Therapists in Overlook, Portland, OR

Photo of Yi-Hsin Cindy Hung - Portland Relational Life Therapy (RLT), Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Portland Relational Life Therapy (RLT)
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Overlook, Portland, OR 97271
You love each other, but something feels off. Conversations turn into arguments, or maybe there’s just silence where connection used to be. You feel like you’re on opposite sides instead of working as a team. You want balance, a relationship where both of you feel heard, valued, and supported. Maybe you're struggling with unspoken resentments, miscommunication, or old wounds that keep showing up. You don’t just want surface-level fixes; you want real change. That’s where I come in. I’m Yi-Hsin (Cindy), a couples therapist serving clients in Oregon and Washington.
You love each other, but something feels off. Conversations turn into arguments, or maybe there’s just silence where connection used to be. You feel like you’re on opposite sides instead of working as a team. You want balance, a relationship where both of you feel heard, valued, and supported. Maybe you're struggling with unspoken resentments, miscommunication, or old wounds that keep showing up. You don’t just want surface-level fixes; you want real change. That’s where I come in. I’m Yi-Hsin (Cindy), a couples therapist serving clients in Oregon and Washington.
(503) 461-2918 View (503) 461-2918
Photo of Lauren Streeter, Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Lauren Streeter
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
1 Endorsed
Overlook, Portland, OR 97217
I love working with LGBTQ+ adults and adolescents, people in the service industry, couples and other relationship constellations, counseling students, and anyone navigating life transitions, family-of-origin conflict, trauma healing, depression, anxiety, or interpersonal challenges. I have extensive experience supporting people in crisis and feel comfortable staying present without rushing to fix or minimize the intensity that instability can bring. My goal is to help clients build their capacity to tolerate and understand crises, rather than to prevent or solve them outright.
I love working with LGBTQ+ adults and adolescents, people in the service industry, couples and other relationship constellations, counseling students, and anyone navigating life transitions, family-of-origin conflict, trauma healing, depression, anxiety, or interpersonal challenges. I have extensive experience supporting people in crisis and feel comfortable staying present without rushing to fix or minimize the intensity that instability can bring. My goal is to help clients build their capacity to tolerate and understand crises, rather than to prevent or solve them outright.
(971) 320-7937 View (971) 320-7937
Photo of Megan Rose Larson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Megan Rose Larson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Overlook, Portland, OR 97217
Ladies, are you struggling w/ an event that left you with nightmares, flashbacks, negative beliefs or expectations about yourself or others (eg "I'm bad"), startle responses, feeling anxious, depressed, or have difficulty concentrating? If your goal is to feel more confident in your own skin and to sleep soundly at night therapy can help.
Ladies, are you struggling w/ an event that left you with nightmares, flashbacks, negative beliefs or expectations about yourself or others (eg "I'm bad"), startle responses, feeling anxious, depressed, or have difficulty concentrating? If your goal is to feel more confident in your own skin and to sleep soundly at night therapy can help.
(270) 479-7576 View (270) 479-7576
Photo of Aletha Eastwood, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CHT
Aletha Eastwood
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CHT
Overlook, Portland, OR 97217
Hi, I am glad you are here. Whether you are looking for relief from anxiety or depression, or navigating grief, trauma, a challenging relationship, or other difficult life circumstances, it is so good that you are seeking support. Having support is one of the most important things you can do to help yourself to heal. In working together, I endeavor to meet you where you are with warmth, acceptance, and respect to create a healing relationship with you that provides a safe space to move towards new experiences of trust, belonging, and authentic fulfillment.
Hi, I am glad you are here. Whether you are looking for relief from anxiety or depression, or navigating grief, trauma, a challenging relationship, or other difficult life circumstances, it is so good that you are seeking support. Having support is one of the most important things you can do to help yourself to heal. In working together, I endeavor to meet you where you are with warmth, acceptance, and respect to create a healing relationship with you that provides a safe space to move towards new experiences of trust, belonging, and authentic fulfillment.
