Therapists in University Park, San Antonio, TX

Photo of Angela Diehl, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Angela Diehl
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Online Only
I am Angela Diehl, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). I utilize primarily a Solution Oriented Approach to Therapy, which is essentially the process of seeking exceptions to the problems presented by clients. I have worked with Individuals, Couples, and Families from Adolescents to Adults. My focuses are Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Substance Use Disorder, Addiction, Infidelity, Family of Origin, Parenting, Communication, Career Related Issues.
I am Angela Diehl, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). I utilize primarily a Solution Oriented Approach to Therapy, which is essentially the process of seeking exceptions to the problems presented by clients. I have worked with Individuals, Couples, and Families from Adolescents to Adults. My focuses are Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Substance Use Disorder, Addiction, Infidelity, Family of Origin, Parenting, Communication, Career Related Issues.
(346) 525-3830 View (346) 525-3830
Photo of Patricia Cherry, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Patricia Cherry
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Online Only
Hello! I am Patricia (Patty) Cherry, a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas with over 39 years of clinical experience. I typically work with clients experiencing depression, anxiety and stress, adjustment issues, and grief. My primary approaches to therapy include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client Centered Therapy, and Mindfulness based therapy. In addition, I do Christian counseling.
Hello! I am Patricia (Patty) Cherry, a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas with over 39 years of clinical experience. I typically work with clients experiencing depression, anxiety and stress, adjustment issues, and grief. My primary approaches to therapy include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client Centered Therapy, and Mindfulness based therapy. In addition, I do Christian counseling.
(346) 215-1434 View (346) 215-1434
Photo of Fredrick Anthony Zarazua, Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, LPC-Asc, NCC
Fredrick Anthony Zarazua
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, LPC-Asc, NCC
Serves Area
First off, I want to thank you for taking the time to view my page, as well as taking those first steps towards achieving your mental health goals. Hi! My name is Fredrick and I am an LPC-Associate at Dr. Rosemary Hernandez & Associates PLLC, a private practice in the San Antonio/Helotes area. Using Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) along with Solution-Focused techniques, I specialize in guiding clients towards realizing their irrational thoughts and reshaping those thoughts to a more positive way of viewing themselves and the world. I look forward to hearing your story and can't wait to help guide you on your mental health journey.
First off, I want to thank you for taking the time to view my page, as well as taking those first steps towards achieving your mental health goals. Hi! My name is Fredrick and I am an LPC-Associate at Dr. Rosemary Hernandez & Associates PLLC, a private practice in the San Antonio/Helotes area. Using Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) along with Solution-Focused techniques, I specialize in guiding clients towards realizing their irrational thoughts and reshaping those thoughts to a more positive way of viewing themselves and the world. I look forward to hearing your story and can't wait to help guide you on your mental health journey.
(830) 326-7094 View (830) 326-7094
Photo of Tonya Staton, Licensed Professional Counselor
Tonya Staton
Licensed Professional Counselor
Online Only
Hello, I'm Ms. Staton, a board-certified Counselor with dual licenses as a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. As a native Texan and Navy veteran, I hold a Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and am currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Community Care & Counseling, specializing in Marriage & Family. My approach combines traditional psychotherapy with practical problem-solving, empowering clients to create their own paths to positive change and resilience.
Hello, I'm Ms. Staton, a board-certified Counselor with dual licenses as a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. As a native Texan and Navy veteran, I hold a Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and am currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Community Care & Counseling, specializing in Marriage & Family. My approach combines traditional psychotherapy with practical problem-solving, empowering clients to create their own paths to positive change and resilience.
(915) 237-1063 View (915) 237-1063
Photo of Jessica Sanchez, Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Jessica Sanchez
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
4 Endorsed
Serves Area
Hola! Hello! My name is Jessica Sanchez, I am a proud first-generation U.S. citizen. I graduated from Texas State University with my Bachelor’s in Psychology and from the University of Texas at San Antonio with my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Previously, I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults in a variety of settings with a person-centered and goal directed approach. I enjoy practicing solution focused, mindfulness, art and play techniques to explore different avenues to success.
Hola! Hello! My name is Jessica Sanchez, I am a proud first-generation U.S. citizen. I graduated from Texas State University with my Bachelor’s in Psychology and from the University of Texas at San Antonio with my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Previously, I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults in a variety of settings with a person-centered and goal directed approach. I enjoy practicing solution focused, mindfulness, art and play techniques to explore different avenues to success.
(210) 899-6594 View (210) 899-6594
Photo of Daniel Osborn - Daniel Osborn, PhD, Psychologist, PhD, LPC-S
Daniel Osborn, PhD
Psychologist, PhD, LPC-S
Serves Area
