Therapists in Durham, NC

Photo of Whitney Gregg - Evolving Life Counseling and Psychotherapy, PLLC, Counselor
Evolving Life Counseling and Psychotherapy, PLLC
Counselor
Verified Verified
Online Only
Our ultimate goal is to help individuals heal, energize, and become aware of their inner strengths. We achieve this by providing a neutral safe space, listening to your concerns, and customizing a treatment plan. Our experience enables us to offer effective outpatient, individualized, psychological care. We treat a number of mental health disorders, and provide a neutral ground to individuals, families, and couples. Each therapist is an independent clinician and has an area of specialty.
Our ultimate goal is to help individuals heal, energize, and become aware of their inner strengths. We achieve this by providing a neutral safe space, listening to your concerns, and customizing a treatment plan. Our experience enables us to offer effective outpatient, individualized, psychological care. We treat a number of mental health disorders, and provide a neutral ground to individuals, families, and couples. Each therapist is an independent clinician and has an area of specialty.
(910) 460-3412 View (910) 460-3412
Photo of Winley K. - WaterYourFire Wellness Collective- Dr. Winley K., PsyD, LP, HSP-P, Psychologist
WaterYourFire Wellness Collective- Dr. Winley K.
Psychologist, PsyD, LP, HSP-P
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Online Only
The decision to pursue counseling can be a tough but courageous step. People choose to seek out therapy for a variety of reasons, whether it is to explore and better understand parts of self or to address specific areas of concerns. WaterYourFire Wellness Collective works with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and presenting concerns. WYFWC currently operates via Telehealth Therapy (online). WYFWC also provides services in any PsyPact state- see participating states here: https://psypact.site-ym.com/page/psypactmap)
The decision to pursue counseling can be a tough but courageous step. People choose to seek out therapy for a variety of reasons, whether it is to explore and better understand parts of self or to address specific areas of concerns. WaterYourFire Wellness Collective works with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and presenting concerns. WYFWC currently operates via Telehealth Therapy (online). WYFWC also provides services in any PsyPact state- see participating states here: https://psypact.site-ym.com/page/psypactmap)
(919) 726-0248 View (919) 726-0248
Photo of Ty'kia Brown, MSW, LCSWA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ty'kia Brown
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSWA
Verified Verified
Online Only
Starting therapy can be a challenge. Where do you begin? Who do you turn to? What should you say—and how? Choosing the right therapist can feel overwhelming, and the fear of all the “what-ifs?” may even make you want to quit before you start. I take a holistic, tailored approach to therapy, focusing on the unique experiences and needs of each client. By understanding your personal story, I aim to guide you toward healing and growth in a way that feels right for you.
Starting therapy can be a challenge. Where do you begin? Who do you turn to? What should you say—and how? Choosing the right therapist can feel overwhelming, and the fear of all the “what-ifs?” may even make you want to quit before you start. I take a holistic, tailored approach to therapy, focusing on the unique experiences and needs of each client. By understanding your personal story, I aim to guide you toward healing and growth in a way that feels right for you.
(984) 207-5493 View (984) 207-5493
Photo of Helen Svoboda-Barber, MA, DMin, LCMHCA, Counselor
Helen Svoboda-Barber
Counselor, MA, DMin, LCMHCA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Durham, NC 27705
Prioritizing your own well-being is both difficult and courageous – especially if you are living with chronic/life limiting illness; caregiving; facing life transitions; or nearing the end of your life. You are here: Good job, you! If you want a therapist with some years on her, who can listen carefully, and who can help you gain clarity and centeredness, read on. Together, we can imagine your realistic preferred future and give you tools and support to move into that more congruent way of being.
Prioritizing your own well-being is both difficult and courageous – especially if you are living with chronic/life limiting illness; caregiving; facing life transitions; or nearing the end of your life. You are here: Good job, you! If you want a therapist with some years on her, who can listen carefully, and who can help you gain clarity and centeredness, read on. Together, we can imagine your realistic preferred future and give you tools and support to move into that more congruent way of being.
(984) 538-7058 View (984) 538-7058
Photo of Alex Lowrie, LCSWA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Alex Lowrie
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSWA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Durham, NC 27703
