Therapists in West Lake Hills, TX

Photo of Brandy Junk, Licensed Professional Counselor in West Lake Hills, TX
Brandy Junk
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
West Lake Hills, TX 78746
Not all wounds are visible, therapy is a way to heal from within. I provide support through the process of mental health wellness to address anxiety, anger, addiction, depression, work stress, relationship conflicts or adjusting to the challenges of life. Together, we will work on strategies that allow you to address the root causes of your difficulties.
Not all wounds are visible, therapy is a way to heal from within. I provide support through the process of mental health wellness to address anxiety, anger, addiction, depression, work stress, relationship conflicts or adjusting to the challenges of life. Together, we will work on strategies that allow you to address the root causes of your difficulties.
(877) 248-4338 View (877) 248-4338
Photo of Dr. Rachel Pearl Wulbert, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in West Lake Hills, TX
Dr. Rachel Pearl Wulbert
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW, MEd
Verified Verified
West Lake Hills, TX 78746
You may be experiencing confusion or frustration because your current relationships are consistently challenging, or you may feel stuck in patterns of behavior that limit your ability to achieve your goals. It has been my experience that even though you may not feel like it right now, every experience - whether joyful or painful - has the potential to contribute to the richness of life and can be deeply transformational. My hope is to work together and to build a relationship built on mutual trust and respect where these experiences can be explored.
You may be experiencing confusion or frustration because your current relationships are consistently challenging, or you may feel stuck in patterns of behavior that limit your ability to achieve your goals. It has been my experience that even though you may not feel like it right now, every experience - whether joyful or painful - has the potential to contribute to the richness of life and can be deeply transformational. My hope is to work together and to build a relationship built on mutual trust and respect where these experiences can be explored.
(737) 204-0507 View (737) 204-0507
Photo of Stacie Robertson, Marriage & Family Therapist in West Lake Hills, TX
Stacie Robertson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT-S
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
West Lake Hills, TX 78746
Are you and your partner experiencing more disconnection, frustration and conflict? Are you feeling anxious and overwhelmed about your relationship? Are you stressed out and needing support to help navigate your relationship issues? Talking to someone to find hope and to feel more grounded can help. I specialize in treating relationships and couples counseling. I guide couples in managing everyday challenges as well as major changes in their life by providing skills and different ways of looking at their relationship problems to strengthen, rebuild and restore their relationships.
Are you and your partner experiencing more disconnection, frustration and conflict? Are you feeling anxious and overwhelmed about your relationship? Are you stressed out and needing support to help navigate your relationship issues? Talking to someone to find hope and to feel more grounded can help. I specialize in treating relationships and couples counseling. I guide couples in managing everyday challenges as well as major changes in their life by providing skills and different ways of looking at their relationship problems to strengthen, rebuild and restore their relationships.
(512) 882-0259 View (512) 882-0259
Photo of Dr. Jason B. Fischer, Licensed Professional Counselor in West Lake Hills, TX
Dr. Jason B. Fischer
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC-S, BCN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Lake Hills, TX 78746
18 years of counseling experience. Former Buddhist monk and author of The Two Truths About Love: The Art & Wisdom of Extraordinary Relationships (New Harbinger Press, 2013), specializing in couples counseling, conflict resolution, and personal/interpersonal wellness. I help individuals learn how to understand, manage, and transform emotional distress, increase clarity about self and others, and become empowered to achieve their highest ambitions for life by deepening true wisdom. To learn more about me, my atypical philosophies, and my unique approach to counseling, you may visit my website at www.jasonbfischer.com.
18 years of counseling experience. Former Buddhist monk and author of The Two Truths About Love: The Art & Wisdom of Extraordinary Relationships (New Harbinger Press, 2013), specializing in couples counseling, conflict resolution, and personal/interpersonal wellness. I help individuals learn how to understand, manage, and transform emotional distress, increase clarity about self and others, and become empowered to achieve their highest ambitions for life by deepening true wisdom. To learn more about me, my atypical philosophies, and my unique approach to counseling, you may visit my website at www.jasonbfischer.com.
