Therapists in Portland, OR

View neighborhoods in Portland
Photo of Erin Fanshier, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Portland, OR
Erin Fanshier
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Not Verified Not Verified
Portland, OR 97214
Not accepting new clients
We are in some unprecedented, challenging times, which may be presenting new challenges, or opening up old wounds. If you are feeling lost, anxious, stressed, or unable to break free of painful memories and experiences of the past, you have made the right first step! Whatever has brought you to therapy, I offer you a nonjudgmental space for calm, grounded healing. I believe everyone has the capacity for healing within themselves, and that everyone deserves to tell their story, and to find safety. All of my services are currently offered via secure video platform.
We are in some unprecedented, challenging times, which may be presenting new challenges, or opening up old wounds. If you are feeling lost, anxious, stressed, or unable to break free of painful memories and experiences of the past, you have made the right first step! Whatever has brought you to therapy, I offer you a nonjudgmental space for calm, grounded healing. I believe everyone has the capacity for healing within themselves, and that everyone deserves to tell their story, and to find safety. All of my services are currently offered via secure video platform.
(503) 213-9285 View (503) 213-9285
Photo of Traci Heward, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Portland, OR
Traci Heward
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CADC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97213
I get it - seeking support isn't always easy. It requires a great deal of courage. Depression, fear, and anxiety are some of the most common and uncomfortable emotions that we can experience in our lives. I help people work through the unrelenting cycle of stress, worry, and shame that comes with anxiety and trauma. Depression can feel like a weight that you're always carrying. Through counseling and treatment, you can recover motivation, perspective, and joy that you once had in your life. Taking a mind-body approach to your care, you can learn the tools that help you move through these issues.
I get it - seeking support isn't always easy. It requires a great deal of courage. Depression, fear, and anxiety are some of the most common and uncomfortable emotions that we can experience in our lives. I help people work through the unrelenting cycle of stress, worry, and shame that comes with anxiety and trauma. Depression can feel like a weight that you're always carrying. Through counseling and treatment, you can recover motivation, perspective, and joy that you once had in your life. Taking a mind-body approach to your care, you can learn the tools that help you move through these issues.
(503) 436-6381 View (503) 436-6381
Photo of Sage Freeburg, Clinical Social Work Associate in Portland, OR
Sage Freeburg
Clinical Social Work Associate, MA, CSWA
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97213
Waitlist for new clients
Sage believes that healing begins in relationship. She hopes to provide a welcoming therapeutic space based on compassion, acceptance, and client autonomy. Sage trusts in the innate wisdom of each child, adult, and family, and seeks to collaborate with clients as they move through the ever-shifting circumstances of life. She recognizes that healing is different for each individual, and that the healing process is informed by our cultures, social systems, and environments. Sage works to incorporate these perspectives into the therapeutic space, and honors the identities and experiences of the clients she collaborates with.
Sage believes that healing begins in relationship. She hopes to provide a welcoming therapeutic space based on compassion, acceptance, and client autonomy. Sage trusts in the innate wisdom of each child, adult, and family, and seeks to collaborate with clients as they move through the ever-shifting circumstances of life. She recognizes that healing is different for each individual, and that the healing process is informed by our cultures, social systems, and environments. Sage works to incorporate these perspectives into the therapeutic space, and honors the identities and experiences of the clients she collaborates with.
(503) 714-7461 View (503) 714-7461
Photo of Gayle M. Waitches, Marriage & Family Therapist Intern in Portland, OR
Gayle M. Waitches
Marriage & Family Therapist Intern, LPC, NCC, DO
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97215
I am both a physician and a marriage, couple and family therapist intern. My training gives me a unique awareness of the interconnectedness of neuroscience and the tender yet resilient human psyche.
I am both a physician and a marriage, couple and family therapist intern. My training gives me a unique awareness of the interconnectedness of neuroscience and the tender yet resilient human psyche.
(503) 705-8489 View (503) 705-8489
Photo of Seeded Somatics, Pre-Licensed Professional in Portland, OR
Seeded Somatics
Pre-Licensed Professional, LPCI, CDACI
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97211