I provide forensic services for attorneys, courts, and individuals involved in legal matters, including consultation, evaluations for court, drug assessments, sexual offense recidivism, and jury selection. I have also aided courts with child custody cases, home evaluations, and adoptions. I also provide psychological testing for private clients. I do not provide counseling services.
I provide forensic services for attorneys, courts, and individuals involved in legal matters, including consultation, evaluations for court, drug assessments, sexual offense recidivism, and jury selection. I have also aided courts with child custody cases, home evaluations, and adoptions. I also provide psychological testing for private clients. I do not provide counseling services.
(713) 715-1669 View (713) 715-1669
Photo of Brenda Broadnax, Licensed Professional Counselor
Brenda Broadnax
Licensed Professional Counselor
Online Only
Hello, my name is Brenda Broadnax, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia. I work with clients throughout the state of Virginia. I work with adults, and my focus of treatment is anxiety, grief, trauma, depression, stress, anger management, and working through major life events. Through the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), I assist clients in exploring relationships among thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I also utilize Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to support clients with learning and developing skills for mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and emotion regulation.
Hello, my name is Brenda Broadnax, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia. I work with clients throughout the state of Virginia. I work with adults, and my focus of treatment is anxiety, grief, trauma, depression, stress, anger management, and working through major life events. Through the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), I assist clients in exploring relationships among thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I also utilize Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to support clients with learning and developing skills for mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and emotion regulation.
(915) 223-6614 View (915) 223-6614
Photo of Megan Carr, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, LPCA
Megan Carr
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, LPCA
Online Only
Beginning your journey in therapy can be difficult and overwhelming…perhaps even a little scary. It takes a lot of courage to be vulnerable and explore some of the most difficult aspects of your life. That’s why it is so important to find someone who you can trust. I believe life is not just made up of one- but many journeys and the experiences along the way. I enjoy working with individuals who have a multitude of different experiences, cultures, and backgrounds. These experiences help me to incorporate the most important aspects of your identity to ensure your treatment is in alignment with your core beliefs and values.
Beginning your journey in therapy can be difficult and overwhelming…perhaps even a little scary. It takes a lot of courage to be vulnerable and explore some of the most difficult aspects of your life. That’s why it is so important to find someone who you can trust. I believe life is not just made up of one- but many journeys and the experiences along the way. I enjoy working with individuals who have a multitude of different experiences, cultures, and backgrounds. These experiences help me to incorporate the most important aspects of your identity to ensure your treatment is in alignment with your core beliefs and values.
(915) 233-3658 View (915) 233-3658
Photo of Alesia Jones, Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Alesia Jones
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Online Only
Let me be someone who can be your cheerleader, your support system, your voice of reason, your sounding board, your empathetic ear, or your path to insight and self-awareness. I share my skills with you so you then can meet your goals, work through your problems, and manage your emotions as you best see fit. I offer a variety of interventions to cater to each of you and your specific needs, all decided on a case by case basis. I'm looking forward to meeting you and learning how I can help.
Let me be someone who can be your cheerleader, your support system, your voice of reason, your sounding board, your empathetic ear, or your path to insight and self-awareness. I share my skills with you so you then can meet your goals, work through your problems, and manage your emotions as you best see fit. I offer a variety of interventions to cater to each of you and your specific needs, all decided on a case by case basis. I'm looking forward to meeting you and learning how I can help.
(210) 756-3941 View (210) 756-3941
Photo of Kenneth Parker, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kenneth Parker
Licensed Professional Counselor
Online Only
Hello, I'm Kenneth. One of the most important decisions you can make in life is the decision to ask for help. The fact of the matter is, we all need help from time to time. As a Licensed Professional Counselor (MA), I provide guidance and assistance in resolving personal, social, and psychological problems. Often in our effort to solve today's issues, we will uncover underlying problems from the past that affect current thoughts, feelings, and patterns of behavior. I will work with you to create and develop new ideas or ways of looking at old issues and to learn ways to cope with emotional concerns.
Hello, I'm Kenneth. One of the most important decisions you can make in life is the decision to ask for help. The fact of the matter is, we all need help from time to time. As a Licensed Professional Counselor (MA), I provide guidance and assistance in resolving personal, social, and psychological problems. Often in our effort to solve today's issues, we will uncover underlying problems from the past that affect current thoughts, feelings, and patterns of behavior. I will work with you to create and develop new ideas or ways of looking at old issues and to learn ways to cope with emotional concerns.
(915) 277-7037 View (915) 277-7037
Photo of Calvin Parker, Licensed Professional Counselor
Calvin Parker
Licensed Professional Counselor
Online Only
