Therapists in Boulder, CO

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Photo of Attunement Counseling, Licensed Professional Counselor in Boulder, CO
Attunement Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Boulder, CO 80301  (Online Only)
Attunement Counseling offers a unique blend of Mindfulness-based and IFS-informed mental health counseling. This integrative approach to mental health supports you in discovering a sustainable sense of wellness. Please visit www.AttunementCounseling.co to discover more and take the first step towards Living Your Best Life!
Attunement Counseling offers a unique blend of Mindfulness-based and IFS-informed mental health counseling. This integrative approach to mental health supports you in discovering a sustainable sense of wellness. Please visit www.AttunementCounseling.co to discover more and take the first step towards Living Your Best Life!
(720) 703-9307 View (720) 703-9307
Photo of Dylan Rivard, Licensed Professional Counselor in Boulder, CO
Dylan Rivard
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Boulder, CO 80301
If you feel overwhelmed by the state of the world, and find yourself thinking "A cloud of worry and criticism seems to follow me wherever I go. I have a decent job, most of my problems seem small compared to others, and yet that doesn't change the fact that most days I want to give up. My free time is a minefield of avoidance, distraction, and overwhelm. The things I really want to do with my life feel far away, and mustering the motivation to do something about it can feel impossible. I'm terrified that my whole life will be one long, crushing disappointment. Why does it have to be so hard?" I can help. We can do this together.
If you feel overwhelmed by the state of the world, and find yourself thinking "A cloud of worry and criticism seems to follow me wherever I go. I have a decent job, most of my problems seem small compared to others, and yet that doesn't change the fact that most days I want to give up. My free time is a minefield of avoidance, distraction, and overwhelm. The things I really want to do with my life feel far away, and mustering the motivation to do something about it can feel impossible. I'm terrified that my whole life will be one long, crushing disappointment. Why does it have to be so hard?" I can help. We can do this together.
(720) 891-4783 View (720) 891-4783
Photo of Emily Black, Counselor in Boulder, CO
Emily Black
Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Boulder, CO 80302
I am a psychotherapist and expressive arts therapist based in Boulder, CO. I use a trauma-informed approach that draws on the depth of relational psychoanalysis, the practicality of cognitive behavioral therapy, and the expressive magic of somatic and art-based approaches. I love working with anxiety and OCD-related disorders, embodiment and trauma healing, relationship issues, gifted populations, and people looking to nurture their creativity. I work with adults, couples, and teens. I’m especially passionate about the journey of individuation while holding each unique life story in a social justice context.
I am a psychotherapist and expressive arts therapist based in Boulder, CO. I use a trauma-informed approach that draws on the depth of relational psychoanalysis, the practicality of cognitive behavioral therapy, and the expressive magic of somatic and art-based approaches. I love working with anxiety and OCD-related disorders, embodiment and trauma healing, relationship issues, gifted populations, and people looking to nurture their creativity. I work with adults, couples, and teens. I’m especially passionate about the journey of individuation while holding each unique life story in a social justice context.
(720) 794-9972 View (720) 794-9972
Photo of Justin Virant, Counselor in Boulder, CO
Justin Virant
Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Boulder, CO 80301
I enjoy helping clients understand themselves, maybe for the first time. We are presented with so many ideas, thoughts and noise that it can be hard to find our own voice and our own way. I work with clients who are seeking greater self-understanding, connection and empowerment in their lives. I can help you experience more personal clarity and congruence while also experiencing greater richness in life. I've also studied spirituality and have found that it has added more more depth to my life and my work as a therapist; I have experience with Buddhism, the Diamond Approach and shamanism.
I enjoy helping clients understand themselves, maybe for the first time. We are presented with so many ideas, thoughts and noise that it can be hard to find our own voice and our own way. I work with clients who are seeking greater self-understanding, connection and empowerment in their lives. I can help you experience more personal clarity and congruence while also experiencing greater richness in life. I've also studied spirituality and have found that it has added more more depth to my life and my work as a therapist; I have experience with Buddhism, the Diamond Approach and shamanism.
(720) 463-0698 View (720) 463-0698
Photo of Madison Kennedy, Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate in Boulder, CO
Madison Kennedy
Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate, APCC, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Boulder, CO 80301  (Online Only)
Is your teen struggling but you’re not sure how to help? Are you having a hard time connecting with them? Or maybe you're an adult who had a particularly difficult childhood you'd like to work through? Our childhood can be filled with ups and downs, and we need someone we can trust to unpack it with. My approach is modern, honest, and empathetic. Together we'll challenge negative thinking patterns and build confidence, while also supporting you with the tools you need to feel more connected - to your teen, your parents, or yourself. I strive to build a welcoming environment that is worth your time and investment.
Is your teen struggling but you’re not sure how to help? Are you having a hard time connecting with them? Or maybe you're an adult who had a particularly difficult childhood you'd like to work through? Our childhood can be filled with ups and downs, and we need someone we can trust to unpack it with. My approach is modern, honest, and empathetic. Together we'll challenge negative thinking patterns and build confidence, while also supporting you with the tools you need to feel more connected - to your teen, your parents, or yourself. I strive to build a welcoming environment that is worth your time and investment.
(720) 487-1056 View (720) 487-1056
Photo of Somatic Spiritual Counseling - Chris Cannon MA CAS, Registered Psychotherapist in Boulder, CO
Somatic Spiritual Counseling - Chris Cannon MA CAS
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, CAS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Boulder, CO 80303
Our world, our relationships, and our minds often present us with challenges too difficult to work out on our own. These challenges can bar us from intimate contact with ourselves and others. They often take over our life, or makes certain parts of it unbearable. And if you are seeking out ways to work with them, I whole-heartedly salute you. My counseling is client-centered, mindfulness-based, and attachment-informed. This means that you choose what we work on, I help you to explore it in the present moment, and we use the power of relationship and care in that exploration.
Our world, our relationships, and our minds often present us with challenges too difficult to work out on our own. These challenges can bar us from intimate contact with ourselves and others. They often take over our life, or makes certain parts of it unbearable. And if you are seeking out ways to work with them, I whole-heartedly salute you. My counseling is client-centered, mindfulness-based, and attachment-informed. This means that you choose what we work on, I help you to explore it in the present moment, and we use the power of relationship and care in that exploration.
(406) 313-8831 View (406) 313-8831
Photo of Virginia Pleasants Vandenbergh, Marriage & Family Therapist in Boulder, CO
Virginia Pleasants Vandenbergh
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Boulder, CO 80305
I am interested in working with a person who is committed to understanding and undertaking the therapeutic process. This looks like a willingness to be vulnerable and honest, to dig deep into the state of their mind and body and address the traumas that they may be holding, and ultimately to develop a relationship with me that can facilitate their healing. I specialize in eating disorders, depression, anxiety, family and relational conflicts, and women's issues.
I am interested in working with a person who is committed to understanding and undertaking the therapeutic process. This looks like a willingness to be vulnerable and honest, to dig deep into the state of their mind and body and address the traumas that they may be holding, and ultimately to develop a relationship with me that can facilitate their healing. I specialize in eating disorders, depression, anxiety, family and relational conflicts, and women's issues.
(510) 399-2489 View (510) 399-2489
Photo of Linda LaGanga, Licensed Professional Counselor in Boulder, CO
Linda LaGanga
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Boulder, CO 80302
I work with adults of all ages to help you manage anxiety, navigate life changes, communicate effectively, improve relationships, reduce stress, build coping skills and learn to resolve problems to manage conflict at home, work, school, and your important situations. I can help with life transitions, loss and grief, relationship issues, anxiety and relaxation, building and sustaining healthy lifestyles.
I work with adults of all ages to help you manage anxiety, navigate life changes, communicate effectively, improve relationships, reduce stress, build coping skills and learn to resolve problems to manage conflict at home, work, school, and your important situations. I can help with life transitions, loss and grief, relationship issues, anxiety and relaxation, building and sustaining healthy lifestyles.
(720) 915-2269 View (720) 915-2269
Photo of Ellie Wilkins, Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate in Boulder, CO
Ellie Wilkins
Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate, MSc, LPCC, ADS
Verified Verified
Boulder, CO 80301
