Therapists in Bear Canyon, Albuquerque, NM

Photo of Linda Salomone, Counselor, PhD, LPCC
Linda Salomone
Counselor, PhD, LPCC
Bear Canyon, Albuquerque, NM 87109
I work with individuals presenting with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues, spanning from counseling for depression and grief counseling to parenting support, couples counseling and beyond. My treatment approach is geared to meet the specific needs of the client(s) and integrates client-centered, psychodynamic, family systems, interpersonal relationship, and cognitive/behavioral theories. It is strength-based and includes motivational interviewing. I offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each of my clients' individual needs or relationship needs to help them attain the personal growth for which they're striving.
I work with individuals presenting with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues, spanning from counseling for depression and grief counseling to parenting support, couples counseling and beyond. My treatment approach is geared to meet the specific needs of the client(s) and integrates client-centered, psychodynamic, family systems, interpersonal relationship, and cognitive/behavioral theories. It is strength-based and includes motivational interviewing. I offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each of my clients' individual needs or relationship needs to help them attain the personal growth for which they're striving.
(505) 240-6706 View (505) 240-6706
Photo of Maria Elena Alvarez, Counselor, MA, LPCC, EMDR
Maria Elena Alvarez
Counselor, MA, LPCC, EMDR
4 Endorsed
Serves Area
Psychotherapy, EMDR, and Plant-Based Therapy Consultation Services are offered by a seasoned, insightful, and compassionate professional dedicated to supporting your healing journey. If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or interpersonal conflicts, my practice may be a good fit for you. I bring years of experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds around the world. I also have specialized expertise in supporting survivors of sexual abuse.
Psychotherapy, EMDR, and Plant-Based Therapy Consultation Services are offered by a seasoned, insightful, and compassionate professional dedicated to supporting your healing journey. If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or interpersonal conflicts, my practice may be a good fit for you. I bring years of experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds around the world. I also have specialized expertise in supporting survivors of sexual abuse.
(505) 560-8917 View (505) 560-8917
Photo of Keli Dersch-Baldonado, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC
Keli Dersch-Baldonado
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC
Serves Area
As a therapist, I welcome all clients to a warm, safe, nonjudgmental space. I hold a secure area for sharing unsettled or disturbed material and challenging issues. I have 30+ years of extensive experience in multiple different specialties and areas of concentration in the counseling field working with children, youth, adult, individuals and families. I focus on key issues of concern with strategy, skill development and 'hands on' approach. We will assist you in your developmental moments while encompassing your past/current/future experiences to create awareness and growth.
As a therapist, I welcome all clients to a warm, safe, nonjudgmental space. I hold a secure area for sharing unsettled or disturbed material and challenging issues. I have 30+ years of extensive experience in multiple different specialties and areas of concentration in the counseling field working with children, youth, adult, individuals and families. I focus on key issues of concern with strategy, skill development and 'hands on' approach. We will assist you in your developmental moments while encompassing your past/current/future experiences to create awareness and growth.
(505) 675-3399 View (505) 675-3399
Photo of Alexandra L Herrera - Sunshine Therapy with Alexandra Herrera, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, IMH-E
Sunshine Therapy with Alexandra Herrera
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, IMH-E
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Whatever you are facing, there is a path forward- a path that feels supportive and right for you. Therapy isn’t about fixing what is” wrong” with you but about giving yourself the care, space, and tools to move through challenges and thrive as yourself. Therapy is a place to process past experiences, attend to your needs in the present, and explore new ways of being and relating. This is a step towards healing and transforming and I am glad you are here.
Whatever you are facing, there is a path forward- a path that feels supportive and right for you. Therapy isn’t about fixing what is” wrong” with you but about giving yourself the care, space, and tools to move through challenges and thrive as yourself. Therapy is a place to process past experiences, attend to your needs in the present, and explore new ways of being and relating. This is a step towards healing and transforming and I am glad you are here.