Integration is a process one continuously undertakes to shift and sort the insights gained from an experience or life event and live from a place of healing, learning, insight, and understanding. I work with clients to assist in integrating past and present events, conflicts, adversities, and states of being. Working from a holistic framework that views each client as a whole being, and not separate from their mind, body, emotions, or soul.
Integration is a process one continuously undertakes to shift and sort the insights gained from an experience or life event and live from a place of healing, learning, insight, and understanding. I work with clients to assist in integrating past and present events, conflicts, adversities, and states of being. Working from a holistic framework that views each client as a whole being, and not separate from their mind, body, emotions, or soul.
(971) 290-1264 View (971) 290-1264
Photo of Sarah Connor, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Portland, OR
Sarah Connor
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97213  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Navigating the human experience is inevitably challenging, and can be overwhelming at times. Whether you find yourself feeling stuck, trapped by your own thoughts, overwhelmed by emotions, or hindered by past trauma, you’re not alone. Asking for help can be a life changing first step toward getting relief and living a life of meaning. As a therapist, my goal is to provide an authentic, safe space for people to process their experiences, develop skills, embody insight, and move toward building the life that they want to be living.
Navigating the human experience is inevitably challenging, and can be overwhelming at times. Whether you find yourself feeling stuck, trapped by your own thoughts, overwhelmed by emotions, or hindered by past trauma, you’re not alone. Asking for help can be a life changing first step toward getting relief and living a life of meaning. As a therapist, my goal is to provide an authentic, safe space for people to process their experiences, develop skills, embody insight, and move toward building the life that they want to be living.
(503) 782-8073 View (503) 782-8073
Photo of Jane Plagge, Psychologist in Portland, OR
Jane Plagge
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97227
Not accepting new clients
I’ve made my work helping individuals navigate how to connect and reclaim parts of themselves they may have thought were lost to anxiety, stress, low motivation, depression, chronic pain, or anger and resentment. We are all human and none of us choose hardship, and yet we still experience it. Distress and pain are part of the human experience. It’s what we do with these experiences that is important. I work with my clients to help them find their way through life’s obstacles and make change that is consistent with their values – what really matters to them.
I’ve made my work helping individuals navigate how to connect and reclaim parts of themselves they may have thought were lost to anxiety, stress, low motivation, depression, chronic pain, or anger and resentment. We are all human and none of us choose hardship, and yet we still experience it. Distress and pain are part of the human experience. It’s what we do with these experiences that is important. I work with my clients to help them find their way through life’s obstacles and make change that is consistent with their values – what really matters to them.
(971) 351-2140 View (971) 351-2140
Photo of Roots Therapy NW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Portland, OR
Roots Therapy NW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97206
Welcome! We're glad you're here. We are a group of therapists with a diverse set of skills and experiences. Please see our website for therapist bios to see if we have a therapist who might feel like a good fit.
Welcome! We're glad you're here. We are a group of therapists with a diverse set of skills and experiences. Please see our website for therapist bios to see if we have a therapist who might feel like a good fit.
(503) 461-0639 View (503) 461-0639
Photo of Sheena Jain, Licensed Professional Counselor in Portland, OR
Sheena Jain
Licensed Professional Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97225  (Online Only)
Hello, I'm Sheena. My mission is to assist individuals in navigating the complexities of trauma, depression, and anxiety. I embrace an eclectic approach that encourages awareness, creativity, multicultural appreciation, and gratitude within a safe and nurturing environment. To promote healing and empower my clients, I utilize therapeutic techniques like Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), EMDR, and Somatic Techniques, often resulting in an enhanced sense of self-worth and the ability to recall past events without feeling triggered.
Hello, I'm Sheena. My mission is to assist individuals in navigating the complexities of trauma, depression, and anxiety. I embrace an eclectic approach that encourages awareness, creativity, multicultural appreciation, and gratitude within a safe and nurturing environment. To promote healing and empower my clients, I utilize therapeutic techniques like Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), EMDR, and Somatic Techniques, often resulting in an enhanced sense of self-worth and the ability to recall past events without feeling triggered.
