Therapists in Birmingham, AL
Catherine Smith
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Birmingham, AL 35205 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I have worked with adult individuals and with couples for 25+ years. I love what I do. As a part of my practice I utilize various psychological theories while interlacing skill-building techniques related to depression, anxiety/panic, and anger management, communication skills, healthy boundaries, personal growth self-awareness, and trauma/abuse histories. I strive to help people live more fully and functionally in their present-day lives by better understanding how the experiences and relationships from their past inform current experiences, emotions and behavior choices.
I have worked with adult individuals and with couples for 25+ years. I love what I do. As a part of my practice I utilize various psychological theories while interlacing skill-building techniques related to depression, anxiety/panic, and anger management, communication skills, healthy boundaries, personal growth self-awareness, and trauma/abuse histories. I strive to help people live more fully and functionally in their present-day lives by better understanding how the experiences and relationships from their past inform current experiences, emotions and behavior choices.
Lee Knight
Counselor, MEd, ALC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Birmingham, AL 35205
Hi! My name is Lee Knight, and I am an Associate Licensed Counselor at Alabama Counseling & Consulting Services, LLC. I have experience working with a wide range of individuals and families with diverse presenting problems, including, but not limited to: anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, trauma- and stressor-related disorders, gender dysphoria, eating disorders, disruptive, impulse-control, and conduct disorders, substance-related disorders, and personality disorders.
Hi! My name is Lee Knight, and I am an Associate Licensed Counselor at Alabama Counseling & Consulting Services, LLC. I have experience working with a wide range of individuals and families with diverse presenting problems, including, but not limited to: anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, trauma- and stressor-related disorders, gender dysphoria, eating disorders, disruptive, impulse-control, and conduct disorders, substance-related disorders, and personality disorders.
Hope House Counseling and Education
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, MDiv, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Birmingham, AL 35213 (Online Only)
Have you just found out that your spouse or significant other has been engaging in sexual behaviors and lying about it? Maybe it was sexting, an emotional affair, pornography, or other sexual behaviors. Whatever it was, it was kept from you and you feel lied to, betrayed, and fooled. Or maybe you are the one engaging in sexual behaviors that you have tried to stop but, no matter how much effort you put into stopping, you return to that same behavior over and over. Maybe you are grieving a relationship loss, trying to figure out how to parent now that things have changed or you just feel stuck in the same old patterns.
Have you just found out that your spouse or significant other has been engaging in sexual behaviors and lying about it? Maybe it was sexting, an emotional affair, pornography, or other sexual behaviors. Whatever it was, it was kept from you and you feel lied to, betrayed, and fooled. Or maybe you are the one engaging in sexual behaviors that you have tried to stop but, no matter how much effort you put into stopping, you return to that same behavior over and over. Maybe you are grieving a relationship loss, trying to figure out how to parent now that things have changed or you just feel stuck in the same old patterns.
Drew Ri'chard
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LMFT-A
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Birmingham, AL 35243
I advocate for new and seasoned parents’ mental and emotional well-being. This includes caregiver guilt, intrusive thoughts, angry outbursts, post-partum related issues, and individual stressors. My aim to help clients cope with growing families, life transitions, feel supported in their mental health needs, and know it’s ok to not be ok all of the time. I want you to feel confident in engaging with your children and partner but also be effective in showing up for yourself. As your therapist, I am a source of support as you expand your sense of self, feel empowered to ask questions, and make room for new possibilities.
I advocate for new and seasoned parents’ mental and emotional well-being. This includes caregiver guilt, intrusive thoughts, angry outbursts, post-partum related issues, and individual stressors. My aim to help clients cope with growing families, life transitions, feel supported in their mental health needs, and know it’s ok to not be ok all of the time. I want you to feel confident in engaging with your children and partner but also be effective in showing up for yourself. As your therapist, I am a source of support as you expand your sense of self, feel empowered to ask questions, and make room for new possibilities.
Katy Bridges
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, EdS, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
Birmingham, AL 35226
I'm Katy Bridges and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). It is my passion to work with children, adolescents, and young adults. Emotional turmoil negatively impacts our daily lives. Often, young people struggle to perform, feel down on themselves, have behavior problems, or can't manage big emotions like fear and sadness. Anxiety, grief, conflict at home, social problems, and extracurricular commitments are other stressors children have to manage. This can lead to poor quality of life, behavior problems, distractions at school, etc. Growing up is HARD work! Young people are strong and can thrive with the right tools!
