Therapists in Lakewood, CO

Photo of Samantha Sandgren, Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate in Lakewood, CO
Samantha Sandgren
Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
Lakewood, CO 80226
Waitlist for new clients
Tired of feeling like you are at your breaking point? Worried about the relationships in your life? By working together, we can explore the connection between past and present, learn how to manage stress, anxiety, and other challenging emotions, and create new ways of connecting with ourselves and loved ones. I guide my clients in developing a stronger mind-body connection with increased compassion and self-awareness. Furthermore, I am passionate about assisting older teens and young adults in making the transition into the adults they aspire to be.
Tired of feeling like you are at your breaking point? Worried about the relationships in your life? By working together, we can explore the connection between past and present, learn how to manage stress, anxiety, and other challenging emotions, and create new ways of connecting with ourselves and loved ones. I guide my clients in developing a stronger mind-body connection with increased compassion and self-awareness. Furthermore, I am passionate about assisting older teens and young adults in making the transition into the adults they aspire to be.
(303) 529-1303 View (303) 529-1303
Photo of Amanda Etienne, Psychologist in Lakewood, CO
Amanda Etienne
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lakewood, CO 80226  (Online Only)
You may be feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, and anxious. You may go between feeling emotionally overwhelmed and shut down. I’m Amanda, and I work with emotionally sensitive individuals struggling with trauma, overwhelming emotions and anxiety to help them to reach long-term healing. By helping them to better understand the impacts of past experiences and to engage in values-aligned action, I help motivated individuals, who often have histories of trauma, grief, and substance abuse, move toward a richer and more fulfilling life. Together, we will work to compassionately identify the hurdles you are facing and create a life you value.
You may be feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, and anxious. You may go between feeling emotionally overwhelmed and shut down. I’m Amanda, and I work with emotionally sensitive individuals struggling with trauma, overwhelming emotions and anxiety to help them to reach long-term healing. By helping them to better understand the impacts of past experiences and to engage in values-aligned action, I help motivated individuals, who often have histories of trauma, grief, and substance abuse, move toward a richer and more fulfilling life. Together, we will work to compassionately identify the hurdles you are facing and create a life you value.
(332) 378-5924 View (332) 378-5924
Photo of Megan Cullen, Licensed Professional Counselor in Lakewood, CO
Megan Cullen
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MSEd
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Lakewood, CO 80401
Not accepting new clients
Sometimes, folx are concerned that their therapist is going to make them lie on a couch while they say nondescript and cryptic things like "hmmm" and "I see" and "how does that make you feel?" While I do ask the last question, I can promise that my client work is not that of the 1920s. I believe that you are the best expert on yourself and my role as your therapist is to help you uncover what you already know and put it into action. Reaching out to a therapist can be scary, but I hope you'll take that moment - perhaps after a few deep breaths - to give it a shot.
Sometimes, folx are concerned that their therapist is going to make them lie on a couch while they say nondescript and cryptic things like "hmmm" and "I see" and "how does that make you feel?" While I do ask the last question, I can promise that my client work is not that of the 1920s. I believe that you are the best expert on yourself and my role as your therapist is to help you uncover what you already know and put it into action. Reaching out to a therapist can be scary, but I hope you'll take that moment - perhaps after a few deep breaths - to give it a shot.
(720) 571-4423 View (720) 571-4423
Photo of Beatriz Chong, Counselor in Lakewood, CO
Beatriz Chong
Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Lakewood, CO 80232
Hoping to share space with QTBIPOC folks and support in processing past and present experiences that may be challenging to hold. I tend to veer away from a medical approach with an emphasis on diagnoses, and rather work to support folks in deepening their understanding of self and others, while exploring how to live in ways that feel meaningful.
Hoping to share space with QTBIPOC folks and support in processing past and present experiences that may be challenging to hold. I tend to veer away from a medical approach with an emphasis on diagnoses, and rather work to support folks in deepening their understanding of self and others, while exploring how to live in ways that feel meaningful.
(720) 821-7134 View (720) 821-7134
