Therapists in New York, NY
Ryan Hutchings
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10022 (Online Only)
If you're struggling with the weight of trauma, whether from experiences like gun violence or domestic abuse, or if you're facing challenges related to your identity within the LGBTQIA+ community, know that I'm here to provide a safe haven for you. Together, we'll work to understand your experiences, develop coping skills, and reclaim your sense of self. Your journey is about finding healing, empowerment, and embracing your true identity, and I'm here to support you every step of the way.
If you're struggling with the weight of trauma, whether from experiences like gun violence or domestic abuse, or if you're facing challenges related to your identity within the LGBTQIA+ community, know that I'm here to provide a safe haven for you. Together, we'll work to understand your experiences, develop coping skills, and reclaim your sense of self. Your journey is about finding healing, empowerment, and embracing your true identity, and I'm here to support you every step of the way.
Jordan Spinelli
Mental Health Counselor, LMHC, NCC, MA
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10016
I am a trauma-informed mental health counselor (MHC-LP) with a passion for helping people heal through connection and empowerment. I operate from social justice, fat-positive, and Health at Every Size (HAES) lens. I feel very strongly that part of the work in therapy is not about “fixing,” but rather is about removing what is the way of you accessing your best self. I specialize in working with young adults and millennials working through disordered eating, body image concerns, trauma, grief and life transitions.
I am a trauma-informed mental health counselor (MHC-LP) with a passion for helping people heal through connection and empowerment. I operate from social justice, fat-positive, and Health at Every Size (HAES) lens. I feel very strongly that part of the work in therapy is not about “fixing,” but rather is about removing what is the way of you accessing your best self. I specialize in working with young adults and millennials working through disordered eating, body image concerns, trauma, grief and life transitions.
Katie Blumenfeld
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10011 (Online Only)
Taking the step to seek out therapy can often be a difficult one. I strive to create a safe and empathic space in which we can collaborate to help you make the changes in your life that you wish to see. With you guiding, I help you get curious about who you are, the messages that you’ve internalized, and how they play a significant role in how you act with the world around you. I work with individuals who struggle with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, disordered eating, and the challenges of everyday life.
Taking the step to seek out therapy can often be a difficult one. I strive to create a safe and empathic space in which we can collaborate to help you make the changes in your life that you wish to see. With you guiding, I help you get curious about who you are, the messages that you’ve internalized, and how they play a significant role in how you act with the world around you. I work with individuals who struggle with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, disordered eating, and the challenges of everyday life.
Garmis Sena
Pre-Licensed Professional, MHC-LP
Not Verified Not Verified
New York, NY 10001 (Online Only)
Feeling overwhelmed by your emotions, and struggling to manage your daily tasks? Have activities that once brought you joy lost their spark and motivation? If you resonate with these questions, it's time to take the first step toward a more fulfilling life. Working alongside me, you will be in control of your healing journey. Here's how I can help:
Feeling overwhelmed by your emotions, and struggling to manage your daily tasks? Have activities that once brought you joy lost their spark and motivation? If you resonate with these questions, it's time to take the first step toward a more fulfilling life. Working alongside me, you will be in control of your healing journey. Here's how I can help:
Heesun Kim
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW, SEP
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10128
I am a depth-oriented psychotherapist with a Ph.D. in depth psychology specializing in integrative therapy and healing practice at Pacifica Graduate Institute. A licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in California and New York, a Telehealth provider in Florida, a Somatic Experiencing (SE) trauma therapist, and a certified yoga teacher at Integral Yoga Institute (IYI). I also offer Jungian dream analysis and mindfulness-based psychotherapy in English and Korean. Currently, all sessions are virtually provided.
I am a depth-oriented psychotherapist with a Ph.D. in depth psychology specializing in integrative therapy and healing practice at Pacifica Graduate Institute. A licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in California and New York, a Telehealth provider in Florida, a Somatic Experiencing (SE) trauma therapist, and a certified yoga teacher at Integral Yoga Institute (IYI). I also offer Jungian dream analysis and mindfulness-based psychotherapy in English and Korean. Currently, all sessions are virtually provided.