I'm Katy Bridges and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). It is my passion to work with children, adolescents, and young adults. Emotional turmoil negatively impacts our daily lives. Often, young people struggle to perform, feel down on themselves, have behavior problems, or can't manage big emotions like fear and sadness. Anxiety, grief, conflict at home, social problems, and extracurricular commitments are other stressors children have to manage. This can lead to poor quality of life, behavior problems, distractions at school, etc. Growing up is HARD work! Young people are strong and can thrive with the right tools!
Ashley Gilbert
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, MFT, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Birmingham, AL 35209
Telling your story takes tremendous courage. In my work I am constantly humbled and honored to receive those stories. As a therapist I work from the premise that people are deeply complex and multilayered beings. Our past, our present, and expectations of our future dictate how we navigate life's inevitable challenges. Because our lives are a constant state of transition, we have the opportunity to learn from the past and navigate our present through awareness and understanding of ourselves, and others. I feel it a great honor to support people in their transitions, and foster their awareness and growth.
Telling your story takes tremendous courage. In my work I am constantly humbled and honored to receive those stories. As a therapist I work from the premise that people are deeply complex and multilayered beings. Our past, our present, and expectations of our future dictate how we navigate life's inevitable challenges. Because our lives are a constant state of transition, we have the opportunity to learn from the past and navigate our present through awareness and understanding of ourselves, and others. I feel it a great honor to support people in their transitions, and foster their awareness and growth.
Dr. Griena Knight Davis
Licensed Professional Counselor, MACN, EdD, LPC, BCC, BC-TMH
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Birmingham, AL 35208
I strive to enable individuals to realize a happier, healthier, and more successful existence through services that optimizes one's personally defined well being. I provide innovative, responsive, and quality mental health services addressing the obstacles that negatively impact an individual's quality of life such as: Stress and Anxiety; Depression; Relationship Issues; Anger Management; Self-Esteem; Adjustment Issues; Grief and Loss; and Identity Issues. I cultivate a helping relationship that allows the client to define and achieve a healthy lifestyle.
I strive to enable individuals to realize a happier, healthier, and more successful existence through services that optimizes one's personally defined well being. I provide innovative, responsive, and quality mental health services addressing the obstacles that negatively impact an individual's quality of life such as: Stress and Anxiety; Depression; Relationship Issues; Anger Management; Self-Esteem; Adjustment Issues; Grief and Loss; and Identity Issues. I cultivate a helping relationship that allows the client to define and achieve a healthy lifestyle.
Strive Counseling Services, L.L.C.
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, PIP, RPT
Verified Verified
Birmingham, AL 35203
“Building A Foundation For A Healthier You is paramount at Strive Counseling Services.” I provide the highest quality of therapeutic counseling to children and adults. I utilize evidenced-based approaches to assist clients with identifying their strengths to reach their optimal potential by developing confidence, skills for coping, and problem solving. I look forward to working with you to identify the best treatment modality to address your mental health needs. When you are ready to schedule your initial session please be prepared to provide your insurance information. “Let’s Strive Together!"
“Building A Foundation For A Healthier You is paramount at Strive Counseling Services.” I provide the highest quality of therapeutic counseling to children and adults. I utilize evidenced-based approaches to assist clients with identifying their strengths to reach their optimal potential by developing confidence, skills for coping, and problem solving. I look forward to working with you to identify the best treatment modality to address your mental health needs. When you are ready to schedule your initial session please be prepared to provide your insurance information. “Let’s Strive Together!"
Benjamin Counseling and Consulting, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S, PMH-C
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Birmingham, AL 35242
I believe that people are born with enormous potential! That said, sometimes situations occur in our lives which directly or indirectly impact the pace at which we may reach that potential. When people are able to identify at what point they stopped being an author in their lives, they can go back, pick up the pen, and begin re-writing their story. I bring an eclectic approach in moving us forward (EFT, DBT, CBT, among others) in consideration of identified goals. I regularly serve therapists, bariatric clients, men/women with perinatal struggles, couples, and individuals struggling with anxiety/OCD and/or depression, among others.
