Therapists in Portland, OR
![Photo of Georgianna Olson, LPC , Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5a7b67c5-0b9e-4232-8338-9b419d74fc7e/1/320x400.png)
Hello, my name is Georgianna Olson, and I also go by my nickname Georgi. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Oregon. I believe in person centered therapy and meeting people where they are at in their recovery. I believe that the people I serve are people first and can have the ability to change the direction of their lives in their recovery. I employ an eclectic approach to counseling with a strong dependence on Person Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Cognitive Processing Therapy.
Hello, my name is Georgianna Olson, and I also go by my nickname Georgi. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Oregon. I believe in person centered therapy and meeting people where they are at in their recovery. I believe that the people I serve are people first and can have the ability to change the direction of their lives in their recovery. I employ an eclectic approach to counseling with a strong dependence on Person Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Cognitive Processing Therapy.
![Photo of Nick Vaske, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/07f409ce-0ac9-46fb-be8d-2ca3d08b775c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Nick Vaske
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97214
Waitlist for new clients
There are multiple approaches we can take to therapy together, whether that is dealing with stressors in the present or processing difficult or traumatic events from the past. We can work to develop better insight and self-compassion, set boundaries and develop healthier relationships, or unpack privilege and learn to be a better ally. I am comfortable and knowledgeable about topics relating to gender, sexuality, sex positivity, poly/non-monogamy, and intersections of identity. I also offer assessment and letters of support to folx seeking gender-affirming medical care, and will bill insurance or offer a sliding scale or pro-bono.
There are multiple approaches we can take to therapy together, whether that is dealing with stressors in the present or processing difficult or traumatic events from the past. We can work to develop better insight and self-compassion, set boundaries and develop healthier relationships, or unpack privilege and learn to be a better ally. I am comfortable and knowledgeable about topics relating to gender, sexuality, sex positivity, poly/non-monogamy, and intersections of identity. I also offer assessment and letters of support to folx seeking gender-affirming medical care, and will bill insurance or offer a sliding scale or pro-bono.
![Photo of Headlight Beaverton - Headlight / Beaverton](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e5f50fbb-dfc1-455f-97eb-3eb9d29804a8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Headlight is proud to offer Portland, OR a full circle of mental health care services, including therapy, coaching, support groups, medication management, and an online library of self-care resources. We make world-class mental health care accessible for everyone!
Headlight is proud to offer Portland, OR a full circle of mental health care services, including therapy, coaching, support groups, medication management, and an online library of self-care resources. We make world-class mental health care accessible for everyone!
![Photo of Kristen Peterca, LPC, EMDR, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49d3c40e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kristen Peterca
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, EMDR
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97239
Waitlist for new clients
We all experience emotional pain at times. It arises when we are lacking safety, security, support or a sense that we have the ability to live the life we desire. Sometimes this is short-lived, other times it is significant and has a lasting impact on us, leaving us feeling stuck and triggered no matter what we do. If this is your case, maybe I can help. I have over 18 years experience in evidenced-based, trauma-informed therapies that help treat issues like PTSD, anxiety, depression, relationship problems and stress. My goal is to address the root issue so that your time spent in therapy is most transformative and beneficial.
We all experience emotional pain at times. It arises when we are lacking safety, security, support or a sense that we have the ability to live the life we desire. Sometimes this is short-lived, other times it is significant and has a lasting impact on us, leaving us feeling stuck and triggered no matter what we do. If this is your case, maybe I can help. I have over 18 years experience in evidenced-based, trauma-informed therapies that help treat issues like PTSD, anxiety, depression, relationship problems and stress. My goal is to address the root issue so that your time spent in therapy is most transformative and beneficial.
![Photo of Silvia Gozzini, LMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5124b39b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I once saw the term "Survival of the Attached"- indeed, no person is an island, we all live in realtionship to others and our partner/spouse/co-parent can be the one person who is most upsetting to us and the one we can experience the deepest healing with. You deserve a secure, thriving, joyful relationship, one were you know exactly how to care for each other! I welcome folks from all walks of life and social locations. I specialize in transnationals: expats, mixed- citizenship status couples/families, "home" seekers, and those straddling many cultures.
I once saw the term "Survival of the Attached"- indeed, no person is an island, we all live in realtionship to others and our partner/spouse/co-parent can be the one person who is most upsetting to us and the one we can experience the deepest healing with. You deserve a secure, thriving, joyful relationship, one were you know exactly how to care for each other! I welcome folks from all walks of life and social locations. I specialize in transnationals: expats, mixed- citizenship status couples/families, "home" seekers, and those straddling many cultures.
