Therapists in Bethesda, MD
Dr. Laudan Moghadam
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW-C, LICSW
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814
As a psychotherapist, I am committed to providing a supportive, safe and judgment-free environment for my clients to work through present problems and to address unresolved issues from the past. My goal is to help individuals better understand the causes of their problems and identify patterns, develop better self-awareness and self-acceptance, form healthier relationships and improve the overall quality of their life. Understanding the impact of the past and making peace with it are important components of treatment as one's past can continue to haunt the present time and influence it in ways that are not always evident to us.
As a psychotherapist, I am committed to providing a supportive, safe and judgment-free environment for my clients to work through present problems and to address unresolved issues from the past. My goal is to help individuals better understand the causes of their problems and identify patterns, develop better self-awareness and self-acceptance, form healthier relationships and improve the overall quality of their life. Understanding the impact of the past and making peace with it are important components of treatment as one's past can continue to haunt the present time and influence it in ways that are not always evident to us.
Francesca Sciscenti
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20817 (Online Only)
Finding the right therapist and starting therapy can be an intimidating process and takes courage! Are you feeling burnt out? Is your anxiety becoming hard to manage? Going through major life transitions or relationship struggles? Not feeling like yourself lately? Are you a young adult finding your way as you transition into independence? I walk alongside you as you navigate it all and aim to create a safe space for you to explore your concerns, heal and reach your goals. My therapy approach is strengths based, holistic and solution-focused. I am currently accepting clients via tele-health.
Finding the right therapist and starting therapy can be an intimidating process and takes courage! Are you feeling burnt out? Is your anxiety becoming hard to manage? Going through major life transitions or relationship struggles? Not feeling like yourself lately? Are you a young adult finding your way as you transition into independence? I walk alongside you as you navigate it all and aim to create a safe space for you to explore your concerns, heal and reach your goals. My therapy approach is strengths based, holistic and solution-focused. I am currently accepting clients via tele-health.
Victoria Alves
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, LICSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814
Victoria was transracially adopted from China as an infant. Her previous work history includes: supervising visitation between parents and their children, working as a school counselor in a public charter school, providing intensive, home-based therapy to children with intense emotional and behavioral needs, and providing clinical case management to LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness. Victoria believes strongly in client-oriented services and that everyone should have access to the opportunities and support that they need to succeed. Victoria is also passionate about self-improvement and continuing to learn throughout your life.
Victoria was transracially adopted from China as an infant. Her previous work history includes: supervising visitation between parents and their children, working as a school counselor in a public charter school, providing intensive, home-based therapy to children with intense emotional and behavioral needs, and providing clinical case management to LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness. Victoria believes strongly in client-oriented services and that everyone should have access to the opportunities and support that they need to succeed. Victoria is also passionate about self-improvement and continuing to learn throughout your life.
Suraji Wagage
Psychologist, PhD, JD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20814 (Online Only)
Outwardly, you seem to have it all together. You’re living the perfect life… on paper. On the inside, it feels like you’re just keeping your head above water. Days are lackluster and monotonous, like someone muted all the colors of life. Yet the painful emotions are vibrant as ever, and are starting to feel overwhelming: anxiety, loneliness, shame. Gnawing emptiness. You try to distract yourself, but it’s getting harder. The critical voice in your head is growing more insistent. You can’t talk about it because you’re the one people go to with their problems. You know something has to change, but you don’t know how or where to start.
Outwardly, you seem to have it all together. You’re living the perfect life… on paper. On the inside, it feels like you’re just keeping your head above water. Days are lackluster and monotonous, like someone muted all the colors of life. Yet the painful emotions are vibrant as ever, and are starting to feel overwhelming: anxiety, loneliness, shame. Gnawing emptiness. You try to distract yourself, but it’s getting harder. The critical voice in your head is growing more insistent. You can’t talk about it because you’re the one people go to with their problems. You know something has to change, but you don’t know how or where to start.
Amy Kohn McNelly
Marriage & Family Therapist, LCMFT, LMFT, CAC-II
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814
Sometimes the reasons people seek therapy are hard to pinpoint or articulate. Other times the totally unexpected brings a person into therapy. Often it is the thing one least wants to discuss. The reasons are countless, but they always matter. They affect our thoughts and our relationships, often quite deeply. My purpose as a therapist is to develop a relationship and a context that feels restorative and safe through which my patients and I can grapple with any and all concerns imaginable. Through intimate conversation and our shared experience emerge feelings, buried fears, and the previously unknowable.