Rev. Peter Acevedo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10029 (Online Only)
We are living in challenging times. The degree of uncertainty we face is enough to cause thoughts and feelings that interfere with our daily functioning. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic issues of depression, anxiety, domestic violence, substance abuse, and suicide were already problems many people struggled with. For many, COVID has caused or intensified these conditions and created a need for additional resources. Resources that lead them to thrive and enjoy time with family and friends.
We are living in challenging times. The degree of uncertainty we face is enough to cause thoughts and feelings that interfere with our daily functioning. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic issues of depression, anxiety, domestic violence, substance abuse, and suicide were already problems many people struggled with. For many, COVID has caused or intensified these conditions and created a need for additional resources. Resources that lead them to thrive and enjoy time with family and friends.
Alicia Pinkston
Counselor, LMHC, CST, AASECT, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
New York, NY 10017
Do you want a healthy, satisfying, and fulfilling sex life? Do you long to increase intimacy, eroticism, and connection in your relationship but struggle to understand and express sexual desires or concerns? You need a safe space to explore these issues, and I can help. Whether you want to rebuild intimacy after an affair, increase your desire for sex, struggle with sexual anxiety while dating, erectile unpredictability, difficulty experiencing an orgasm, or any other sexual issue, I’m here for you. My collaborative approach empowers you to understand, identify and remove any barriers standing in your way of an optimal sex life.
Do you want a healthy, satisfying, and fulfilling sex life? Do you long to increase intimacy, eroticism, and connection in your relationship but struggle to understand and express sexual desires or concerns? You need a safe space to explore these issues, and I can help. Whether you want to rebuild intimacy after an affair, increase your desire for sex, struggle with sexual anxiety while dating, erectile unpredictability, difficulty experiencing an orgasm, or any other sexual issue, I’m here for you. My collaborative approach empowers you to understand, identify and remove any barriers standing in your way of an optimal sex life.
Gwyn Wheeler
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10029
Is it sometimes difficult to make sense of your emotions? Do you find yourself overwhelmed or even detached from what you feel at times? Have you struggled to relay these experiences to others? In working together, we may get to understanding the source of these experiences and discover new ways you can communicate and adapt going forward. We all must adapt to the world around us in order to survive- my goal is to help my clients introduce new ways of adapting while strengthening self compassion, understanding, and emotional connection.
Is it sometimes difficult to make sense of your emotions? Do you find yourself overwhelmed or even detached from what you feel at times? Have you struggled to relay these experiences to others? In working together, we may get to understanding the source of these experiences and discover new ways you can communicate and adapt going forward. We all must adapt to the world around us in order to survive- my goal is to help my clients introduce new ways of adapting while strengthening self compassion, understanding, and emotional connection.
Lee H Saltzman
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10016
What's holding you back? Are you struggling with overwhelming feelings? Caught in unproductive behavior patterns? Dealing with unfulfilling relationships? At a crossroads in life and unsure which path to take? Life is full of challenges and unexpected twists. While we can't change the past, we can internalize new perspectives and consider different ways of responding to situations in the future. Through therapy, you can learn to navigate the (sometimes choppy) waters of life so that you continue to move forward and learn as you go.
What's holding you back? Are you struggling with overwhelming feelings? Caught in unproductive behavior patterns? Dealing with unfulfilling relationships? At a crossroads in life and unsure which path to take? Life is full of challenges and unexpected twists. While we can't change the past, we can internalize new perspectives and consider different ways of responding to situations in the future. Through therapy, you can learn to navigate the (sometimes choppy) waters of life so that you continue to move forward and learn as you go.
Megan Richardson
Counselor, LCMHC
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10002
I'm Megan Richardson, LMHC. My approach to therapy is solution focused and evidence based. I work collaboratively with my clients to help them rediscover their strength and resiliency. Areas of focus include helping adults navigate life transitions, relationship conflict, stress management, low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety. I work with adults but have and will see older teenagers. I support individuals, couples, and families experiencing a transition (which include attending college), emotion dysregulation, difficulty coping with stress, anxiety and/or depression.
