Therapists in Grand Rapids, MI

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Photo of Kendra Avila, Pre-Licensed Professional, LLMSW
Kendra Avila
Pre-Licensed Professional, LLMSW
7 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
As a Mindfulness Therapist, I believe in a personalized and inclusive approach to counseling. I combine Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with techniques like Mindfulness, Hypnotherapy, Meditation, to create a unique treatment plan for you. Together, we'll work at your own pace to improve your mental health and well-being. Are you curious about how holistic therapy can help you build emotional resilience and effectively manage stress?
As a Mindfulness Therapist, I believe in a personalized and inclusive approach to counseling. I combine Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with techniques like Mindfulness, Hypnotherapy, Meditation, to create a unique treatment plan for you. Together, we'll work at your own pace to improve your mental health and well-being. Are you curious about how holistic therapy can help you build emotional resilience and effectively manage stress?
(616) 537-2863 View (616) 537-2863
Photo of Virginia Lodge, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Virginia Lodge
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
You have been through a lot — abuse, family dysfunction, marital challenges, grief, abandonment. A lot of the time, you feel like you’re holding it together and fulfilling your responsibilities. But there are moments when it feels like you might come crashing down — you find yourself yelling at or completely shutting off from people you care about. Or you experience waves of emotions like sadness that seem to come out of nowhere. Maybe it’s challenging to have close relationships. The ways that you developed to cope with hardship are getting in the way of your life now — you want to feel capable of handling situations intentionally.
You have been through a lot — abuse, family dysfunction, marital challenges, grief, abandonment. A lot of the time, you feel like you’re holding it together and fulfilling your responsibilities. But there are moments when it feels like you might come crashing down — you find yourself yelling at or completely shutting off from people you care about. Or you experience waves of emotions like sadness that seem to come out of nowhere. Maybe it’s challenging to have close relationships. The ways that you developed to cope with hardship are getting in the way of your life now — you want to feel capable of handling situations intentionally.
(616) 952-8366 View (616) 952-8366
Photo of Carl R Walker, Pre-Licensed Professional, LLMSW
Carl R Walker
Pre-Licensed Professional, LLMSW
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
Hey I'm Carl (They/Them), and I specialize in providing therapy for Queer and Neurodivergent adults. I believe that therapy should be a collaboration between you and your therapist! This means that YOU get to be the expert on your own life and what works for you. From there, I will support you with my professional skills and knowledge to work with you to find the solutions best fitted for your needs. I hope that through our collaboration, you will be able to heal, grow, and uncover skills that help you to reach your goals.
Hey I'm Carl (They/Them), and I specialize in providing therapy for Queer and Neurodivergent adults. I believe that therapy should be a collaboration between you and your therapist! This means that YOU get to be the expert on your own life and what works for you. From there, I will support you with my professional skills and knowledge to work with you to find the solutions best fitted for your needs. I hope that through our collaboration, you will be able to heal, grow, and uncover skills that help you to reach your goals.
(616) 691-6310 View (616) 691-6310
Photo of Cathy Young, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Cathy Young
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Here is the first-person version of the bio with no changes to content: I am a Licensed Master Social Worker-Clinical (LMSW-C) with 11 years of experience in the mental health field. I am passionate about helping teens, young adults, adults, and couples in their journey; addressing their unique challenges and helping them live the life they are destined to live. I specialize in anxiety, grief, trauma, relationship concerns, and major life events that affect our lives. I completed my Master of Social Work (MSW) at Grand Valley State University.
Here is the first-person version of the bio with no changes to content: I am a Licensed Master Social Worker-Clinical (LMSW-C) with 11 years of experience in the mental health field. I am passionate about helping teens, young adults, adults, and couples in their journey; addressing their unique challenges and helping them live the life they are destined to live. I specialize in anxiety, grief, trauma, relationship concerns, and major life events that affect our lives. I completed my Master of Social Work (MSW) at Grand Valley State University.
(616) 441-0675 View (616) 441-0675
Photo of Jonathan Swiftney, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLMSW
Jonathan Swiftney
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLMSW
