Therapists in Gravois Park, Saint Louis, MO

Photo of Megan MacKenzie, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CST
Megan MacKenzie
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CST
4 Endorsed
Gravois Park, Saint Louis, MO 63118
November 2025- Available for new clients! As a relationship and sexuality therapist, I'm here to help you to create more intimacy and connection in your relationships, explore your identities, and recalibrate toward a more authentic and compassionate life. I am particularly passionate about supporting LGBTQ+ individuals and couples in exploring and healing from internalized homophobia and transphobia as they often manifest in anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.
November 2025- Available for new clients! As a relationship and sexuality therapist, I'm here to help you to create more intimacy and connection in your relationships, explore your identities, and recalibrate toward a more authentic and compassionate life. I am particularly passionate about supporting LGBTQ+ individuals and couples in exploring and healing from internalized homophobia and transphobia as they often manifest in anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.
(314) 626-0543 View (314) 626-0543
Photo of Sara Hartley, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sara Hartley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Serves Area
Hello, I'm Sara. Are your family relationships too stressful and you just don't know what to do? Imagine working through your personal history of how you got to this point. Struggling to go on day after day when it seems too much. Come join me as we work through your frustrations together. Adults of all ages who are experiencing symptoms of a mood disorder and/or psychosis deserve a professional yet gentle and supportive approach. I believe diagnosis is one of my most well-developed skills.
Hello, I'm Sara. Are your family relationships too stressful and you just don't know what to do? Imagine working through your personal history of how you got to this point. Struggling to go on day after day when it seems too much. Come join me as we work through your frustrations together. Adults of all ages who are experiencing symptoms of a mood disorder and/or psychosis deserve a professional yet gentle and supportive approach. I believe diagnosis is one of my most well-developed skills.
(636) 205-1246 View (636) 205-1246
Photo of Ben Koenig, Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Ben Koenig
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Serves Area
Life’s challenges often feel overwhelming. Whether these challenges are encountered in pursuit of a healthier lifestyle, in trying to connect with your dearest loved ones, or in coping with a variety of big and small setbacks, there exists a pathway to success and happiness within you that is yet untapped. With all of the outside pressures coming from our school/job, family, romantic and friend relationships it can be difficult to establish our own needs. Let me help you build a healthy relationship with yourself by unraveling those things that tie you down and re-creating a life of intention and connection.
Life’s challenges often feel overwhelming. Whether these challenges are encountered in pursuit of a healthier lifestyle, in trying to connect with your dearest loved ones, or in coping with a variety of big and small setbacks, there exists a pathway to success and happiness within you that is yet untapped. With all of the outside pressures coming from our school/job, family, romantic and friend relationships it can be difficult to establish our own needs. Let me help you build a healthy relationship with yourself by unraveling those things that tie you down and re-creating a life of intention and connection.
(314) 866-8212 View (314) 866-8212
Photo of Cynthia Hawk - Right Road Counseling, LLC, Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC-S, MAC, MCBQS
Right Road Counseling, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC-S, MAC, MCBQS
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Connecting with your counselor can create a relationship that can benefit you for a lifetime. We see individual, couples, and families in areas of addiction, sex therapy, kink conscious, fetish, trauma, life transitions, anger management, relationship issues, monogamy & ethical non-monogamy, grief, work issues, sex positivity, mood changes, anxiety, depression, LGBTQIA+, identity base trauma, feeling stuck, negative habits, grief, and co-parenting.
Connecting with your counselor can create a relationship that can benefit you for a lifetime. We see individual, couples, and families in areas of addiction, sex therapy, kink conscious, fetish, trauma, life transitions, anger management, relationship issues, monogamy & ethical non-monogamy, grief, work issues, sex positivity, mood changes, anxiety, depression, LGBTQIA+, identity base trauma, feeling stuck, negative habits, grief, and co-parenting.
(573) 535-5977 View (573) 535-5977