I’m Alex Lowrie (she/her), and I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate. I am an LGBTQIA+ identifying and affirming clinician and am passionate about providing folx of all genders and identities a safe place to land while building comfort, confidence, and safety. I really enjoy exploring gender and sexual identity, working with the LGBTQIA+ community, and folx experiencing trauma, depression, and anxiety. My goal as a therapist in this work is to help make self-exploration feel like the exciting process it is, while being mindful of and honoring that there is often religious, familial, or other trauma linked to identity work.
I’m Alex Lowrie (she/her), and I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate. I am an LGBTQIA+ identifying and affirming clinician and am passionate about providing folx of all genders and identities a safe place to land while building comfort, confidence, and safety. I really enjoy exploring gender and sexual identity, working with the LGBTQIA+ community, and folx experiencing trauma, depression, and anxiety. My goal as a therapist in this work is to help make self-exploration feel like the exciting process it is, while being mindful of and honoring that there is often religious, familial, or other trauma linked to identity work.
(984) 203-7605 View (984) 203-7605
Photo of Hope Inga Hills, PhD, Psychologist
Hope Inga Hills
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Durham, NC 27713
Are you going through a transition in your career, relationships, family? You're a leader, but feel uncertain. Perhaps you don't like your job, but are afraid to rock the boat. Are you retiring and don't know what's next? Maybe you are leaving, starting, or struggling in a relationship and want to do it "right" this time. All Transitions have stages we need to address. Our past experiences create our lenses of fear or excitement about the future. Knowing your old patterns will help you to create the life YOU want now. We can work 1-1, with a partner, a team or a family to see the old patterns and create new, successful ones.
Are you going through a transition in your career, relationships, family? You're a leader, but feel uncertain. Perhaps you don't like your job, but are afraid to rock the boat. Are you retiring and don't know what's next? Maybe you are leaving, starting, or struggling in a relationship and want to do it "right" this time. All Transitions have stages we need to address. Our past experiences create our lenses of fear or excitement about the future. Knowing your old patterns will help you to create the life YOU want now. We can work 1-1, with a partner, a team or a family to see the old patterns and create new, successful ones.
(919) 343-5977 View (919) 343-5977
Photo of Andrea Moore, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Andrea Moore
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I believe that therapy works best when both the therapist and client bring their expertise to the session. You may be seeking therapeutic support for any number of reasons. You may or may not have a specific goal in mind. Together, we will work to notice thought patterns, expand your toolbox of coping skills, survive adulting, and/or clarify the path you’d like to walk.
I believe that therapy works best when both the therapist and client bring their expertise to the session. You may be seeking therapeutic support for any number of reasons. You may or may not have a specific goal in mind. Together, we will work to notice thought patterns, expand your toolbox of coping skills, survive adulting, and/or clarify the path you’d like to walk.
(252) 680-8525 View (252) 680-8525
Photo of Jen Chapman, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jen Chapman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Durham, NC 27707
My name is Jen (she/her), and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I am dedicated to helping individuals affected by trauma, including those dealing with the impact of intergenerational trauma, which may be passed down through family systems, often influencing emotional, behavioral, and relational patterns. I understand the complexity of trauma's effects on individuals and families and work with clients to address both immediate concerns and long-term healing.
My name is Jen (she/her), and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I am dedicated to helping individuals affected by trauma, including those dealing with the impact of intergenerational trauma, which may be passed down through family systems, often influencing emotional, behavioral, and relational patterns. I understand the complexity of trauma's effects on individuals and families and work with clients to address both immediate concerns and long-term healing.
(984) 223-8625 View (984) 223-8625
Photo of Aneesah Armstrong, LCMHC
Aneesah Armstrong
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Not accepting new clients
I specialize in treating children (starting at age 5), teens, and college students. I spent 15 years working in North Carolina public schools, first as an elementary teacher and later as a school counselor. After a few years, I decided to work in the mental health field and obtained credentials to be a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor. Over the past twelve years, I've done Intensive In-Home and Outpatient therapy. I started my practice in 2017 and have enjoyed helping support individuals and families reach their behavioral and mental health goals.