Photo of Alex Creech, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lakewood, CO
Alex Creech
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW, MPM
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lakewood, CO 80228
My mission is to simply make a bigger impact on a broader scale - in many instances this all begins on an individual level. My goal is to asses and collaborate with my clients on what is their desired outcome, then reverse engineer that into actionable steps to close the gap from where we are to where we want to be.
My mission is to simply make a bigger impact on a broader scale - in many instances this all begins on an individual level. My goal is to asses and collaborate with my clients on what is their desired outcome, then reverse engineer that into actionable steps to close the gap from where we are to where we want to be.
(720) 782-6704 View (720) 782-6704
Photo of A Better Marriage And Family Clinic, Psychologist in Lakewood, CO
A Better Marriage And Family Clinic
Psychologist, EdD
Verified Verified
Lakewood, CO 80228
I'm a Relationship Enrichment Specialist. 45+ years of experience will assist you with couplehood, mood, confidence, friendships and work interactions. Enhance your current romance or clarify if it's the right one. Improve your selection of intimate candidates and rapidly build the best ways to deal with each. I customize evidence based therapies for each client's goals and personality. I've creatively honed my numerous tactics in couples, individual, 2 ongoing personalized therapy groups plus my creation of the Structured Marital Therapy SMT approach. This highly effective system merges the work of Hendrix, Gottman and Real.
I'm a Relationship Enrichment Specialist. 45+ years of experience will assist you with couplehood, mood, confidence, friendships and work interactions. Enhance your current romance or clarify if it's the right one. Improve your selection of intimate candidates and rapidly build the best ways to deal with each. I customize evidence based therapies for each client's goals and personality. I've creatively honed my numerous tactics in couples, individual, 2 ongoing personalized therapy groups plus my creation of the Structured Marital Therapy SMT approach. This highly effective system merges the work of Hendrix, Gottman and Real.
(303) 320-5621 View (303) 320-5621
Photo of Lisa Kish-Pittman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lakewood, CO
Lisa Kish-Pittman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Lakewood, CO 80033
People coming to therapy are carrying their own strengths and solutions. It's an honor to partner with clients who are open to doing the hard work and trusting me to guide them through their process. I use a variety of evidence-based approaches, delivered in a gentle, warm, and focused manner.
People coming to therapy are carrying their own strengths and solutions. It's an honor to partner with clients who are open to doing the hard work and trusting me to guide them through their process. I use a variety of evidence-based approaches, delivered in a gentle, warm, and focused manner.
(970) 649-4627 View (970) 649-4627
Photo of Jennifer Helton-Davis, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lakewood, CO
Jennifer Helton-Davis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Lakewood, CO 80227
Waitlist for new clients
Hello there! I am a dedicated, compassionate professional with 28 years of experience providing therapy to clients of all stages of life. My current practice focus is on Adults and Older Adults. My passion is working with individuals to maximize strengths and supports in coping with life's challenges. My focus is supporting Older Adults in adjustment to loss of independence and shifting roles, coping with chronic illness, physical decline, and dementia. I recognize and respect the challenges faced by family members and caregivers of aging loved ones, and am committed to providing support and education to include all involved.
Hello there! I am a dedicated, compassionate professional with 28 years of experience providing therapy to clients of all stages of life. My current practice focus is on Adults and Older Adults. My passion is working with individuals to maximize strengths and supports in coping with life's challenges. My focus is supporting Older Adults in adjustment to loss of independence and shifting roles, coping with chronic illness, physical decline, and dementia. I recognize and respect the challenges faced by family members and caregivers of aging loved ones, and am committed to providing support and education to include all involved.
(720) 943-8024 View (720) 943-8024
Photo of Sydney Rowley, LPC Intern in Lakewood, CO
Sydney Rowley
LPC Intern
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lakewood, CO 80228
Do you struggle with everyday life stressors? Do they sometimes build until you feel you cannot handle them anymore? Do you find yourself triggered by something from your past? People tend to face a multitude of stressors in this fast-paced, growing world and struggle to take a step back and connect with their inner Self. Anxiety, depression, addiction, and traumatic responses can often show up as one grapples with how to cope. Life should feel fulfilling, present, and grounded. Everyone's journey is not the same and identifying skills specifically for you to find acceptance and wellness through life can be difficult to do alone.
