Therapists in Westerville, OH

Photo of Ellie Mental Health - Westerville Ohio, Marriage & Family Therapist in Westerville, OH
Ellie Mental Health - Westerville Ohio
Marriage & Family Therapist, LPCC, LISW, IMFT
Verified Verified
Westerville, OH 43082
Ellie Mental Health in Westerville Ohio isn’t your average therapy clinic. We’ve created a comfy, judgment-free zone where you can be authentic, get real about where you’re at in your mental health, and receive the compassionate care you deserve. We strive to break down treatment barriers and provide you with customized counseling services that meet your therapy needs.
Ellie Mental Health in Westerville Ohio isn’t your average therapy clinic. We’ve created a comfy, judgment-free zone where you can be authentic, get real about where you’re at in your mental health, and receive the compassionate care you deserve. We strive to break down treatment barriers and provide you with customized counseling services that meet your therapy needs.
(380) 208-0300 View (380) 208-0300
Photo of Angela T. Horton, Counselor in Westerville, OH
Angela T. Horton
Counselor, MACMHC, LPCC-S, NCC, CCMHC, CDCA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Westerville, OH 43082
Waitlist for new clients
Helping adults, couples, adolescents, and families have more fulfilling lives is a joy and passion. It is important to show people you care by treating them with kindness and respect. I work with people who are struggling with depression, anxiety, and survivors of stress-related trauma including emotional and sexual abuse, and neglect. As a therapist at a mental health hospital, I facilitated psychotherapy groups and counseled patients struggling with severe depression, severe anxiety, substance use disorder, and stress-related and psychotic disorders. I am also passionate about marriage and enjoy helping couples work through challenges in their relationships.
Helping adults, couples, adolescents, and families have more fulfilling lives is a joy and passion. It is important to show people you care by treating them with kindness and respect. I work with people who are struggling with depression, anxiety, and survivors of stress-related trauma including emotional and sexual abuse, and neglect. As a therapist at a mental health hospital, I facilitated psychotherapy groups and counseled patients struggling with severe depression, severe anxiety, substance use disorder, and stress-related and psychotic disorders. I am also passionate about marriage and enjoy helping couples work through challenges in their relationships.
(614) 389-9452 View (614) 389-9452
Photo of Anna Balzano, Licensed Professional Counselor in Westerville, OH
Anna Balzano
Licensed Professional Counselor, MACMHC, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Westerville, OH 43081
Life throws many twists and turns in our direction and sometimes we may need a helping hand to navigate us through it. No one should have to face difficult times on their own, and we should have a safe place to share them. My goal as a Licensed Professional Counselor is to help you process through these decisions in order to holistically grow as a person. Through counseling, I will utilize an eclectic approach by incorporating ACT, CBT, DBT, and person-centered interventions. I work with various populations with the mindset of valuing cultural diversity and acceptance of others.
Life throws many twists and turns in our direction and sometimes we may need a helping hand to navigate us through it. No one should have to face difficult times on their own, and we should have a safe place to share them. My goal as a Licensed Professional Counselor is to help you process through these decisions in order to holistically grow as a person. Through counseling, I will utilize an eclectic approach by incorporating ACT, CBT, DBT, and person-centered interventions. I work with various populations with the mindset of valuing cultural diversity and acceptance of others.
(740) 814-5354 View (740) 814-5354
Photo of Parker L. Huston, Psychologist in Westerville, OH
Parker L. Huston
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Westerville, OH 43081
I have been a pediatric psychologist for 10+ years, working with child and adolescent patients (age 2-18) who have behavioral and/or physical health concerns. These problems often overlap and can reduce quality of life. I’ve helped children with a wide variety of presenting concerns, such as anxiety disorders, OCD, tic disorders, behavior problems, ADHD, sleep problems, chronic pain, feeding disorders, and functional abdominal pain. I enjoy working with children of all ages and their families who need support in learning how to manage their emotions and better cope with life's stressors. I'm licensed in both Ohio and Michigan.
I have been a pediatric psychologist for 10+ years, working with child and adolescent patients (age 2-18) who have behavioral and/or physical health concerns. These problems often overlap and can reduce quality of life. I’ve helped children with a wide variety of presenting concerns, such as anxiety disorders, OCD, tic disorders, behavior problems, ADHD, sleep problems, chronic pain, feeding disorders, and functional abdominal pain. I enjoy working with children of all ages and their families who need support in learning how to manage their emotions and better cope with life's stressors. I'm licensed in both Ohio and Michigan.