I believe that people are born with enormous potential! That said, sometimes situations occur in our lives which directly or indirectly impact the pace at which we may reach that potential. When people are able to identify at what point they stopped being an author in their lives, they can go back, pick up the pen, and begin re-writing their story. I bring an eclectic approach in moving us forward (EFT, DBT, CBT, among others) in consideration of identified goals. I regularly serve therapists, bariatric clients, men/women with perinatal struggles, couples, and individuals struggling with anxiety/OCD and/or depression, among others.
Erica Wilbanks
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Birmingham, AL 35244
Are you ready for change? Austrian psychiatrist and psychotherapist, Viktor Frankl stated “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves”. I have built most of my work around studying trauma and the effects it has on a human. Trauma defined is an event or circumstance that is beyond a person's ability to cope properly. Many symptoms like anxiety, depression, dissociation, fatigue, and guilt follow trauma. Trauma is scary and I do not believe we were meant to do life alone. I offer to serve as someone who can collaboratively walk through the trauma with you.
Are you ready for change? Austrian psychiatrist and psychotherapist, Viktor Frankl stated “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves”. I have built most of my work around studying trauma and the effects it has on a human. Trauma defined is an event or circumstance that is beyond a person's ability to cope properly. Many symptoms like anxiety, depression, dissociation, fatigue, and guilt follow trauma. Trauma is scary and I do not believe we were meant to do life alone. I offer to serve as someone who can collaboratively walk through the trauma with you.
Caroline Bria
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Birmingham, AL 35226
Waitlist for new clients
Are you feeling stuck in some part of your life? Trying to navigate a romantic, peer, or parent-child relationship, life transition, anxiety or depression? Struggling to figure out what's getting in the way sexually, emotionally, or mentally? Does it feel like something is inhibiting life satisfaction, security and connection but hard to figure out what that is? I want to meet you where you are and help you get to where you want to be. I use a collaborative approach to tailor therapeutic techniques to fit your unique needs and personality. My joy and passion in being an MFT stems from the journey of moving through change with you.
Are you feeling stuck in some part of your life? Trying to navigate a romantic, peer, or parent-child relationship, life transition, anxiety or depression? Struggling to figure out what's getting in the way sexually, emotionally, or mentally? Does it feel like something is inhibiting life satisfaction, security and connection but hard to figure out what that is? I want to meet you where you are and help you get to where you want to be. I use a collaborative approach to tailor therapeutic techniques to fit your unique needs and personality. My joy and passion in being an MFT stems from the journey of moving through change with you.
15 Second Videos
Griena Knight Davis
Benjamin Counseling and Consulting, LLC
Laura Wagstaff
Hoover Hypnosis
Dunn-Kirkland Counseling & Consulting Services,LLC
Counseling God's Way LLC/Rev. Ruth Ceneus
Kali M Cox
Frannie Hartley Horn
Melissa Fay Brooks
Mallory Lamm
Brittany Hadley
David Nathan Bailey
Errica Williams
Called2EncourageInc
Mental Health Monarchs
Valerie Thompson
The Healing Space, LLC
Tommie Watkins Jr
Richard Trammel
Yellow Bird Counseling LLC
Crystal Crim M. Ed.
Becca Shaw
Danne-Wilson Counseling
Patrick Norton
Katelyn Pickett
Charlece Bishop
Sarah R. Pendleton
J. Johanna Wesson Suarez
Melissa Werner
Garrett Bass
Paige M. Reynolds
Zack McClain
Empower Counseling & Coaching
Chesie l Roberts
Miles Hudson
Rhonna W Phillips Counseling & Therapy Srvcs, LLC
Paige Wilson
Monique Johnson-Hill
Elizabeth Shahid
Abundant Restoration Counseling Services, LLC
Dionne Mahaffey
NOCD- Therapists for OCD
Larry R Massey
Cassandra Holdcroft
Thomas John Hunt-Felke
Fertile Ground, LLC
Carlos D Richardson
TMS Counseling, LLC
Regina Turner, LLC
Integrative Health Services, LLC Michelle Knight
Laura Wagstaff
Counselor, ALC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Birmingham, AL 35226
Are you someone who often wonders if life will always be a struggle? You might find yourself struggling with feelings of depression, anxiety, and low self worth wondering if it is even possible for that to change. If you’re sick and tired of being sick and tired, you’re not alone. As a clinician I aim to build a relationship where we can work together to unpack your experiences, understand life patterns, and create healing. I focus on creating space for clients of all identities to meet their goals in order to reach their full potential.