Do you struggle with everyday life stressors? Do they sometimes build until you feel you cannot handle them anymore? Do you find yourself triggered by something from your past? People tend to face a multitude of stressors in this fast-paced, growing world and struggle to take a step back and connect with their inner Self. Anxiety, depression, addiction, and traumatic responses can often show up as one grapples with how to cope. Life should feel fulfilling, present, and grounded. Everyone's journey is not the same and identifying skills specifically for you to find acceptance and wellness through life can be difficult to do alone.
(720) 927-8393 View (720) 927-8393
Photo of Kim Novak, Licensed Professional Counselor in Lakewood, CO
Kim Novak
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LMFT, LPC
Verified Verified
Lakewood, CO 80228
Are you stressed, anxious, depressed, experiencing grief/loss, fighting with your spouse, battling with your kids, or going through major life transitions? Now is the time to make changes. It's never too late. There's always room to grow. There is hope.
Are you stressed, anxious, depressed, experiencing grief/loss, fighting with your spouse, battling with your kids, or going through major life transitions? Now is the time to make changes. It's never too late. There's always room to grow. There is hope.
(720) 316-0308 View (720) 316-0308
Photo of Higher Sights Counseling (Accepting New Clients!), Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lakewood, CO
Higher Sights Counseling (Accepting New Clients!)
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lakewood, CO 80215
We Are Accepting New Clients! Immediate Openings at Our Practice > Book through website in bio! Are you stuck? Do you feel like you have tried multiple approaches, yet your life is not where you want it to be? Are you and your partner struggling to communicate and considering separation, or has there been a betrayal? Imagine what it would feel like to not worry. To make choices that leave you feeling happy and confident. To have the relationship you dreamed of having. I can help you change the patterns in your life that leave you feeling lost and alone. A better, happier life starts now.
We Are Accepting New Clients! Immediate Openings at Our Practice > Book through website in bio! Are you stuck? Do you feel like you have tried multiple approaches, yet your life is not where you want it to be? Are you and your partner struggling to communicate and considering separation, or has there been a betrayal? Imagine what it would feel like to not worry. To make choices that leave you feeling happy and confident. To have the relationship you dreamed of having. I can help you change the patterns in your life that leave you feeling lost and alone. A better, happier life starts now.
(720) 340-5881 View (720) 340-5881
Photo of Kathleen Widlund, Licensed Professional Counselor in Lakewood, CO
Kathleen Widlund
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lakewood, CO 80215
I work with adults, adolescents, and couples struggling with a range of issues including depression, anxiety, bipolar, grief, loss, and relationship challenges. I am available Monday through Friday daytime hours with some evening sessions. I offer in-person sessions from my Lakewood office, as well as teletherapy sessions. I draw from cognitive behavioral therapies, psychodynamic, and client centered approaches to support clients.
I work with adults, adolescents, and couples struggling with a range of issues including depression, anxiety, bipolar, grief, loss, and relationship challenges. I am available Monday through Friday daytime hours with some evening sessions. I offer in-person sessions from my Lakewood office, as well as teletherapy sessions. I draw from cognitive behavioral therapies, psychodynamic, and client centered approaches to support clients.
(720) 664-9239 View (720) 664-9239
Photo of Alisha Hendrix, Licensed Professional Counselor in Lakewood, CO
Alisha Hendrix
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lakewood, CO 80215
Schedule now through my website in my bio! A therapeutic relationship is truly one of a kind. I strive to create a collaborative environment where my clients can explore their internal world with grace. I am not the expert on the lives of my clients nor do I expect them to have all the answers regarding why they do the things they do, what function certain behaviors serve, or identify what an emotional consequence resulted from any number of situations. I strive to promote self-care, self-compassion, and a sense of curiosity. I am a trauma therapist and have adopted a rather broad definition of trauma.