(505) 657-3318 View (505) 657-3318
Photo of James Hunt, Counselor, PhD, LPCC
James Hunt
Counselor, PhD, LPCC
Serves Area
Change and impermanence are the great constants in our lives. If you are in a time of transition, and are experiencing symptoms such as depression, anxiety, health issues, or relationship concerns, I would like to meet with you. I hold a Ph.D.in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in depth psychology. I bring a psychodynamic and relational perspective to consultations with adults of all ages. With mindfulness and compassion, we create together a safe and confidential alliance for exploration of old limitations and emerging possibilities.
Change and impermanence are the great constants in our lives. If you are in a time of transition, and are experiencing symptoms such as depression, anxiety, health issues, or relationship concerns, I would like to meet with you. I hold a Ph.D.in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in depth psychology. I bring a psychodynamic and relational perspective to consultations with adults of all ages. With mindfulness and compassion, we create together a safe and confidential alliance for exploration of old limitations and emerging possibilities.
(505) 369-3942 View (505) 369-3942
Photo of Rachelle Mechenbier - Paper Clay Therapy Institute, Counselor, MA, LPCC
Paper Clay Therapy Institute
Counselor, MA, LPCC
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Openings available! The basis of useful therapy is a good working relationship. We work to build that strong, genuine foundation so our clients know they have a safe space to work. Our therapeutic approach is a balanced blend of relational processing and the latest neuroscience. We work first to understand your perspective and therapeutic goals. Together, we create a customized treatment plan using research-based interventions to help you get there.
Openings available! The basis of useful therapy is a good working relationship. We work to build that strong, genuine foundation so our clients know they have a safe space to work. Our therapeutic approach is a balanced blend of relational processing and the latest neuroscience. We work first to understand your perspective and therapeutic goals. Together, we create a customized treatment plan using research-based interventions to help you get there.
(505) 569-6201 View (505) 569-6201
Photo of Tony Sager, Counselor, MHC, LPCC, MA
Tony Sager
Counselor, MHC, LPCC, MA
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Are you are challenged with states of depression, anxiety, a lack of direction, relationship or spiritual issues? If you are, we can work together to help you meet and transform those challenges so you can have the life you wish to. Regardless of the nature of your challenges, I can help you access your innate wisdom and capacities to transform your experiences and not be overtaken by difficulties and their effects. It is my wish and purpose to help each person access their innate wisdom and cultivate awareness and skills to meet their experience.
Are you are challenged with states of depression, anxiety, a lack of direction, relationship or spiritual issues? If you are, we can work together to help you meet and transform those challenges so you can have the life you wish to. Regardless of the nature of your challenges, I can help you access your innate wisdom and capacities to transform your experiences and not be overtaken by difficulties and their effects. It is my wish and purpose to help each person access their innate wisdom and cultivate awareness and skills to meet their experience.
(505) 578-4052 View (505) 578-4052
Photo of Kris Lichtle, Counselor, MA, LPCC, EMDR
Kris Lichtle
Counselor, MA, LPCC, EMDR
Serves Area
** Anxiety, panic disorder, trauma, PTSD, Medical PTSD ** Anxiety is physically painful. Your heart races. Your muscles tense. Your palms sweat. You have an overwhelming sense of dread as your natural fight or flight response kicks in. Do you fight back? Do you retreat to your own space? Or do you freeze in uncertainty? If you are experiencing anxiety on a daily basis, it is probably having a negative impact on your your health. Your back and shoulders hurt. Your quality of sleep is poor. You are fatigued, but you make yourself busier to justify your exhaustion.
** Anxiety, panic disorder, trauma, PTSD, Medical PTSD ** Anxiety is physically painful. Your heart races. Your muscles tense. Your palms sweat. You have an overwhelming sense of dread as your natural fight or flight response kicks in. Do you fight back? Do you retreat to your own space? Or do you freeze in uncertainty? If you are experiencing anxiety on a daily basis, it is probably having a negative impact on your your health. Your back and shoulders hurt. Your quality of sleep is poor. You are fatigued, but you make yourself busier to justify your exhaustion.
(505) 227-8893 View (505) 227-8893
Photo of Denette Varley - Counseling Associates of Albuquerque LLC, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LSAA