(503) 278-3732 View (503) 278-3732
Photo of Flourish Counseling and Wellness Center, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Portland, OR
Flourish Counseling and Wellness Center
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97220
Are you struggling with issues related to trauma, grief, addiction, anxiety, or major life changes? There comes a time when we need some help from a professional to help cope with many of life’s challenges. I’m a Psychotherapist in the greater Portland metro area, and I’d love to help you on your journey toward healing and self-discovery. Life can be overwhelming and sometimes even exhausting, but I’m here to guide you through any obstacles you may face. My goal is to help you understand yourself more deeply and better cope with change.
Are you struggling with issues related to trauma, grief, addiction, anxiety, or major life changes? There comes a time when we need some help from a professional to help cope with many of life’s challenges. I’m a Psychotherapist in the greater Portland metro area, and I’d love to help you on your journey toward healing and self-discovery. Life can be overwhelming and sometimes even exhausting, but I’m here to guide you through any obstacles you may face. My goal is to help you understand yourself more deeply and better cope with change.
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Photo of Korina Jochim, Marriage & Family Therapist in Portland, OR
Korina Jochim
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97214
Relationships are the fundamental building blocks of human experience. We are shaped by and devote many resources to them, and they can be sources of inspiration, support, and consistent love. They can also be harmful and even dangerous, especially when an individual's relationship templates have began as dysfunctional in their families of origin. Many of my clients have been or currently are in relationships with narcissistic/disordered partners, family members, or bosses, or were/are members of high-control groups. Healing is possible after these relationships, and there is hope for choosing healthier people to love.
Relationships are the fundamental building blocks of human experience. We are shaped by and devote many resources to them, and they can be sources of inspiration, support, and consistent love. They can also be harmful and even dangerous, especially when an individual's relationship templates have began as dysfunctional in their families of origin. Many of my clients have been or currently are in relationships with narcissistic/disordered partners, family members, or bosses, or were/are members of high-control groups. Healing is possible after these relationships, and there is hope for choosing healthier people to love.
(503) 212-9888 View (503) 212-9888
Photo of Charlotte H Cheney, Professional Counselor Associate in Portland, OR
Charlotte H Cheney
Professional Counselor Associate
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97214  (Online Only)
Hi there. I work with adults to unlock their full potential. My approach is driven by the belief that each person is a unique being deserving of support and unconditional positive regard. I see individuals as experts on themselves, valuing their entire well-being, and I am a firm believer in treating the whole person. By supporting individuals in caring for their emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical health, I aim to empower them to build a life they are proud of and enjoy living.
Hi there. I work with adults to unlock their full potential. My approach is driven by the belief that each person is a unique being deserving of support and unconditional positive regard. I see individuals as experts on themselves, valuing their entire well-being, and I am a firm believer in treating the whole person. By supporting individuals in caring for their emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical health, I aim to empower them to build a life they are proud of and enjoy living.
(971) 812-1455 View (971) 812-1455
Photo of Kathy J. Marshack, Ph.D., Psychologist in Portland, OR
Kathy J. Marshack, Ph.D.
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97213  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I am Dr. Kathy Marshack, psychologist and author. My credentials go back decades including a Master’s Degree in Social Work and a Doctorate in Psychology. I've trained with the best too. But as valuable as my education, training and experience are, I also know that each one of you is as unique and special as your fingerprints. I want to help you, so I'm offering Online Therapy for Oregon and Washington residents and Online Education appointments for various topics. Check my clinical website to make an appointment with me: www.kmarshack.com. I am not currrently taking new clinical clients at this time.