Currently accepting new clients. I work with Trauma with individuals of varying identities, including First Responders. I use AcuDetox as a support if you like acupuncture as well!
Currently accepting new clients. I work with Trauma with individuals of varying identities, including First Responders. I use AcuDetox as a support if you like acupuncture as well!
(720) 927-9071 View (720) 927-9071
Photo of Grace Reynolds, Licensed Professional Counselor in Boulder, CO
Grace Reynolds
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Boulder, CO 80302  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Feeling connected to ourselves and others, and developing a healthy relationship to our own emotions, has a strong effect on our happiness and well-being. With a background in Emotionally Focused therapy and AEDP, I specialize in working with complicated, painful or confusing emotions that keep couples and individuals feeling stuck, disconnected and alone. My specialities include: couples drifting apart, on different pages, or in constant conflict; individuals going through a difficult time in their life or relationship; and anyone looking to shift emotional patterns and find new ways of relating.
Feeling connected to ourselves and others, and developing a healthy relationship to our own emotions, has a strong effect on our happiness and well-being. With a background in Emotionally Focused therapy and AEDP, I specialize in working with complicated, painful or confusing emotions that keep couples and individuals feeling stuck, disconnected and alone. My specialities include: couples drifting apart, on different pages, or in constant conflict; individuals going through a difficult time in their life or relationship; and anyone looking to shift emotional patterns and find new ways of relating.
(877) 958-6315 View (877) 958-6315
Photo of Katherine Partch, Counselor in Boulder, CO
Katherine Partch
Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Boulder, CO 80301
My priority as a body-centered psychotherapist, is to listen without judgement and work together to create an integrative, trauma sensitive approach to support your healing, growth, and developmental journey. You will receive a variety of tools and resources to help with emotional regulation, coping skills, mindfulness, and practical skills that may help inform you of how to care for your body, mind, spirit and emotional well-being. Our work together may include using movement, awareness of emotions and bodily sensations, and learning about resources that will help integrate what you learn in therapy into your everyday life.
My priority as a body-centered psychotherapist, is to listen without judgement and work together to create an integrative, trauma sensitive approach to support your healing, growth, and developmental journey. You will receive a variety of tools and resources to help with emotional regulation, coping skills, mindfulness, and practical skills that may help inform you of how to care for your body, mind, spirit and emotional well-being. Our work together may include using movement, awareness of emotions and bodily sensations, and learning about resources that will help integrate what you learn in therapy into your everyday life.
(720) 605-0983 View (720) 605-0983
Photo of Megan Larson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Boulder, CO
Megan Larson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Boulder, CO 80304
Supporting children to develop awareness & thrive. I support children & their parents develop an understanding around what is creating and maintaining challenges; and, bring more regulation and less stress to everyday living. My work is influenced by current research on play therapy, neurobiology, attachment and the mind body connection. I am also a registered Yoga Teacher, and incorporate Eastern approaches into treatment such as yoga, meditation & sensory awareness practices.
Supporting children to develop awareness & thrive. I support children & their parents develop an understanding around what is creating and maintaining challenges; and, bring more regulation and less stress to everyday living. My work is influenced by current research on play therapy, neurobiology, attachment and the mind body connection. I am also a registered Yoga Teacher, and incorporate Eastern approaches into treatment such as yoga, meditation & sensory awareness practices.
(844) 912-2930 View (844) 912-2930
Photo of Christina M Wagner, Marriage & Family Therapist in Boulder, CO
Christina M Wagner
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Boulder, CO 80304  (Online Only)
By recognizing the connection between past experiences and present behaviors, I enable my clients to gain insights into their thought processes and behaviors, which can empower them to make positive changes. Dismantling unhelpful patterns and replacing them with healthier alternatives is a fundamental aspect of fostering emotional well-being and personal transformation.
By recognizing the connection between past experiences and present behaviors, I enable my clients to gain insights into their thought processes and behaviors, which can empower them to make positive changes. Dismantling unhelpful patterns and replacing them with healthier alternatives is a fundamental aspect of fostering emotional well-being and personal transformation.
