Therapists in Berkeley, CA
Brett Wheeler
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, JD, PhD
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94709
My practice focuses on issues of self-esteem, relational intimacy, shame, personality disturbances, anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. I work relationally and dynamically with a present-centered approach on issues as they are currently manifesting but with an eye to how they reflect deeper structures of clients' personalities and values. Therapy is not focused on fixing things, but on relaxing patterns of thinking, becoming more flexible in communicating emotion, building resilience, and being able to be more creative and trusting of oneself and others.
My practice focuses on issues of self-esteem, relational intimacy, shame, personality disturbances, anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. I work relationally and dynamically with a present-centered approach on issues as they are currently manifesting but with an eye to how they reflect deeper structures of clients' personalities and values. Therapy is not focused on fixing things, but on relaxing patterns of thinking, becoming more flexible in communicating emotion, building resilience, and being able to be more creative and trusting of oneself and others.
Ilana Barakat
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94705
I believe, no matter how long a problem or pattern has existed, there is hope for change. Patterns in relationships can be transformed, and so can long-standing perceptions of yourself and your life. When change feels daunting, this is the moment a non-judgmental outside perspective can be helpful. I believe that therapy is a place where you can bring your entire self: your hopes, dreams, fears, traumas, pain, joy and shame. I work with you to make that space warm, compassionate, dynamic, and directed.
I believe, no matter how long a problem or pattern has existed, there is hope for change. Patterns in relationships can be transformed, and so can long-standing perceptions of yourself and your life. When change feels daunting, this is the moment a non-judgmental outside perspective can be helpful. I believe that therapy is a place where you can bring your entire self: your hopes, dreams, fears, traumas, pain, joy and shame. I work with you to make that space warm, compassionate, dynamic, and directed.
Srini Katragadda
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94704
I work with couples and individuals struggling with a variety of relationship and communication issues. I have successfully treated clients with depression, anxiety, phobias, and low self-esteem. Clients that are looking for more aliveness in themselves and their relationships will be served well by what I offer.
I work with couples and individuals struggling with a variety of relationship and communication issues. I have successfully treated clients with depression, anxiety, phobias, and low self-esteem. Clients that are looking for more aliveness in themselves and their relationships will be served well by what I offer.
Benjamin Adams Pauw
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94704
Sometimes it is helpful to think of therapy as a journey. Imagine your psyche as an inner landscape, one that is as unique and as complex as you are. You know this landscape better than anyone. In it there are familiar places, beautiful places, frightening places, mysterious places. Perhaps there is a specific place you’d like to find on your journey, one that is both safe and exciting. Or maybe there is an unpleasant place you find yourself in, again and again, despite your best efforts to leave. Maybe you don’t even know where you’re going on this journey, just that you’re looking for a place where your heart can rest.
Sometimes it is helpful to think of therapy as a journey. Imagine your psyche as an inner landscape, one that is as unique and as complex as you are. You know this landscape better than anyone. In it there are familiar places, beautiful places, frightening places, mysterious places. Perhaps there is a specific place you’d like to find on your journey, one that is both safe and exciting. Or maybe there is an unpleasant place you find yourself in, again and again, despite your best efforts to leave. Maybe you don’t even know where you’re going on this journey, just that you’re looking for a place where your heart can rest.
Miles Murch
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94705
I work with gay men and queer people who would like to feel more empowered, more at ease, and more connected in their lives and relationships! It’s not easy to walk your own path and find safety, belonging, and purpose in this world. If you identify as LGBTQIA, you didn’t grow up with good models for queer relationships. Even if your life is "perfect on paper," it might be a challenge to find trust, deepen intimacy, set boundaries, stay centered, and go after the life you want.
I work with gay men and queer people who would like to feel more empowered, more at ease, and more connected in their lives and relationships! It’s not easy to walk your own path and find safety, belonging, and purpose in this world. If you identify as LGBTQIA, you didn’t grow up with good models for queer relationships. Even if your life is "perfect on paper," it might be a challenge to find trust, deepen intimacy, set boundaries, stay centered, and go after the life you want.
Karen Yu
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94705
Are you feeling overwhelmed by all of the urgency of life's to-do list? I specialize in working with Asian American professionals who grew up with demanding parents who caused them to have their feelings neglected. This caused a lot of indecisiveness and striving to be hard on yourself. It is easy to be overwhelmed when your love ones seem to rub you the wrong way. As a first generation Chinese American raised in the Bay Area, I am culturally sensitive to how to heal the childhood wounding that occurred when you felt neglected by your parents. Isn't it time that you start knowing your own voice and return to self-approval?