(503) 664-9727 View (503) 664-9727
Photo of Michael Ianello, Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Michael Ianello
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
2 Endorsed
Overlook, Portland, OR 97217
I offer a collaborative space to practice regaining vitality, excitement, and understanding. I will provide you with skills that have the potential to deepen your self-awareness and compassion. I can help you to regain lost energy and focus through simple practices. You will learn what it means to foster confidence and resilience during times of difficulty or conflict. You will deepen your capacity to know what you truly want and gain the skills to become who you truly are.
I offer a collaborative space to practice regaining vitality, excitement, and understanding. I will provide you with skills that have the potential to deepen your self-awareness and compassion. I can help you to regain lost energy and focus through simple practices. You will learn what it means to foster confidence and resilience during times of difficulty or conflict. You will deepen your capacity to know what you truly want and gain the skills to become who you truly are.
(503) 664-4924 View (503) 664-4924
Photo of Alyssa Lauren Youngquist, BCBA, CPC
Alyssa Lauren Youngquist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I have over 10 years of experience working with individuals and families. In our work together, we will create a deeper knowing of yourself, challenge mindsets and behavior patterns that are not serving you, and develop a path forward to an abundant life. Our work together will go past feeling "okay" toward living the life that you want. If you are feeling stuck, going through a transition, having difficulty in relationships, or in a cycle that you want to move through and finally reach the other side, I would love to support you in your journey. Website: alyssayoungquistcoaching.com
I have over 10 years of experience working with individuals and families. In our work together, we will create a deeper knowing of yourself, challenge mindsets and behavior patterns that are not serving you, and develop a path forward to an abundant life. Our work together will go past feeling "okay" toward living the life that you want. If you are feeling stuck, going through a transition, having difficulty in relationships, or in a cycle that you want to move through and finally reach the other side, I would love to support you in your journey. Website: alyssayoungquistcoaching.com
(458) 224-8737 View (458) 224-8737
Photo of Saussha Flint - Wildseed Psychotherapy, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, CSWA, CADCIII, QMHP
Wildseed Psychotherapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, CSWA, CADCIII, QMHP
Online Only
Many of us are waking up to the effects of generational trauma. You may have a history that has included family members with addictions, severe mental illness or anger problems. It could be a new realization leading to a hunger to break free and do life differently. Or it may be you've been aware of the effects of familial patterns for some time and have worked hard to create a life that goes in a better direction. Despite all the work, it can still be possible to get stuck from time to time. I hope to walk beside you as you break the cycles, find your path and create the life where you belong.
Many of us are waking up to the effects of generational trauma. You may have a history that has included family members with addictions, severe mental illness or anger problems. It could be a new realization leading to a hunger to break free and do life differently. Or it may be you've been aware of the effects of familial patterns for some time and have worked hard to create a life that goes in a better direction. Despite all the work, it can still be possible to get stuck from time to time. I hope to walk beside you as you break the cycles, find your path and create the life where you belong.
(503) 744-6229 View (503) 744-6229
Photo of Erin Davis, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Erin Davis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I work with brilliant, overwhelmed adults whose minds move fast, think deeply and have a lot of insight-but still feel trapped, stuck, and hurting. Many of my clients live with ADHD, trauma histories, or queer/trans identity experiences and want therapy that goes deeper than surface-level coping. If you’re insightful but tired of spinning in the same patterns, I offer a depth-oriented, integrative approach that blends emotional insight with real-world change—helping you live more honestly and feel more at home in yourself.
