Therapists in Sumner, WA

Photo of Sara Joy, Counselor, MHP, LMHC, SUDP
Sara Joy
Counselor, MHP, LMHC, SUDP
2 Endorsed
Sumner, WA 98390
My speciality in counseling is working with adolescents, individual adults, and families, as well as reunification therapy. I have experience working with clients coping from past trauma, addiction, depression, anxiety, life transitions, teenage challenges, relationship issues, and more. I offer a nurturing atmosphere where you can feel accepted and secure. In our sessions together, I will help you process your past to see how you have ventured to this present point in time. We will look for the ways you have overcome challenges in order to restore confidence in your ability to manage and navigate your life.
My speciality in counseling is working with adolescents, individual adults, and families, as well as reunification therapy. I have experience working with clients coping from past trauma, addiction, depression, anxiety, life transitions, teenage challenges, relationship issues, and more. I offer a nurturing atmosphere where you can feel accepted and secure. In our sessions together, I will help you process your past to see how you have ventured to this present point in time. We will look for the ways you have overcome challenges in order to restore confidence in your ability to manage and navigate your life.
(253) 215-8848 View (253) 215-8848
Photo of Melissa Jade Konrat, Counselor, LMHCA
Melissa Jade Konrat
Counselor, LMHCA
Online Only
In my practice, I provide a compassionate, client-centered space where each individual is heard, seen and valued for their unique experiences. Grounded in humanistic approach and influenced by nature-based tools, I believe that every person has the innate capacity for growth, healing and self-understanding when given the right conditions of empathy, authenticity, and acceptance. My goal is to empower clients to reconnect with their inner wisdom, build resilience, and create lives aligned with their values. I support clients in uncovering possibilities, fostering self-compassion, and achieving sustainable personal growth
In my practice, I provide a compassionate, client-centered space where each individual is heard, seen and valued for their unique experiences. Grounded in humanistic approach and influenced by nature-based tools, I believe that every person has the innate capacity for growth, healing and self-understanding when given the right conditions of empathy, authenticity, and acceptance. My goal is to empower clients to reconnect with their inner wisdom, build resilience, and create lives aligned with their values. I support clients in uncovering possibilities, fostering self-compassion, and achieving sustainable personal growth
(253) 201-1159 View (253) 201-1159
Photo of Marla Hike, Counselor, AAC
Marla Hike
Counselor, AAC
1 Endorsed
Sumner, WA 98390
Thank you for viewing my profile. I'm happy you are here. Typically, my clients are feeling overwhelmed by challenges, such as anxiety, depression, or life transitions. They may struggle with self-esteem, relationships, or feelings of disconnection. They need a safe space to express themselves and guidance to unpack their thoughts and emotions. Their goals focus on personal growth, resilience, and life direction. Ultimately, they want a transformative experience that fosters authenticity and fulfillment. Together, we will explore these aspects to help them achieve their aspirations.
Thank you for viewing my profile. I'm happy you are here. Typically, my clients are feeling overwhelmed by challenges, such as anxiety, depression, or life transitions. They may struggle with self-esteem, relationships, or feelings of disconnection. They need a safe space to express themselves and guidance to unpack their thoughts and emotions. Their goals focus on personal growth, resilience, and life direction. Ultimately, they want a transformative experience that fosters authenticity and fulfillment. Together, we will explore these aspects to help them achieve their aspirations.
(253) 544-5735 View (253) 544-5735
Photo of Michele Lee Cunningham - Michele Cunningham, Mental Health Counselor, MS, LMHC, SUDP, CLC
Michele Cunningham
Mental Health Counselor, MS, LMHC, SUDP, CLC
2 Endorsed
Sumner, WA 98390
I have experience working with teens and adults. I specialize in helping clients with anxiety, past and present trauma, grief and loss, depression, healing from emotional abusive, toxic and also narcissistic relationships. I am a certified narcissistic abuse clinician. My other area I specialize in is working with substance abuse issues and trained in EMDR. I can support you with the tools you need to establish healthy relationships, and create life transitions. I will provide a safe and secure environment where you can grow, develop a sense of self, establish worth, and learn how to love yourself.
I have experience working with teens and adults. I specialize in helping clients with anxiety, past and present trauma, grief and loss, depression, healing from emotional abusive, toxic and also narcissistic relationships. I am a certified narcissistic abuse clinician. My other area I specialize in is working with substance abuse issues and trained in EMDR. I can support you with the tools you need to establish healthy relationships, and create life transitions. I will provide a safe and secure environment where you can grow, develop a sense of self, establish worth, and learn how to love yourself.