Are you feeling overwhelmed by all of the urgency of life's to-do list? I specialize in working with Asian American professionals who grew up with demanding parents who caused them to have their feelings neglected. This caused a lot of indecisiveness and striving to be hard on yourself. It is easy to be overwhelmed when your love ones seem to rub you the wrong way. As a first generation Chinese American raised in the Bay Area, I am culturally sensitive to how to heal the childhood wounding that occurred when you felt neglected by your parents. Isn't it time that you start knowing your own voice and return to self-approval?
Kavita Comoglio
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94704 (Online Only)
You want to feel connected and secure in relationships and to be confident and empowered to achieve your aspirations. Something is holding you back. You feel lost, stuck, unsure of yourself. I focus on relationships, self-esteem, South Asian mental health, life transitions, and anxiety. Let’s change destructive patterns keeping you and your partner feeling sad, alone and stuck. Let’s stop the voice that nags: you “are not good enough” or “don’t deserve love”. Let’s transform self-doubt, anxiety and emptiness to passion, vitality and fulfillment. Let’s discover how you can feel present in your life, instead of hiding and faking it.
You want to feel connected and secure in relationships and to be confident and empowered to achieve your aspirations. Something is holding you back. You feel lost, stuck, unsure of yourself. I focus on relationships, self-esteem, South Asian mental health, life transitions, and anxiety. Let’s change destructive patterns keeping you and your partner feeling sad, alone and stuck. Let’s stop the voice that nags: you “are not good enough” or “don’t deserve love”. Let’s transform self-doubt, anxiety and emptiness to passion, vitality and fulfillment. Let’s discover how you can feel present in your life, instead of hiding and faking it.
Anna Guha
Marriage & Family Therapist, Anna Guha, LMFT
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94709 (Online Only)
I am a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with six years of clinical counseling experience. I have worked closely with individuals struggling with addiction, depression, anxiety, chronic illness and relationship issues. I’ve helped people ranging in age from eight to eighty-six feel better about themselves and learn how to adapt and thrive in change. My therapeutic approach blends CBT and humanistic therapies with a existential stance.
I am a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with six years of clinical counseling experience. I have worked closely with individuals struggling with addiction, depression, anxiety, chronic illness and relationship issues. I’ve helped people ranging in age from eight to eighty-six feel better about themselves and learn how to adapt and thrive in change. My therapeutic approach blends CBT and humanistic therapies with a existential stance.
Aimee Tomczak
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94705
My intention is to create a safe, compassionate space that supports you to experience yourself more fully and to awaken more aliveness, creativity, and meaning in your life. Through awareness of body and mind states and habitual patterns of thinking and relating, we will work together to transform limiting beliefs that keep you from a more fulfilled experience of life. We will lay the groundwork to release the pain of old stories, and to create internal resources to allow you to experience an embodied life with more joy, aliveness and meaning.
My intention is to create a safe, compassionate space that supports you to experience yourself more fully and to awaken more aliveness, creativity, and meaning in your life. Through awareness of body and mind states and habitual patterns of thinking and relating, we will work together to transform limiting beliefs that keep you from a more fulfilled experience of life. We will lay the groundwork to release the pain of old stories, and to create internal resources to allow you to experience an embodied life with more joy, aliveness and meaning.
Susanna McKean Moore
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94705
Not accepting new clients
My practice is currently full. I am taking no new clients, though I do have openings to meet with parents 1-3 sessions to think through next steps for you and your child. Please email me at susannamoorephd@gmail.com with your child's age, where you live, and a brief description of your situation. Se habla español. I work primarily with children and teens (and sometimes adults) who are marginalized in some way. I have extensive training in gender identity issues, the effects of trauma and loss, and the psychological impact of social injustice.
My practice is currently full. I am taking no new clients, though I do have openings to meet with parents 1-3 sessions to think through next steps for you and your child. Please email me at susannamoorephd@gmail.com with your child's age, where you live, and a brief description of your situation. Se habla español. I work primarily with children and teens (and sometimes adults) who are marginalized in some way. I have extensive training in gender identity issues, the effects of trauma and loss, and the psychological impact of social injustice.