Photo of Ilia (Eye-Lee-Uh) Silverman Esrig, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Ilia (Eye-Lee-Uh) Silverman Esrig
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Noticing and shifting age-old unhelpful emotional and behavioral patterns can be overwhelming to do on your own. I take a collaborative and non-judgmental approach to support you to cultivate meaning, resilience, and change, even when doing so feels impossible. Together, we can strengthen your executive functioning skills, explore gender or sexual identity, process trauma, or practice self-compassion in an often invalidating world. We'll identify effective ways to move through life's most difficult moments - the past can't be changed, but we can shape how it influences our present and future.
Noticing and shifting age-old unhelpful emotional and behavioral patterns can be overwhelming to do on your own. I take a collaborative and non-judgmental approach to support you to cultivate meaning, resilience, and change, even when doing so feels impossible. Together, we can strengthen your executive functioning skills, explore gender or sexual identity, process trauma, or practice self-compassion in an often invalidating world. We'll identify effective ways to move through life's most difficult moments - the past can't be changed, but we can shape how it influences our present and future.
(314) 748-1722 View (314) 748-1722
Photo of Elizabeth Kilbride, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Elizabeth Kilbride
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Curiosity is key when it comes to understanding ourselves and the relationships we navigate. Embracing our desire to know ourselves allows us to examine emotions, behaviors, and patterns without judgement, leading to deeper self awareness. I offer a supportive space where we can explore your experiences together, using curiosity as a tool for growth and change. I bring warmth, humor, and compassion to our work together.
Curiosity is key when it comes to understanding ourselves and the relationships we navigate. Embracing our desire to know ourselves allows us to examine emotions, behaviors, and patterns without judgement, leading to deeper self awareness. I offer a supportive space where we can explore your experiences together, using curiosity as a tool for growth and change. I bring warmth, humor, and compassion to our work together.
(314) 742-9638 View (314) 742-9638
Photo of Hanz Dismer, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW, MPH, CSE
Hanz Dismer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW, MPH, CSE
Serves Area
My office works with individuals on a variety of different issues directly impacting their lives: pregnancy, abortion, sexuality, gender identity, relationships, and the intersection of these experiences with religion/spirituality. The things we most need to talk about are often the things that make us uncomfortable, challenge our worldview, or are deemed “socially unacceptable”. Exploring these issues and our feelings in a safe environment expands our horizons and helps us to better understand ourselves and the world around us. Learning allows us to grow and develop as human beings. Personal growth can help us heal.
My office works with individuals on a variety of different issues directly impacting their lives: pregnancy, abortion, sexuality, gender identity, relationships, and the intersection of these experiences with religion/spirituality. The things we most need to talk about are often the things that make us uncomfortable, challenge our worldview, or are deemed “socially unacceptable”. Exploring these issues and our feelings in a safe environment expands our horizons and helps us to better understand ourselves and the world around us. Learning allows us to grow and develop as human beings. Personal growth can help us heal.
(618) 278-5010 View (618) 278-5010
Photo of Natasha Ceballos - Natasha Ceballos | Sex + Relationship Therapy, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CST
Natasha Ceballos | Sex + Relationship Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CST
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Eroticism is adult play: ideally it is expansive, vibrant, joyful, and stress-free. Living in a sex-shaming society damages our ability to have an easy relationship to our erotic, sensual, and sexual identities. Sometimes that damage can lead to conflict and disconnection with ourselves and intimate others. We long for our relationships to be a safe haven from the chaos of our lives. When that isn’t the case, it can lead us to feel lost, uneasy, and wondering how to find our way back to a feeling of security. Cultivating embodiment is how we journey back into a full, meaningful, and pleasure-centered life with self and others.