(253) 893-6275 View (253) 893-6275
Photo of Rebecca R Muirhead, Psychologist, PsyD
Rebecca R Muirhead
Psychologist, PsyD
Sumner, WA 98390
Waitlist for new clients
Not Accepting New Clients At This Time. I primarily work with Adolescents & Adults in both individual & family therapy and provide parenting consultations. My approach is rooted in Attachment theory and our therapeutic relationship will be the foundation for effective therapy. We will work as a team to clarify personal goals and purpose, identify unhealthy patterns and nurture your unique strengths. I have over 15 yrs. of clinical experience in a wide variety of settings including schools, community centers, and group practices. Using a mixture of cognitive & reflective approaches, I help clients with a wide range of issues.
Not Accepting New Clients At This Time. I primarily work with Adolescents & Adults in both individual & family therapy and provide parenting consultations. My approach is rooted in Attachment theory and our therapeutic relationship will be the foundation for effective therapy. We will work as a team to clarify personal goals and purpose, identify unhealthy patterns and nurture your unique strengths. I have over 15 yrs. of clinical experience in a wide variety of settings including schools, community centers, and group practices. Using a mixture of cognitive & reflective approaches, I help clients with a wide range of issues.
(253) 352-4119 View (253) 352-4119
Photo of Jaclynn Loibl, Counselor, LMHC
Jaclynn Loibl
Counselor, LMHC
Online Only
I love working with curious, motivated, and those willing to push themselves outside their comfort zone. I prefer to go deep and enjoy working with those eager to do the same. Together, we will walk the line between uncomfortable and comfortable to find innovative ways of seeing ourselves. Doing so will increase your ability to manage stressors proactively and open space to allow the success and results you seek.
I love working with curious, motivated, and those willing to push themselves outside their comfort zone. I prefer to go deep and enjoy working with those eager to do the same. Together, we will walk the line between uncomfortable and comfortable to find innovative ways of seeing ourselves. Doing so will increase your ability to manage stressors proactively and open space to allow the success and results you seek.
(253) 655-0918 View (253) 655-0918
Photo of Courtney Carroll, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Courtney Carroll
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Online Only
Reaching out for support often means something important isn’t working the way it used to—and you don’t want to keep feeling stuck, disconnected, or misunderstood. I specialize in working with individuals and couples who want to strengthen their relationships, improve communication, and reconnect emotionally and physically. Many of my clients come in feeling unsure if they’re “asking for too much,” questioning their needs, or struggling to feel close again. Others are navigating intimacy concerns, life transitions, or the impact of past experiences on their current relationships.
Reaching out for support often means something important isn’t working the way it used to—and you don’t want to keep feeling stuck, disconnected, or misunderstood. I specialize in working with individuals and couples who want to strengthen their relationships, improve communication, and reconnect emotionally and physically. Many of my clients come in feeling unsure if they’re “asking for too much,” questioning their needs, or struggling to feel close again. Others are navigating intimacy concerns, life transitions, or the impact of past experiences on their current relationships.
(910) 507-3975 View (910) 507-3975
Photo of Amy A. Rinker, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT-S
Amy A. Rinker
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT-S
5 Endorsed
Sumner, WA 98390
Are you feeling disconnected from important people in your life? Feeling unimportant, understood, or do I matter? I imagine it does not feel good when you have tried to figure it out, and leads to just feeling stuck. I or my team of therapists may be the therapist for you if you are interested in addressing relational struggles, interpersonal communication, repairing connection, improving intimacy, improving sexual health, healing from trauma, addressing sexual shame, life transitions, and many others. Our goal is to get to the roots to help people thrive not merely survive.
Are you feeling disconnected from important people in your life? Feeling unimportant, understood, or do I matter? I imagine it does not feel good when you have tried to figure it out, and leads to just feeling stuck. I or my team of therapists may be the therapist for you if you are interested in addressing relational struggles, interpersonal communication, repairing connection, improving intimacy, improving sexual health, healing from trauma, addressing sexual shame, life transitions, and many others. Our goal is to get to the roots to help people thrive not merely survive.