1 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Sometimes in life, we reach a point where we might feel lost, confused, disconnected, uncomfortable, alone, or even completely unsure how we feel. My hope in therapy is to meet you where you are at with empathy, accept you for who you are without judgment, and work towards the goals that we establish together. With these values persisting throughout therapy, I believe healing is possible for anyone. We will approach our goals in therapy from a holistic perspective, which means that we will seek to understand our challenges through a variety of lenses: our biology, psychology, sociology, culture, and spirituality.
Sometimes in life, we reach a point where we might feel lost, confused, disconnected, uncomfortable, alone, or even completely unsure how we feel. My hope in therapy is to meet you where you are at with empathy, accept you for who you are without judgment, and work towards the goals that we establish together. With these values persisting throughout therapy, I believe healing is possible for anyone. We will approach our goals in therapy from a holistic perspective, which means that we will seek to understand our challenges through a variety of lenses: our biology, psychology, sociology, culture, and spirituality.
(616) 557-6558 View (616) 557-6558
Photo of Ken L Richmond, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Ken L Richmond
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Not accepting new clients
I have seen people struggle for years with depression and/or anxiety caused by negative thoughts we have about ourselves from things we have been through in life, some things big and bad, others unintentional or seemingly benign. While we all experience challenges in life, you don't deserve to suffer and I can/want to help you find that relief. Medication helps, but is not the answer to long term recovery. Regular talk therapy can also be helpful, but often is not effective for recovery. EMDR therapy has been the most hopeful service for long term recovery I have found and the benefits can be physiologically understood.
I have seen people struggle for years with depression and/or anxiety caused by negative thoughts we have about ourselves from things we have been through in life, some things big and bad, others unintentional or seemingly benign. While we all experience challenges in life, you don't deserve to suffer and I can/want to help you find that relief. Medication helps, but is not the answer to long term recovery. Regular talk therapy can also be helpful, but often is not effective for recovery. EMDR therapy has been the most hopeful service for long term recovery I have found and the benefits can be physiologically understood.
(616) 369-7322 View (616) 369-7322
Photo of Claire Pabst Miller, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLMSW
Claire Pabst Miller
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLMSW
Grand Rapids, MI 49525
I work best with adults who feel stuck in patterns they don’t fully understand, whether that’s, people-pleasing, relationship struggles, or the lingering effects of trauma. Many of my clients are deeply caring, but find themselves fawning, overextending, or carrying a deep sense of shame. In our work together, we slow things down and get curious about what’s underneath these patterns. Using parts work, attachment-focused therapy, and somatic approaches, I help clients build a more compassionate relationship with themselves, understand their nervous system, and begin to feel safer in their own bodies and relationships.
I work best with adults who feel stuck in patterns they don’t fully understand, whether that’s, people-pleasing, relationship struggles, or the lingering effects of trauma. Many of my clients are deeply caring, but find themselves fawning, overextending, or carrying a deep sense of shame. In our work together, we slow things down and get curious about what’s underneath these patterns. Using parts work, attachment-focused therapy, and somatic approaches, I help clients build a more compassionate relationship with themselves, understand their nervous system, and begin to feel safer in their own bodies and relationships.
(616) 545-8389 View (616) 545-8389
Photo of Robin M Ward, Psychologist, PsyD
Robin M Ward
Psychologist, PsyD
1 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
People often seek therapy following life changes where customary ways of coping are no longer sufficient to meet the demands of their world. I consider the focus of my work as a therapist the development of a safe and trusting relationship where I can help a person discuss difficult feelings as well as identify problematic interpersonal patterns that may be getting in the way of personal goals and successful relationships. I then work closely and collaboratively with my client to develop creative and effective ways to move past these roadblocks.
People often seek therapy following life changes where customary ways of coping are no longer sufficient to meet the demands of their world. I consider the focus of my work as a therapist the development of a safe and trusting relationship where I can help a person discuss difficult feelings as well as identify problematic interpersonal patterns that may be getting in the way of personal goals and successful relationships. I then work closely and collaboratively with my client to develop creative and effective ways to move past these roadblocks.