![Photo of Becca Stock, LPC, CADCIII, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a5280a91-fe1e-4be3-b067-d66f09b0f58c/2/320x400.jpeg)
I work with people feeling overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, trauma, or behaviors like substance use that once helped but now feel like part of the problem. Many of my clients say, 'I just want to feel like myself again,' or, 'I’m tired of feeling stuck.' Together, we explore the pain and patterns behind these struggles to create new ways of coping and reconnect with your resilience. Whether it’s emotions or habits holding you back, my goal is to help you build a life that feels authentic, grounded, and manageable.
I work with people feeling overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, trauma, or behaviors like substance use that once helped but now feel like part of the problem. Many of my clients say, 'I just want to feel like myself again,' or, 'I’m tired of feeling stuck.' Together, we explore the pain and patterns behind these struggles to create new ways of coping and reconnect with your resilience. Whether it’s emotions or habits holding you back, my goal is to help you build a life that feels authentic, grounded, and manageable.
![Photo of Chelsea Carter, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e6d8cfe1-8b09-4951-9ee2-537f1ce7b73c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Chelsea Carter
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97202
Not accepting new clients
I work with clients who often feel stuck and unfilled in their personal lives and intimate relationships. I support people who feel like something is missing - a situation or experience that would provide excitement, relief, comfort, or joy. I also see people who feel overwhelmed and burdened by responsibilities. Feeling fatigued and unsatisfied can be hard, especially when we feel alone. I believe healing occurs when we are joined in our experience. I provide clients with a safe, supportive environment where they can share how they feel.
I work with clients who often feel stuck and unfilled in their personal lives and intimate relationships. I support people who feel like something is missing - a situation or experience that would provide excitement, relief, comfort, or joy. I also see people who feel overwhelmed and burdened by responsibilities. Feeling fatigued and unsatisfied can be hard, especially when we feel alone. I believe healing occurs when we are joined in our experience. I provide clients with a safe, supportive environment where they can share how they feel.
![Photo of Amanda McLean, LCSW, PMHC, CMHS, ASDCS, ADHDCCS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40fd14f4-5b73-455d-b598-a4c2029f71dd/2/320x400.jpeg)
Amanda McLean
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PMHC, CMHS, ASDCS, ADHDCCS
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97213
You’ve grown up wondering if you’re weird, wrong, or at fault. You feel like you don’t align with your family, your assigned gender, or traditional relationships. You wonder if you speak the same language as others in your world. You’ve tried to fit in, get things done, and meet others’ standards, but have always felt like you’re missing the mark. You feel stuck, like everyone else knows something you don’t. Now, you want guidance, support, and a deeper understanding of yourself and your ideal life.
You’ve grown up wondering if you’re weird, wrong, or at fault. You feel like you don’t align with your family, your assigned gender, or traditional relationships. You wonder if you speak the same language as others in your world. You’ve tried to fit in, get things done, and meet others’ standards, but have always felt like you’re missing the mark. You feel stuck, like everyone else knows something you don’t. Now, you want guidance, support, and a deeper understanding of yourself and your ideal life.
![Photo of Martin Ciocca Vasino, MA, LPC, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1cfead87-74d2-4658-ad3c-9d833feb68ff/1/320x400.png)
Hello and welcome, I am so glad you are here! My name is Martin and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. My life experiences have left me with particular interest in working alongside individuals with depression, anxiety, adhd, those going through life transitions, LGBTQIA2S+ individuals, and supporting people who have experienced trauma.
Hello and welcome, I am so glad you are here! My name is Martin and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. My life experiences have left me with particular interest in working alongside individuals with depression, anxiety, adhd, those going through life transitions, LGBTQIA2S+ individuals, and supporting people who have experienced trauma.
![Photo of Jill Shealy, MA, NCC, LPCA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d8635887-ba1c-44d7-a751-76e640c9dfa1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jill Shealy
Professional Counselor Associate, MA, NCC, LPCA
Verified Verified
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
I believe that there is a unique path to well-being for each person. I honor that belief by embracing an eclectic counseling style and by meeting the individual needs of each client. I believe that making small changes can have ripple effects which improve mental health in unforeseen ways. I feel that being willing to look within and change is one of the hardest and bravest things that people can do. I consider it an honor that my clients ask me to join them on their journey to wellness.
I believe that there is a unique path to well-being for each person. I honor that belief by embracing an eclectic counseling style and by meeting the individual needs of each client. I believe that making small changes can have ripple effects which improve mental health in unforeseen ways. I feel that being willing to look within and change is one of the hardest and bravest things that people can do. I consider it an honor that my clients ask me to join them on their journey to wellness.