I specialize in treating children (starting at age 5), teens, and college students. I spent 15 years working in North Carolina public schools, first as an elementary teacher and later as a school counselor. After a few years, I decided to work in the mental health field and obtained credentials to be a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor. Over the past twelve years, I've done Intensive In-Home and Outpatient therapy. I started my practice in 2017 and have enjoyed helping support individuals and families reach their behavioral and mental health goals.
(919) 694-4473 View (919) 694-4473
Photo of Tina Young, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Tina Young
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Durham, NC 27705
Looking for a therapist can feel like a daunting task! My goal is to help you feel safe, seen, heard, and supported. I am a licensed clinical social worker with more than 24 years of experience providing therapy to women, through my work at Duke. I work with women who are coping with anxiety, mild to moderate depression, and/or chronic health issues. I have extensive experience working with issues related to complex trauma, difficult early childhood experiences, and low self-esteem. I provide a safe and supportive environment, in which to discuss difficult topics, as you are ready.
Looking for a therapist can feel like a daunting task! My goal is to help you feel safe, seen, heard, and supported. I am a licensed clinical social worker with more than 24 years of experience providing therapy to women, through my work at Duke. I work with women who are coping with anxiety, mild to moderate depression, and/or chronic health issues. I have extensive experience working with issues related to complex trauma, difficult early childhood experiences, and low self-esteem. I provide a safe and supportive environment, in which to discuss difficult topics, as you are ready.
View
Photo of Elyse Tavary, MSW, LCSWA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Elyse Tavary
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSWA
Verified Verified
Durham, NC 27705
Waitlist for new clients
I genuinely believe that no matter who we are or what background we come from, we all need a little extra support from time to time. I am here to do just that. I would love to co-create a space of empowerment, safety, and healing with you, your children and/or your family. My therapeutic approach is one of empathy, gentleness, free of shame or judgment, and based in finding joy in life. I work from a variety of modalities including arts-based, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, strengths-based, and person centered.
I genuinely believe that no matter who we are or what background we come from, we all need a little extra support from time to time. I am here to do just that. I would love to co-create a space of empowerment, safety, and healing with you, your children and/or your family. My therapeutic approach is one of empathy, gentleness, free of shame or judgment, and based in finding joy in life. I work from a variety of modalities including arts-based, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, strengths-based, and person centered.
(919) 729-6037 View (919) 729-6037
Photo of Karlee Strickland, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Karlee Strickland
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Durham, NC 27704
Not accepting new clients
My goal is to provide a safe nonjudgmental space to help you work through what brings you here. As a licensed clinical social worker I believe it is vital to acknowledge the person’s strengths in the face of systematic barriers, stigma, and discrimination. My approach to therapy is integrative and collaborative which allows us to work together to identify and make progress towards goals that are most important to you. Helping you to align with your most authentic self and to process what may be getting in the way of this is what I strive to help you with.
My goal is to provide a safe nonjudgmental space to help you work through what brings you here. As a licensed clinical social worker I believe it is vital to acknowledge the person’s strengths in the face of systematic barriers, stigma, and discrimination. My approach to therapy is integrative and collaborative which allows us to work together to identify and make progress towards goals that are most important to you. Helping you to align with your most authentic self and to process what may be getting in the way of this is what I strive to help you with.
(919) 813-7856 View (919) 813-7856
Photo of Krystal Mangandi, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Krystal Mangandi
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Online Only
My therapy style is collaborative and supportive. I inform clients when we begin working together that my role is to walk with them as they work toward their treatment goals. This is accomplished by active listening, the use of motivational interviewing, supportive feedback, and challenging clients to seek a deeper understanding of themselves and others around them. While I began my career working with children, I transitioned to adult clients in 2019 and expanded my caseload to include older adults in 2020.