Counseling Associates of Albuquerque LLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LSAA
Serves Area
We don't always get to choose what challenges come into our life. However we do have a choice with how we deal with them. At Counseling Associates of Albuquerque, LLC we can assist you in getting through life-long or day-to-day concerns. The next step is for you to want to do something different than what you are already doing. Give our team a call to start on a new path.
We don't always get to choose what challenges come into our life. However we do have a choice with how we deal with them. At Counseling Associates of Albuquerque, LLC we can assist you in getting through life-long or day-to-day concerns. The next step is for you to want to do something different than what you are already doing. Give our team a call to start on a new path.
(505) 488-0544 View (505) 488-0544
Photo of Audra Hays, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Audra Hays
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Serves Area
Here to help support Teens and Adults navigate their own journey by providing support, strategies, and hope for their healing.
Here to help support Teens and Adults navigate their own journey by providing support, strategies, and hope for their healing.
(505) 405-4011 View (505) 405-4011
Photo of Laura Buell - Janus Counseling Services, Counselor, MA, LPCC
Janus Counseling Services
Counselor, MA, LPCC
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
Sometimes wounds leave scars. Often, the deepest wounds are the hardest to heal. When trauma, anxiety, depression, anger, and self-doubt surface and feel overwhelming, restoring balance becomes essential. But how do we begin? Our practice brings decades of experience in the mental health field, working side by side with clients to understand how thoughts, feelings, sensations, life experiences, and behaviors are interconnected. We walk with you through challenges to help make sense of what is happening and to find the answers you already hold deep within yourself, but sometimes struggle to access.
Sometimes wounds leave scars. Often, the deepest wounds are the hardest to heal. When trauma, anxiety, depression, anger, and self-doubt surface and feel overwhelming, restoring balance becomes essential. But how do we begin? Our practice brings decades of experience in the mental health field, working side by side with clients to understand how thoughts, feelings, sensations, life experiences, and behaviors are interconnected. We walk with you through challenges to help make sense of what is happening and to find the answers you already hold deep within yourself, but sometimes struggle to access.
(802) 995-2302 View (802) 995-2302
Andrea P Newman
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, LADAC
Serves Area
I have recently published my dissertation on Healing the Feminine for women in recovery. My focus on women was based on my own experience of not having a connection to myself, searching all my life to discover who I am and engaging in unhealthy behaviors that only perpetuated not knowing. Although I focused on womens' struggle in recovery to connect with their feminine power my dissertation relates to all women who struggle on this journey. My specialties are addictions, trauma, women's issues.
I have recently published my dissertation on Healing the Feminine for women in recovery. My focus on women was based on my own experience of not having a connection to myself, searching all my life to discover who I am and engaging in unhealthy behaviors that only perpetuated not knowing. Although I focused on womens' struggle in recovery to connect with their feminine power my dissertation relates to all women who struggle on this journey. My specialties are addictions, trauma, women's issues.
(505) 395-5532 View (505) 395-5532
Photo of Kaylynn Aragon - Encompass Counseling Services, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC
Encompass Counseling Services
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC
Serves Area
Accepting new clients online. Waitlist for in person as of May 25th. EMDR Therapy for Anxiety & Trauma- Helping You Move Beyond Feeling Stuck. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck in patterns you can’t break, or affected by past experiences that still show up in your daily life—you’re not alone. Many of the people I work with are high-functioning in their daily live & have tried to push through or make sense of things, but still feel anxious, disconnected, overwhelmed, leaving them feeling stuck. I specialize in EMDR, somatic IFS, & experiential therapies and work with adults who are ready for something deeper than just coping.
Accepting new clients online. Waitlist for in person as of May 25th. EMDR Therapy for Anxiety & Trauma- Helping You Move Beyond Feeling Stuck. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck in patterns you can’t break, or affected by past experiences that still show up in your daily life—you’re not alone. Many of the people I work with are high-functioning in their daily live & have tried to push through or make sense of things, but still feel anxious, disconnected, overwhelmed, leaving them feeling stuck. I specialize in EMDR, somatic IFS, & experiential therapies and work with adults who are ready for something deeper than just coping.