(512) 426-3606 View (512) 426-3606
Photo of Marco Renzi, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Boulder, CO
Marco Renzi
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PMH-C
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Boulder, CO 80303  (Online Only)
I seek to create a safe, welcoming environment where genuine conversation and exploration can occur. My specialties include relationships, sexual challenges, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, ADHD, and distress around identity. I also support clients with transitions to parenthood and postpartum challenges. Oftentimes these life transitions are more difficult than most people can imagine. I recognize the obstacles each person overcomes to start therapy and the courage required to begin that process. Together, we will look for pragmatic and effective ways to ignite the process towards feeling better and living a more authentic life.
I seek to create a safe, welcoming environment where genuine conversation and exploration can occur. My specialties include relationships, sexual challenges, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, ADHD, and distress around identity. I also support clients with transitions to parenthood and postpartum challenges. Oftentimes these life transitions are more difficult than most people can imagine. I recognize the obstacles each person overcomes to start therapy and the courage required to begin that process. Together, we will look for pragmatic and effective ways to ignite the process towards feeling better and living a more authentic life.
(720) 459-9199 View (720) 459-9199
Photo of Kelsie Foster, Licensed Professional Counselor in Boulder, CO
Kelsie Foster
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, ATR-P
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Boulder, CO 80305
Have you been curious about deepening your therapy experience in a creative way? Through a collaborative and relational approach, I support teens and young adults in their healing process through art therapy. Art therapy can serve as a way to process emotions, gain insight, and work with troubling material to give you the opportunity to work with it in a new format. My ideal client is someone who is ready and willing to gain self awareness, is hopeful for change, is open to creative therapy, and is seeking support with struggles such as trauma, depression, anxiety, family dysfunction, and self destructive behaviors.
Have you been curious about deepening your therapy experience in a creative way? Through a collaborative and relational approach, I support teens and young adults in their healing process through art therapy. Art therapy can serve as a way to process emotions, gain insight, and work with troubling material to give you the opportunity to work with it in a new format. My ideal client is someone who is ready and willing to gain self awareness, is hopeful for change, is open to creative therapy, and is seeking support with struggles such as trauma, depression, anxiety, family dysfunction, and self destructive behaviors.
(720) 764-7866 View (720) 764-7866
Photo of Denise Barnes, Licensed Professional Counselor in Boulder, CO
Denise Barnes
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, REV
Verified Verified
Boulder, CO 80302  (Online Only)
Change can be hard, and therapy helps, and it doesn't have to go on for years. I'll share coping tools to handle stress fast and give you a solid foundation for life's challenges. For patterns that block your happiness, we'll use creative tools that grow your imagination and inner knowing. Clients appreciate how I help them develop their strength and peacefulness. If you've got the urge to grow, or are ready to deal with past trauma, I can help. My clients desire tools for life and are willing to practice them outside of sessions. My Stress to Strength book offers great hacks for life's challenges and setbacks. Visit SoulSavvy.net.
Change can be hard, and therapy helps, and it doesn't have to go on for years. I'll share coping tools to handle stress fast and give you a solid foundation for life's challenges. For patterns that block your happiness, we'll use creative tools that grow your imagination and inner knowing. Clients appreciate how I help them develop their strength and peacefulness. If you've got the urge to grow, or are ready to deal with past trauma, I can help. My clients desire tools for life and are willing to practice them outside of sessions. My Stress to Strength book offers great hacks for life's challenges and setbacks. Visit SoulSavvy.net.
(720) 605-6426 View (720) 605-6426
Photo of Stefan James Bigboy, Counselor in Boulder, CO
Stefan James Bigboy
Counselor
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Boulder, CO 80301  (Online Only)
Are you searching for understanding? Are you wanting to better hold the complexities of your life? Often, truth and wisdom can seem out of reach. This can be due to a number of things that act as obstacles and obscurations to our full understanding of ourselves, others, and human relationships. This experience of being confused, perplexed, or lost is a natural and normal part of being human. This does not mean, however, that you are destined to remain in a state of suffering and confusion. Your brilliance, intelligence, wisdom, and way to wellbeing remain within you. I can help you reconnect to this innate wisdom.