Susanna Gilbert
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94705
You may be feeling overwhelmed by a recent turn of events--the death of a loved one, a bad break-up, becoming a parent, changing careers. Or perhaps you're struggling with more longstanding issues--low self-esteem, for instance--that you've tried to resolve on your own but just can't get a handle on. I enjoy helping people weather challenging transitions as well as see their longer term issues with fresh, more hopeful eyes. With support and insight, I've found people can move on and make the changes they want to make in their lives.
You may be feeling overwhelmed by a recent turn of events--the death of a loved one, a bad break-up, becoming a parent, changing careers. Or perhaps you're struggling with more longstanding issues--low self-esteem, for instance--that you've tried to resolve on your own but just can't get a handle on. I enjoy helping people weather challenging transitions as well as see their longer term issues with fresh, more hopeful eyes. With support and insight, I've found people can move on and make the changes they want to make in their lives.
15 Second Videos
Carol Zeitlin
Evergreen Counseling
Fran Wickner
Josephine Kelly
Charis Stiles
Ronny Nevo
Sasha Wright
Phoenix Song
Kelly Howard
Yi Zhao Martins
Scott Leiker
Matt R Garrett
Sally Covington
Leryn Messori
Juliane Kowski
Bill Roller
Annie Wright
Ali Miller
Jessica Thompson
Angela Snelling
Jon Platania
Brie Robertori
Lindsey Antin
Alexandra A Phillippe
Shelly Lev-Er
Rosanna Franklin
Pujita Latchman
Bridges Therapy Group of CA
Katie Mason
Tamara Thebert
Aretha Hampton
Dr. Douglas Vakoch - Green Psychotherapy, PC
Elissa Crandall
Sharon Testa-Harker, M.F.T.
Troy Piwowarski
Vanessa Lowe
Leah Bellack
Jesse Whittle-Utter
Jane Reynolds
Angela Allan
Nathan Michael
Mari Larangeira
Daniel Smith
Ryan Cole
Tim Holtzman
Angela Vincent Polk
Kim Thompson
Olina Rule
Luis Alberto Alvarado
Alissa Greenberg
Carol Zeitlin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94705
If you are curious about being in therapy with me, I invite you to set up a 30-minute consultation session at no charge. I am committed to helping adults who are struggling with painful situations such as depression, anxiety, relationship issues, or feelings of disconnection. Together, we will strive to understand your emotional suffering and recognize relationship patterns that have not served you well. Over time we will use our relationship to rework old patterns and allow you to see choices in life where before there had seemed to be none.
If you are curious about being in therapy with me, I invite you to set up a 30-minute consultation session at no charge. I am committed to helping adults who are struggling with painful situations such as depression, anxiety, relationship issues, or feelings of disconnection. Together, we will strive to understand your emotional suffering and recognize relationship patterns that have not served you well. Over time we will use our relationship to rework old patterns and allow you to see choices in life where before there had seemed to be none.
Sharon Gregory
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94705
Since 1989, I have been helping people uncover, explore, and work through barriers to authenticity and aliveness. Together, we bring into awareness the thoughts and feelings that can interfere with being more fully engaged with yourself or others. You may feel that you don't know yourself or can't be yourself; that decisions are difficult to make or impossible to follow through on; or that connections with others are empty or unsatisfying. Taking a closer look at what's getting in the way can make a difference.
Since 1989, I have been helping people uncover, explore, and work through barriers to authenticity and aliveness. Together, we bring into awareness the thoughts and feelings that can interfere with being more fully engaged with yourself or others. You may feel that you don't know yourself or can't be yourself; that decisions are difficult to make or impossible to follow through on; or that connections with others are empty or unsatisfying. Taking a closer look at what's getting in the way can make a difference.
Dr. Elizabeth Aranda
Psychologist, PhD, ABPP
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94704
My clients are courageous people who want to live sustainably in their truth and authenticity. Often nervous, but ready for change. In my style of practice we work to improve your understanding of yourself and identify what is inhibiting you from living your best life. We explore internal processes like your feelings & beliefs as well as systemic processes that impact LGBTQ+ BIPOC identit(ies), relationships, and life experiences. I take a similar approach to my assessments which are both strength-based and neuro-diversity affirming. All services aim to move you towards your unique treatment goals and improving your mental health.