(737) 345-3771 View (737) 345-3771
Photo of Jesus Valiente, Licensed Professional Counselor in West Lake Hills, TX
Jesus Valiente
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
West Lake Hills, TX 78746
Jesus Valiente is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 8 years experience in the mental health field. Jesus works with adults and specializes in relationship issues, family conflicts, anger management, bipolar disorders, domestic violence, HIV / AIDS-related worries, men's issues, and much more.
Jesus Valiente is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 8 years experience in the mental health field. Jesus works with adults and specializes in relationship issues, family conflicts, anger management, bipolar disorders, domestic violence, HIV / AIDS-related worries, men's issues, and much more.
(512) 714-9608 View (512) 714-9608
Photo of Alexander Leerburger-Mahl, Licensed Professional Counselor in West Lake Hills, TX
Alexander Leerburger-Mahl
Licensed Professional Counselor, MHS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
West Lake Hills, TX 78746
Do you often feel weighed down by feelings of depression, anxiety, or overthinking? If you find it challenging to advocate for yourself, come talk to me! Whether you’re seeking help for the above, or topics such as LGBTQ+ issues, lack of direction, career issues, or something else entirely, I want to help! Together, we will work on strategies that will allow you to address the root cause of said difficulty and build meaningful connections and confidence. It can be difficult and overwhelming to begin the counseling process but remember that asking for help is a sign of strength. Let's create a judgment-free, safe, and exciting sesh.
Do you often feel weighed down by feelings of depression, anxiety, or overthinking? If you find it challenging to advocate for yourself, come talk to me! Whether you’re seeking help for the above, or topics such as LGBTQ+ issues, lack of direction, career issues, or something else entirely, I want to help! Together, we will work on strategies that will allow you to address the root cause of said difficulty and build meaningful connections and confidence. It can be difficult and overwhelming to begin the counseling process but remember that asking for help is a sign of strength. Let's create a judgment-free, safe, and exciting sesh.
(512) 399-8661 View (512) 399-8661
Photo of Amy C Goodwin, Licensed Professional Counselor in West Lake Hills, TX
Amy C Goodwin
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S
Verified Verified
West Lake Hills, TX 78746
We live in a time when self-help tools abound, yet there are times we can't meditate enough, go for a long enough run, read another book or medicate out of a difficult situation. Many of life's traumas are relational in nature. We need a therapeutic relationship to help us heal from these traumas and find new ways of interacting. We need to feel seen, heard and supported emotionally by another person. And we need to trust that what we're saying will be held in strictest confidence. Welcome to Goodwin Counseling where I am committed to helping clients live happier, healthy lives.
We live in a time when self-help tools abound, yet there are times we can't meditate enough, go for a long enough run, read another book or medicate out of a difficult situation. Many of life's traumas are relational in nature. We need a therapeutic relationship to help us heal from these traumas and find new ways of interacting. We need to feel seen, heard and supported emotionally by another person. And we need to trust that what we're saying will be held in strictest confidence. Welcome to Goodwin Counseling where I am committed to helping clients live happier, healthy lives.
(512) 722-7910 View (512) 722-7910
Photo of Sarah Rivers Deal, Licensed Professional Counselor in West Lake Hills, TX
Sarah Rivers Deal
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC
Verified Verified
West Lake Hills, TX 78746
Collaborating with you to discover and cultivate a life that feels fulfilling and worthwhile, which typically means leaning in to what scares you, is what I do best. Aided by reflection, insight, carefully chosen feedback from me, and action on your part, I will walk this journey with you, challenging when necessary, but always being mindful of the therapeutic relationship we're in the process of creating. Together, we will strive to establish an empowering and supportive therapeutic environment that will propel you along in personally meaningful directions.
Collaborating with you to discover and cultivate a life that feels fulfilling and worthwhile, which typically means leaning in to what scares you, is what I do best. Aided by reflection, insight, carefully chosen feedback from me, and action on your part, I will walk this journey with you, challenging when necessary, but always being mindful of the therapeutic relationship we're in the process of creating. Together, we will strive to establish an empowering and supportive therapeutic environment that will propel you along in personally meaningful directions.
(512) 900-4677 View (512) 900-4677
Photo of Aubrey Jones, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in West Lake Hills, TX