Are you someone who often wonders if life will always be a struggle? You might find yourself struggling with feelings of depression, anxiety, and low self worth wondering if it is even possible for that to change. If you’re sick and tired of being sick and tired, you’re not alone. As a clinician I aim to build a relationship where we can work together to unpack your experiences, understand life patterns, and create healing. I focus on creating space for clients of all identities to meet their goals in order to reach their full potential.
F. Palmer Holliday
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Birmingham, AL 35205 (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) providing psychotherapy to adolescents, adults, and seniors. My goal is to appropriately assess each clients' needs, assist them in identifying their own goals for treatment, and provide evidence-based treatments, education, and encouragement enabling them to achieve their identified goals and experience a happier, more purposeful life. I provide mental health counseling on an individual and family basis.
I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) providing psychotherapy to adolescents, adults, and seniors. My goal is to appropriately assess each clients' needs, assist them in identifying their own goals for treatment, and provide evidence-based treatments, education, and encouragement enabling them to achieve their identified goals and experience a happier, more purposeful life. I provide mental health counseling on an individual and family basis.
Adrienne Mixon
Counselor, MSc, NCC, ALC
Verified Verified
Birmingham, AL 35222
Reaching out for help takes courage, and for some that first step is weighted with anxiety. My goal as a counselor is to be a compassionate listener in a safe space, where the client is free to identify healthy/unhealthy behaviors, manage stress/anxiety and learn how to protect their mental space.
Reaching out for help takes courage, and for some that first step is weighted with anxiety. My goal as a counselor is to be a compassionate listener in a safe space, where the client is free to identify healthy/unhealthy behaviors, manage stress/anxiety and learn how to protect their mental space.
McKinley Landen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Birmingham, AL 35223
I enjoy working from a client centered and strengths based approach to help individuals and couples on their healing journey. I specialize in working with individuals, teens, and couples with attachment disruptions or complex developmental trauma.
I enjoy working from a client centered and strengths based approach to help individuals and couples on their healing journey. I specialize in working with individuals, teens, and couples with attachment disruptions or complex developmental trauma.
Christine Baker
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, CSAT, EMDR
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Birmingham, AL 35223
First of all, bravo for reaching out for help. The fact that you are doing a Google search for a therapist in your area is the first step to getting better, and it is a big one so congratulations on starting your journey! My counseling practice believes in the journey. This is why I named it "Wayfare Counseling". Wayfare is an Old English word that means "to go on a journey". This is what I believe counseling is all about. The journey is just as important as the recovery, and I would love to come alongside you in that process.
First of all, bravo for reaching out for help. The fact that you are doing a Google search for a therapist in your area is the first step to getting better, and it is a big one so congratulations on starting your journey! My counseling practice believes in the journey. This is why I named it "Wayfare Counseling". Wayfare is an Old English word that means "to go on a journey". This is what I believe counseling is all about. The journey is just as important as the recovery, and I would love to come alongside you in that process.
David Eckhardt Kilmer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PIP
Verified Verified
Birmingham, AL 35209
I have worked in the mental health field for 40+ years. During my career I have worked with a variety of patients including adolescents, adults, couples, and families. I have treated trauma exposure, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, mild autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit disorder (and related issues). I have also provided support for individuals in recovery. I believe that by identifying, focusing on, and enhancing clients' strengths, I can assist them in developing additional individualized tools to meet mental health challenges.
I have worked in the mental health field for 40+ years. During my career I have worked with a variety of patients including adolescents, adults, couples, and families. I have treated trauma exposure, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, mild autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit disorder (and related issues). I have also provided support for individuals in recovery. I believe that by identifying, focusing on, and enhancing clients' strengths, I can assist them in developing additional individualized tools to meet mental health challenges.
Hoover Hypnosis
MS, CCHt
Verified Verified
Birmingham, AL 35216
The mission of Hoover Hypnosis to empower clients to overcome personal challenges and live fulfilling lives through the power of hypnosis. We understand the feelings of being stuck and aim to provide a safe, supportive environment for clients to discover root causes, develop self-awareness and harness inner strengths. Our customized hypnosis services build confidence, manage stress, overcome negative habits and beliefs, to create the fulfilling life they deserve.
