Therapists in The Woodlands, TX

Photo of Courtlyn Hale, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Courtlyn Hale
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Online Only
Hi! I am Courtlyn Hale, M.Ed., LPC (83067), a well-versed counselor in Texas with extensive training in complex trauma. With a graduate degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and credits towards a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision, I focus heavily on ethics, education, and ensuring that all Clients are treated by the best-fitted Clinician. I am an EMDR trained counselor and am skilled in trauma counseling, PTSD, depression, and panic disorders. I have spent the last 5 years treating and advocating for children in the foster care system and am knowledgeable in family systems and adoptive care.
Hi! I am Courtlyn Hale, M.Ed., LPC (83067), a well-versed counselor in Texas with extensive training in complex trauma. With a graduate degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and credits towards a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision, I focus heavily on ethics, education, and ensuring that all Clients are treated by the best-fitted Clinician. I am an EMDR trained counselor and am skilled in trauma counseling, PTSD, depression, and panic disorders. I have spent the last 5 years treating and advocating for children in the foster care system and am knowledgeable in family systems and adoptive care.
(832) 979-8295 View (832) 979-8295
Photo of Rex Howard Jr., Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LMFT-A
Rex Howard Jr.
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LMFT-A
The Woodlands, TX 77380
Welcome, I’m Rex Howard Jr., a dedicated Relationship Therapist and Personal Development Coach. My focus is on helping individuals navigate and overcome various challenges including trauma, anxiety, relationship issues, pre-marital counseling, emotional intelligence and male sexual dysfunctions. For those seeking a more solution-oriented path, I also offer coaching services. This can be an excellent option for individuals who prefer to concentrate on resolving current issues without delving deeply into past experiences.
Welcome, I’m Rex Howard Jr., a dedicated Relationship Therapist and Personal Development Coach. My focus is on helping individuals navigate and overcome various challenges including trauma, anxiety, relationship issues, pre-marital counseling, emotional intelligence and male sexual dysfunctions. For those seeking a more solution-oriented path, I also offer coaching services. This can be an excellent option for individuals who prefer to concentrate on resolving current issues without delving deeply into past experiences.
(832) 734-7702 View (832) 734-7702
Photo of Callie Metzinger Mackenzie, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ACSW, CEAP
Callie Metzinger Mackenzie
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ACSW, CEAP
The Woodlands, TX 77380
I'm here to support you through life's challenges. With years of experience and a toolbox full of effective techniques, such CBT and SFT; I've got what it takes to help you thrive and be successful. Let's work together to create a personalized plan that suits your unique needs. Whether you're facing stress, anxiety, or anything else, I'm here to help you find your way forward. Let's start your journey together.
I'm here to support you through life's challenges. With years of experience and a toolbox full of effective techniques, such CBT and SFT; I've got what it takes to help you thrive and be successful. Let's work together to create a personalized plan that suits your unique needs. Whether you're facing stress, anxiety, or anything else, I'm here to help you find your way forward. Let's start your journey together.
(936) 256-1968 View (936) 256-1968
Photo of Joanne L Simpson, Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Joanne L Simpson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
The Woodlands, TX 77380
Change is possible! Making the decision to seek therapy can be a difficult one and often comes from a place of frustration, anger, sadness, or just feeling "stuck". Therapy can help you feel "unstuck" and find balance so you're in a better position to reach your goals. I'm a firm believer that change can happen when we create a safe space for conversation. By building a therapeutic relationship and a safe environment, we can discuss ways to improve the relationships in your life. I can offer support to help you implement the positive changes you're hoping for. Hope can lead to change.
Change is possible! Making the decision to seek therapy can be a difficult one and often comes from a place of frustration, anger, sadness, or just feeling "stuck". Therapy can help you feel "unstuck" and find balance so you're in a better position to reach your goals. I'm a firm believer that change can happen when we create a safe space for conversation. By building a therapeutic relationship and a safe environment, we can discuss ways to improve the relationships in your life. I can offer support to help you implement the positive changes you're hoping for. Hope can lead to change.