In my years of doing this work, I have seen the biggest challenge for clients is making that first appointment. The problems we face in life are difficult. The hurts we feel impede our ability to problem-solve. I do not proclaim to have all the answers, but I truly love working with clients to find solutions that fit their situation. In my practice, I utilize both Cognitive and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy modalities to undergird my client-centered approach. Together we will explore and challenge the thoughts and actions that contribute to problems, along with developing a plan for practicing new ways of thinking and interacting.
In my years of doing this work, I have seen the biggest challenge for clients is making that first appointment. The problems we face in life are difficult. The hurts we feel impede our ability to problem-solve. I do not proclaim to have all the answers, but I truly love working with clients to find solutions that fit their situation. In my practice, I utilize both Cognitive and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy modalities to undergird my client-centered approach. Together we will explore and challenge the thoughts and actions that contribute to problems, along with developing a plan for practicing new ways of thinking and interacting.
(915) 277-7914 View (915) 277-7914
Photo of Jennifer Russell, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jennifer Russell
Licensed Professional Counselor
Online Only
Negative thinking can greatly impact the way a person approaches the world. With a focus on mindfulness techniques, identification of nonproductive thought patterns, and encouraging a healthy life balance, clients are better equipped to manage their symptoms and daily stressors. I graduated from Texas Woman's University in 1997 with a master's degree in Counseling. I have been practicing as a licensed professional counselor (LPC) for over 20 years in a variety of settings, including private practice, mobile crisis assessment, and with teens in a school setting.
Negative thinking can greatly impact the way a person approaches the world. With a focus on mindfulness techniques, identification of nonproductive thought patterns, and encouraging a healthy life balance, clients are better equipped to manage their symptoms and daily stressors. I graduated from Texas Woman's University in 1997 with a master's degree in Counseling. I have been practicing as a licensed professional counselor (LPC) for over 20 years in a variety of settings, including private practice, mobile crisis assessment, and with teens in a school setting.
(915) 900-5790 View (915) 900-5790
Photo of Cynthia Hernandez, Licensed Professional Counselor
Cynthia Hernandez
Licensed Professional Counselor
Online Only
Hello, I am Cynthia Hernandez, a Licensed Professional Counselor, dedicated to guiding individuals through life's challenges and facilitating transformative change. Having worked extensively with psychiatric patients in clinical settings, I possess a comprehensive understanding of complex mental health issues. Whether you're facing a crisis, life changes, anxiety, or other challenges, I provide effective support customized to your specific needs. I hold a deep respect for our active duty military personnel and veterans.
Hello, I am Cynthia Hernandez, a Licensed Professional Counselor, dedicated to guiding individuals through life's challenges and facilitating transformative change. Having worked extensively with psychiatric patients in clinical settings, I possess a comprehensive understanding of complex mental health issues. Whether you're facing a crisis, life changes, anxiety, or other challenges, I provide effective support customized to your specific needs. I hold a deep respect for our active duty military personnel and veterans.
(915) 336-2259 View (915) 336-2259
Photo of Debra Santos, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Debra Santos
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Serves Area
I earned a master’s degree in counseling at the University of Houston in 2003. My experience includes 30 years of working with students and parents in the educational setting, of which 14 have supported intermediate students as a school counselor. I am currently working as a therapist in private practice. As a licensed professional counselor, I aim to assist children, adolescents, and adults seeking relief and guidance with depression, anxiety, domestic violence, trauma, life transitions, conflict resolution, LGBTQ+ challenges, and more.
I earned a master’s degree in counseling at the University of Houston in 2003. My experience includes 30 years of working with students and parents in the educational setting, of which 14 have supported intermediate students as a school counselor. I am currently working as a therapist in private practice. As a licensed professional counselor, I aim to assist children, adolescents, and adults seeking relief and guidance with depression, anxiety, domestic violence, trauma, life transitions, conflict resolution, LGBTQ+ challenges, and more.
(346) 485-5923 View (346) 485-5923
Photo of Olivia Cole, MA, LPC
Olivia Cole
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
My name is Olivia, and I support young adults and adults in Texas and Colorado! I specialize in helping those struggling with anxiety, depression, substance use, grief, loss, and trauma. I offer compassionate support and practical tools to foster self-discovery, enhance well-being, and empower clients to build the life they want. In our first sessions, you'll find a safe space to explore concerns, set goals, and develop coping strategies. I blend warmth and evidence-based approaches to create lasting change. I'm passionate about this work because I believe in the power of resilience and transformation!
My name is Olivia, and I support young adults and adults in Texas and Colorado! I specialize in helping those struggling with anxiety, depression, substance use, grief, loss, and trauma. I offer compassionate support and practical tools to foster self-discovery, enhance well-being, and empower clients to build the life they want. In our first sessions, you'll find a safe space to explore concerns, set goals, and develop coping strategies. I blend warmth and evidence-based approaches to create lasting change. I'm passionate about this work because I believe in the power of resilience and transformation!