![Photo of Allison Strausberg, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/250ad670-592d-47f9-bc09-d4d6e23601d5/2/320x400.png)
I work with individual adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, major life transitions, grief, and relationship issues. I find that most people who come to see me are longing for a sense of inner peace, personal agency, and meaningful connections. My focus is on creating a safe and authentic space in which you can explore your truth and learn how to live a life that resonates deeply with your dreams and values.
I work with individual adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, major life transitions, grief, and relationship issues. I find that most people who come to see me are longing for a sense of inner peace, personal agency, and meaningful connections. My focus is on creating a safe and authentic space in which you can explore your truth and learn how to live a life that resonates deeply with your dreams and values.
15 Second Videos
![Photo of Amanda Genus, LCSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fdad15e3-18d7-4a6d-8e79-16cef916a406/2/320x400.jpeg)
Start. Restore. Heal. I would like to assist you with gaining control over your life through building positive coping strategies to help you address current psychosocial adaptations and poor coping skills. My focus will help you to reduce your mental health symptoms by developing healthy life choices, positive coping skills, and improved self image. I can assist you in building positive relationships and connections. I am currently providing Telehealth therapeutic services for individuals, couples and families, seeking therapeutic support.
Start. Restore. Heal. I would like to assist you with gaining control over your life through building positive coping strategies to help you address current psychosocial adaptations and poor coping skills. My focus will help you to reduce your mental health symptoms by developing healthy life choices, positive coping skills, and improved self image. I can assist you in building positive relationships and connections. I am currently providing Telehealth therapeutic services for individuals, couples and families, seeking therapeutic support.
![Photo of Björn Bergström, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ce79fc0-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/6/320x400.jpeg)
In my work with you, I will focus on finding creative solutions to your unmet life-needs. I work with individuals needing help with Anxiety Disorders, Couples Counseling, ADHD and Gifted populations and more. My clients consistently describe me as warm, interactive, compassionate, and effective. My approach is practical, solutions-focused, highlighting both your strengths and growth areas for more adaptive living. Your treatment will include evidence-based treatments that are efficient and effective, such as: CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy), Exposure Therapy and Biofeedback.
In my work with you, I will focus on finding creative solutions to your unmet life-needs. I work with individuals needing help with Anxiety Disorders, Couples Counseling, ADHD and Gifted populations and more. My clients consistently describe me as warm, interactive, compassionate, and effective. My approach is practical, solutions-focused, highlighting both your strengths and growth areas for more adaptive living. Your treatment will include evidence-based treatments that are efficient and effective, such as: CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy), Exposure Therapy and Biofeedback.
![Photo of Dr. John W. Reiman, PhD, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/02c4e507-439a-4a17-8c9f-cce70d4340e0/2/320x400.jpeg)
My ideal client has a life-long habit of being a ruthless self critic - unkind and even cruel to self. Self-compassion is the extending of kindness, care, warmth, and understanding (instead of beratement and criticism) toward yourself when faced with shortcomings, inadequacies, or failures. Self-compassion is the positive care and nurturing you offer yourself when you make mistakes, embarrass yourself, or come up short of a goal you were hoping to achieve. Having self-compassion means honoring and accepting your own essential humanity. Self-compassion is having grace for oneself. Sound like an impossibly high bar? It's not!
My ideal client has a life-long habit of being a ruthless self critic - unkind and even cruel to self. Self-compassion is the extending of kindness, care, warmth, and understanding (instead of beratement and criticism) toward yourself when faced with shortcomings, inadequacies, or failures. Self-compassion is the positive care and nurturing you offer yourself when you make mistakes, embarrass yourself, or come up short of a goal you were hoping to achieve. Having self-compassion means honoring and accepting your own essential humanity. Self-compassion is having grace for oneself. Sound like an impossibly high bar? It's not!
![Photo of Mary Chakhtoura, MSW, QMHP](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3047f7a5-c411-4a2c-b6c2-43043cfdf143/1/320x400.jpeg)
Mary Chakhtoura, CSWA Mary Chakhtoura is a Certified Social Worker Associate in Oregon who has been practicing since 2021. She has a BA Humanities degree and a Master of Social Work degree. Mary helps clients by understanding that they are so much more than their problems and that none of us exist in a vacuum. Mary helps clients become their own therapists by learning about the relationships between thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Clients will learn to identify the cultural factors, core beliefs, assumptions, and dysfunctional automatic thoughts that are contributing to their problems.
Mary Chakhtoura, CSWA Mary Chakhtoura is a Certified Social Worker Associate in Oregon who has been practicing since 2021. She has a BA Humanities degree and a Master of Social Work degree. Mary helps clients by understanding that they are so much more than their problems and that none of us exist in a vacuum. Mary helps clients become their own therapists by learning about the relationships between thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Clients will learn to identify the cultural factors, core beliefs, assumptions, and dysfunctional automatic thoughts that are contributing to their problems.