Aubrey Jones
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MAT, LPC-A
Verified Verified
West Lake Hills, TX 78746
In my therapeutic practice, I am committed to providing compassionate and inclusive support to individuals with diverse needs. I have extensive experience working with clients facing a spectrum of challenges, including but not limited to eating disorders, trauma, mood disorders, intellectual disabilities, sexual assault, and child sexual abuse. My approach is grounded in empathy, respect, and a deep understanding that each person's journey is unique. My clients value the opportunity to process utilizing both Art Therapy and Talk Therapy.
In my therapeutic practice, I am committed to providing compassionate and inclusive support to individuals with diverse needs. I have extensive experience working with clients facing a spectrum of challenges, including but not limited to eating disorders, trauma, mood disorders, intellectual disabilities, sexual assault, and child sexual abuse. My approach is grounded in empathy, respect, and a deep understanding that each person's journey is unique. My clients value the opportunity to process utilizing both Art Therapy and Talk Therapy.
(430) 758-5305 View (430) 758-5305
Photo of Audrey Alberthal, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in West Lake Hills, TX
Audrey Alberthal
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MA, NCC, LPC-A
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
West Lake Hills, TX 78746
There are few things I believe stunt the excitement and vastness of the human experience more than toxic shame, lack of self-compassion and an unrelenting life of anxious worry due to Complex PTSD, childhood trauma or adaptive coping skills. Maybe you are at the beginning of your therapy journey, slowly awakening to ways in which your current way of thinking and being is no longer serving you, or possibly our time together will be a continuation of the work you have already started. Either way, I am honored to be a part of your healing journey with goal of greater self-love, better relationships and a sense of meaning.
There are few things I believe stunt the excitement and vastness of the human experience more than toxic shame, lack of self-compassion and an unrelenting life of anxious worry due to Complex PTSD, childhood trauma or adaptive coping skills. Maybe you are at the beginning of your therapy journey, slowly awakening to ways in which your current way of thinking and being is no longer serving you, or possibly our time together will be a continuation of the work you have already started. Either way, I am honored to be a part of your healing journey with goal of greater self-love, better relationships and a sense of meaning.
(512) 764-9540 View (512) 764-9540
Photo of Jennifer Lyn Dunham, Licensed Professional Counselor in West Lake Hills, TX
Jennifer Lyn Dunham
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S, CHT
Verified Verified
West Lake Hills, TX 78746
Are you doing the same things over and over, expecting different results? Do the circumstances you face feel frustrating or overwhelming? Are you afraid things are never going to change? If you find yourself facing the same struggles repeatedly and you feel unhappy or unsatisfied, it may be time to consider a consultation with a professional. Seeking professional help is not a sign of weakness, but an assertion of your inner strength.
Are you doing the same things over and over, expecting different results? Do the circumstances you face feel frustrating or overwhelming? Are you afraid things are never going to change? If you find yourself facing the same struggles repeatedly and you feel unhappy or unsatisfied, it may be time to consider a consultation with a professional. Seeking professional help is not a sign of weakness, but an assertion of your inner strength.
(512) 710-1395 View (512) 710-1395
Photo of Vickie Schafer, Psychologist in West Lake Hills, TX
Vickie Schafer
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
West Lake Hills, TX 78746
I work with those 16 years and older with a range of struggles, including adjustment to life stressors, anxiety, depression, and ADHD. I also have experience and am passionate about working with individuals and couples (including LGBTQ+) struggling to build/grow their families with assisted/3rd party reproduction (IUI, IVF, donor egg/sperm, gestational surrogacy) and/or adoption. My goal is to provide support throughout the pregnancy journey, including pregnancy loss, traumatic birth, NICU support, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. I am also skilled in helping parents manage challenges including sleep issues and tantrums.
I work with those 16 years and older with a range of struggles, including adjustment to life stressors, anxiety, depression, and ADHD. I also have experience and am passionate about working with individuals and couples (including LGBTQ+) struggling to build/grow their families with assisted/3rd party reproduction (IUI, IVF, donor egg/sperm, gestational surrogacy) and/or adoption. My goal is to provide support throughout the pregnancy journey, including pregnancy loss, traumatic birth, NICU support, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. I am also skilled in helping parents manage challenges including sleep issues and tantrums.