(614) 665-5898 View (614) 665-5898
Photo of Cynthia Cook-Wion, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Westerville, OH
Cynthia Cook-Wion
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified Verified
Westerville, OH 43082
Hello! I have been in the world of behavioral health as a clinician for 32 years. I have an MSW from Indiana Wesleyan University and am a licensed social worker and an independently licensed chemical dependency counselor.
Hello! I have been in the world of behavioral health as a clinician for 32 years. I have an MSW from Indiana Wesleyan University and am a licensed social worker and an independently licensed chemical dependency counselor.
(380) 205-2524 View (380) 205-2524
Photo of Central Ohio Wellness Collective, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Westerville, OH
Central Ohio Wellness Collective
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW-S, LPCC-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Westerville, OH 43081
There are countless possibilities that may have lead you here - whether life feels like too much or too little; over or underwhelming; in need of more energy or calm; Maybe you don’t know whether you want to focus on the past or present, beginnings or endings – wherever you find yourself, our space and our providers extend a welcome and secure environment to create, edit and sometimes – rewrite your story.
There are countless possibilities that may have lead you here - whether life feels like too much or too little; over or underwhelming; in need of more energy or calm; Maybe you don’t know whether you want to focus on the past or present, beginnings or endings – wherever you find yourself, our space and our providers extend a welcome and secure environment to create, edit and sometimes – rewrite your story.
(614) 662-1374 View (614) 662-1374
Photo of Alaina Deighan, Counselor in Westerville, OH
Alaina Deighan
Counselor, PC
Verified Verified
Westerville, OH 43081
Alaina "Ally" Deighan (she/her) was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Criminology from Otterbein University. She is currently enrolled in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master's program at the University of Dayton and is practicing as a Licensed Counselor Trainee through the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board. Ally has over ten years' experience working in the behavioral health field.
Alaina "Ally" Deighan (she/her) was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Criminology from Otterbein University. She is currently enrolled in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master's program at the University of Dayton and is practicing as a Licensed Counselor Trainee through the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board. Ally has over ten years' experience working in the behavioral health field.
(614) 666-6746 View (614) 666-6746
Photo of Walter Poupart, Counselor in Westerville, OH
Walter Poupart
Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Westerville, OH 43081
As a licensed professional clinical counselor I diagnose and treat individuals, adolescents, adults, couples, and families contending with a wide range of mental and emotional disorders, and specialize in men’s issues. I offer therapy for: depression, stress & anxiety, pastoral counseling, grief, certain phobias, co-dependency, types of trauma, anger management, spiritual formation, individuals hurt in relationships, and relational recovery. I do not counsel with individual women, only couples, pre-marital, married couples, and families in conflict. I also work with male adolescents and teen males with the parent’s participation.
As a licensed professional clinical counselor I diagnose and treat individuals, adolescents, adults, couples, and families contending with a wide range of mental and emotional disorders, and specialize in men’s issues. I offer therapy for: depression, stress & anxiety, pastoral counseling, grief, certain phobias, co-dependency, types of trauma, anger management, spiritual formation, individuals hurt in relationships, and relational recovery. I do not counsel with individual women, only couples, pre-marital, married couples, and families in conflict. I also work with male adolescents and teen males with the parent’s participation.
(614) 942-8740 View (614) 942-8740
Photo of Marti Gottfried, Counselor in Westerville, OH
Marti Gottfried
Counselor, MSEd, PCC
Verified Verified
Westerville, OH 43082  (Online Only)
As Emerson once said, "Life is a journey not a destination". And I believe we all face challenges on our journey. I help people who are struggling with those challenges by providing a safe, confidential, and supportive environment. I have over 10 years experience working with individuals, adolescents and families with a focus on helping clients grow, heal, and transform. We join together to build on strengths rather than focus on weaknesses. I provide practical feed-back, problem solving, and coping skills for issues such as, self-esteem, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting, divorce, life transitions, communication, and grief and loss.