Eroticism is adult play: ideally it is expansive, vibrant, joyful, and stress-free. Living in a sex-shaming society damages our ability to have an easy relationship to our erotic, sensual, and sexual identities. Sometimes that damage can lead to conflict and disconnection with ourselves and intimate others. We long for our relationships to be a safe haven from the chaos of our lives. When that isn’t the case, it can lead us to feel lost, uneasy, and wondering how to find our way back to a feeling of security. Cultivating embodiment is how we journey back into a full, meaningful, and pleasure-centered life with self and others.
(773) 985-4246 View (773) 985-4246
Photo of Samuel Bearer, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MAC
Samuel Bearer
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MAC
Serves Area
I seek to provide counseling to couples and individuals, both adults and adolescents. I work with interpersonal, relationship issues including: family of origin dynamics, trauma and maladaptive coping patterns, marriage and pre-marital counseling, improving communication skills, self-image and identity, managing anger, and men's sexual addiction.
I seek to provide counseling to couples and individuals, both adults and adolescents. I work with interpersonal, relationship issues including: family of origin dynamics, trauma and maladaptive coping patterns, marriage and pre-marital counseling, improving communication skills, self-image and identity, managing anger, and men's sexual addiction.
(314) 310-1898 View (314) 310-1898
Photo of Jordan M Watson, Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, NCC, CPBA
Jordan M Watson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, NCC, CPBA
Serves Area
The belief that you can have a meaningful career is the first step to finding one...Sean Aiken. Hi there! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Nationally Certified Counselor who specializes in Career Counseling. Career counseling is meant to provide wellness, satisfaction, and empowerment in your place of work. Topics that are typically discussed are designed to give you a better understanding of yourself and the world of work in order to make career, educational, and life decisions. My goal is to help you overcome your daily professional stressors.
The belief that you can have a meaningful career is the first step to finding one...Sean Aiken. Hi there! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Nationally Certified Counselor who specializes in Career Counseling. Career counseling is meant to provide wellness, satisfaction, and empowerment in your place of work. Topics that are typically discussed are designed to give you a better understanding of yourself and the world of work in order to make career, educational, and life decisions. My goal is to help you overcome your daily professional stressors.
(314) 582-0379 View (314) 582-0379
Photo of Meghan York, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, SEP
Meghan York
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, SEP
Serves Area
As a biracial Filipino therapist, I’m passionate about working with young adults and adults—especially those from LGBTQIA, multiracial, and marginalized communities—who are healing from trauma, anxiety, and identity challenges. My space is supportive, down-to-earth, and a place where you can be your full, authentic self. My approach is compassionate, anti-racist, and trauma-informed. I also welcome clients of all identities who value these principles.
As a biracial Filipino therapist, I’m passionate about working with young adults and adults—especially those from LGBTQIA, multiracial, and marginalized communities—who are healing from trauma, anxiety, and identity challenges. My space is supportive, down-to-earth, and a place where you can be your full, authentic self. My approach is compassionate, anti-racist, and trauma-informed. I also welcome clients of all identities who value these principles.
(314) 936-4273 View (314) 936-4273
Photo of Diana Beane, Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Diana Beane
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Serves Area
For over 30 years, I've helped children, adults and families navigate emotional challenges, strengthen relationships and build better communication skills. I draw from a range of therapeutic approaches and tailor each session to fit your unique needs. My works takes a wholistic view considering not just what's going on inside (your thoughts, emotions and behaviors) but also the relationships and life circumstances that may be affecting your well-being.
For over 30 years, I've helped children, adults and families navigate emotional challenges, strengthen relationships and build better communication skills. I draw from a range of therapeutic approaches and tailor each session to fit your unique needs. My works takes a wholistic view considering not just what's going on inside (your thoughts, emotions and behaviors) but also the relationships and life circumstances that may be affecting your well-being.
(314) 888-5210 View (314) 888-5210
Photo of Rachael Livasy, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Rachael Livasy
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Serves Area