(737) 204-1811 View (737) 204-1811
Photo of Kasie Fallon Beasley, Licensed Professional Counselor in West Lake Hills, TX
Kasie Fallon Beasley
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
West Lake Hills, TX 78746
Kasie "Fallon" Beasley is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 6 years of experience working with adults and seniors who are struggling with conditions or concerns related to stress, anxiety, PTSD, life adjustment issues, boundaries, grief, and depression.
Kasie "Fallon" Beasley is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 6 years of experience working with adults and seniors who are struggling with conditions or concerns related to stress, anxiety, PTSD, life adjustment issues, boundaries, grief, and depression.
(512) 969-6195 View (512) 969-6195
Photo of Stefanie Burke - - Texas Culinary Art Therapy, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in West Lake Hills, TX
Stefanie Burke - - Texas Culinary Art Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
West Lake Hills, TX 78746  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Owner & Therapist - Texas Culinary Art Therapy. It is so easy to feel overwhelmed and disconnected with life, especially in times like these. Without the proper mental health tools to tackle your issues, you may find yourself in a repetitive loop of the same old behavioral patterns. It can be scary and frustrating to feel stuck in life and you may wonder where you went wrong. It may feel daunting to reach out to a therapist, but know that my sessions are free of judgment and are a safe place to talk and problem solve. I believe you have most of the answers you need: I'm merely the facilitator to help you in your crisis.
Owner & Therapist - Texas Culinary Art Therapy. It is so easy to feel overwhelmed and disconnected with life, especially in times like these. Without the proper mental health tools to tackle your issues, you may find yourself in a repetitive loop of the same old behavioral patterns. It can be scary and frustrating to feel stuck in life and you may wonder where you went wrong. It may feel daunting to reach out to a therapist, but know that my sessions are free of judgment and are a safe place to talk and problem solve. I believe you have most of the answers you need: I'm merely the facilitator to help you in your crisis.
(512) 982-0321 View (512) 982-0321
Photo of Nikki D Stark, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in West Lake Hills, TX
Nikki D Stark
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S
Verified Verified
West Lake Hills, TX 78746
Not accepting new clients
Hi there! My name is Nikki Walsh, LCSW and I am a psychotherapist in Austin, TX specializing in Young adults, older Teens. I understand that reaching out and starting this journey can be so difficult, so I want to congratulate you for making it this far. In session you will find that I pride myself on having a very non-judgmental, supportive and validating therapy style. I strive to empower you with the tools to improve your emotional well-being and help meet your goals. If you would like to know more about me please seek out my website.
Hi there! My name is Nikki Walsh, LCSW and I am a psychotherapist in Austin, TX specializing in Young adults, older Teens. I understand that reaching out and starting this journey can be so difficult, so I want to congratulate you for making it this far. In session you will find that I pride myself on having a very non-judgmental, supportive and validating therapy style. I strive to empower you with the tools to improve your emotional well-being and help meet your goals. If you would like to know more about me please seek out my website.
View
Photo of Mayan Herman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in West Lake Hills, TX
Mayan Herman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
West Lake Hills, TX 78746
Not accepting new clients
I am a licensed clinical social worker and like to use creativity in my practice, including art, creative writing, and music. I am a bilingual social worker who has worked with the Latinx community for over eight years, providing Spanish-speaking services. I have more of a direct, to-the-point approach in therapy. I value honesty, taking accountability, skill-building, and most importantly, humor! I like to make jokes but also want to ensure that clients leave sessions with skills that can be applied outside of therapy too.
I am a licensed clinical social worker and like to use creativity in my practice, including art, creative writing, and music. I am a bilingual social worker who has worked with the Latinx community for over eight years, providing Spanish-speaking services. I have more of a direct, to-the-point approach in therapy. I value honesty, taking accountability, skill-building, and most importantly, humor! I like to make jokes but also want to ensure that clients leave sessions with skills that can be applied outside of therapy too.
(512) 866-2072 View (512) 866-2072
Photo of Maxine Bettis-Arnold, Licensed Professional Counselor in West Lake Hills, TX
Maxine Bettis-Arnold