Sometimes the reasons people seek therapy are hard to pinpoint or articulate. Other times the totally unexpected brings a person into therapy. Often it is the thing one least wants to discuss. The reasons are countless, but they always matter. They affect our thoughts and our relationships, often quite deeply. My purpose as a therapist is to develop a relationship and a context that feels restorative and safe through which my patients and I can grapple with any and all concerns imaginable. Through intimate conversation and our shared experience emerge feelings, buried fears, and the previously unknowable.
Joey Salvatore
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MS, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20814 (Online Only)
Clients who are looking for support exploring issues in a compassionate and warm space; in need of direction; help clarifying what gives their lives meaning and importance; are dealing with life transition issues and stressors; interpersonal or relationship issues; LGBTQIA+ identity or gender issues; conflict of faith/religion/spirituality issues; mood or sleep imbalance and dysregulation issues.
Clients who are looking for support exploring issues in a compassionate and warm space; in need of direction; help clarifying what gives their lives meaning and importance; are dealing with life transition issues and stressors; interpersonal or relationship issues; LGBTQIA+ identity or gender issues; conflict of faith/religion/spirituality issues; mood or sleep imbalance and dysregulation issues.
Jennifer R. Schwartz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, MSW
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814
My passion is working with people who are confronted with challenges at home, school, or the workplace; or are having difficulty maintaining or creating meaningful relationships. I will offer you a safe, judgment free, and accepting environment. No two people experience hardship the same way. Together, we can find the solution that works best for you. I have many years of experience working with individuals in schools, parents and children with child welfare involvement, and families dealing with separation and divorce.
My passion is working with people who are confronted with challenges at home, school, or the workplace; or are having difficulty maintaining or creating meaningful relationships. I will offer you a safe, judgment free, and accepting environment. No two people experience hardship the same way. Together, we can find the solution that works best for you. I have many years of experience working with individuals in schools, parents and children with child welfare involvement, and families dealing with separation and divorce.
Amy Heltzer
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, MS, LCPC
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814 (Online Only)
Life has turned upside down and is now full of uncertainty. Each day can feel overwhelming, stressful and isolating. At times, it can feel like you are drowning. You may be feeling exhausted from trying to balance work and home life, yet feel like you just can’t get things right. Again and again, it feels you are somehow falling short. Resentment builds. You’re feeling guilty and anxious, but still there seems to be overwhelming pressure to do more and give more.
Life has turned upside down and is now full of uncertainty. Each day can feel overwhelming, stressful and isolating. At times, it can feel like you are drowning. You may be feeling exhausted from trying to balance work and home life, yet feel like you just can’t get things right. Again and again, it feels you are somehow falling short. Resentment builds. You’re feeling guilty and anxious, but still there seems to be overwhelming pressure to do more and give more.
Rebecca Katz
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814
After years of working in New York, I am now happily serving the Maryland, DC, and Virginia community. I am a clinical psychologist providing evidenced based treatment to adults, children and adolescents. I have extensive experience working with a broad range of issues including anxiety, relationship difficulties, life transitions, and low self-esteem. My specialty training in the treatment of eating and weight disorders offers a unique perspective as an expert in the implementation and practice of family-based treatment for anorexia nervosa and bulimia.
After years of working in New York, I am now happily serving the Maryland, DC, and Virginia community. I am a clinical psychologist providing evidenced based treatment to adults, children and adolescents. I have extensive experience working with a broad range of issues including anxiety, relationship difficulties, life transitions, and low self-esteem. My specialty training in the treatment of eating and weight disorders offers a unique perspective as an expert in the implementation and practice of family-based treatment for anorexia nervosa and bulimia.
Bethesda Counseling Services
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20817
Are you having difficulty connecting with your loved one? Are you experiencing a recent major life change? Are you having trouble sleeping or concentrating because of an unresolved family conflict or other stressor? Do you feel like there's no room in your schedule to relax because you are always taking care of others or working on a never-ending "to-do list"? Whether you have experienced a sudden unexpected event or you are going through a new change in your life, we can help! We specialize in working with individuals, couples and families who are going through a challenging time in their life or are trying to make sense of neg
Are you having difficulty connecting with your loved one? Are you experiencing a recent major life change? Are you having trouble sleeping or concentrating because of an unresolved family conflict or other stressor? Do you feel like there's no room in your schedule to relax because you are always taking care of others or working on a never-ending "to-do list"? Whether you have experienced a sudden unexpected event or you are going through a new change in your life, we can help! We specialize in working with individuals, couples and families who are going through a challenging time in their life or are trying to make sense of neg
Toni Session
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814 (Online Only)
Hi there, I am Toni. One word used to describe me would be genuine. I am a therapist and life coach who is all about her client. My goal is to learn everything I can about you so I can help you become your best self. I practice from a person-centered approach with a focus in Solution Focused Therapy as well as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Also, by listening and building a therapeutic alliance with you. I incorporate techniques specifically catered to you. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to work with you.