Find yourself lost, overwhelmed or suddenly unsure of how to build a better life? Finding yourself in repeated patterns and having a hard time making meaningful changes? Sometimes its difficult due to intense emotions or painful histories. Sometimes its just that life threw you too much at one time.
Find yourself lost, overwhelmed or suddenly unsure of how to build a better life? Finding yourself in repeated patterns and having a hard time making meaningful changes? Sometimes its difficult due to intense emotions or painful histories. Sometimes its just that life threw you too much at one time.
(314) 947-2280 View (314) 947-2280
Photo of Abigail Green, Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Abigail Green
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Serves Area
I have 20+ years of experience helping people of diverse backgrounds to navigate through difficult times in their lives. I listen carefully and work hard to understand how you feel. My areas of specialty include: navigating life transitions, overcoming traumatic experiences, processing grief, managing chronic illnesses, and improving communication/relationship, strengthening the mind-body connection, enhancing self-esteem, and cultivating stress management practices. I have extensive experience in working with couples and PTSD/complex trauma.
I have 20+ years of experience helping people of diverse backgrounds to navigate through difficult times in their lives. I listen carefully and work hard to understand how you feel. My areas of specialty include: navigating life transitions, overcoming traumatic experiences, processing grief, managing chronic illnesses, and improving communication/relationship, strengthening the mind-body connection, enhancing self-esteem, and cultivating stress management practices. I have extensive experience in working with couples and PTSD/complex trauma.
(314) 730-9777 View (314) 730-9777
Photo of Kyla Hadenfeldt, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Kyla Hadenfeldt
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Hello! I'm glad you're here. Are you struggling with painful thoughts and emotions? Maybe the pandemic has created some new problems for you, or brought up old stuff. Or perhaps, you're doing okay in your day-to-day life, but have been wondering if therapy could help you do some deeper work. In any case, I'm here to help. I support folks in learning more effective ways to work through their emotional struggles, and creating a life of meaning, pleasure, and authenticity. I also enjoy working with folks on identity, life transitions, personal growth, and sexual self-empowerment.
Hello! I'm glad you're here. Are you struggling with painful thoughts and emotions? Maybe the pandemic has created some new problems for you, or brought up old stuff. Or perhaps, you're doing okay in your day-to-day life, but have been wondering if therapy could help you do some deeper work. In any case, I'm here to help. I support folks in learning more effective ways to work through their emotional struggles, and creating a life of meaning, pleasure, and authenticity. I also enjoy working with folks on identity, life transitions, personal growth, and sexual self-empowerment.
(314) 207-7894 View (314) 207-7894
Photo of Elizabeth Prewitt, Licensed Professional Counselor
Elizabeth Prewitt
Licensed Professional Counselor
Online Only
Welcome! I like to look at life as a journey, sometimes it feels like an amazing adventure, other times it can feel completely overwhelming, challenging, or out of control. Most importantly, it is YOUR unique journey, and I am here to help along the way. My name is Liz and I have worked in the behavioral health field for 14 years. I have provided individual therapy to people of all ages and am honored to be a part of your journey with you today. I have extensive experience working with children, adolescents, young adults, adults, families, and couples, on various clinical issues such as depression, anxiety, grief, trauma,
Welcome! I like to look at life as a journey, sometimes it feels like an amazing adventure, other times it can feel completely overwhelming, challenging, or out of control. Most importantly, it is YOUR unique journey, and I am here to help along the way. My name is Liz and I have worked in the behavioral health field for 14 years. I have provided individual therapy to people of all ages and am honored to be a part of your journey with you today. I have extensive experience working with children, adolescents, young adults, adults, families, and couples, on various clinical issues such as depression, anxiety, grief, trauma,
(417) 345-3375 View (417) 345-3375
Photo of Janice Porter, Licensed Professional Counselor
Janice Porter
Licensed Professional Counselor
Online Only
Your mental health is essential now more than ever. My mission is to provide clients of all ages with a safe, nonjudgmental space to feel heard, respected, and empowered truly. I would be honored to work with you, helping you reconnect with yourself and regain control over your life. I aim to empower individuals to build relationships, improve self-esteem, develop positive coping skills, and overcome life's challenges. I believe in counseling and the importance of having a safe space to be yourself, where you can discuss your hardships and thoughts without fear of judgment.