(616) 537-8219 View (616) 537-8219
Photo of Haneef T. Hameed-Muhammad, Limited Licensed Psychologist, MA, TLLP
Haneef T. Hameed-Muhammad
Limited Licensed Psychologist, MA, TLLP
Grand Rapids, MI 49505
I am a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist with over 2 decades of experience supporting clients in the field of mental health. I prioritize building trust and providing a safe space where my clients can be heard, understood and respected. As a culturally sensitive, emotionally intelligent helper, I take a strengths-based, resiliency approach to foster healing and growth.
I am a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist with over 2 decades of experience supporting clients in the field of mental health. I prioritize building trust and providing a safe space where my clients can be heard, understood and respected. As a culturally sensitive, emotionally intelligent helper, I take a strengths-based, resiliency approach to foster healing and growth.
(616) 522-4345 View (616) 522-4345
Photo of Jeffrey Hollander, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LMSW
Jeffrey Hollander
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LMSW
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I work with adults primarily, but will accept ages 17 and 18. I focus on people's thoughts and how negative self thoughts are making them miserable and feeling that they are failures. I enjoy Couples Therapy and working with Co dependent spouses. I treat issues of Self Image, Self Esteem, and Anger Management as well as relationship difficulties. We cannot change others, but we can change how we react.
I work with adults primarily, but will accept ages 17 and 18. I focus on people's thoughts and how negative self thoughts are making them miserable and feeling that they are failures. I enjoy Couples Therapy and working with Co dependent spouses. I treat issues of Self Image, Self Esteem, and Anger Management as well as relationship difficulties. We cannot change others, but we can change how we react.
(616) 710-4391 View (616) 710-4391
Photo of Sarah Denick, Licensed Master Social Worker, LMSW
Sarah Denick
Licensed Master Social Worker, LMSW
1 Endorsed
Online Only
My name is Sarah, and my approach with people is to assist them in shifting away from a negative, self-blaming or disempowered narrative to a true understanding of their own power and mastery over their story. As a therapist, I am honored and privileged to bear witness to your stories. As you process and experience the healing power of feeling, you will have power and mastery over your stories, rather than feeling as though your stories or your experiences have power over you. As Dr. Maya Angelou states, sharing our stories, and having someone to bear witness and process those stories with us, can be immensely healing.
My name is Sarah, and my approach with people is to assist them in shifting away from a negative, self-blaming or disempowered narrative to a true understanding of their own power and mastery over their story. As a therapist, I am honored and privileged to bear witness to your stories. As you process and experience the healing power of feeling, you will have power and mastery over your stories, rather than feeling as though your stories or your experiences have power over you. As Dr. Maya Angelou states, sharing our stories, and having someone to bear witness and process those stories with us, can be immensely healing.
(616) 229-2760 View (616) 229-2760
Photo of Nadine Battles, Counselor, MA, LLPC, CAADC
Nadine Battles
Counselor, MA, LLPC, CAADC
Grand Rapids, MI 49512
Are you struggling with mental health concerns or challenges related to substance use? Do you often feel overwhelmed by low self-esteem, a lack of motivation, or inner restlessness? Maybe you find yourself repeating unhealthy patterns in relationships, or feeling uncertain in your decision-making. You might be navigating complex family dynamics, or simply trying to discover how to live a more balanced and fulfilling life. If this resonates with you, know that you’re not alone—and change is possible. I offer a safe, non-judgmental space to explore your concerns, find clarity, and move toward the life you deserve.
Are you struggling with mental health concerns or challenges related to substance use? Do you often feel overwhelmed by low self-esteem, a lack of motivation, or inner restlessness? Maybe you find yourself repeating unhealthy patterns in relationships, or feeling uncertain in your decision-making. You might be navigating complex family dynamics, or simply trying to discover how to live a more balanced and fulfilling life. If this resonates with you, know that you’re not alone—and change is possible. I offer a safe, non-judgmental space to explore your concerns, find clarity, and move toward the life you deserve.
(616) 879-8393 x148 View (616) 879-8393 x148
Photo of Melodie Whitmore, Counselor, MA, LPC
Melodie Whitmore
Counselor, MA, LPC