My clients are courageous people who want to live sustainably in their truth and authenticity. Often nervous, but ready for change. In my style of practice we work to improve your understanding of yourself and identify what is inhibiting you from living your best life. We explore internal processes like your feelings & beliefs as well as systemic processes that impact LGBTQ+ BIPOC identit(ies), relationships, and life experiences. I take a similar approach to my assessments which are both strength-based and neuro-diversity affirming. All services aim to move you towards your unique treatment goals and improving your mental health.
Scott Lines, Ph.D.
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94705
I believe that as human beings, we are hard-wired with the need to get our emotional experience into the mind of a trusted other. My work as a psychotherapist is to find emotional resonance with my clients' life experiences, deriving both from their family of origin and from present-day situations and relationships. Whether a client is depressed, anxious, struggling with relationship problems, trying to overcome traumatic experiences, or trying to find their own unique, personal voice in a complex world, talking in psychotherapy can help to expand your capacity for growth and happiness.
I believe that as human beings, we are hard-wired with the need to get our emotional experience into the mind of a trusted other. My work as a psychotherapist is to find emotional resonance with my clients' life experiences, deriving both from their family of origin and from present-day situations and relationships. Whether a client is depressed, anxious, struggling with relationship problems, trying to overcome traumatic experiences, or trying to find their own unique, personal voice in a complex world, talking in psychotherapy can help to expand your capacity for growth and happiness.
Susanna G Bernat
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94705
Not accepting new clients
Unseen opportunities often present themselves in the midst of pain and struggle. However the signs are easily missed when stress, grief or heartache overwhelm your ability to cope. I offer a safe, supportive environment to gain perspective on your current situation so that you can move forward with a sense of dignity, insight and awareness. I am available for a free phone consultation. I will also make referrals to the appropriate resource if I believe that you will be better served by another specialist.
Unseen opportunities often present themselves in the midst of pain and struggle. However the signs are easily missed when stress, grief or heartache overwhelm your ability to cope. I offer a safe, supportive environment to gain perspective on your current situation so that you can move forward with a sense of dignity, insight and awareness. I am available for a free phone consultation. I will also make referrals to the appropriate resource if I believe that you will be better served by another specialist.
Jane Cabot
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94704 (Online Only)
As a psychotherapist, I act as your collaborator, witness and guide, and bring curiosity and warmth to your exploration. Trauma, past wounding and internalized negative beliefs can make it difficult to know what you need from moment to moment. Therefore, in session, I support you in cultivating self-agency so that you may become familiar with what is right for you at a pace that is both constructive and safe. I am here to help you navigate difficult transitions, past and new traumas, grief and loss, shifts in identity, and a desire to change patterns in relationship on your path towards fulfilling connections to self and others.
As a psychotherapist, I act as your collaborator, witness and guide, and bring curiosity and warmth to your exploration. Trauma, past wounding and internalized negative beliefs can make it difficult to know what you need from moment to moment. Therefore, in session, I support you in cultivating self-agency so that you may become familiar with what is right for you at a pace that is both constructive and safe. I am here to help you navigate difficult transitions, past and new traumas, grief and loss, shifts in identity, and a desire to change patterns in relationship on your path towards fulfilling connections to self and others.
Lane McConnell
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94709 (Online Only)
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, borderline personality, sexuality issues or addiction? These are some of the areas I specialize in. I believe therapy can help you find the solutions you need to move forward to have a happier life. Have you struggled to find an effective type of therapy that works for you? I tailor my therapy approach to you based on what has and has not worked for you in the past. Together we will set therapy goals to help you remove present barriers, suffering and emotional pain so you can live your life to your upmost potential. Additional information: www.lanemcconnelltherapy.com
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, borderline personality, sexuality issues or addiction? These are some of the areas I specialize in. I believe therapy can help you find the solutions you need to move forward to have a happier life. Have you struggled to find an effective type of therapy that works for you? I tailor my therapy approach to you based on what has and has not worked for you in the past. Together we will set therapy goals to help you remove present barriers, suffering and emotional pain so you can live your life to your upmost potential. Additional information: www.lanemcconnelltherapy.com
Victoria Julita Spiers
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
11 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94705
Waitlist for new clients
As a non-pathologizing humanistic-existential Gestalt therapist, I will meet you exactly where you are. I recognize that you are the expert of your own experience and that you already possess the skills that will aid you in healing your pain. As your empathic witness, advocate, and guide, I will help you increase your self-awareness, self-acceptance, and sense of agency. Essentially, I will help you re-examine your life and re-experience yourself and others, in different as well as new meaningful and healing ways. My approach is mindful, intuitive, and tenderhearted.