(281) 612-7134 View (281) 612-7134
Photo of Dr. Kojo Mintah, Psychologist, PhD
Dr. Kojo Mintah
Psychologist, PhD
The Woodlands, TX 77380
Dr. Kojo Mintah provides comprehensive psychological and neuropsychological services to children, adolescents, and young adults throughout Texas. At LifeStance Health, he helps individuals and families gain deeper insight into cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning through evidence-based assessments. Dr. Mintah specializes in psychological testing and pediatric neuropsychological evaluations, working collaboratively with parents, schools, and care teams to clarify diagnoses and guide personalized treatment planning.
Dr. Kojo Mintah provides comprehensive psychological and neuropsychological services to children, adolescents, and young adults throughout Texas. At LifeStance Health, he helps individuals and families gain deeper insight into cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning through evidence-based assessments. Dr. Mintah specializes in psychological testing and pediatric neuropsychological evaluations, working collaboratively with parents, schools, and care teams to clarify diagnoses and guide personalized treatment planning.
(936) 298-4639 View (936) 298-4639
Photo of Brittany Gilchrist, Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CEDS-S
Brittany Gilchrist
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CEDS-S
3 Endorsed
The Woodlands, TX 77380
I support individuals looking to improve their relationship with food, body, their faith, their loved ones, and with themselves. I have worked in mental health and Eating Disorder care for 15 years. If you have wrestled with disordered eating, negative body image, a strong inner critic, anxiety, self-doubt, perfectionism - you have come to the right place. I also completed extra study in integrating faith and mental health concepts/practices, and can provide faith-based counseling at client request. I see ages 8 and up. My office is located in the Woodlands, Texas, and I can see individuals virtually anywhere in the state of Texas.
I support individuals looking to improve their relationship with food, body, their faith, their loved ones, and with themselves. I have worked in mental health and Eating Disorder care for 15 years. If you have wrestled with disordered eating, negative body image, a strong inner critic, anxiety, self-doubt, perfectionism - you have come to the right place. I also completed extra study in integrating faith and mental health concepts/practices, and can provide faith-based counseling at client request. I see ages 8 and up. My office is located in the Woodlands, Texas, and I can see individuals virtually anywhere in the state of Texas.
(832) 558-2541 View (832) 558-2541
Photo of Cody Russell Mason, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LMFT-A
Cody Russell Mason
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LMFT-A
1 Endorsed
The Woodlands, TX 77380
My ideal client is someone who has spent a long time prioritizing others — often out of duty, responsibility, or survival — and now finds themselves feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, or lost in the noise of everyday life. They often come to therapy feeling burned out, emotionally numb, reactive, or stuck. Many don’t have the language for what they’re experiencing — they just know they’re not okay. What they need most is space: to slow down, to be heard without judgment, and to reconnect with who they are beneath the roles they play.
My ideal client is someone who has spent a long time prioritizing others — often out of duty, responsibility, or survival — and now finds themselves feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, or lost in the noise of everyday life. They often come to therapy feeling burned out, emotionally numb, reactive, or stuck. Many don’t have the language for what they’re experiencing — they just know they’re not okay. What they need most is space: to slow down, to be heard without judgment, and to reconnect with who they are beneath the roles they play.
(936) 215-8116 View (936) 215-8116
Photo of Catherine Abrahamson, Psychologist, PhD, LP, LSSP
Catherine Abrahamson
Psychologist, PhD, LP, LSSP
The Woodlands, TX 77380
Not accepting new clients
Are you having difficulty coping with life's challenges? Do you think you may have a mental health condition and want to be evaluated? As a licensed psychologist, I provide assessment services to accurately diagnose psychological concerns and therapy services to treat psychological disorders.
Are you having difficulty coping with life's challenges? Do you think you may have a mental health condition and want to be evaluated? As a licensed psychologist, I provide assessment services to accurately diagnose psychological concerns and therapy services to treat psychological disorders.
(346) 489-7142 View (346) 489-7142
Photo of Tara Khadem, Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CGT, CGP
Tara Khadem
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CGT, CGP
1 Endorsed
The Woodlands, TX 77380