(505) 578-5102 View (505) 578-5102
Photo of Kathryn Amend, Counselor
Kathryn Amend
Counselor
Serves Area
My practice serves individuals who feel stuck in patterns they can’t quite shift—often related to anxiety, trauma, or difficult relationship experiences. Many are navigating past experiences that still show up in daily life, even if they don’t label it as “trauma.” I also work well with people who want an active, practical approach to therapy and value understanding what we are doing and why. Together, we focus on what’s getting in the way and how to move through it in a meaningful, sustainable way. Therapy is a practice—like a sport or yoga—where growth comes from repetition, showing up, and consistent engagement.
My practice serves individuals who feel stuck in patterns they can’t quite shift—often related to anxiety, trauma, or difficult relationship experiences. Many are navigating past experiences that still show up in daily life, even if they don’t label it as “trauma.” I also work well with people who want an active, practical approach to therapy and value understanding what we are doing and why. Together, we focus on what’s getting in the way and how to move through it in a meaningful, sustainable way. Therapy is a practice—like a sport or yoga—where growth comes from repetition, showing up, and consistent engagement.
(505) 578-0965 View (505) 578-0965
Photo of Jesus Hernandez-Rubio, Counselor, LMHC
Jesus Hernandez-Rubio
Counselor, LMHC
Serves Area
I work with adolescents and adults, offering individual and couples therapy to support clients facing anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, trauma, life transitions, men’s issues, and relationship challenges. I take a trauma-informed, holistic approach to therapy, integrating evidence-based practices such as Client Centered, CBT, mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, and RTM. My style is warm, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that every client has the capacity for healing and growth.
I work with adolescents and adults, offering individual and couples therapy to support clients facing anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, trauma, life transitions, men’s issues, and relationship challenges. I take a trauma-informed, holistic approach to therapy, integrating evidence-based practices such as Client Centered, CBT, mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, and RTM. My style is warm, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that every client has the capacity for healing and growth.
(505) 578-5323 View (505) 578-5323
Photo of Sardonyx Whalen, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Sardonyx Whalen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Do you need a safe, curious space to grow, changing your patterns into ones in alignment with your authentic goals? I have learned - from my personal journey, education, and work with diverse clients - paths to helping you improve your regulation and heal from trauma. I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and can incorporate EMDR into our sessions if desired, along with my eclectic approach. My background in social work and deep commitment to trauma-informed care shape my approach with you, blending attachment, gestalt, somatic, and object relations theories to best support you.
Do you need a safe, curious space to grow, changing your patterns into ones in alignment with your authentic goals? I have learned - from my personal journey, education, and work with diverse clients - paths to helping you improve your regulation and heal from trauma. I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and can incorporate EMDR into our sessions if desired, along with my eclectic approach. My background in social work and deep commitment to trauma-informed care shape my approach with you, blending attachment, gestalt, somatic, and object relations theories to best support you.
(505) 207-4946 View (505) 207-4946
Photo of Danielle Macawile - Danielle Macawile LCSW, LLC dba MindShift Wellness, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Danielle Macawile LCSW, LLC dba MindShift Wellness
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Serves Area
People seek therapy for various reasons. Sometimes a person is impacted by a specific life event/crisis. Alternately, a person may feel stuck; overwhelmed and confused realizing the way he/she has dealt with issues just hasn't seemed to work. Working together, we will engage in a collaborative learning process exploring issues bringing you to therapy. We will utilize the therapy process to cultivate greater self understanding, compassion for oneself and the ability to better navigate the twists and turns of life.