My therapy style is collaborative and supportive. I inform clients when we begin working together that my role is to walk with them as they work toward their treatment goals. This is accomplished by active listening, the use of motivational interviewing, supportive feedback, and challenging clients to seek a deeper understanding of themselves and others around them. While I began my career working with children, I transitioned to adult clients in 2019 and expanded my caseload to include older adults in 2020.
(984) 768-8315 View (984) 768-8315
Photo of Tyler Benjamin, MSW
Tyler Benjamin
LCSW Associate , MSW
Verified Verified
Durham, NC 27707
I see individual adults and couples with a range of therapeutic interests. Some are feeling confused, afraid, ashamed or curious about their gender, sexuality or relationship structure. Others want to improve communication with people they rely on for deep meaning or for meeting basic needs. Some clients are struggling after losing a beloved person, pet, or home, including by suicide, accident, disaster or violence. Still others are laboring on the front lines for justice, autonomy, self-determination and collective liberation in the face of interlocking systemic oppressions and personal trauma.
I see individual adults and couples with a range of therapeutic interests. Some are feeling confused, afraid, ashamed or curious about their gender, sexuality or relationship structure. Others want to improve communication with people they rely on for deep meaning or for meeting basic needs. Some clients are struggling after losing a beloved person, pet, or home, including by suicide, accident, disaster or violence. Still others are laboring on the front lines for justice, autonomy, self-determination and collective liberation in the face of interlocking systemic oppressions and personal trauma.
(919) 823-5475 x37 View (919) 823-5475 x37
Photo of Katie da Luz, MS, LCMHC, LCAS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Katie da Luz
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LCMHC, LCAS
Verified Verified
Durham, NC 27707
I believe the relationship between you and your therapist is fundamental to the therapeutic process. I focus on concepts of trust and creating a safe environment so you feel free to process thoughts, develop healthy coping skills, and focus on reducing, managing and eliminating symptoms. I emphasize open and honest communication while maintaining a non-judgmental approach throughout treatment. I will create and support an individualized experience for you and center the therapeutic process on your personal goals.
I believe the relationship between you and your therapist is fundamental to the therapeutic process. I focus on concepts of trust and creating a safe environment so you feel free to process thoughts, develop healthy coping skills, and focus on reducing, managing and eliminating symptoms. I emphasize open and honest communication while maintaining a non-judgmental approach throughout treatment. I will create and support an individualized experience for you and center the therapeutic process on your personal goals.
View
Photo of Julie Seel, PhD, Psychologist
Julie Seel
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Durham, NC 27703
Specializing in helping people grow through difficult times (with laughter). For various issues (anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, relationships, workplace burnout, etc.)—I use treatments that work, delivered in ways you can understand, with words I can nearly guarantee you’ll remember. If you are interested, I can also help you move beyond your distress, develop greater resiliency, and Live Life Better.
Specializing in helping people grow through difficult times (with laughter). For various issues (anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, relationships, workplace burnout, etc.)—I use treatments that work, delivered in ways you can understand, with words I can nearly guarantee you’ll remember. If you are interested, I can also help you move beyond your distress, develop greater resiliency, and Live Life Better.
(919) 276-8921 View (919) 276-8921
Photo of Veronica Watford - Relationship Counseling Center, PLLC, MA, LCMHC
Relationship Counseling Center, PLLC
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Life often presents challenges and difficulties in areas of parenting, grief/loss, anxiety, depression, trauma, anger or in relationships. You may be experiencing uncontrollable thoughts or memories. Life may seem unmanageable. You may feel uninterested in things you used to enjoy and disconnected from people. You may be experiencing increased anxiety. Relationships may feel strained and not what they used to be. You may just feel like you would benefit from talking about your concerns with a professional. You may need help regaining a sense of hope for your life and coming to know the immense worth and value you have as a person.
Life often presents challenges and difficulties in areas of parenting, grief/loss, anxiety, depression, trauma, anger or in relationships. You may be experiencing uncontrollable thoughts or memories. Life may seem unmanageable. You may feel uninterested in things you used to enjoy and disconnected from people. You may be experiencing increased anxiety. Relationships may feel strained and not what they used to be. You may just feel like you would benefit from talking about your concerns with a professional. You may need help regaining a sense of hope for your life and coming to know the immense worth and value you have as a person.