I work with brilliant, overwhelmed adults whose minds move fast, think deeply and have a lot of insight-but still feel trapped, stuck, and hurting. Many of my clients live with ADHD, trauma histories, or queer/trans identity experiences and want therapy that goes deeper than surface-level coping. If you’re insightful but tired of spinning in the same patterns, I offer a depth-oriented, integrative approach that blends emotional insight with real-world change—helping you live more honestly and feel more at home in yourself.
(458) 214-8725 View (458) 214-8725
Photo of Ashley Lanehurst, Psychologist, LP
Ashley Lanehurst
Psychologist, LP
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Welcome! I am genuinely excited to have the potential opportunity of working with you on your healing journey. My top priority is to understand what goals you have for yourself in therapy so that we can create a roadmap of how to get there. My approach relies heavily on attachment theory. I believe the interpersonal frameworks that we have internalized are the foundation for how we navigate the relationships we have with ourselves and others. I also integrate tangible practices that will aid in your healing journey, including discussions about self-compassion, coping strategies, and ways to nurture yourself on a daily basis.
Welcome! I am genuinely excited to have the potential opportunity of working with you on your healing journey. My top priority is to understand what goals you have for yourself in therapy so that we can create a roadmap of how to get there. My approach relies heavily on attachment theory. I believe the interpersonal frameworks that we have internalized are the foundation for how we navigate the relationships we have with ourselves and others. I also integrate tangible practices that will aid in your healing journey, including discussions about self-compassion, coping strategies, and ways to nurture yourself on a daily basis.
(503) 678-9571 View (503) 678-9571
Photo of Carol S Jones, Psychologist, EdD
Carol S Jones
Psychologist, EdD
Overlook, Portland, OR 97217
Not accepting new clients
My practice provides psychological services for adults. My practice has developed out of a special concern for assisting individuals and their families understand their total psychological experience, including the significance of unconscious emotional processes, which greatly affect psychological well being. Psychotherapy helps individuals learn to use their internal and external resources to their fullest potential. Psychotherapy also encourages and supports healthy emotional development by helping individuals understand and utilize their emotional experience.
My practice provides psychological services for adults. My practice has developed out of a special concern for assisting individuals and their families understand their total psychological experience, including the significance of unconscious emotional processes, which greatly affect psychological well being. Psychotherapy helps individuals learn to use their internal and external resources to their fullest potential. Psychotherapy also encourages and supports healthy emotional development by helping individuals understand and utilize their emotional experience.
(503) 288-6066 View (503) 288-6066
Photo of Theresa Ferrante, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW
Theresa Ferrante
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW
3 Endorsed
Online Only
As a busy professional, parent, or partner, life can feel like a blur at times, making it easy to lose sight of your values and desired life direction. This can be even more challenging for people who did not get the emotional nurturance they needed growing up. When we aren’t used to tending to our own emotions and needs—focusing instead on others and what is expected of us—we are more prone to anxiety, self-doubt, people pleasing, harsh self criticism, and self neglect. Therapy offers a safe, nonjudgmental space to understand yourself better, clarify what you need, and pursue what’s most important in your life.
As a busy professional, parent, or partner, life can feel like a blur at times, making it easy to lose sight of your values and desired life direction. This can be even more challenging for people who did not get the emotional nurturance they needed growing up. When we aren’t used to tending to our own emotions and needs—focusing instead on others and what is expected of us—we are more prone to anxiety, self-doubt, people pleasing, harsh self criticism, and self neglect. Therapy offers a safe, nonjudgmental space to understand yourself better, clarify what you need, and pursue what’s most important in your life.
(971) 224-7763 View (971) 224-7763