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
West Lake Hills, TX 78746
It takes courage to seek help and it is important to feel heard, understood and safe in the therapy relationship. I focus on building a strong relationship with the client that allows us to explore areas of concern and start the healing process. My belief in the capacity to change thinking patterns, emotional reactions and behaviors helps clients identify strengths, gain insight and help develop coping strategies. We work with therapeutic resources to help families, couples and individuals accomplish their goals.
It takes courage to seek help and it is important to feel heard, understood and safe in the therapy relationship. I focus on building a strong relationship with the client that allows us to explore areas of concern and start the healing process. My belief in the capacity to change thinking patterns, emotional reactions and behaviors helps clients identify strengths, gain insight and help develop coping strategies. We work with therapeutic resources to help families, couples and individuals accomplish their goals.
(720) 307-3797 View (720) 307-3797
Photo of Connected Heart Therapy, Marriage & Family Therapist in West Lake Hills, TX
Connected Heart Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LPC, LMFT
Verified Verified
West Lake Hills, TX 78746
Connected Heart Therapy combines the best of traditional and virtual therapy to make getting help easy and convenient so you can focus on what’s really important: healing. We are psychotherapists and resiliency builders here to support you on your journey. Connected Heart Therapy was founded by Wendy Byrd and Robin Landers, two licensed therapists in Austin, Texas. After years in private practice, they know how complicated and overwhelming it can be to find the right therapist. They combined their practices and set out to find only the most caring, dedicated, and accessible therapists to build our Connected Heart Therapy care team.
Connected Heart Therapy combines the best of traditional and virtual therapy to make getting help easy and convenient so you can focus on what’s really important: healing. We are psychotherapists and resiliency builders here to support you on your journey. Connected Heart Therapy was founded by Wendy Byrd and Robin Landers, two licensed therapists in Austin, Texas. After years in private practice, they know how complicated and overwhelming it can be to find the right therapist. They combined their practices and set out to find only the most caring, dedicated, and accessible therapists to build our Connected Heart Therapy care team.
(512) 812-8742 View (512) 812-8742
Photo of Michael S Bishop, Marriage & Family Therapist in West Lake Hills, TX
Michael S Bishop
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT-S, LPC-S
Verified Verified
West Lake Hills, TX 78746
Having been a therapist for 32 years working with couples and families, I have learned that the most important component while conducting therapy is to establish a conversation of listening to what clients are really saying.
Having been a therapist for 32 years working with couples and families, I have learned that the most important component while conducting therapy is to establish a conversation of listening to what clients are really saying.
(737) 204-1857 View (737) 204-1857
Photo of Colin Moss, Licensed Professional Counselor in West Lake Hills, TX
Colin Moss
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Lake Hills, TX 78746
The life we live and the life we want do not always match up. Funny enough, life some times gets in the way of the life we want. I believe that we can live an authentic life with meaningful connections that makes suffering through hard stuff worth it. A person is more than their problems, thoughts, and feelings. I like to work with individuals on figuring out what kind of life they want, and how to persist through tough times to achieve it.
The life we live and the life we want do not always match up. Funny enough, life some times gets in the way of the life we want. I believe that we can live an authentic life with meaningful connections that makes suffering through hard stuff worth it. A person is more than their problems, thoughts, and feelings. I like to work with individuals on figuring out what kind of life they want, and how to persist through tough times to achieve it.
(737) 204-8094 View (737) 204-8094

See more therapy options for West Lake Hills

How does your Therapist compare?

Number of Therapists in West Lake Hills, TX

100+

Average cost per session

$150

Therapists in West Lake Hills, TX who prioritize treating:

89% Anxiety
86% Depression
84% Relationship Issues
74% Self Esteem
68% Grief
68% Trauma and PTSD
67% Coping Skills

Average years in practice

13 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

68% Aetna
63% UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH
59% BlueCross and BlueShield

How Therapists in West Lake Hills, TX see their clients

80% In Person and Online
20% Online Only

Gender breakdown

78% Female
22% Male
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling

How can I find a therapist in West Lake Hills?

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.