As Emerson once said, "Life is a journey not a destination". And I believe we all face challenges on our journey. I help people who are struggling with those challenges by providing a safe, confidential, and supportive environment. I have over 10 years experience working with individuals, adolescents and families with a focus on helping clients grow, heal, and transform. We join together to build on strengths rather than focus on weaknesses. I provide practical feed-back, problem solving, and coping skills for issues such as, self-esteem, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting, divorce, life transitions, communication, and grief and loss.
(614) 212-5199 View (614) 212-5199
Photo of Alex Childs, Counselor in Westerville, OH
Alex Childs
Counselor, LPCC, MSE
Verified Verified
Westerville, OH 43081
Seeking out a therapist is a powerful act of self-love and compassion. It’s a commitment to yourself that you're worthy of help and you're ready for change. I work with individuals and couples, from a warm approach of collaboratively changing your life for the better. I specialize in treating areas of anxiety, depression, self-esteem, self-image, sexuality, gender, identity, and relationships.
Seeking out a therapist is a powerful act of self-love and compassion. It’s a commitment to yourself that you're worthy of help and you're ready for change. I work with individuals and couples, from a warm approach of collaboratively changing your life for the better. I specialize in treating areas of anxiety, depression, self-esteem, self-image, sexuality, gender, identity, and relationships.
(380) 210-5114 View (380) 210-5114
Photo of Kristin McConnell, Counselor in Westerville, OH
Kristin McConnell
Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Westerville, OH 43081
If you entered motherhood with your idealistic views and are now buried under the demands of your family’s needs wondering what happened, or where things went awry, I get it! Whether it's the mental load, stress/burn out, sensory overwhelm, default parenting or things like anxiety, neurodivergent features or life transitions...I'm here for you. As a mother your first priority is everyone else but you deserve to have your needs met too. But how? It starts with feelings supported and empowered. It starts with you taking time for yourself. Let's work together and learn some tools and strategies so you can thrive.
If you entered motherhood with your idealistic views and are now buried under the demands of your family’s needs wondering what happened, or where things went awry, I get it! Whether it's the mental load, stress/burn out, sensory overwhelm, default parenting or things like anxiety, neurodivergent features or life transitions...I'm here for you. As a mother your first priority is everyone else but you deserve to have your needs met too. But how? It starts with feelings supported and empowered. It starts with you taking time for yourself. Let's work together and learn some tools and strategies so you can thrive.
(614) 802-6010 View (614) 802-6010
Photo of Jackie Savel, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Westerville, OH
Jackie Savel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LISW-S
Verified Verified
Westerville, OH 43081
Welcome! It takes energy to get here. Maybe life feels like too much or too little; over or underwhelming; Maybe you need more energy or more calm; maybe you don’t know where to start, whether you want to focus on the past or present; beginnings or endings. You might be rewriting an existing story or creating something entirely new... Wherever life finds you, you are welcome, secure and believed in our space. If you are struggling, you are human; you are not burdensome, oversensitive or inferior.
Welcome! It takes energy to get here. Maybe life feels like too much or too little; over or underwhelming; Maybe you need more energy or more calm; maybe you don’t know where to start, whether you want to focus on the past or present; beginnings or endings. You might be rewriting an existing story or creating something entirely new... Wherever life finds you, you are welcome, secure and believed in our space. If you are struggling, you are human; you are not burdensome, oversensitive or inferior.
(614) 350-2709 View (614) 350-2709
Photo of Dani Hanlin, Licensed Professional Counselor in Westerville, OH
Dani Hanlin
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Westerville, OH 43081
Waitlist for new clients
Note: I have a 4-6 week waitlist for new clients at this time - - - I am here as an unbiased listener. I believe there is no “one-size-fits-all” when it comes to therapy. Every individual is different, including myself, and we all come to therapy with different backgrounds, cultures, world views, and experiences. I use a collaborative and holistic approach with a focus on the mind-body connection, and it is my goal to provide you with intentional, sustainable, and practical tools.
