address issues of ethnic, cultural or sexual identity, and challenging life transitions.
I work with adults of any age, and have specialized training/experience with families and with children/adolescents, including play therapy for pre-school and young children. My clients find relief from painful symptoms (e.g., depression, anxiety); address troublesome behavioral problems (e.g., anger management; school/work performance); improve family/ interpersonal relationships; and access greater creative and spiritual potential to fulfill life goals. I work with many clients who have been exposed to trauma, violence, abuse, or loss, and with adoptive and foster children/families. My clients often address issues of ethnic, cultural or sexual identity, and challenging life transitions.
15 Second Videos
Crystal Thorpe
Anneke Vandenbroek Ph.d.; Abpp
Cj Seitz-Brown
Zoe Zollinger
Sophia Rizvi
Teneisha McIntyre
Lizzie Liu
Natasha Deen
Gabrielle Edenbaum
Richard (Pinny) Roth @ Eft Center
Healing-Circle, LLC
Bridges 2 LIFE, LLC
Sonja Harrison
Maura Mulloy
Moses M Kushaba
Richard Kim Davenport
Carla Carreira
Mairead Burke
Braquelle Murphy Certified Emdr Therapist
Good Health Practices
Dr Savage PsyD LLC
Scott Levson
Intrapersonal Commitment to Wellness, LLC
Bola Fanilola
Rachel Phillips-Anderson
Hannah Wilson
O.R.E And Associates, LLC
Julie Bulitt
Jon Mossberg
Albena Tzaneff
Restore Tranquility, LLC
Esther Ungar
Cindy Cruz
Jeremy Mohler
Bee Sanders
Reese Reed
Micah Saviet
Cynthia Kohler
Siehda Parker
Restorative Focus Counseling
Kal Zeryihun
Kayla Wallington
Chelsea Tadesse
Dr. Mitch and Lisa Marriages/Couples Workshops
Kylie Stevenson
Sophie Hans
Jennifer L Pauk
Elizabeth Gordon
Rebecca Austin
Wendy-Nia Griffin
Erica Werfel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Silver Spring, MD 20910 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I'm a warm, engaging therapist who will start from where you are at, and help you to reach your goals. I have over a decade of experience working with all ages, from preschoolers through adults, in a variety of settings. I work with a number of different issues, with extensive specialized training in several different treatment modalities.
I'm a warm, engaging therapist who will start from where you are at, and help you to reach your goals. I have over a decade of experience working with all ages, from preschoolers through adults, in a variety of settings. I work with a number of different issues, with extensive specialized training in several different treatment modalities.
Shamyla Tareen, LCSW-C, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, MSSW
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Silver Spring, MD 20910
The right therapist can make all of the difference in one's journey to healing. A well matched therapist provides confidential, non-judgmental guidance, comfort and a sense of safety to their clients. I believe that every person holds their own answers to attaining their best life, and therapy is a way of unlocking, processing and utilizing those answers to create positive change. It is a relationship that helps you grow in a comfortable way. I am a licensed clinical social worker, and I have over ten years of experience empowering adults from diverse backgrounds to make desired changes for a better, richer, more fulfilled life.
The right therapist can make all of the difference in one's journey to healing. A well matched therapist provides confidential, non-judgmental guidance, comfort and a sense of safety to their clients. I believe that every person holds their own answers to attaining their best life, and therapy is a way of unlocking, processing and utilizing those answers to create positive change. It is a relationship that helps you grow in a comfortable way. I am a licensed clinical social worker, and I have over ten years of experience empowering adults from diverse backgrounds to make desired changes for a better, richer, more fulfilled life.
Jaime Fryburg
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Silver Spring, MD 20910
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with The Kingsbury Wellness & Learning Group, a team of dedicated professionals working collaboratively to provide exceptional therapeutic services to children, teens, and adults. I help adults experiencing relationship challenges gain a better understanding of how their history is impacting them, so that they can break unwanted patterns and engage in more meaningful, fulfilling relationships. I also help adolescents experiencing stress at school and at home learn ways to cope with their emotions and build more self-confidence.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with The Kingsbury Wellness & Learning Group, a team of dedicated professionals working collaboratively to provide exceptional therapeutic services to children, teens, and adults. I help adults experiencing relationship challenges gain a better understanding of how their history is impacting them, so that they can break unwanted patterns and engage in more meaningful, fulfilling relationships. I also help adolescents experiencing stress at school and at home learn ways to cope with their emotions and build more self-confidence.
Kate Hennings
Counselor, LCPC, LPCMH, CI, CT
Verified Verified
Silver Spring, MD 20901 (Online Only)
Life can be overwhelming when we are experiencing conflict, negative thoughts and feelings. My goal is to help you feel truly satisfied and reach your potential. I enjoy working with young adults and adults. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, and ADHD. For the first few sessions, we will discuss your history and the impact it has on your day to day life. We will then discuss various approaches to help you feel better, and together, we will develop a treatment plan to help you reach realistic goal. I am registered Clinical Supervisor for LGPC and a Nationally Certified Sign Language Interpreter.