I'm Megan Richardson, LMHC. My approach to therapy is solution focused and evidence based. I work collaboratively with my clients to help them rediscover their strength and resiliency. Areas of focus include helping adults navigate life transitions, relationship conflict, stress management, low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety. I work with adults but have and will see older teenagers. I support individuals, couples, and families experiencing a transition (which include attending college), emotion dysregulation, difficulty coping with stress, anxiety and/or depression.
Steven Seidman
Licensed Psychoanalyst, PhD
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10023
I became a therapist to help clients alleviate their specific ways of suffering, whether its depression or anxiety, trauma or emotional abuse, or struggles around identity and intimacy. I bring to my practice a history of having written widely in the areas of gender and sexual identity, and relationships and intimacy. As a therapist, I am committed to listening and collaborating with clients to understand and alter those feelings and ways of relating to yourself and others that may be needlessly constraining and a source of distress and unhappiness.
I became a therapist to help clients alleviate their specific ways of suffering, whether its depression or anxiety, trauma or emotional abuse, or struggles around identity and intimacy. I bring to my practice a history of having written widely in the areas of gender and sexual identity, and relationships and intimacy. As a therapist, I am committed to listening and collaborating with clients to understand and alter those feelings and ways of relating to yourself and others that may be needlessly constraining and a source of distress and unhappiness.
15 Second Videos
Charlette Yan
Nicole Benedicto Elden
Peter A Douglas
Eben Stiles
Shunya Wang
Be Free Therapy
Counseling For You NYC
Nancy Kaufman
Jaclyn Bencivenga
Carolyn Alroy
Whittney Young
Citron Hennessey Therapy
Katie DeVoll
Nicole Diaz
Nazareth Counseling Company, LLC
New York SAP Evaluations
Jonathan Mathias Lassiter
Alyssa Hoyt Brainspotting-Relationship Therapist
Mark Colterjohn
Lindsay Yeager
Stephanie Manning
Healthy Minds NYC | Delana Simon, LCSW
Gaya Kodiyalam
Karen Gibbons
Antoinette Bonafede
Ishmaella Brutus
Rosie Garcia
Walter Matweychuk
Michael Burke
Riva L. Tait
Carrie LaBarge
Karen Veintimilla
Hili Tsarfati
Harrison Tract
Olivia Clavie
Katherine Mazza Psychotherapy
Sarah Bohannon
Linda Santiago
Landis Block Bejar
Alexander Stadler, LCSW-R
Ashanti Boston
J. Ryan Fuller
Naomi Ina Arbit
Frances Aquino
Kate Kirschner
Tashay Anderson
Ellen Abrams King
Lisa Sabath, LCSW-R
Christine Havekost
Danielle Louis
Charlette Yan
MA, MHCLP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
New York, NY 10016
Charlette practices from a multicultural, feminist, anti-oppressive, systems-focused perspective that is BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ affirming. She utilizes an eclectic blend of psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, person-centered, and relational approaches to meet clients' unique needs. She also integrates DBT and mindfulness exercises to support clients' progress.
Charlette practices from a multicultural, feminist, anti-oppressive, systems-focused perspective that is BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ affirming. She utilizes an eclectic blend of psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, person-centered, and relational approaches to meet clients' unique needs. She also integrates DBT and mindfulness exercises to support clients' progress.
Connor McCann
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
New York, NY 10028 (Online Only)
Are you or a loved one feeling stuck - uncertain about navigating changes in your life, how you see yourself, or how to reconnect with those close to you? When we feel stuck, taking steps forward can feel like a monumental task. We can work together to break down your thoughts and uncertainties, determine the best way forward, and put practical strategies into action, to empower you to create the life you want for yourself. In me, you'll have a collaborator who will listen and follow your lead but also be willing to challenge you and continue to motivate you towards achieving your goals. Let's figure out the next steps together.