I am Dr. Kathy Marshack, psychologist and author. My credentials go back decades including a Master’s Degree in Social Work and a Doctorate in Psychology. I've trained with the best too. But as valuable as my education, training and experience are, I also know that each one of you is as unique and special as your fingerprints. I want to help you, so I'm offering Online Therapy for Oregon and Washington residents and Online Education appointments for various topics. Check my clinical website to make an appointment with me: www.kmarshack.com. I am not currrently taking new clinical clients at this time.
(503) 966-4173 View (503) 966-4173
Photo of Joanne Baum, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Portland, OR
Joanne Baum
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97204  (Online Only)
I partner with you to explore options and heal whatever is getting in your way & keeping you uncomfortably stuck. Our goal is to have you live the life you want to live, how you want to live it. I'm available for TeleHealth Sessions throughout Florida. If you want to tackle issues such as: Addiction, Codependency, Trauma, Sexuality, Unmanageable Stress and Anxiety, Gambling, ADD/ADHD, Feeling Intimidated by a Life Transition, Feeling Stuck, or wanting to make Personal or Career Changes, we can work together to meet your needs. I use Brainspotting, talk therapies, & a variety of treatment methods like CBT, MI, & DBT with you.
I partner with you to explore options and heal whatever is getting in your way & keeping you uncomfortably stuck. Our goal is to have you live the life you want to live, how you want to live it. I'm available for TeleHealth Sessions throughout Florida. If you want to tackle issues such as: Addiction, Codependency, Trauma, Sexuality, Unmanageable Stress and Anxiety, Gambling, ADD/ADHD, Feeling Intimidated by a Life Transition, Feeling Stuck, or wanting to make Personal or Career Changes, we can work together to meet your needs. I use Brainspotting, talk therapies, & a variety of treatment methods like CBT, MI, & DBT with you.
(971) 286-5071 View (971) 286-5071
Photo of Jacey Bishop, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Portland, OR
Jacey Bishop
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LSCSW
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97216  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I have worked with survivors of trauma for ten years. As a child survivor of narcissistic and abusive parents myself, I have fallen in love with the work of assisting survivors on their own path to safety, healing, and even joy! I specialize in survivors of narcissistic abuse, especially within adult children of narcissistic parents and intimate partners of narcissists. Having a Narcissist parent/partner is something you can only truly understand if you have experienced it personally, and it is my mission in life to use my own experiences and knowledge to help YOU understand and heal from the impacts of this kind of abuse.
I have worked with survivors of trauma for ten years. As a child survivor of narcissistic and abusive parents myself, I have fallen in love with the work of assisting survivors on their own path to safety, healing, and even joy! I specialize in survivors of narcissistic abuse, especially within adult children of narcissistic parents and intimate partners of narcissists. Having a Narcissist parent/partner is something you can only truly understand if you have experienced it personally, and it is my mission in life to use my own experiences and knowledge to help YOU understand and heal from the impacts of this kind of abuse.
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Photo of Amelia Bird, Marriage & Family Therapist in Portland, OR
Amelia Bird
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, PPSC
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97219
I am a counselor and psychotherapist with a passion for working with children over 10, adolescents, and adults who are recovering from childhood wounds, or who want to find new ways of relating to themselves or others. I have a master's degree in counseling psychology from Saint Mary's College of California and a state license in Marriage and Family Therapy. I also hold a credential in school counseling and served as a mental health provider and counselor at all K-12 grade levels. I was a counseling-skills trainer and adjunct faculty member in the graduate counseling department at Saint Mary's College.
I am a counselor and psychotherapist with a passion for working with children over 10, adolescents, and adults who are recovering from childhood wounds, or who want to find new ways of relating to themselves or others. I have a master's degree in counseling psychology from Saint Mary's College of California and a state license in Marriage and Family Therapy. I also hold a credential in school counseling and served as a mental health provider and counselor at all K-12 grade levels. I was a counseling-skills trainer and adjunct faculty member in the graduate counseling department at Saint Mary's College.
(503) 549-4943 View (503) 549-4943
Photo of Veronica Wilson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Portland, OR
Veronica Wilson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97202  (Online Only)