Online Therapists

Photo of Wren Christine Anderson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Wren Christine Anderson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Portland, OR 97214
Currently I work with people struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, addictions, and grief. While I have received training in a number of approaches, my goal is to offer you interventions and tools that best fit for you. I am most influenced by IFS, DBT, EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Mindfulness, and Expressive Art Therapy. I look through the lens of trauma, and I take a behaviorally specific approach to support experiences of transformation into long term change and growth. You can expect to have tools and skills to practice in between session to support your work.
Currently I work with people struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, addictions, and grief. While I have received training in a number of approaches, my goal is to offer you interventions and tools that best fit for you. I am most influenced by IFS, DBT, EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Mindfulness, and Expressive Art Therapy. I look through the lens of trauma, and I take a behaviorally specific approach to support experiences of transformation into long term change and growth. You can expect to have tools and skills to practice in between session to support your work.
(971) 414-3413 View (971) 414-3413
Photo of Dr. Molly Young, Psychologist, PsyD
Dr. Molly Young
Psychologist, PsyD
4 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97232
Clients often come to me because they want to build communication skills, navigate relational and sexual trauma, deepen consent practices, explore differences in libido, and expand pleasure, arousal, and connection. I specialize in working with queer, gender-expansive, kinky, and/or non-monogamous clients. Additionally, I hold a certificate as a women's mental health specialist and have a deep interest in and passion for supporting clients with pelvic pain/painful sex.
Clients often come to me because they want to build communication skills, navigate relational and sexual trauma, deepen consent practices, explore differences in libido, and expand pleasure, arousal, and connection. I specialize in working with queer, gender-expansive, kinky, and/or non-monogamous clients. Additionally, I hold a certificate as a women's mental health specialist and have a deep interest in and passion for supporting clients with pelvic pain/painful sex.
(971) 308-9288 View (971) 308-9288
Photo of Benjamin Mann, Professional Counselor Associate, License
Benjamin Mann
Professional Counselor Associate, License
Portland, OR 97233
Benjamin Mann is a dedicated therapist at LifeStance Health, providing compassionate and expert mental health care to individuals across Washington. They offer a safe and affirming space where clients can explore their challenges and work toward meaningful change. Benjamin works with adolescents, young adults, adults, and seniors, addressing a range of concerns through individual, group, couples, and family therapy. Benjamin specializes in supporting clients navigating gender identity, complex trauma, and midlife or later-life transitions.
Benjamin Mann is a dedicated therapist at LifeStance Health, providing compassionate and expert mental health care to individuals across Washington. They offer a safe and affirming space where clients can explore their challenges and work toward meaningful change. Benjamin works with adolescents, young adults, adults, and seniors, addressing a range of concerns through individual, group, couples, and family therapy. Benjamin specializes in supporting clients navigating gender identity, complex trauma, and midlife or later-life transitions.
(971) 299-8362 View (971) 299-8362
Photo of Michael McClay, Pre-Licensed Professional, QMHP
Michael McClay
Pre-Licensed Professional, QMHP
Portland, OR 97232
The best therapeutic progress occurs when there is trust and teamwork between a client and their therapist, so I emphasize collaboration with my clients to accurately identify effective strategies for mood improvement and management of concerns and problems contributing to life difficulties. I have performed therapy in a variety of clinical settings, including community mental health clinics, medical centers, and inpatient psychiatric facilities. I have experience working with adolescents and adults of all ages as well as providing therapy and consultation for caregivers of dependent adults.
The best therapeutic progress occurs when there is trust and teamwork between a client and their therapist, so I emphasize collaboration with my clients to accurately identify effective strategies for mood improvement and management of concerns and problems contributing to life difficulties. I have performed therapy in a variety of clinical settings, including community mental health clinics, medical centers, and inpatient psychiatric facilities. I have experience working with adolescents and adults of all ages as well as providing therapy and consultation for caregivers of dependent adults.
(971) 337-2362 View (971) 337-2362
Photo of Ashley Oakley, Pre-Licensed Professional
Ashley Oakley
Pre-Licensed Professional
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97225
Hi! I'm Ash, a Clinical Social Work Associate with over 15 years of experience supporting individuals, families, and communities in healing from trauma. My work is rooted in social justice, mindfulness, and the power of human connection. I help clients navigate challenges with curiosity, imagination, and compassion. I believe emotions can be our greatest teachers. My experience includes supporting those impacted by substance use, domestic violence, complex trauma, and social inequities. I work with people of all ages, diverse relationship structures, and family systems and have worked across international settings.
Hi! I'm Ash, a Clinical Social Work Associate with over 15 years of experience supporting individuals, families, and communities in healing from trauma. My work is rooted in social justice, mindfulness, and the power of human connection. I help clients navigate challenges with curiosity, imagination, and compassion. I believe emotions can be our greatest teachers. My experience includes supporting those impacted by substance use, domestic violence, complex trauma, and social inequities. I work with people of all ages, diverse relationship structures, and family systems and have worked across international settings.