Hi there, I am Toni. One word used to describe me would be genuine. I am a therapist and life coach who is all about her client. My goal is to learn everything I can about you so I can help you become your best self. I practice from a person-centered approach with a focus in Solution Focused Therapy as well as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Also, by listening and building a therapeutic alliance with you. I incorporate techniques specifically catered to you. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to work with you.
15 Second Videos
Joey Salvatore
PlayfulLeigh Psyched, LLC
Caitlin Magidson
Constance Angiuli
Robin S. Smith
Brooke Shafer
Taylor Allie
Phyllis Burson
Lindsey Berisha
Matt Korbon
Micah Saviet
Pamela G. Luttig
Carey Heller
Meg Blattner
Amanda Shrekenhamer
Avesta Ketamine & Wellness
Sapna Singh
Sharilyn Wiskup Hafkin
Comeback Counseling: Trauma-Informed Therapy
Jennifer Pertofsky-Plotnek
Adrienne Claire Jeffries
Fabiola Jamieson
Jeannie Dougherty
Stephanie 'stevie' Shuchart
Wendy-Nia Griffin
Alex Hittman
Nick Talisman
David B Sacks
Lily Kaufmann
Melissa Melendez
Caryn Malkus
Joshua O'Connor
Kristin G Sweeney
Lorraine M. Harpur
Afa Alizada
Cindy Bull Crane
Joy Martini
Rebecca Aloni
Len Guedalia
Brittany LaFleur
Cheryl Torpey
Reuven Rosen, LMSW - Teen and Family Therapist
Katie O'Mailey
Aleenia Nakamura
Leanna Brisson
Jill Ginsburg At Postpartum Wellness
Thrive & Shine Counseling
Anita Gadhia-Smith
Albena Tzaneff
Summer Bryant
PlayfulLeigh Psyched, LLC
Counselor, PhD, LCPC, MS/MA, LGPC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20816 (Online Only)
We work with individuals, families, and children. We specialize in trauma including generational trauma, perinatal, immigrants, parent-child relationship issues, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and family conflict. Our greatest intention is to help you understand yourself better and improve your quality of life and relationships. We tailor our approach to the needs of each person or family, responding to your unique problems, identities, and realities. This is not a one-size-fits-all practice because we are trauma-informed and social-emotional focused practices from a social justice framework.
We work with individuals, families, and children. We specialize in trauma including generational trauma, perinatal, immigrants, parent-child relationship issues, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and family conflict. Our greatest intention is to help you understand yourself better and improve your quality of life and relationships. We tailor our approach to the needs of each person or family, responding to your unique problems, identities, and realities. This is not a one-size-fits-all practice because we are trauma-informed and social-emotional focused practices from a social justice framework.
Fernanda Bianchi
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20815
Waitlist for new clients
I am a Ph.D. level Licensed Psychologist who has been in the field of psychology for over 20 years. I provide individual/couple therapy to adults with various concerns, including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, loss, work related stress, and cross-cultural adjustment. I provide psychotherapy in English, Portuguese, and Spanish and have a special interest in working with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Prior to my current professional activities, I spent several years at the Department of Psychology of the George Washington University working with young adults and doing research with NIH.
I am a Ph.D. level Licensed Psychologist who has been in the field of psychology for over 20 years. I provide individual/couple therapy to adults with various concerns, including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, loss, work related stress, and cross-cultural adjustment. I provide psychotherapy in English, Portuguese, and Spanish and have a special interest in working with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Prior to my current professional activities, I spent several years at the Department of Psychology of the George Washington University working with young adults and doing research with NIH.
Lindsay Cole
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814 (Online Only)
Whether you are seeking to recover from narcissistic abuse, intimate partner violence, or family or childhood trauma, or you are struggling with a difficult life transition or depression, or anxiety. I will meet you exactly where you are. I believe that each individual is the expert on their own lives. My sole purpose as your therapist is to guide you with compassion and care to help you unlock your innate inner wisdom and equip you with the tools you need to overcome the trauma of your past.
Whether you are seeking to recover from narcissistic abuse, intimate partner violence, or family or childhood trauma, or you are struggling with a difficult life transition or depression, or anxiety. I will meet you exactly where you are. I believe that each individual is the expert on their own lives. My sole purpose as your therapist is to guide you with compassion and care to help you unlock your innate inner wisdom and equip you with the tools you need to overcome the trauma of your past.
Stuart Warren
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20815
The therapeutic relationship is the foundation of the growth and healing process. My primary goal is to cultivate trust, comfort and connection with my clients. This relationship is essential to whatever challenge has caused you to seek help. I have a true passion for helping others and have spent my career learning from world class clinicians and mental health professionals of various disciplines. I offer a range of different therapies that effectively treat anxiety, depression, mood disorders, trauma, substance use issues and other compulsive behaviors.