As a non-pathologizing humanistic-existential Gestalt therapist, I will meet you exactly where you are. I recognize that you are the expert of your own experience and that you already possess the skills that will aid you in healing your pain. As your empathic witness, advocate, and guide, I will help you increase your self-awareness, self-acceptance, and sense of agency. Essentially, I will help you re-examine your life and re-experience yourself and others, in different as well as new meaningful and healing ways. My approach is mindful, intuitive, and tenderhearted.
Renee Hutchison
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94705 (Online Only)
My work is based on a positive theoretical orientation which assumes that all individuals possess an innate desire for emotional/mental health. A person enters therapy with a strong wish, whether conscious or unconscious, to overcome obstacles and free themselves from constraints that are holding them back. I find that each individual needs a slightly different approach in order to accomplish these goals, so I make adjustments in technique for each specific case. I truly enjoy the experience of guiding my clients through this process and consider it a privilege to play such an important role in a person's life.
My work is based on a positive theoretical orientation which assumes that all individuals possess an innate desire for emotional/mental health. A person enters therapy with a strong wish, whether conscious or unconscious, to overcome obstacles and free themselves from constraints that are holding them back. I find that each individual needs a slightly different approach in order to accomplish these goals, so I make adjustments in technique for each specific case. I truly enjoy the experience of guiding my clients through this process and consider it a privilege to play such an important role in a person's life.
See more therapy options for Berkeley
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Berkeley, CA
1,000+
Average cost per session
$190
Therapists in Berkeley, CA who prioritize treating:
94% | Anxiety |
89% | Depression |
85% | Relationship Issues |
76% | Self Esteem |
75% | Trauma and PTSD |
72% | Grief |
66% | Life Transitions |
Average years in practice
13 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
50% | Aetna |
38% | Cigna and Evernorth |
38% | Other |
How Therapists in Berkeley, CA see their clients
64% | In Person and Online | |
36% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
76% | Female | |
22% | Male | |
2% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in Berkeley?
Search for nearby therapists or counselors by inputting your city, town, or suburb; or zip code; or a provider’s name into the search bar. From there, you can filter providers by the issues they treat, cost, insurance, gender, and other factors to find providers who are well-suited to your needs. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or zip code into the search bar.
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?
The Psychology Today directory lists providers who offer legitimate mental health services to the public, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counselor?
Therapists, psychologists, and counselors are all licensed mental health professionals. In the US, psychologists have earned a doctoral degree. The terms “therapist” and “counselor” are used somewhat interchangeably, but generally therapists offer longer-term, mental health care, while counselors offer shorter-term care that may focus on one domain, such as marriage, career, or academic challenges.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
What type of therapy is right for me?
The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.
How much does therapy cost?
The cost of therapy depends on a number of variables, including location and the therapist’s experience and training. On average, a therapy session in the United States could cost between $100 and $200 or more. If you have insurance, the expense of mental health care is typically lower, but it varies based on your insurance plan details and whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network mental healthcare provider.
What are more affordable or low cost therapy solutions?
Many therapists offer sliding scale payments, usually on a limited number of slots, which consists in an agreement between the therapist and a client to pay a reduced rate. Therapists who provide such arrangements often consider the client's income or ability to pay, but the extent of the discount is ultimately at the therapist's discretion. Furthermore, while group therapy may have different goals and benefits compared to individual therapy, it can be a more affordable solution to address certain types of issues.
Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?
Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.
Is online therapy a good option?
Therapy conducted online can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your zip code.
Are therapy sessions confidential?
Confidentiality is a crucial part of the therapeutic relationship. Therapists in the United States are bound by the regulations set out by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), which aims to protect sensitive health information. With very few exceptions, a therapist will only discuss their client with others when the client has given their written permission. The instances in which a therapist would be required to disclose personal information are: if a client poses a danger to themselves or others, if the therapist suspects the abuse of a child or an elderly or otherwise dependent adult, or if they are legally forced to by court order. These exceptions to the confidentiality agreement are usually discussed with a client before their first session.