(919) 800-0840 View (919) 800-0840
Photo of Robin Laurel Armstrong, LCSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Robin Laurel Armstrong
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Durham, NC 27713
For the past 19 years, I have worked with individuals, families, and children to improve relationship dynamics, interpersonal effectiveness, and communication skills. Relationships are complicated and it is easy to misunderstand how others perceive our actions. Lived experiences, trauma, and other stressors add to the complications of relating to one another. In my work, I support individuals, couples and families facing multi-faceted challenges to shift into a new way of interacting with partners, children, friends, and co-workers. In my work with couples, I utilize the Gottman Method and am currently training to become certified.
For the past 19 years, I have worked with individuals, families, and children to improve relationship dynamics, interpersonal effectiveness, and communication skills. Relationships are complicated and it is easy to misunderstand how others perceive our actions. Lived experiences, trauma, and other stressors add to the complications of relating to one another. In my work, I support individuals, couples and families facing multi-faceted challenges to shift into a new way of interacting with partners, children, friends, and co-workers. In my work with couples, I utilize the Gottman Method and am currently training to become certified.
(984) 266-3129 View (984) 266-3129
Photo of Douglas Waldruff, PhD, LCMHC, LMFT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Douglas Waldruff
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LCMHC, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Durham, NC 27705
If you are in a relationship with a Narcissist, have experienced major and/or minor trauma, can't find the right relationship, don't know what to do to make your relationships better, or want to find greater success in life or business, then I may be the right person to help you move from coping to thriving. I provide coaching/therapy solutions to navigate the treacherous journey of leaving a Narcissist as well as overcoming adversity and psychological blocks that keep you from attaining your goals. I can help you deal with all of life's normal developmental concerns like work, having children, parenting and growing older.
If you are in a relationship with a Narcissist, have experienced major and/or minor trauma, can't find the right relationship, don't know what to do to make your relationships better, or want to find greater success in life or business, then I may be the right person to help you move from coping to thriving. I provide coaching/therapy solutions to navigate the treacherous journey of leaving a Narcissist as well as overcoming adversity and psychological blocks that keep you from attaining your goals. I can help you deal with all of life's normal developmental concerns like work, having children, parenting and growing older.
(336) 949-6201 View (336) 949-6201
Photo of April Bradley, Intern, Pre-Licensed Professional
April Bradley
Pre-Licensed Professional, Intern
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Durham, NC 27701
Our lives are woven from the threads of our storied experiences, each shaping who we are and how we construct meaning. My counseling philosophy promotes healing and transformation by attending to you and your stories with a belief in everyone's capacity for flourishing, fostered by acceptance, love, and belonging. Therapy is an empowering and collaborative journey nurtured by authenticity, trust, and compassion. You contain within yourself the resources you need to thrive. I'm here to help you work towards healing, resilience, and lasting change.
Our lives are woven from the threads of our storied experiences, each shaping who we are and how we construct meaning. My counseling philosophy promotes healing and transformation by attending to you and your stories with a belief in everyone's capacity for flourishing, fostered by acceptance, love, and belonging. Therapy is an empowering and collaborative journey nurtured by authenticity, trust, and compassion. You contain within yourself the resources you need to thrive. I'm here to help you work towards healing, resilience, and lasting change.
(984) 367-1189 View (984) 367-1189
1
...

How does your Therapist compare?

Number of Therapists in Durham, NC

1,000+

Average cost per session

$150

Therapists in Durham, NC who prioritize treating:

94% Anxiety
88% Depression
77% Relationship Issues
76% Self Esteem
72% Stress
69% Coping Skills
67% Life Transitions

Average years in practice

11 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

85% BlueCross and BlueShield
83% Aetna
53% Cigna and Evernorth

How Therapists in Durham, NC see their clients

66% In Person and Online
34% Online Only

Gender breakdown

80% Female
17% Male
3% Non-Binary
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling

How can I find a therapist in Durham?

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.