(361) 264-5773 View (361) 264-5773
Photo of Laura Kemp, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Laura Kemp
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Serves Area
Laura Kemp is a compassionate Licensed Clinical Social Worker with expertise in mindfulness. She graduated from Texas Woman’s University with her Bachelor’s in social work and Texas A&M-Commerce with her Master’s in social work.
Laura Kemp is a compassionate Licensed Clinical Social Worker with expertise in mindfulness. She graduated from Texas Woman’s University with her Bachelor’s in social work and Texas A&M-Commerce with her Master’s in social work.
(512) 886-6029 View (512) 886-6029
Photo of Joshua Aevum, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Joshua Aevum
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Online Only
Hello, I'm Josh! Thank you for visiting my profile. I am a licensed clinical social worker (MSW) currently accepting new patients for individual therapy. Starting treatment can be a challenging step, but it often leads to positive and meaningful change. My approach is comprehensive and collaborative, tailored specifically to your unique needs and circumstances. I have a deep passion for working with clients who struggle with trauma, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and addiction. I believe in the power of therapy to transform lives, and I am here to support you every step of the way.
Hello, I'm Josh! Thank you for visiting my profile. I am a licensed clinical social worker (MSW) currently accepting new patients for individual therapy. Starting treatment can be a challenging step, but it often leads to positive and meaningful change. My approach is comprehensive and collaborative, tailored specifically to your unique needs and circumstances. I have a deep passion for working with clients who struggle with trauma, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and addiction. I believe in the power of therapy to transform lives, and I am here to support you every step of the way.
(915) 900-6717 View (915) 900-6717
Photo of Shonette Umeh, Licensed Professional Counselor
Shonette Umeh
Licensed Professional Counselor
Online Only
Hello, I'm Shonette. As a Licensed Professional Counselor with a doctorate degree in Professional Counseling, I am passionate about helping individuals navigate the complexities of life. Whether you're dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, or relationship issues, I am here to support you every step of the way. My approach to therapy is collaborative and empathetic, ensuring that we tackle your concerns together in a safe and supportive environment.
Hello, I'm Shonette. As a Licensed Professional Counselor with a doctorate degree in Professional Counseling, I am passionate about helping individuals navigate the complexities of life. Whether you're dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, or relationship issues, I am here to support you every step of the way. My approach to therapy is collaborative and empathetic, ensuring that we tackle your concerns together in a safe and supportive environment.
(915) 268-3125 View (915) 268-3125
Photo of May Carmelle Beliard, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
May Carmelle Beliard
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Online Only
Hello, I'm Carmelle Beliard. As a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Massachusetts, and also licensed in Rhode Island, Connecticut, Texas, and Illinois, I bring a wealth of experience and dedication to my practice. I earned my bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in sociology and a concentration in substance abuse counseling from Curry College, and completed my master’s degree in social work at Simmons University. As a compassionate and dedicated Haitian American therapist
Hello, I'm Carmelle Beliard. As a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Massachusetts, and also licensed in Rhode Island, Connecticut, Texas, and Illinois, I bring a wealth of experience and dedication to my practice. I earned my bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in sociology and a concentration in substance abuse counseling from Curry College, and completed my master’s degree in social work at Simmons University. As a compassionate and dedicated Haitian American therapist
(915) 666-7790 View (915) 666-7790
Photo of Zereana Jess-Huff, Marriage & Family Therapist
Zereana Jess-Huff
Marriage & Family Therapist
Online Only
Hello! My name is Dr. Zereana Jess-Huff, but you can call me Dr. Z. With over 20 years of experience as a clinical psychotherapist, I practice in both Florida and Texas, and I am passionate about helping you navigate your mental health journey. My approach to therapy is straightforward: I believe that informed clients achieve the best outcomes. I am dedicated to providing you with comprehensive psychoeducation and a variety of tools to guide you in the right direction.
Hello! My name is Dr. Zereana Jess-Huff, but you can call me Dr. Z. With over 20 years of experience as a clinical psychotherapist, I practice in both Florida and Texas, and I am passionate about helping you navigate your mental health journey. My approach to therapy is straightforward: I believe that informed clients achieve the best outcomes. I am dedicated to providing you with comprehensive psychoeducation and a variety of tools to guide you in the right direction.
(915) 284-7354 View (915) 284-7354

See more therapy options for University Park, San Antonio

How does your Therapist compare?

Number of Therapists in University Park, San Antonio, TX

70+

Average cost per session

$109

Therapists in University Park, San Antonio, TX who prioritize treating:

88% Depression
88% Anxiety
81% Stress
68% Life Transitions
64% Grief
64% Trauma and PTSD
52% Family Conflict

Average years in practice

8 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

97% Aetna
97% Cigna and Evernorth
93% UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH

How Therapists in University Park, San Antonio, TX see their clients

77% Online Only
23% In Person and Online

Gender breakdown

63% Female
33% Male
4% Non-Binary
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling

How can I find a therapist in University Park, San Antonio?

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.