Welcome to Thrive Psychotherapy ! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Gottman Therapist, Certified Group Psychotherapist and Gottman 7 Principles Leader. I also have additional training in Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) and Relational Life Therapy (RLT). I am committed to helping my clients heal and grow towards their highest potential. A major focus of my practice is to help couples excavate the lessons learned from their deepest struggles in order to build a more conscious partnership that is healing, connected and secure. I believe in the innate resilience of my clients and their ability to heal and thrive.
Welcome to Thrive Psychotherapy ! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Gottman Therapist, Certified Group Psychotherapist and Gottman 7 Principles Leader. I also have additional training in Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) and Relational Life Therapy (RLT). I am committed to helping my clients heal and grow towards their highest potential. A major focus of my practice is to help couples excavate the lessons learned from their deepest struggles in order to build a more conscious partnership that is healing, connected and secure. I believe in the innate resilience of my clients and their ability to heal and thrive.
(346) 220-1325 View (346) 220-1325
Photo of Hannah F Causey, LPC-Associate, MA, LPC-A
Hannah F Causey
LPC-Associate, MA, LPC-A
2 Endorsed
The Woodlands, TX 77380
How are you supposed to do this whole "life's all put together and everything's going great" thing? Can you ever escape the voice in your head reminding you that you're about to fall apart? You wonder if you'll ever be able to overpower the panic that lurks just beneath the surface. Anxiety is prowling there, ready to take you down at any second. All your energy goes to keeping it in check, and life has lost its sparkle. This isn't how you imagined your life - not at all - and you can't keep up the facade much longer.
How are you supposed to do this whole "life's all put together and everything's going great" thing? Can you ever escape the voice in your head reminding you that you're about to fall apart? You wonder if you'll ever be able to overpower the panic that lurks just beneath the surface. Anxiety is prowling there, ready to take you down at any second. All your energy goes to keeping it in check, and life has lost its sparkle. This isn't how you imagined your life - not at all - and you can't keep up the facade much longer.
(936) 342-7538 View (936) 342-7538
Photo of Jp Kendrick, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Jp Kendrick
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
1 Endorsed
The Woodlands, TX 77381
Despite the challenges we face or the deficits we carry, we all have inherent strengths and gifts that we can use to become the version of ourselves we most want to be. You don’t have to feel trapped or stuck anymore. We are more than the total sum of our problems, and we can emerge from beneath our struggles. Success in psychotherapy is most influenced by the quality of the therapeutic rapport between the client and the therapist. I partner with my clients to create a safe and objective environment, free of judgment and truly just for them.
Despite the challenges we face or the deficits we carry, we all have inherent strengths and gifts that we can use to become the version of ourselves we most want to be. You don’t have to feel trapped or stuck anymore. We are more than the total sum of our problems, and we can emerge from beneath our struggles. Success in psychotherapy is most influenced by the quality of the therapeutic rapport between the client and the therapist. I partner with my clients to create a safe and objective environment, free of judgment and truly just for them.
(936) 274-8460 View (936) 274-8460
Photo of Jim Zettel - Optima Forensic Psychological Services, Psychologist, PhD, ABSNP
Optima Forensic Psychological Services
Psychologist, PhD, ABSNP
The Woodlands, TX 77381
Our expert team of forensic psychologists provides court-ordered and non-court-ordered individual and family mental health treatment. We also perform evaluations and provide sentencing recommendations to assist attorneys and other professionals regarding family law, personal injury and criminal matters.
Our expert team of forensic psychologists provides court-ordered and non-court-ordered individual and family mental health treatment. We also perform evaluations and provide sentencing recommendations to assist attorneys and other professionals regarding family law, personal injury and criminal matters.
(936) 243-5375 View (936) 243-5375
Photo of Jessica C. Sneed, Psychologist, PhD
Jessica C. Sneed
Psychologist, PhD
1 Endorsed
The Woodlands, TX 77380
Only accepting Aetna Insurance. Jessica Sneed, Ph.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist in the state of Texas and Arizona. She is committed to improving the well-being of her clients from a strength-based, culturally sensitive, and multi-theoretical perspective. Dr. Sneed specializes in identifying and treating perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. She has earned certification from Postpartum Support International in this area of treatment. Dr. Sneed also specializes in race-related stress, work-life balance issues of professional women, and Christian counseling.