2 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or like life has gone off track? Whether you're navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, or challenges with alcohol or drug use, it can feel like you're carrying a weight you can't shake or like you're standing still while the rest of the world moves on. But it doesn’t have to stay this way. There is real hope and change is possible. Counseling offers a safe, supportive space to explore what you’re going through and start building the life you want - one that feels more empowered, more balanced, and more you.
Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or like life has gone off track? Whether you're navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, or challenges with alcohol or drug use, it can feel like you're carrying a weight you can't shake or like you're standing still while the rest of the world moves on. But it doesn’t have to stay this way. There is real hope and change is possible. Counseling offers a safe, supportive space to explore what you’re going through and start building the life you want - one that feels more empowered, more balanced, and more you.
(616) 344-4752 View (616) 344-4752
Photo of Jenny London, Counselor, MA, LPC, CAADC
Jenny London
Counselor, MA, LPC, CAADC
Grand Rapids, MI 49506
If you’re having difficulty managing parts of your life, we can work to identify healthy ways in which to cope and uncover patterns that may be holding you back from needed change. Various life stories and events often have a long lasting effect and sometimes limit our connection to self and our experiences with others. Learning to get to the root of limiting beliefs and examining their meaning can be important work in our lives. The collaborative process of therapy can ultimately provide clarity along with a path forward, especially when you’re feeling anxious and stuck.
If you’re having difficulty managing parts of your life, we can work to identify healthy ways in which to cope and uncover patterns that may be holding you back from needed change. Various life stories and events often have a long lasting effect and sometimes limit our connection to self and our experiences with others. Learning to get to the root of limiting beliefs and examining their meaning can be important work in our lives. The collaborative process of therapy can ultimately provide clarity along with a path forward, especially when you’re feeling anxious and stuck.
(616) 522-5569 View (616) 522-5569
Photo of Jonathan David, Pre-Licensed Professional, EMDR, ERP, LLPC
Jonathan David
Pre-Licensed Professional, EMDR, ERP, LLPC
Online Only
You're here because something isn't working, and you're tired of just surviving it. The intrusive thoughts that won't quiet down. The anxiety running in the background of every decision. The patterns you keep returning to even when you know better. You've tried to think your way out, push through, or wait it out, and it's still there. My clients are teens and adults across Michigan, ages 15 and up, who are ready to do good, focused work. Motivated, not perfect. Just willing.
You're here because something isn't working, and you're tired of just surviving it. The intrusive thoughts that won't quiet down. The anxiety running in the background of every decision. The patterns you keep returning to even when you know better. You've tried to think your way out, push through, or wait it out, and it's still there. My clients are teens and adults across Michigan, ages 15 and up, who are ready to do good, focused work. Motivated, not perfect. Just willing.
(616) 971-6949 x149 View (616) 971-6949 x149
Photo of Corinne Foster, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, CADC
Corinne Foster
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, CADC
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Hi there! I specialize in working with folks who are experiencing behaviors and emotions that are difficult to understand. Together, we can explore what those thoughts and feelings are, how best to understand them, learn about treatment approaches, and set goals. I enjoy helping to build a support network that has your best interest at heart, and allows you to share your experience with those supports in a way that gives you choice and dignity. LGBTQAI+ affirming and compassionate care is the standard here, as is support around accessing reproductive healthcare.
Hi there! I specialize in working with folks who are experiencing behaviors and emotions that are difficult to understand. Together, we can explore what those thoughts and feelings are, how best to understand them, learn about treatment approaches, and set goals. I enjoy helping to build a support network that has your best interest at heart, and allows you to share your experience with those supports in a way that gives you choice and dignity. LGBTQAI+ affirming and compassionate care is the standard here, as is support around accessing reproductive healthcare.
(847) 737-8574 View (847) 737-8574
Photo of Kayla Doyle, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Kayla Doyle
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
3 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Living with chronic pain and/or illness can take so much out of you. Especially when navigating the complexities of the healthcare system, it can feel like a never ending battle. It’s exhausting to keep pushing forward, managing relationships, a career, and/or education, when your body just feels "broken". You might wonder if anyone truly understands what it’s like to carry this weight everyday. You're so tired of just "getting by”. You want relief. These struggles are real, and you don’t have to face them alone.