I specialize in body image, self-esteem and healthy weight loss. If weight loss is your goal, we can discuss how I may be able to help. I also believe in body positivity and acceptance, and my goal is for you to love yourself regardless of how you look. Whether it's developing healthy and meaningful relationships, relieving symptoms of anxiety and depression, or finding a sense of inner satisfaction and wellbeing, I believe you can achieve your goals and find lasting change. I also have personal experience with weight loss and have maintained a loss of over 75lbs, giving me personal insight into the weight loss process.
I specialize in body image, self-esteem and healthy weight loss. If weight loss is your goal, we can discuss how I may be able to help. I also believe in body positivity and acceptance, and my goal is for you to love yourself regardless of how you look. Whether it's developing healthy and meaningful relationships, relieving symptoms of anxiety and depression, or finding a sense of inner satisfaction and wellbeing, I believe you can achieve your goals and find lasting change. I also have personal experience with weight loss and have maintained a loss of over 75lbs, giving me personal insight into the weight loss process.
(503) 765-7177 View (503) 765-7177
Photo of Nick Hebert, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Portland, OR
Nick Hebert
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97227
Waitlist for new clients
Over time, we all develop stories and ideas about ourselves, others, or the world. For some of us, these ideas may be born from experiences of marginalization and harm based on who we are; maybe we begin to believe we’re not good enough, not worthy of love, or there’s something wrong with us. Even if these stories were meant to, and probably did, protect us at some time, they're still exhausting to deal with and can lead to lots of worrying and stress, avoidance, numbing, or difficulty in our relationships. You've likely been trying your best to manage it all and are ready try something different.
Over time, we all develop stories and ideas about ourselves, others, or the world. For some of us, these ideas may be born from experiences of marginalization and harm based on who we are; maybe we begin to believe we’re not good enough, not worthy of love, or there’s something wrong with us. Even if these stories were meant to, and probably did, protect us at some time, they're still exhausting to deal with and can lead to lots of worrying and stress, avoidance, numbing, or difficulty in our relationships. You've likely been trying your best to manage it all and are ready try something different.
(971) 378-6797 View (971) 378-6797
Photo of Ellie Antico, Licensed Professional Counselor in Portland, OR
Ellie Antico
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97202
Waitlist for new clients
I'm interested in you as whole person: mind, body and spirit. I know it takes courage to reveal ourselves so I hold space for all aspects of you with deep compassion. As a therapist I respect both your strength and vulnerability, offering a safe, nonjudgmental environment to express your truth, explore, and heal.
I'm interested in you as whole person: mind, body and spirit. I know it takes courage to reveal ourselves so I hold space for all aspects of you with deep compassion. As a therapist I respect both your strength and vulnerability, offering a safe, nonjudgmental environment to express your truth, explore, and heal.
(833) 885-2803 View (833) 885-2803
Photo of Hailey Gonnerman, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Portland, OR
Hailey Gonnerman
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97221
I believe it is an honor to be trusted with a person's deepest emotions. I am here to offer you a space where you feel supported, understood, and challenged to explore those difficult and seemingly hard to reach places within yourself. I will foster a trusting relationship where, together, we can identify the strengths you already have, in order to cultivate change, growth, and healing. I approach therapy through an experiential lens (understanding, accepting, and experiencing emotions that guide our behaviors).
I believe it is an honor to be trusted with a person's deepest emotions. I am here to offer you a space where you feel supported, understood, and challenged to explore those difficult and seemingly hard to reach places within yourself. I will foster a trusting relationship where, together, we can identify the strengths you already have, in order to cultivate change, growth, and healing. I approach therapy through an experiential lens (understanding, accepting, and experiencing emotions that guide our behaviors).
(971) 257-1617 View (971) 257-1617

How does your Therapist compare?

Number of Therapists in Portland, OR

3,000+

Average cost per session

$160

Therapists in Portland, OR who prioritize treating:

91% Anxiety
85% Depression
78% Relationship Issues
76% Self Esteem
74% Trauma and PTSD
71% Stress
68% Life Transitions

Average years in practice

10 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

54% PacificSource
47% Aetna
38% BlueCross and BlueShield

How Therapists in Portland, OR see their clients

56% In Person and Online
44% Online Only

Gender breakdown

75% Female
21% Male
4% Non-Binary
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling

How can I find a therapist in Portland?

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.