Schedule now through my website in my bio! A therapeutic relationship is truly one of a kind. I strive to create a collaborative environment where my clients can explore their internal world with grace. I am not the expert on the lives of my clients nor do I expect them to have all the answers regarding why they do the things they do, what function certain behaviors serve, or identify what an emotional consequence resulted from any number of situations. I strive to promote self-care, self-compassion, and a sense of curiosity. I am a trauma therapist and have adopted a rather broad definition of trauma.
(720) 706-7811 View (720) 706-7811
Photo of Laura Fey, Licensed Professional Counselor in Lakewood, CO
Laura Fey
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, ATR-P
Verified Verified
Lakewood, CO 80228
Waitlist for new clients
Are you feeling stuck? Is there part of you that may be ready for something different, but not sure what that is? Wherever you are on your life’s journey, you don’t have to go through it alone. Therapy can be a supportive tool in working through and transforming challenges, so that you can move towards a feeling of wholeness and find genuine connection with self & others. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma or difficult life transitions, I offer a non-judgmental space for you to explore & process your experiences. Together, we can collaboratively work towards your goals.
Are you feeling stuck? Is there part of you that may be ready for something different, but not sure what that is? Wherever you are on your life’s journey, you don’t have to go through it alone. Therapy can be a supportive tool in working through and transforming challenges, so that you can move towards a feeling of wholeness and find genuine connection with self & others. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma or difficult life transitions, I offer a non-judgmental space for you to explore & process your experiences. Together, we can collaboratively work towards your goals.
(720) 594-5312 View (720) 594-5312
Photo of Jillian Diamond, Psychologist in Lakewood, CO
Jillian Diamond
Psychologist
Verified Verified
Lakewood, CO 80228  (Online Only)
Does your child or teen seem stressed? Do they hide in their room, shut down when you try to talk to them, or have a "short fuse?" Do you wish they had an outlet for all of those feelings and the tools to manage them? Or maybe you just want to better understand your child and their needs. Therapy can help! Building a trusting relationship with a licensed and experienced psychologist can help your child to learn the skills they need to manage their feelings or other stressors. We will work together to understand the problem, set goals to clarify the path ahead, and start the journey towards hope, growth, and joy.
Does your child or teen seem stressed? Do they hide in their room, shut down when you try to talk to them, or have a "short fuse?" Do you wish they had an outlet for all of those feelings and the tools to manage them? Or maybe you just want to better understand your child and their needs. Therapy can help! Building a trusting relationship with a licensed and experienced psychologist can help your child to learn the skills they need to manage their feelings or other stressors. We will work together to understand the problem, set goals to clarify the path ahead, and start the journey towards hope, growth, and joy.
(720) 740-3878 View (720) 740-3878
Photo of Alexis Jennings, Pre-Licensed Professional in Lakewood, CO
Alexis Jennings
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lakewood, CO 80226  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Hi! I’m Lexi, an Emotionally Focused Therapy trained, clinical intern from University of Colorado, Denver who believes in the power of vulnerability, emotion, and self-compassion. Seeking couples/ relationship therapy? Through our sessions together, we will deepen the understanding of “self” and strengthen the bond(s) between you and your partner(s). Seeking individual therapy? Acknowledging the patterns that keep us feeling “stuck” and working through difficult emotions impact our ability to grow and change.
Hi! I’m Lexi, an Emotionally Focused Therapy trained, clinical intern from University of Colorado, Denver who believes in the power of vulnerability, emotion, and self-compassion. Seeking couples/ relationship therapy? Through our sessions together, we will deepen the understanding of “self” and strengthen the bond(s) between you and your partner(s). Seeking individual therapy? Acknowledging the patterns that keep us feeling “stuck” and working through difficult emotions impact our ability to grow and change.
(720) 759-3513 View (720) 759-3513
Photo of Jamie Woelk (E-M-D-R Trained), Counselor in Lakewood, CO
Jamie Woelk (E-M-D-R Trained)
Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lakewood, CO 80215
Schedule online instantly through my website link in my bio! Sometimes you just need to be deeply seen and heard with compassion, acceptance, and empathy. Compassion might not feel like enough, though. Sometimes you’ll want more active help sorting through some of the burdens you’re carrying. I’ll ask questions, offer alternative ways of looking at things, point out and question some of your assumptions, and sometimes suggest resources or strategies.