Your mental health is essential now more than ever. My mission is to provide clients of all ages with a safe, nonjudgmental space to feel heard, respected, and empowered truly. I would be honored to work with you, helping you reconnect with yourself and regain control over your life. I aim to empower individuals to build relationships, improve self-esteem, develop positive coping skills, and overcome life's challenges. I believe in counseling and the importance of having a safe space to be yourself, where you can discuss your hardships and thoughts without fear of judgment.
(314) 557-9366 View (314) 557-9366
Photo of Jenifer Pittman, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jenifer Pittman
Licensed Professional Counselor
Online Only
Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Missouri and Illinois. I have experience working with children, adolescents and adults from diverse backgrounds and in a variety of settings. Life comes with many challenges and we often find ourselves overwhelmed by what has come our way. I want to empower people and focus on internal strengths, improving resilience and changing your worldview. Whether you are looking for short-term or long-term counseling, I will work with you to achieve a greater self-fulfillment.
Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Missouri and Illinois. I have experience working with children, adolescents and adults from diverse backgrounds and in a variety of settings. Life comes with many challenges and we often find ourselves overwhelmed by what has come our way. I want to empower people and focus on internal strengths, improving resilience and changing your worldview. Whether you are looking for short-term or long-term counseling, I will work with you to achieve a greater self-fulfillment.
(816) 375-5777 View (816) 375-5777
Photo of Charles Quinn, Licensed Professional Counselor
Charles Quinn
Licensed Professional Counselor
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Hi, my name is Dr. Charles Quinn. I am a retired military soldier and a Licensed Professional Counselor. I served in the military for 25 years and have been in the field of counseling for over fifteen years. I have had great opportunities working with clients with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, grief, and loss, past traumatic experiences, conflict resolution, self-injury, bullying, and others issues. The modalities that I incorporate within my sessions are Cognitive-Behavioral, and Emotion Focused Interventions.
Hi, my name is Dr. Charles Quinn. I am a retired military soldier and a Licensed Professional Counselor. I served in the military for 25 years and have been in the field of counseling for over fifteen years. I have had great opportunities working with clients with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, grief, and loss, past traumatic experiences, conflict resolution, self-injury, bullying, and others issues. The modalities that I incorporate within my sessions are Cognitive-Behavioral, and Emotion Focused Interventions.
(314) 350-4273 View (314) 350-4273
Photo of Dawn Ortega, Licensed Professional Counselor
Dawn Ortega
Licensed Professional Counselor
Online Only
After receiving her M.A. degree in 2011, Dawn continued her education to add on Psychological Examiner certification. Dawn has worked with children, families, and adults for over 20 years as a teacher, summer camp counselor, and therapist. Dawn is Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) informed. She brings her individual, group, and family therapy experience to SonderMind.
After receiving her M.A. degree in 2011, Dawn continued her education to add on Psychological Examiner certification. Dawn has worked with children, families, and adults for over 20 years as a teacher, summer camp counselor, and therapist. Dawn is Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) informed. She brings her individual, group, and family therapy experience to SonderMind.
(417) 670-2079 View (417) 670-2079

How does your Therapist compare?

Number of Therapists in Gravois Park, Saint Louis, MO

30+

Average cost per session

$85

Therapists in Gravois Park, Saint Louis, MO who prioritize treating:

94% Anxiety
85% Depression
85% Trauma and PTSD
82% Life Transitions
68% Stress
62% Relationship Issues
59% Family Conflict

Average years in practice

9 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

93% UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH
86% Aetna
86% Cigna and Evernorth

How Therapists in Gravois Park, Saint Louis, MO see their clients

59% Online Only
41% In Person and Online

Gender breakdown

65% Female
23% Non-Binary
12% Male
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling

How can I find a therapist in Gravois Park, Saint Louis?

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.