(253) 785-9564 View (253) 785-9564
Photo of Ronda Bishop, Mental Health Counselor, MEd, LMHC, LPC
Ronda Bishop
Mental Health Counselor, MEd, LMHC, LPC
Sumner, WA 98390
Perhaps you are having difficulty moving up the corporate ladder. Perhaps you don't feel comfortable with a supervisor, manager or the person who hired you). Maybe you and your significant other aren't getting along like you want. Counseling is a working relationship between you and your counselor. I want to help you prosper in your life by focusing on emotional aspects you may be struggling with in the workplace or at home--that means people relationships--employee to employee, supervisor to employee, manager or employee to family, lover to lover, parent to child, and on and on.
Perhaps you are having difficulty moving up the corporate ladder. Perhaps you don't feel comfortable with a supervisor, manager or the person who hired you). Maybe you and your significant other aren't getting along like you want. Counseling is a working relationship between you and your counselor. I want to help you prosper in your life by focusing on emotional aspects you may be struggling with in the workplace or at home--that means people relationships--employee to employee, supervisor to employee, manager or employee to family, lover to lover, parent to child, and on and on.
(253) 600-3886 View (253) 600-3886
Photo of Dustin Nicholson, Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LMHCA, CRC
Dustin Nicholson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LMHCA, CRC
Online Only
Counseling is an opportunity for individuals to have an open space to share their story. I work with a variety of age groups including adolescence, teenagers, and adults. I also provide both couples counseling, pre-martial counseling, and individualized counseling. I specialize in working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, Bi-Polar, ADHD/ADD, Autism, Intellectual/Developmental Disability. I use a variety of counseling approaches and understands there is no "one approach fits all." Counseling should be individualized to the individual, their needs, and what they hope to get out of counseling.
Counseling is an opportunity for individuals to have an open space to share their story. I work with a variety of age groups including adolescence, teenagers, and adults. I also provide both couples counseling, pre-martial counseling, and individualized counseling. I specialize in working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, Bi-Polar, ADHD/ADD, Autism, Intellectual/Developmental Disability. I use a variety of counseling approaches and understands there is no "one approach fits all." Counseling should be individualized to the individual, their needs, and what they hope to get out of counseling.
(253) 353-2318 View (253) 353-2318
Photo of Jessica Rabitoy, Counselor, MS, LMHCA
Jessica Rabitoy
Counselor, MS, LMHCA
Sumner, WA 98390
Hi, my name is Jessica. I strive to create a space for individuals, couples, and families that offers support with the aim of having the client feel seen and heard. I work with clients experiencing life transitions, grief and loss, marriage and family crisis, anxiety, depression, trauma and more.
Hi, my name is Jessica. I strive to create a space for individuals, couples, and families that offers support with the aim of having the client feel seen and heard. I work with clients experiencing life transitions, grief and loss, marriage and family crisis, anxiety, depression, trauma and more.
(253) 523-3125 View (253) 523-3125
Photo of Becca Johnstone, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LMFTA
Becca Johnstone
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LMFTA
1 Endorsed
Sumner, WA 98390
You may be standing at a threshold, unsure of what comes next. Maybe you're feeling disconnected—from your partner, your family, or even yourself. Maybe you've spent years shaping yourself to fit others’ expectations, and now you're wondering: What would it mean to choose myself? Therapy can be a space to untangle those old patterns, to grieve what’s been lost or denied, and to begin the work of becoming who you were always meant to be.
You may be standing at a threshold, unsure of what comes next. Maybe you're feeling disconnected—from your partner, your family, or even yourself. Maybe you've spent years shaping yourself to fit others’ expectations, and now you're wondering: What would it mean to choose myself? Therapy can be a space to untangle those old patterns, to grieve what’s been lost or denied, and to begin the work of becoming who you were always meant to be.
(253) 785-9190 View (253) 785-9190
Photo of Luanne R Rivera - LuAnne Rivera, Lighthouse Counseling LLC, Counselor, MA, LMHC
LuAnne Rivera, Lighthouse Counseling LLC
Counselor, MA, LMHC
4 Endorsed
Sumner, WA 98390