The therapeutic relationship is the foundation of the growth and healing process. My primary goal is to cultivate trust, comfort and connection with my clients. This relationship is essential to whatever challenge has caused you to seek help. I have a true passion for helping others and have spent my career learning from world class clinicians and mental health professionals of various disciplines. I offer a range of different therapies that effectively treat anxiety, depression, mood disorders, trauma, substance use issues and other compulsive behaviors.
Dr. Ameena Ahmed
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20815 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Hi there! I’m Dr. Ameena, a licensed clinical psychologist, actively practicing in the DMV area. I am a generalist practitioner and treat individuals across the lifespan with a variety of presenting concerns (e.g., anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder). Some of my specialties include working with individuals who have acute and chronic medical conditions (e.g., cancer, transplant recipient, chronic pain), as well as their caregivers. I have primarily worked in hospital settings, although have also worked in community mental health agencies and private practice.
Hi there! I’m Dr. Ameena, a licensed clinical psychologist, actively practicing in the DMV area. I am a generalist practitioner and treat individuals across the lifespan with a variety of presenting concerns (e.g., anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder). Some of my specialties include working with individuals who have acute and chronic medical conditions (e.g., cancer, transplant recipient, chronic pain), as well as their caregivers. I have primarily worked in hospital settings, although have also worked in community mental health agencies and private practice.
Sabine Cornelius
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, MSW, LICSW, LCSW-C, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20817 (Online Only)
I believe in clients' innate ability to heal and grow, and in helping them to tap into their inner wisdom and resources. I have worked creatively, effectively and empathically with couples and individuals struggling with relationship difficulties, painful childhood and life experiences, personal and work stress, anxiety and depression, and social isolation. I have helped clients with complex needs in a variety of settings, including inpatient psychiatry, LGBTQ-friendly mental health services, university student counseling, and family services. I feel passionate about my work and view therapy as a collaborative, interactive process.
I believe in clients' innate ability to heal and grow, and in helping them to tap into their inner wisdom and resources. I have worked creatively, effectively and empathically with couples and individuals struggling with relationship difficulties, painful childhood and life experiences, personal and work stress, anxiety and depression, and social isolation. I have helped clients with complex needs in a variety of settings, including inpatient psychiatry, LGBTQ-friendly mental health services, university student counseling, and family services. I feel passionate about my work and view therapy as a collaborative, interactive process.
Micah Roland
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814
Anxiety and depression can show up in many ways and can make getting through our day feel overwhelming. Do you find yourself tossing and turning during the night? Wondering for hours if you locked the front door or feeling like your world is crashing down from a breakup? I am passionate about these issues and they’re completely normal reactions. It is easy to feel isolated in this fast paced world. I am here as a support so you don’t have to go through it alone.
Anxiety and depression can show up in many ways and can make getting through our day feel overwhelming. Do you find yourself tossing and turning during the night? Wondering for hours if you locked the front door or feeling like your world is crashing down from a breakup? I am passionate about these issues and they’re completely normal reactions. It is easy to feel isolated in this fast paced world. I am here as a support so you don’t have to go through it alone.
Mary Yost
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20817 (Online Only)
Mary is a licensed therapist who has spent years treating ages 18+ for a variety of mental health challenges including anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Mary’s goal is to help her clients better understand themselves in order to achieve lasting change.
Mary is a licensed therapist who has spent years treating ages 18+ for a variety of mental health challenges including anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Mary’s goal is to help her clients better understand themselves in order to achieve lasting change.
Augusta Sannoh
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LPC
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814 (Online Only)
I collaborate with individuals to reframe thoughts, instill hope, improve self-awareness, have self-compassion, gain clarity, feel empowered, and build resilience. I pride myself in being flexible and culturally competent to provide ethical treatment to diverse groups of individuals.
I collaborate with individuals to reframe thoughts, instill hope, improve self-awareness, have self-compassion, gain clarity, feel empowered, and build resilience. I pride myself in being flexible and culturally competent to provide ethical treatment to diverse groups of individuals.
See more therapy options for Bethesda
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Bethesda, MD
1,000+
Average cost per session
$180
Therapists in Bethesda, MD who prioritize treating:
94% | Anxiety |
90% | Depression |
78% | Relationship Issues |
74% | Self Esteem |
66% | Coping Skills |
63% | Trauma and PTSD |
61% | Grief |
Average years in practice
13 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
64% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
62% | CareFirst |
57% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Therapists in Bethesda, MD see their clients
60% | In Person and Online | |
40% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
82% | Female | |
17% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in Bethesda?
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.