Are you or a loved one feeling stuck - uncertain about navigating changes in your life, how you see yourself, or how to reconnect with those close to you? When we feel stuck, taking steps forward can feel like a monumental task. We can work together to break down your thoughts and uncertainties, determine the best way forward, and put practical strategies into action, to empower you to create the life you want for yourself. In me, you'll have a collaborator who will listen and follow your lead but also be willing to challenge you and continue to motivate you towards achieving your goals. Let's figure out the next steps together.
Michelle Ritz
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New York, NY 10018
Waitlist for new clients
I provide individual psychotherapy to adults struggling with anxiety, depression, transitions, identity, loss, self-esteem, and relationships. I believe understanding, instead of hiding from fear and shame, provides self-acceptance and consequently relief. The ultimate goal is for you to feel empowered and free to create the life you want. My work is anti-racist, sex-positive, body-positive, poly/CNM affirming, gender affirming, feminist, and culturally responsive.
I provide individual psychotherapy to adults struggling with anxiety, depression, transitions, identity, loss, self-esteem, and relationships. I believe understanding, instead of hiding from fear and shame, provides self-acceptance and consequently relief. The ultimate goal is for you to feel empowered and free to create the life you want. My work is anti-racist, sex-positive, body-positive, poly/CNM affirming, gender affirming, feminist, and culturally responsive.
Jessica Prichett
Counselor, LMHC, MA, PLLC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
New York, NY 10016 (Online Only)
Feeling understood, supported, listened to, like you belong – some of the most basic things human beings need, are often overlooked, unappreciated and unavailable from those around them. My therapeutic approach is the same as my approach on life: to provide those around me with a place where they can feel like themselves, while working on themselves. In a safe and open space, we will work together to conquer your anxiety, depression, mood instability, relationships, trauma, eating, communication, work, life stressors & overall mental health while tailoring each session and treatment to the individual patient’s needs.
Feeling understood, supported, listened to, like you belong – some of the most basic things human beings need, are often overlooked, unappreciated and unavailable from those around them. My therapeutic approach is the same as my approach on life: to provide those around me with a place where they can feel like themselves, while working on themselves. In a safe and open space, we will work together to conquer your anxiety, depression, mood instability, relationships, trauma, eating, communication, work, life stressors & overall mental health while tailoring each session and treatment to the individual patient’s needs.
Rodney B Freeze
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BCPP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New York, NY 10025
Looking for a therapist that's creative, easy to connect with, and willing to find a way of relating and interacting that meets your needs in a safe, personal, and respectful way? Psychotherapy's not the same for everyone, and everybody's needs are different in terms of what they hope to achieve. Whether it's frustrations with life or a job, relationship issues, pain related to loss or trauma, or merely stress & overwhelm with decision-making, it helps to have someone to talk it out with - in a concise number of sessions, or over an extended period of time.
Looking for a therapist that's creative, easy to connect with, and willing to find a way of relating and interacting that meets your needs in a safe, personal, and respectful way? Psychotherapy's not the same for everyone, and everybody's needs are different in terms of what they hope to achieve. Whether it's frustrations with life or a job, relationship issues, pain related to loss or trauma, or merely stress & overwhelm with decision-making, it helps to have someone to talk it out with - in a concise number of sessions, or over an extended period of time.
Joseph Anthony LoGiudice
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10020
I proudly identify as an LGBTQ therapist who believes in a therapeutic relationship that is stepped in active-listening, empathy, and unconditional positive regard. In turn, this allows for clients to feel safe and secure when we engage in a therapeutic relationship. Therapy is about being yourself without the judgment of the world; and it is a discovery process that gives you the opportunity to visualize possibilities in life. My attention is drawn to connecting with clients, being collaborative and interactive, and learning how to help clients become unstuck in life.