People seek therapy for various reasons. Sometimes a person is impacted by a specific life event/crisis. Alternately, a person may feel stuck; overwhelmed and confused realizing the way he/she has dealt with issues just hasn't seemed to work. Working together, we will engage in a collaborative learning process exploring issues bringing you to therapy. We will utilize the therapy process to cultivate greater self understanding, compassion for oneself and the ability to better navigate the twists and turns of life.
(505) 726-4708 View (505) 726-4708
Photo of Dr. Rosemary A Nowak, Counselor, PhD, LPCC
Dr. Rosemary A Nowak
Counselor, PhD, LPCC
Serves Area
I am accepting new clients! We are credentialed with the major insurances. I work in partnership with clients and together identify your goals for therapy. Most importantly, we will identify your strengths; explore what is working well and establish what you want to be different in your life. We will cultivate a plan to accomplish the goals that you set forth for positive change. I define my principal approach to counseling as Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness based, Positive Psychology, Trauma Informed, Client-centered, Narrative (Talk) Therapy, while I also enjoy the practical nature of Brief, Solution-Focused Therapy.
I am accepting new clients! We are credentialed with the major insurances. I work in partnership with clients and together identify your goals for therapy. Most importantly, we will identify your strengths; explore what is working well and establish what you want to be different in your life. We will cultivate a plan to accomplish the goals that you set forth for positive change. I define my principal approach to counseling as Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness based, Positive Psychology, Trauma Informed, Client-centered, Narrative (Talk) Therapy, while I also enjoy the practical nature of Brief, Solution-Focused Therapy.
(505) 337-3142 View (505) 337-3142
Photo of Dominic J Cagliostro - Tree Frog Adolescent and Family Counseling, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW, LADAC
Tree Frog Adolescent and Family Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW, LADAC
Serves Area
Tree Frog's mission is to provide a secure, clean, comfortable and accepting environment for Adolescents and their family's to explore their; substance use/co-occurring disorders, and mood instability. Our services are individual family focused based on principles of individual capacity for recovery and resiliency. Tree Frog embraces and celebrates different cultures and cultural healing traditions and practices and promotes a recovery process whereby people with serious mental illnesses and//or substance use and domestic abuse issues can live fulfilling, autonomous lives.
Tree Frog's mission is to provide a secure, clean, comfortable and accepting environment for Adolescents and their family's to explore their; substance use/co-occurring disorders, and mood instability. Our services are individual family focused based on principles of individual capacity for recovery and resiliency. Tree Frog embraces and celebrates different cultures and cultural healing traditions and practices and promotes a recovery process whereby people with serious mental illnesses and//or substance use and domestic abuse issues can live fulfilling, autonomous lives.
(505) 588-5685 View (505) 588-5685
Photo of Kandi Collier, Counselor, MA, LPCC
Kandi Collier
Counselor, MA, LPCC
Serves Area
Please note: Currently I only have two telehealth session available at either 1pm or 2pm on Tuesdays... I work with my clients to understand their concerns holistically and to help find solutions that will improve their lives. I have experience with adults and teens going through life transitions, anxiety, depression, anger, self-esteem, grief, job transitions, relationship issues, pet bereavement, trauma and managing chronic pain.
Please note: Currently I only have two telehealth session available at either 1pm or 2pm on Tuesdays... I work with my clients to understand their concerns holistically and to help find solutions that will improve their lives. I have experience with adults and teens going through life transitions, anxiety, depression, anger, self-esteem, grief, job transitions, relationship issues, pet bereavement, trauma and managing chronic pain.
(505) 436-3199 View (505) 436-3199

How does your Therapist compare?

Number of Therapists in Bear Canyon, Albuquerque, NM

40+

Average cost per session

$125

Therapists in Bear Canyon, Albuquerque, NM who prioritize treating:

90% Depression
90% Anxiety
90% Social Anxiety
90% Health Anxiety
90% Driving Anxiety
83% Self Esteem
78% Trauma and PTSD

Average years in practice

13 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

89% BlueCross and BlueShield
89% Presbyterian
78% Medicaid

How Therapists in Bear Canyon, Albuquerque, NM see their clients

72% In Person and Online
28% Online Only

Gender breakdown

79% Female
16% Male
5% Non-Binary
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling

How can I find a therapist in Bear Canyon?

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.