Living with chronic pain and/or illness can take so much out of you. Especially when navigating the complexities of the healthcare system, it can feel like a never ending battle. It’s exhausting to keep pushing forward, managing relationships, a career, and/or education, when your body just feels "broken". You might wonder if anyone truly understands what it’s like to carry this weight everyday. You're so tired of just "getting by”. You want relief. These struggles are real, and you don’t have to face them alone.
(616) 741-3403 View (616) 741-3403
Photo of Myra Stark, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Myra Stark
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Not accepting new clients
The clients I work with are usually 6- 21 years of age. I also work with many parents. Parents use this space to process difficult aspects of caregiving, make sense of their own developmental and attachment histories in relation to parenting, and identify new parenting strategies to support their child’s unique needs. Children and adolescents use this space to learn about their brains and bodies, strengthen peer and family relationships, decrease overall stress and develop new coping skills.
The clients I work with are usually 6- 21 years of age. I also work with many parents. Parents use this space to process difficult aspects of caregiving, make sense of their own developmental and attachment histories in relation to parenting, and identify new parenting strategies to support their child’s unique needs. Children and adolescents use this space to learn about their brains and bodies, strengthen peer and family relationships, decrease overall stress and develop new coping skills.
(616) 681-4047 View (616) 681-4047
Photo of Lauren Doyle, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLMSW
Lauren Doyle
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLMSW
1 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49505
Welcome! Whether this is your first step towards healing or you’re looking for a change in services for yourself or your child, I am so glad you landed here. As a therapist, my goal is to support clients in meeting their own needs in a way that builds a life of meaning and satisfaction. As a limited license master’s level social worker and school-based mental health professional, I specialize in working with children and adolescents, with additional capacity for young adults and families (including couples).
Welcome! Whether this is your first step towards healing or you’re looking for a change in services for yourself or your child, I am so glad you landed here. As a therapist, my goal is to support clients in meeting their own needs in a way that builds a life of meaning and satisfaction. As a limited license master’s level social worker and school-based mental health professional, I specialize in working with children and adolescents, with additional capacity for young adults and families (including couples).
(616) 300-8567 View (616) 300-8567
Photo of Joshua Michael Colby, Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CAADC, CCCS, ACS
Joshua Michael Colby
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CAADC, CCCS, ACS
3 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Find Your Path Forward. Do you feel a gap between your current life and the life you envision? Anxiety, depression, trauma, or addiction can create this disconnect, leaving you feeling stuck and overwhelmed. Perhaps you're battling critical thoughts or haunting memories, struggling to find clarity. It's tough to make changes, even positive ones, and feeling anxious on your journey is normal. You deserve to feel seen, understood, and supported. Let's work together to help you build the fulfilling life you envision.
Find Your Path Forward. Do you feel a gap between your current life and the life you envision? Anxiety, depression, trauma, or addiction can create this disconnect, leaving you feeling stuck and overwhelmed. Perhaps you're battling critical thoughts or haunting memories, struggling to find clarity. It's tough to make changes, even positive ones, and feeling anxious on your journey is normal. You deserve to feel seen, understood, and supported. Let's work together to help you build the fulfilling life you envision.
(616) 952-9280 View (616) 952-9280

See more therapy options for Grand Rapids

How does your Therapist compare?

Number of Therapists in Grand Rapids, MI

2,000+

Average cost per session

$150

Therapists in Grand Rapids, MI who prioritize treating:

93% Anxiety
93% Social Anxiety
93% Health Anxiety
93% Driving Anxiety
87% Depression
73% Self Esteem
72% Trauma and PTSD

Average years in practice

10 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

94% BlueCross and BlueShield
79% Aetna
77% Priority Health

How Therapists in Grand Rapids, MI see their clients

67% In Person and Online
33% Online Only

Gender breakdown

78% Female
20% Male
2% Non-Binary
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling

How can I find a therapist in Grand Rapids?

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.