![Photo of Erin McCall, MEd, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/00bb3e68-2063-472c-88c5-77fea5440167/1/320x400.jpeg)
My therapy approach is client centered focusing on choice, strengths and exploration. I am committed to helping children work through issues such as anxiety, transitions, emotional regulation, peer relationships, family conflict and self-esteem. I work primarily with children and adolescents using play, art, sand tray and expressive art therapy interventions. I work closely with families who wish to strengthen their child/parent relationship to help better understand the dynamics that make up a family system. I also work with adoptees and LGBTQ+ youth who struggle with identity issues and help them learn more about who they are.
My therapy approach is client centered focusing on choice, strengths and exploration. I am committed to helping children work through issues such as anxiety, transitions, emotional regulation, peer relationships, family conflict and self-esteem. I work primarily with children and adolescents using play, art, sand tray and expressive art therapy interventions. I work closely with families who wish to strengthen their child/parent relationship to help better understand the dynamics that make up a family system. I also work with adoptees and LGBTQ+ youth who struggle with identity issues and help them learn more about who they are.
![Photo of Michael D. Jolliffe, MS](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ecf624f3-965c-4fd0-b7ef-919053eeecc7/2/320x400.jpeg)
All people seek happiness and wish to avoid suffering and that all people have the right to pursue joy and freedom from pain. I believe that all people are capable of bringing constructive change into their lives, whatever their present circumstances. I view my job as providing a welcoming, supportive, safe, socially just, and competent space in which positive change can occur.
All people seek happiness and wish to avoid suffering and that all people have the right to pursue joy and freedom from pain. I believe that all people are capable of bringing constructive change into their lives, whatever their present circumstances. I view my job as providing a welcoming, supportive, safe, socially just, and competent space in which positive change can occur.
I prefer to meet with people in person. OK, I am willing to connect virtually and I do that about 30% of the time. After 40 years of experience with no plan for stoppage, I humbly invite individuals into an exploration. Let's talk about the desire of your dopamine drive that both wants MORE and quietly seeks regulation. Many of my clients are experiencing emotional and behavioral dysregulation due self destructive attempts to soothe distress. This is most often called addiction. I love to find solutions by both examining causes and new remedies that work without guilt or creating a big mess.
I prefer to meet with people in person. OK, I am willing to connect virtually and I do that about 30% of the time. After 40 years of experience with no plan for stoppage, I humbly invite individuals into an exploration. Let's talk about the desire of your dopamine drive that both wants MORE and quietly seeks regulation. Many of my clients are experiencing emotional and behavioral dysregulation due self destructive attempts to soothe distress. This is most often called addiction. I love to find solutions by both examining causes and new remedies that work without guilt or creating a big mess.
![Photo of Andrea Valde, NCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/63f67cd4-26a4-40d0-b49f-60f0072091d2/2/320x400.png)
I value the opportunity to support people in making changes they want in their life and to bear witness to people moving forward on a path they want for themselves. I have experience working with people who navigating anxiety, depression, impact of traumatic experiences, disability related to physical and mental health concerns, impacts of aging, chronic pain, substance use challenges, and adjusting to major life changes. I enjoy supporting effective interpersonal communication, developing coping strategies relevant to each individual, mindfulness practice, and developing healthy dynamics with natural supports.
I value the opportunity to support people in making changes they want in their life and to bear witness to people moving forward on a path they want for themselves. I have experience working with people who navigating anxiety, depression, impact of traumatic experiences, disability related to physical and mental health concerns, impacts of aging, chronic pain, substance use challenges, and adjusting to major life changes. I enjoy supporting effective interpersonal communication, developing coping strategies relevant to each individual, mindfulness practice, and developing healthy dynamics with natural supports.
![Photo of Joseph M Garibay, MA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c97ca75b-3aa8-4abb-b595-72abe17041eb/1/320x400.jpeg)
My goal is to help the people I work with rewrite their story in the presence of uncertainty.
My goal is to help the people I work with rewrite their story in the presence of uncertainty.
See more therapy options for Portland
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Portland, OR
3,000+
Average cost per session
$165
Therapists in Portland, OR who prioritize treating:
92% | Anxiety |
85% | Depression |
75% | Relationship Issues |
74% | Trauma and PTSD |
73% | Self Esteem |
68% | Stress |
66% | Life Transitions |
Average years in practice
11 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
56% | Aetna |
52% | PacificSource |
44% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
How Therapists in Portland, OR see their clients
56% | In Person and Online | |
44% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
74% | Female | |
22% | Male | |
4% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in Portland?
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
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.
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.
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.