The mission of Hoover Hypnosis to empower clients to overcome personal challenges and live fulfilling lives through the power of hypnosis. We understand the feelings of being stuck and aim to provide a safe, supportive environment for clients to discover root causes, develop self-awareness and harness inner strengths. Our customized hypnosis services build confidence, manage stress, overcome negative habits and beliefs, to create the fulfilling life they deserve.
Leslie Kahn
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, PIP
Verified Verified
Birmingham, AL 35243
Therapy means change. I believe in working through issues to bring about understanding and action. It is through action that one sees success!
Therapy means change. I believe in working through issues to bring about understanding and action. It is through action that one sees success!
Vital Life Family Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Birmingham, AL 35203
When you're going through seasons of difficulty, day to day life stressors or just need somebody to talk to and process with; that search can seem so difficult! You want to unpack with someone who you can trust, someone who won't judge, someone who truly cares about what you're saying and how you feel and someone that's relatable and will talk back when needed and just hear you in other times. We will work together to set goals and get you to what you feel that you need. Welcome to a fresh start! Let's unpack.
When you're going through seasons of difficulty, day to day life stressors or just need somebody to talk to and process with; that search can seem so difficult! You want to unpack with someone who you can trust, someone who won't judge, someone who truly cares about what you're saying and how you feel and someone that's relatable and will talk back when needed and just hear you in other times. We will work together to set goals and get you to what you feel that you need. Welcome to a fresh start! Let's unpack.
See more therapy options for Birmingham
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Birmingham, AL
600+
Average cost per session
$136
Therapists in Birmingham, AL who prioritize treating:
92% | Anxiety |
88% | Depression |
78% | Self Esteem |
76% | Coping Skills |
75% | Relationship Issues |
71% | Stress |
67% | Trauma and PTSD |
Average years in practice
9 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
87% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
49% | New Directions | Lucet |
45% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Therapists in Birmingham, AL see their clients
75% | In Person and Online | |
25% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
82% | Female | |
17% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in Birmingham?
Search for nearby therapists or counselors by inputting your city, town, or suburb; or zip code; or a provider’s name into the search bar. From there, you can filter providers by the issues they treat, cost, insurance, gender, and other factors to find providers who are well-suited to your needs. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or zip code into the search bar.
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?
The Psychology Today directory lists providers who offer legitimate mental health services to the public, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counselor?
Therapists, psychologists, and counselors are all licensed mental health professionals. In the US, psychologists have earned a doctoral degree. The terms “therapist” and “counselor” are used somewhat interchangeably, but generally therapists offer longer-term, mental health care, while counselors offer shorter-term care that may focus on one domain, such as marriage, career, or academic challenges.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
What type of therapy is right for me?
The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.
How much does therapy cost?
The cost of therapy depends on a number of variables, including location and the therapist’s experience and training. On average, a therapy session in the United States could cost between $100 and $200 or more. If you have insurance, the expense of mental health care is typically lower, but it varies based on your insurance plan details and whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network mental healthcare provider.
What are more affordable or low cost therapy solutions?
Many therapists offer sliding scale payments, usually on a limited number of slots, which consists in an agreement between the therapist and a client to pay a reduced rate. Therapists who provide such arrangements often consider the client's income or ability to pay, but the extent of the discount is ultimately at the therapist's discretion. Furthermore, while group therapy may have different goals and benefits compared to individual therapy, it can be a more affordable solution to address certain types of issues.
Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?
Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.
Is online therapy a good option?
Therapy conducted online can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your zip code.
Are therapy sessions confidential?
Confidentiality is a crucial part of the therapeutic relationship. Therapists in the United States are bound by the regulations set out by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), which aims to protect sensitive health information. With very few exceptions, a therapist will only discuss their client with others when the client has given their written permission. The instances in which a therapist would be required to disclose personal information are: if a client poses a danger to themselves or others, if the therapist suspects the abuse of a child or an elderly or otherwise dependent adult, or if they are legally forced to by court order. These exceptions to the confidentiality agreement are usually discussed with a client before their first session.