Only accepting Aetna Insurance. Jessica Sneed, Ph.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist in the state of Texas and Arizona. She is committed to improving the well-being of her clients from a strength-based, culturally sensitive, and multi-theoretical perspective. Dr. Sneed specializes in identifying and treating perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. She has earned certification from Postpartum Support International in this area of treatment. Dr. Sneed also specializes in race-related stress, work-life balance issues of professional women, and Christian counseling.
(281) 801-6820 View (281) 801-6820
Photo of Brandon L King, Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Brandon L King
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
6 Endorsed
The Woodlands, TX 77380
Men who feel pressure to “man up” often struggle silently with stress, anxiety, or self-doubt. Together we will create a safe space for you to talk openly, learn practical coping strategies, and regain control. Our goal in therapy will be for you to gain confidence, emotional balance, and the freedom to live authentically; where vulnerability is strength, not weakness.
Men who feel pressure to “man up” often struggle silently with stress, anxiety, or self-doubt. Together we will create a safe space for you to talk openly, learn practical coping strategies, and regain control. Our goal in therapy will be for you to gain confidence, emotional balance, and the freedom to live authentically; where vulnerability is strength, not weakness.
(713) 574-6372 View (713) 574-6372
Photo of Christi Jones, Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Christi Jones
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
The Woodlands, TX 77380
Life is a journey with peaks and valleys. It can be so beautiful and rewarding, but yet stressful, overwhelming, and unpredictable! Each person's journey is different and I want to help guide you to a better place. I became a counselor because I felt the need to help people and reflective listening came natural. As your counselor, I can provide empathy, emotional and academic support, guidance, encouragement, healthy coping skills, parenting skills, problem solving, social skills, overcoming life's challenges, and motivating the unmotivated. I like to work with pre-teens, teens, young adults, and adults.
Life is a journey with peaks and valleys. It can be so beautiful and rewarding, but yet stressful, overwhelming, and unpredictable! Each person's journey is different and I want to help guide you to a better place. I became a counselor because I felt the need to help people and reflective listening came natural. As your counselor, I can provide empathy, emotional and academic support, guidance, encouragement, healthy coping skills, parenting skills, problem solving, social skills, overcoming life's challenges, and motivating the unmotivated. I like to work with pre-teens, teens, young adults, and adults.
(281) 839-2485 View (281) 839-2485
Photo of Nancy Baker, Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC-S
Nancy Baker
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC-S
1 Endorsed
The Woodlands, TX 77380
Life can be challenging, and we all need support from time to time. As a therapist with over 25 years of experience, I specialize in grief and trauma, and have extensive experience working with anxiety, depression, and couples counseling in Houston, The Woodlands and Montgomery, Texas.
Life can be challenging, and we all need support from time to time. As a therapist with over 25 years of experience, I specialize in grief and trauma, and have extensive experience working with anxiety, depression, and couples counseling in Houston, The Woodlands and Montgomery, Texas.
(713) 338-9099 View (713) 338-9099
Photo of Nakeria Wallace, Licensed Professional Counselor
Nakeria Wallace
Licensed Professional Counselor
1 Endorsed
The Woodlands, TX 77380
Feeling overwhelmed or unsure of your next steps? You're not alone, and you don’t have to face it alone. My compassionate approach meets you where you are. Together, we’ll identify your strengths and build effective coping skills, enhance self-advocacy, and ignite your motivation for change. If you are facing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, or daily stressors from work, school, family, or relationships, I’m here to support you. My goal is to empower you to confidently tackle life’s challenges. Let’s work together to help you achieve your goals and rediscover yourself. Reach out today, I’d love to connect and see how I can help.
Feeling overwhelmed or unsure of your next steps? You're not alone, and you don’t have to face it alone. My compassionate approach meets you where you are. Together, we’ll identify your strengths and build effective coping skills, enhance self-advocacy, and ignite your motivation for change. If you are facing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, or daily stressors from work, school, family, or relationships, I’m here to support you. My goal is to empower you to confidently tackle life’s challenges. Let’s work together to help you achieve your goals and rediscover yourself. Reach out today, I’d love to connect and see how I can help.