Are you tired of going around that same mountain over and over? Let me help you find the way out. While therapy can feel like a scary place, I strive to make your therapy encounter a safe, collaborative, encouraging, and even a thriving experience. I am certified in trauma focused cognitive/behavioral therapy, and trained in grief assessment, EMDR therapy, as a SYMBIS facilitator and a chemical dependency specialist, Currently I am accepting adolescents and older. I enjoy the interaction and growth that occurs through empowering you, the client, to make your own choices and become your most authentic self.
Are you tired of going around that same mountain over and over? Let me help you find the way out. While therapy can feel like a scary place, I strive to make your therapy encounter a safe, collaborative, encouraging, and even a thriving experience. I am certified in trauma focused cognitive/behavioral therapy, and trained in grief assessment, EMDR therapy, as a SYMBIS facilitator and a chemical dependency specialist, Currently I am accepting adolescents and older. I enjoy the interaction and growth that occurs through empowering you, the client, to make your own choices and become your most authentic self.
(253) 499-7632 View (253) 499-7632
Photo of Alicia Culp, Marriage & Family Therapist, MHP, LMFT
Alicia Culp
Marriage & Family Therapist, MHP, LMFT
3 Endorsed
Online Only
You may feel stuck in painful patterns—disconnection, conflict, emotional shutdown, or people-pleasing. Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, or intimacy struggles, you want clarity, connection, and change that lasts. I help individuals and couples understand their relational dynamics, heal old wounds, and build stronger emotional and physical intimacy—without losing themselves in the process.
You may feel stuck in painful patterns—disconnection, conflict, emotional shutdown, or people-pleasing. Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, or intimacy struggles, you want clarity, connection, and change that lasts. I help individuals and couples understand their relational dynamics, heal old wounds, and build stronger emotional and physical intimacy—without losing themselves in the process.
(253) 785-9424 View (253) 785-9424
Surinder Antal
Counselor, MA, LMHC
2 Endorsed
Online Only
The stressors of day to day and previously experienced challenges and traumas can drown out the voice that may have deeper connection to your intuitive, wiser and more evolving self. Being in therapy can potentially allow you to be with and listen to yourself in a unique and meaningful way. My hope is to provide an empathic environment where you can build resources/tools to calm/manage distress as you explore and heal some of the negative core beliefs keeping you from your goals and to develop more preferred beliefs about yourself. I have over 20 years of experience working with adults, couples and families.
The stressors of day to day and previously experienced challenges and traumas can drown out the voice that may have deeper connection to your intuitive, wiser and more evolving self. Being in therapy can potentially allow you to be with and listen to yourself in a unique and meaningful way. My hope is to provide an empathic environment where you can build resources/tools to calm/manage distress as you explore and heal some of the negative core beliefs keeping you from your goals and to develop more preferred beliefs about yourself. I have over 20 years of experience working with adults, couples and families.
(425) 247-3947 View (425) 247-3947
Photo of Joshua Gates - Joshua Gates, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Joshua Gates, MA, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
1 Endorsed
Sumner, WA 98390
Not accepting new clients
Are you having difficulty coping with stress or life transition? Are your relationships with your significant other, family, or coworkers less than desirable? Maybe you feel depressed or anxious. Life can be difficult at times without help from someone else. I have 15 years of experience in providing counseling and psychotherapy to individuals, couples, and families from all walks of life. Let me help you discover your strengths and get things back on track.
Are you having difficulty coping with stress or life transition? Are your relationships with your significant other, family, or coworkers less than desirable? Maybe you feel depressed or anxious. Life can be difficult at times without help from someone else. I have 15 years of experience in providing counseling and psychotherapy to individuals, couples, and families from all walks of life. Let me help you discover your strengths and get things back on track.
(253) 215-4139 View (253) 215-4139
Photo of Megan Moeller, Counselor, LMHC
Megan Moeller
Counselor, LMHC
Online Only
Accepting new patients without a waitlist. I accept most insurance plans. Please reach out to me via phone, email, or through my Headway website to get started. Thank you for taking the first step toward improving your mental health. Choosing a therapist is a deeply personal decision, and I commend you for being here. I work with both individuals and couples facing a wide range of emotional and relational challenges — including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, attachment wounds, divorce, infidelity recovery, trauma, and more.