Are you searching for understanding? Are you wanting to better hold the complexities of your life? Often, truth and wisdom can seem out of reach. This can be due to a number of things that act as obstacles and obscurations to our full understanding of ourselves, others, and human relationships. This experience of being confused, perplexed, or lost is a natural and normal part of being human. This does not mean, however, that you are destined to remain in a state of suffering and confusion. Your brilliance, intelligence, wisdom, and way to wellbeing remain within you. I can help you reconnect to this innate wisdom.
(720) 463-8490 View (720) 463-8490
Photo of Elizabeth O'Hare, Psychologist in Boulder, CO
Elizabeth O'Hare
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Boulder, CO 80302
Effective therapy begins with a solid, trusting relationship between you and your therapist. I create a warm and open environment where we can build that trust and begin to address your concerns. We will use elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness Based Interventions and Interpersonal Therapy to actively create the change and growth you are seeking.
Effective therapy begins with a solid, trusting relationship between you and your therapist. I create a warm and open environment where we can build that trust and begin to address your concerns. We will use elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness Based Interventions and Interpersonal Therapy to actively create the change and growth you are seeking.
(303) 416-6136 View (303) 416-6136
Photo of Holly Trienens, Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate in Boulder, CO
Holly Trienens
Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Boulder, CO 80301  (Online Only)
Do you struggle with anxiety, depression, stress, low self-esteem, or difficulty in relationship to others? Do you find it difficult to stay present, worrying about the future or past? Did you grow up experiencing trauma, or have had recent traumatic experiences and are having difficulty processing the emotions and stress that accompany trauma? We all get stuck in ways of relating to ourselves, others, and the world. Therapy can offer a way to bring awareness to how we are moving through life, consider our patterns, and promote growth and wellbeing.
Do you struggle with anxiety, depression, stress, low self-esteem, or difficulty in relationship to others? Do you find it difficult to stay present, worrying about the future or past? Did you grow up experiencing trauma, or have had recent traumatic experiences and are having difficulty processing the emotions and stress that accompany trauma? We all get stuck in ways of relating to ourselves, others, and the world. Therapy can offer a way to bring awareness to how we are moving through life, consider our patterns, and promote growth and wellbeing.
(720) 330-4023 View (720) 330-4023
Photo of Dr. Ann F Sullivan, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Boulder, CO
Dr. Ann F Sullivan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Boulder, CO 80304  (Online Only)
Hello, I am Dr. Ann, LCSW. I enjoy counseling through transitions, anxiety, grief/loss, stress, and women's issues. With over 20 years of experience, I work with children, young adults and families. I utilize mindfulness, EMDR techniques, CBT and SFBT strategies. I practice mindful self compassion and bring compassion, curiosity and humor to our sessions. Therapy is a space to reflect and to challenge stuck thinking, invite new ideas to feel better and look forward to the future. I enjoy coaching through change. I accept insurance (see Headway to schedule or learn more; or visit me at: drann.online.com
Hello, I am Dr. Ann, LCSW. I enjoy counseling through transitions, anxiety, grief/loss, stress, and women's issues. With over 20 years of experience, I work with children, young adults and families. I utilize mindfulness, EMDR techniques, CBT and SFBT strategies. I practice mindful self compassion and bring compassion, curiosity and humor to our sessions. Therapy is a space to reflect and to challenge stuck thinking, invite new ideas to feel better and look forward to the future. I enjoy coaching through change. I accept insurance (see Headway to schedule or learn more; or visit me at: drann.online.com
(720) 802-3132 View (720) 802-3132

How does your Therapist compare?

Number of Therapists in Boulder, CO

1,000+

Average cost per session

$150

Therapists in Boulder, CO who prioritize treating:

92% Anxiety
85% Depression
84% Relationship Issues
79% Self Esteem
76% Trauma and PTSD
70% Stress
70% Life Transitions

Average years in practice

10 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

70% Aetna
61% UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH
59% Cigna and Evernorth

How Therapists in Boulder, CO see their clients

71% In Person and Online
29% Online Only

Gender breakdown

75% Female
22% Male
3% Non-Binary
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling

How can I find a therapist in Boulder?

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.