(936) 243-5540 View (936) 243-5540
Photo of Mary Thory, Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Mary Thory
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
1 Endorsed
The Woodlands, TX 77380
Are you feeling anxious or depressed? Are you experiencing grief over a major loss? Are you dealing with past trauma? I would love to work with you. I have had many personal and professional experiences that can help me help you. I believe that the only things we truly have control over in our life are our own thoughts and behaviors. It is because of this belief that I use cognitive-behavioral therapy. I teach thought stopping, cognitive restructuring, relaxation, mindfulness, grounding, calming techniques and am also a fully trained EMDR Therapist. Call me to see if we would make a good therapeutic team.
Are you feeling anxious or depressed? Are you experiencing grief over a major loss? Are you dealing with past trauma? I would love to work with you. I have had many personal and professional experiences that can help me help you. I believe that the only things we truly have control over in our life are our own thoughts and behaviors. It is because of this belief that I use cognitive-behavioral therapy. I teach thought stopping, cognitive restructuring, relaxation, mindfulness, grounding, calming techniques and am also a fully trained EMDR Therapist. Call me to see if we would make a good therapeutic team.
(281) 712-6677 View (281) 712-6677
Photo of Brittany N. Allison, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Brittany N. Allison
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
The Woodlands, TX 77381
We all make mistakes, have struggles, and even regret things from our past. But you are not your mistakes, you are not your struggles, and you are here now with the power to shape your day and your future. I believe that everyone is capable of change. In working with people, I feel that it is important to honor an individual's past, listen to their personal experiences, and respect their beliefs to better understand how they make meaning of their world. I am committed to providing a safe and non-judgmental environment that fosters self-exploration and personal growth.
We all make mistakes, have struggles, and even regret things from our past. But you are not your mistakes, you are not your struggles, and you are here now with the power to shape your day and your future. I believe that everyone is capable of change. In working with people, I feel that it is important to honor an individual's past, listen to their personal experiences, and respect their beliefs to better understand how they make meaning of their world. I am committed to providing a safe and non-judgmental environment that fosters self-exploration and personal growth.
(346) 220-3259 View (346) 220-3259
Photo of Jacquelyn Shair, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Jacquelyn Shair
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Online Only
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), National Certified Counselor (NCC), Licensed Sex Offender Treatment Provider (LSOTP), and Certified Anger Resolution Therapist (CART). I have over 7 years of professional experience working with clients of all ages who are struggling to cope with conditions or concerns related to family conflict, anxiety, depression, anger, relationships, ADHD, behavioral issues, poor coping skills, grief, OCD, oppositional defiance disorder, low self-esteem, and sexual trauma.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), National Certified Counselor (NCC), Licensed Sex Offender Treatment Provider (LSOTP), and Certified Anger Resolution Therapist (CART). I have over 7 years of professional experience working with clients of all ages who are struggling to cope with conditions or concerns related to family conflict, anxiety, depression, anger, relationships, ADHD, behavioral issues, poor coping skills, grief, OCD, oppositional defiance disorder, low self-esteem, and sexual trauma.
(936) 287-3861 View (936) 287-3861

See more therapy options for The Woodlands

How does your Therapist compare?

Number of Therapists in The Woodlands, TX

700+

Average cost per session

$150

Therapists in The Woodlands, TX who prioritize treating:

94% Anxiety
89% Depression
73% Relationship Issues
73% Self Esteem
70% Trauma and PTSD
70% Coping Skills
69% Stress

Average years in practice

10 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

91% Aetna
80% Cigna and Evernorth
77% BlueCross and BlueShield

How Therapists in The Woodlands, TX see their clients

74% In Person and Online
26% Online Only

Gender breakdown

82% Female
17% Male
1% Non-Binary
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling

How can I find a therapist in The Woodlands?

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.