Accepting new patients without a waitlist. I accept most insurance plans. Please reach out to me via phone, email, or through my Headway website to get started. Thank you for taking the first step toward improving your mental health. Choosing a therapist is a deeply personal decision, and I commend you for being here. I work with both individuals and couples facing a wide range of emotional and relational challenges — including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, attachment wounds, divorce, infidelity recovery, trauma, and more.
(253) 881-8349 View (253) 881-8349
Photo of Stacy Beatty, Counselor, MA, LMHC
Stacy Beatty
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Serves Area
I am currently NOT accepting NEW clients and will reassess in January— How does one stay hopeful when today can be so hard? We all crave connection and can benefit from being heard in a confidential space without judgement. The challenges we face in life come in many forms, but everyone has the capacity to experience positive change. It would be my privilege to hear your story and support you in your current season. I work with teens (16+) and adults, and take a Person-Centered Therapy approach when developing a plan of care. Therapy should be about reaching your goals for life change.
I am currently NOT accepting NEW clients and will reassess in January— How does one stay hopeful when today can be so hard? We all crave connection and can benefit from being heard in a confidential space without judgement. The challenges we face in life come in many forms, but everyone has the capacity to experience positive change. It would be my privilege to hear your story and support you in your current season. I work with teens (16+) and adults, and take a Person-Centered Therapy approach when developing a plan of care. Therapy should be about reaching your goals for life change.
(253) 785-6708 View (253) 785-6708
Photo of Wendy L Tate - Wendy Tate dba Excel Counseling, Counselor, MS, LMHC
Wendy Tate dba Excel Counseling
Counselor, MS, LMHC
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
Hi, I'm Wendy and I provide counseling to children, adolescents, adults, and Seniors. I use a strength based integrative approach that sees each person as unique. I pull from a variety of models including but not limited to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Mindfulness, Humanistic, Sports, and Positive Psychology. I work with many challenges individuals face addressing emotional, behavioral, and social needs; such as anxiety, depression, domestic violence, attachment disorders, ADHD, and more. I want to help you become empowered by further discovering your inner strength, beauty, purpose, and passion.
Hi, I'm Wendy and I provide counseling to children, adolescents, adults, and Seniors. I use a strength based integrative approach that sees each person as unique. I pull from a variety of models including but not limited to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Mindfulness, Humanistic, Sports, and Positive Psychology. I work with many challenges individuals face addressing emotional, behavioral, and social needs; such as anxiety, depression, domestic violence, attachment disorders, ADHD, and more. I want to help you become empowered by further discovering your inner strength, beauty, purpose, and passion.
(253) 237-7861 View (253) 237-7861
Photo of Ryan Ferguson, Counselor, MA, LMHC
Ryan Ferguson
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Serves Area
Life is hard sometimes. Sometimes things happen to us that are beyond our control. Sometimes we just have thoughts and feelings that won't go away. Sometimes we end up hurting those around us because we don't know what else to do or how not to react to our thoughts and feelings. Whether your goals are to reduce anxiety, depression, process trauma, strengthen your relationships all to live your best life.
Life is hard sometimes. Sometimes things happen to us that are beyond our control. Sometimes we just have thoughts and feelings that won't go away. Sometimes we end up hurting those around us because we don't know what else to do or how not to react to our thoughts and feelings. Whether your goals are to reduce anxiety, depression, process trauma, strengthen your relationships all to live your best life.
(253) 455-7489 View (253) 455-7489

See more therapy options for Sumner

How does your Therapist compare?

Number of Therapists in Sumner, WA

50+

Average cost per session

$150

Therapists in Sumner, WA who prioritize treating:

94% Anxiety
91% Depression
75% Relationship Issues
75% Self Esteem
74% Trauma and PTSD
74% Coping Skills
72% Stress

Average years in practice

16 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

92% Premera Blue Cross
83% Regence
69% BlueCross and BlueShield

How Therapists in Sumner, WA see their clients

66% In Person and Online
34% Online Only

Gender breakdown

90% Female
10% Male
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling

How can I find a therapist in Sumner?

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.