Schedule online instantly through my website link in my bio! Sometimes you just need to be deeply seen and heard with compassion, acceptance, and empathy. Compassion might not feel like enough, though. Sometimes you’ll want more active help sorting through some of the burdens you’re carrying. I’ll ask questions, offer alternative ways of looking at things, point out and question some of your assumptions, and sometimes suggest resources or strategies.
(720) 580-6187 View (720) 580-6187
Photo of Christine Pardos, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lakewood, CO
Christine Pardos
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lakewood, CO 80226  (Online Only)
Have you been looking for a supportive and warm space to explore personal growth, identify unhelpful patterns, or to work through stressors? Have you found yourself unable to fully engage in your relationships, your responsibilities, or your passions in the ways you want? Or, do you ever feel stuck in a memory, a negative thought, or a feeling? My goal is for us to work together to overcome these barriers so you can live a fulfilling life with a restored sense of strength, hope, and empowerment.
Have you been looking for a supportive and warm space to explore personal growth, identify unhelpful patterns, or to work through stressors? Have you found yourself unable to fully engage in your relationships, your responsibilities, or your passions in the ways you want? Or, do you ever feel stuck in a memory, a negative thought, or a feeling? My goal is for us to work together to overcome these barriers so you can live a fulfilling life with a restored sense of strength, hope, and empowerment.
(720) 868-9275 View (720) 868-9275
Photo of Holly Corbin, Pre-Licensed Professional in Lakewood, CO
Holly Corbin
Pre-Licensed Professional, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lakewood, CO 80214
Hi there. If you've found yourself Googling, "What does burnout look like?", odds are you're having feelings of exhaustion that go beyond what a quick nap will fix. We are constantly inundated with ideas of what "self care," looks like, but what exactly does that mean and how do you employ it? Burnout can be addressed effectively through a a combination of strategies, but it's difficult to get there yourself. If you are in a place where you feel that you would like focus on the practical aspects of wellness, balance and healing in your life Bluebonnet and I would love to meet you.
Hi there. If you've found yourself Googling, "What does burnout look like?", odds are you're having feelings of exhaustion that go beyond what a quick nap will fix. We are constantly inundated with ideas of what "self care," looks like, but what exactly does that mean and how do you employ it? Burnout can be addressed effectively through a a combination of strategies, but it's difficult to get there yourself. If you are in a place where you feel that you would like focus on the practical aspects of wellness, balance and healing in your life Bluebonnet and I would love to meet you.
(303) 835-9430 View (303) 835-9430
Photo of Chaya M Abrams, Licensed Professional Counselor in Lakewood, CO
Chaya M Abrams
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, LAC
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Lakewood, CO 80226
Looking for a therapeutic or supervisory experience that is empowering and impactful? I'd be honored to help. Providing services that embrace humanity in a supportive environment is central to my practice. Whether you seek psychotherapy or clinical supervision/consultation, I offer a compassionate place to land. I treat several presenting clinical concerns such as historical, transgenerational, and religious/cultural trauma, and PTSD. I also provide clinical supervision toward LPC/LAC licensure, post-licensure consultation, DORA Practice Monitoring, and organizational consultation.
Looking for a therapeutic or supervisory experience that is empowering and impactful? I'd be honored to help. Providing services that embrace humanity in a supportive environment is central to my practice. Whether you seek psychotherapy or clinical supervision/consultation, I offer a compassionate place to land. I treat several presenting clinical concerns such as historical, transgenerational, and religious/cultural trauma, and PTSD. I also provide clinical supervision toward LPC/LAC licensure, post-licensure consultation, DORA Practice Monitoring, and organizational consultation.
(303) 622-5253 View (303) 622-5253

How does your Therapist compare?

Number of Therapists in Lakewood, CO

700+

Average cost per session

$140

Therapists in Lakewood, CO who prioritize treating:

94% Anxiety
88% Depression
79% Trauma and PTSD
78% Self Esteem
77% Relationship Issues
73% Stress
71% Coping Skills

Average years in practice

10 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

78% Aetna
72% Cigna and Evernorth
72% UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH

How Therapists in Lakewood, CO see their clients

80% In Person and Online
20% Online Only

Gender breakdown

81% Female
17% Male
2% Non-Binary
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling

How can I find a therapist in Lakewood?

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.