(971) 251-2486 View (971) 251-2486
Photo of Leah M Katz, Psychologist, PhD
Leah M Katz
Psychologist, PhD
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97239
I offer in-person and virtual support for teens and adults located in Florida and virtual support for clients in Oregon, New York, and PSYPACT states. I specialize in working with anxiety, relationship struggles, perfectionism, burnout, and/or complex trauma, amongst other issues. I believe we all feel empowered by learning a skill-set that can help us manage the difficulties that come up for us, and as such, I use a skill- based approach in my therapy work. Self awareness, tools, and self compassion form the cornerstones of change. You will be guided in how to develop all three of these components in our work together.
I offer in-person and virtual support for teens and adults located in Florida and virtual support for clients in Oregon, New York, and PSYPACT states. I specialize in working with anxiety, relationship struggles, perfectionism, burnout, and/or complex trauma, amongst other issues. I believe we all feel empowered by learning a skill-set that can help us manage the difficulties that come up for us, and as such, I use a skill- based approach in my therapy work. Self awareness, tools, and self compassion form the cornerstones of change. You will be guided in how to develop all three of these components in our work together.
(561) 816-5721 View (561) 816-5721
Photo of Tasya Herskovits - Sparrow's Song Collaborative Therapy, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Sparrow's Song Collaborative Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97214
Welcome! My name is Tasya, and I see therapy as a dynamic, co-creative process, grounded in a foundation of trust, curiosity, and respect. As relational creatures in a complex world, both our challenges and triumphs are rooted in interconnected systems. In our work together, I offer a space to slow down, tune in to your innate wisdom, and re-imagine your life’s story. In relational sessions, even small shifts in how we attune to each other’s inner worlds can open the way to greater connection and understanding. I also specialize in grief support, with attention to forms of grief that may be unrecognized by the broader culture.
Welcome! My name is Tasya, and I see therapy as a dynamic, co-creative process, grounded in a foundation of trust, curiosity, and respect. As relational creatures in a complex world, both our challenges and triumphs are rooted in interconnected systems. In our work together, I offer a space to slow down, tune in to your innate wisdom, and re-imagine your life’s story. In relational sessions, even small shifts in how we attune to each other’s inner worlds can open the way to greater connection and understanding. I also specialize in grief support, with attention to forms of grief that may be unrecognized by the broader culture.
(971) 626-4669 View (971) 626-4669
Photo of Mara Sobesky, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Mara Sobesky
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
2 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97213
Often, a sense of disconnection brings clients to therapy, seeking more agency, choice, and belonging in their lives. Many people experience a tension in desiring both stability & change, surrender & control, freedom & its’ limitations. The distress behind these mutual and conflicting needs is part of what clients want to explore when they choose to work with me. I work with individuals, romantic or platonic partners, and adult families who want to deepen their sense of connection to life, to their relationships, and to themselves. Many of my clients are LGBTQ+, identify as neurodivergent, or are in mixed-neurotype relationships.
Often, a sense of disconnection brings clients to therapy, seeking more agency, choice, and belonging in their lives. Many people experience a tension in desiring both stability & change, surrender & control, freedom & its’ limitations. The distress behind these mutual and conflicting needs is part of what clients want to explore when they choose to work with me. I work with individuals, romantic or platonic partners, and adult families who want to deepen their sense of connection to life, to their relationships, and to themselves. Many of my clients are LGBTQ+, identify as neurodivergent, or are in mixed-neurotype relationships.
View
Photo of Elaine Cohn, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MS, MEd
Elaine Cohn
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MS, MEd
Portland, OR 97202
I work in a collaborative way to help you define your needs and desires and learn what is getting in the way of reaching your goals. Together, we will explore your past and present experiences including issues such as fear, anxiety, depression, self-doubt and family of origin, and discover the potential that lies within you.
I work in a collaborative way to help you define your needs and desires and learn what is getting in the way of reaching your goals. Together, we will explore your past and present experiences including issues such as fear, anxiety, depression, self-doubt and family of origin, and discover the potential that lies within you.
View

How does your Therapist compare?

Number of Therapists in Overlook, Portland, OR

10+

Average cost per session

$185

Therapists in Overlook, Portland, OR who prioritize treating:

100% Relationship Issues
82% Anxiety
73% Depression
73% Trauma and PTSD
64% Grief
64% Self Esteem
64% Women's Issues

Average years in practice

10 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

63% Aetna
63% Regence
50% BlueCross and BlueShield

How Therapists in Overlook, Portland, OR see their clients

55% In Person and Online
45% Online Only

Gender breakdown

82% Female
9% Male
9% Non-Binary
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling

How can I find a therapist in Overlook, 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

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.