Note: I have a 4-6 week waitlist for new clients at this time - - - I am here as an unbiased listener. I believe there is no “one-size-fits-all” when it comes to therapy. Every individual is different, including myself, and we all come to therapy with different backgrounds, cultures, world views, and experiences. I use a collaborative and holistic approach with a focus on the mind-body connection, and it is my goal to provide you with intentional, sustainable, and practical tools.
(614) 660-5331 View (614) 660-5331
Photo of Aida Diallo, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Westerville, OH
Aida Diallo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LISW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Westerville, OH 43081
I am a licensed Independent Social Worker with nine years of experience in the mental health field. As a client centered therapist, I aim to create a safe space where you can verbalize, process, be truly heard and empowered while becoming the best version of yourself. I have experience in advocacy, management services, outpatient psychotherapy services and I have worked with many different populations as well.
I am a licensed Independent Social Worker with nine years of experience in the mental health field. As a client centered therapist, I aim to create a safe space where you can verbalize, process, be truly heard and empowered while becoming the best version of yourself. I have experience in advocacy, management services, outpatient psychotherapy services and I have worked with many different populations as well.
(614) 635-7969 View (614) 635-7969
Photo of Julia Green, Counselor in Westerville, OH
Julia Green
Counselor, MA, LPCC-S
Verified Verified
Westerville, OH 43081
You may be feeling lonely, overwhelmed, or scared for yourself, your marriage, or your family. It may seem like your life is falling apart or you or your loved ones are constantly walking on egg shells. Its getting more difficult to keep it together for appearances or maybe its already past that point. You've tried just about everything you can think of to make your situation better but nothing has worked and things are getting worse. You may be hanging on by a thread, but you are not ready to give up hope.
You may be feeling lonely, overwhelmed, or scared for yourself, your marriage, or your family. It may seem like your life is falling apart or you or your loved ones are constantly walking on egg shells. Its getting more difficult to keep it together for appearances or maybe its already past that point. You've tried just about everything you can think of to make your situation better but nothing has worked and things are getting worse. You may be hanging on by a thread, but you are not ready to give up hope.
(380) 207-1308 View (380) 207-1308
Photo of Taylor Matthews, Licensed Professional Counselor in Westerville, OH
Taylor Matthews
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Westerville, OH 43081
If you are struggling with adjustment disorders, anxiety, depression, life transitions, spiritual issues, and grief/loss - I want to help. Children 11+ and adults are welcome! Especially, if you want to gain awareness around emotions/sensations and learn tools to love yourself better! Additionally, I am working towards developing skills in trauma work, child/adolescent therapy, and polyvagal theory.
If you are struggling with adjustment disorders, anxiety, depression, life transitions, spiritual issues, and grief/loss - I want to help. Children 11+ and adults are welcome! Especially, if you want to gain awareness around emotions/sensations and learn tools to love yourself better! Additionally, I am working towards developing skills in trauma work, child/adolescent therapy, and polyvagal theory.
(614) 482-1816 x5356 View (614) 482-1816 x5356
Photo of Angela S Hackney, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Westerville, OH
Angela S Hackney
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW-S
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Westerville, OH 43081
Do you need a safe, non-judgmental environment, where you feel heard? I offer solution-focused, strengths-based interventions to help you move forward. I love to be creative; offering art, music and play to help each client best express themselves. I am an active listener, focused on empowering you. I started my social work journey at an in-patient adult hospital, then moved to intensive community based therapy with children. Now I am accepting new clients for private practice. I welcome any person, any age, who wants to feel more empowered in their lives, to overcome their challenges and reach their full potential.
Do you need a safe, non-judgmental environment, where you feel heard? I offer solution-focused, strengths-based interventions to help you move forward. I love to be creative; offering art, music and play to help each client best express themselves. I am an active listener, focused on empowering you. I started my social work journey at an in-patient adult hospital, then moved to intensive community based therapy with children. Now I am accepting new clients for private practice. I welcome any person, any age, who wants to feel more empowered in their lives, to overcome their challenges and reach their full potential.
(380) 201-9214 View (380) 201-9214