Life can be overwhelming when we are experiencing conflict, negative thoughts and feelings. My goal is to help you feel truly satisfied and reach your potential. I enjoy working with young adults and adults. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, and ADHD. For the first few sessions, we will discuss your history and the impact it has on your day to day life. We will then discuss various approaches to help you feel better, and together, we will develop a treatment plan to help you reach realistic goal. I am registered Clinical Supervisor for LGPC and a Nationally Certified Sign Language Interpreter.
Penny Miller
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, BCD
Verified Verified
Silver Spring, MD 20910
I am a licensed clinical social worker in Maryland with 11 years of professional work. I am faith-based offering a humanistic approach providing a safe, non-judgmental environment. I help clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, loneliness, self-confidence, & depression. You are the expert of your story and you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seek a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
I am a licensed clinical social worker in Maryland with 11 years of professional work. I am faith-based offering a humanistic approach providing a safe, non-judgmental environment. I help clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, loneliness, self-confidence, & depression. You are the expert of your story and you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seek a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Anneke Vandenbroek Ph.d.; Abpp
Psychologist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Silver Spring, MD 20901
Hello and welcome! Successful therapy is so often about finding the right “fit” between therapist and client. With over 25 years’ experience in providing therapy I have had time to master multiple approaches to treatment, which means that I can customize your treatment to fit your needs. I take a collaborative problem-solving approach to treatment, where we establish an alliance to facilitate beneficial therapeutic change. As a therapist I value your experiences, desires, and goals. A major focus of my therapeutic work is with clients with anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship problems.
Hello and welcome! Successful therapy is so often about finding the right “fit” between therapist and client. With over 25 years’ experience in providing therapy I have had time to master multiple approaches to treatment, which means that I can customize your treatment to fit your needs. I take a collaborative problem-solving approach to treatment, where we establish an alliance to facilitate beneficial therapeutic change. As a therapist I value your experiences, desires, and goals. A major focus of my therapeutic work is with clients with anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship problems.
Susan Drumheller
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Silver Spring, MD 20910 (Online Only)
Deciding to ask for professional help can be intimidating. In order for psychotherapy to work, it's important that you experience the process as safe, respectful and informed by experience and expertise. Taking a collaborative approach, I work with individuals in an eclectic style; that is, I integrate elements from several theoretical orientations to help people to tackle an array of issues including anxiety, depressed mood and relationship problems to name a few.
Deciding to ask for professional help can be intimidating. In order for psychotherapy to work, it's important that you experience the process as safe, respectful and informed by experience and expertise. Taking a collaborative approach, I work with individuals in an eclectic style; that is, I integrate elements from several theoretical orientations to help people to tackle an array of issues including anxiety, depressed mood and relationship problems to name a few.
Ayushi Tibrewala
Counselor, LGPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Are you struggling with a big change in your life? Do you feel like you can't bring your authentic self into the world? Do you feel stressed, disconnected, or ashamed? Then you've come to the right place! We'll collaborate on a plan to build skills and generate insight so that you can foster authentic connections with yourself and others. I work with individuals adults.
Are you struggling with a big change in your life? Do you feel like you can't bring your authentic self into the world? Do you feel stressed, disconnected, or ashamed? Then you've come to the right place! We'll collaborate on a plan to build skills and generate insight so that you can foster authentic connections with yourself and others. I work with individuals adults.
Cj Seitz-Brown
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Silver Spring, MD 20910 (Online Only)
As you’re looking for a therapist, it’s important to find someone you feel comfortable opening up to, and maybe even sharing aspects of your life that are hard to discuss. My clients often go there with me quickly; they can tell that I will be warm, supportive, nonjudgmental, and honor their trust. My approach to therapy is multicultural, LGBTQ+ affirming, sex/kink positive, and I have a background working with first gen people. Clients who want to better understand and express their emotions have found therapy with me helpful for learning communication and skills they weren’t taught growing up.
As you’re looking for a therapist, it’s important to find someone you feel comfortable opening up to, and maybe even sharing aspects of your life that are hard to discuss. My clients often go there with me quickly; they can tell that I will be warm, supportive, nonjudgmental, and honor their trust. My approach to therapy is multicultural, LGBTQ+ affirming, sex/kink positive, and I have a background working with first gen people. Clients who want to better understand and express their emotions have found therapy with me helpful for learning communication and skills they weren’t taught growing up.
See more therapy options for Silver Spring
Nearby Searches for Silver Spring
- Adelphi
- Aspen Hill
- Bethesda
- Calverton
- Chevy Chase
- Colesville
- College Park
- Garrett Park
- Kensington
- North Bethesda
- Takoma Park
- Wheaton
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Silver Spring, MD
900+
Average cost per session
$160
Therapists in Silver Spring, MD who prioritize treating:
93% | Anxiety |
88% | Depression |
78% | Relationship Issues |
76% | Self Esteem |
69% | Coping Skills |
67% | Trauma and PTSD |
65% | Stress |
Average years in practice
13 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
74% | CareFirst |
72% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
63% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Therapists in Silver Spring, MD see their clients
54% | In Person and Online | |
46% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
81% | Female | |
18% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in Silver Spring?
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.