I proudly identify as an LGBTQ therapist who believes in a therapeutic relationship that is stepped in active-listening, empathy, and unconditional positive regard. In turn, this allows for clients to feel safe and secure when we engage in a therapeutic relationship. Therapy is about being yourself without the judgment of the world; and it is a discovery process that gives you the opportunity to visualize possibilities in life. My attention is drawn to connecting with clients, being collaborative and interactive, and learning how to help clients become unstuck in life.
Dr. Nicole Benedicto Elden
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10017
I applaud you on taking this important step in caring for yourself! Seeking help is not easy and requires hope and courage. As a psychologist for the past 17+ years, I have been privileged to share in the journey of many adults and couples as they navigate their emotions, identities and relationships. I am also a 1.5 generation immigrant (Filipina) and parent, interracially married, and comfortable with complexity and nuance. I know you are more than your roles, relationships and jobs. Together we will explore how to identify what may be getting in the way of you living a life of truth and authenticity based on your core values.
I applaud you on taking this important step in caring for yourself! Seeking help is not easy and requires hope and courage. As a psychologist for the past 17+ years, I have been privileged to share in the journey of many adults and couples as they navigate their emotions, identities and relationships. I am also a 1.5 generation immigrant (Filipina) and parent, interracially married, and comfortable with complexity and nuance. I know you are more than your roles, relationships and jobs. Together we will explore how to identify what may be getting in the way of you living a life of truth and authenticity based on your core values.
Connections Counseling Psychotherapy PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, Ph D
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10019 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Connections Counseling Psychotherapy, LCSW, PLLC offers only virtual therapy, for individuals and couples, at this time. Our staff each has a unique approach to therapy, and all are caring and experienced. Ruth Campbell, LCSW, Ph.D., and Richard Coleman, LMSW are experienced in and passionate about couples' work and trauma. Tina Iler, LCSWR is taking no new clients at this time. She specializes in Motivational Interviewing practice; she also gives clinical supervision and trainings for therapists. Andrew Schaeffer, CSCS, LMHC intern, is running a coping group currently. More at www.connectionscounseling.org
Connections Counseling Psychotherapy, LCSW, PLLC offers only virtual therapy, for individuals and couples, at this time. Our staff each has a unique approach to therapy, and all are caring and experienced. Ruth Campbell, LCSW, Ph.D., and Richard Coleman, LMSW are experienced in and passionate about couples' work and trauma. Tina Iler, LCSWR is taking no new clients at this time. She specializes in Motivational Interviewing practice; she also gives clinical supervision and trainings for therapists. Andrew Schaeffer, CSCS, LMHC intern, is running a coping group currently. More at www.connectionscounseling.org
Jennifer Julien
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10018 (Online Only)
Jennifer Julien is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor located in upstate New York. She is a compassionate, experienced, and holistic therapist who draws from an extensive amount of experience in trauma-informed psychotherapy and working with victims of domestic violence. She is passionate about her work and strives to provide safe, affirming, and down-to-earth approaches to help people explore destructive thinking and behavior patterns often related to painful life experiences. Jennifer believes that therapy is a collaboration between therapist and client to examine concerns with curiosity and without judgment.
Jennifer Julien is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor located in upstate New York. She is a compassionate, experienced, and holistic therapist who draws from an extensive amount of experience in trauma-informed psychotherapy and working with victims of domestic violence. She is passionate about her work and strives to provide safe, affirming, and down-to-earth approaches to help people explore destructive thinking and behavior patterns often related to painful life experiences. Jennifer believes that therapy is a collaboration between therapist and client to examine concerns with curiosity and without judgment.
See more therapy options for New York
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in New York, NY
3,000+
Average cost per session
$200
Therapists in New York, NY who prioritize treating:
94% | Anxiety |
89% | Depression |
85% | Relationship Issues |
78% | Self Esteem |
67% | Trauma and PTSD |
66% | Stress |
64% | Life Transitions |
Average years in practice
12 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
79% | Aetna |
62% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
60% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Therapists in New York, NY see their clients
59% | In Person and Online | |
41% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
78% | Female | |
21% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in New York?
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.