Photo of Mary K Wright, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Westerville, OH
Mary K Wright
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LISW-S
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Westerville, OH 43081
I have over 20 years of experience working with adolescents and adults who are in need of mental health counseling to address life issues of stress, depression, anxiety, addiction, work issues, relationships, sexual issues and family dynamic issues. I enjoy helping individuals learn new coping skills for depression and anxiety. I also specialize with individuals who have trauma and grief and will help you resolve those issues. I especially enjoy working with families and couples in learning how to resolve conflict and improve intimacy, communication and trust issues. My belief is that Life is a journey and at some point, we all need help.
I have over 20 years of experience working with adolescents and adults who are in need of mental health counseling to address life issues of stress, depression, anxiety, addiction, work issues, relationships, sexual issues and family dynamic issues. I enjoy helping individuals learn new coping skills for depression and anxiety. I also specialize with individuals who have trauma and grief and will help you resolve those issues. I especially enjoy working with families and couples in learning how to resolve conflict and improve intimacy, communication and trust issues. My belief is that Life is a journey and at some point, we all need help.
(614) 702-2581 View (614) 702-2581
Photo of Contessa Bush, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Westerville, OH
Contessa Bush
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
Westerville, OH 43082
Contessa Bush is a Licensed Social Worker, licensed through the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board. Contessa received her master's degree in Social Work from Cleveland State University. Before attending graduate school, she completed a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Wright State University where she started her career working with children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Serving that population, which in some cases consumers happened to be dually diagnosed with mental health barriers, inspired her to further her education and service people from a clinical perspective.
Contessa Bush is a Licensed Social Worker, licensed through the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board. Contessa received her master's degree in Social Work from Cleveland State University. Before attending graduate school, she completed a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Wright State University where she started her career working with children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Serving that population, which in some cases consumers happened to be dually diagnosed with mental health barriers, inspired her to further her education and service people from a clinical perspective.
(614) 963-3033 View (614) 963-3033
Photo of Sophie Hans, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Westerville, OH
Sophie Hans
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
Westerville, OH 43081
My ideal client is someone who comes to therapy in a time of need. They might be experiencing anxiety due to life changes and transitions or they might be experiencing symptoms of anxiety for the first time and be concerned as to where the anxiety came from. The client might be processing loss or grief from a loved one or past friendships and or relationships. My ideal client will have needs such as needing to identify coping skills to get through life stressors, assistance with reaching goals. As a therapist I would be able to provide the client with a objective perspective to bounce their ideas and situations off of.
My ideal client is someone who comes to therapy in a time of need. They might be experiencing anxiety due to life changes and transitions or they might be experiencing symptoms of anxiety for the first time and be concerned as to where the anxiety came from. The client might be processing loss or grief from a loved one or past friendships and or relationships. My ideal client will have needs such as needing to identify coping skills to get through life stressors, assistance with reaching goals. As a therapist I would be able to provide the client with a objective perspective to bounce their ideas and situations off of.
(380) 201-9945 View (380) 201-9945

How does your Therapist compare?

Number of Therapists in Westerville, OH

300+

Average cost per session

$125

Therapists in Westerville, OH who prioritize treating:

90% Anxiety
89% Depression
72% Trauma and PTSD
71% Relationship Issues
69% Self Esteem
65% Grief
65% Coping Skills

Average years in practice

10 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

84% Aetna
76% Optum
69% Anthem | Elevance

How Therapists in Westerville, OH see their clients

83% In Person and Online
17% Online Only

Gender breakdown

77% Female
22% Male
1% Non-Binary
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling

How can I find a therapist in Westerville?

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.