Photo of Sha'era Messick, LSCSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sha'era Messick
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSCSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Kansas City, MO 64157  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Do you have struggles with navigating grief & loss or a life transition? Are you lacking motivation or the push you need to get through the day? Are you lacking self care and healthy coping skills to manage strong emotions related to the grief & loss or a life transition? As a Certified Informed Grief specialist, I am skilled at helping my clients identify goals and providing them with support they need to navigate through difficult times and begin the journey to a healthier you!
Do you have struggles with navigating grief & loss or a life transition? Are you lacking motivation or the push you need to get through the day? Are you lacking self care and healthy coping skills to manage strong emotions related to the grief & loss or a life transition? As a Certified Informed Grief specialist, I am skilled at helping my clients identify goals and providing them with support they need to navigate through difficult times and begin the journey to a healthier you!
(816) 578-0662 View (816) 578-0662
Photo of Sarah Leibrand, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sarah Leibrand
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Kansas City, MO 64157  (Online Only)
Hi! I'm Sarah, and I'm here to help you cut through the clutter and get to what really matters. With a straightforward approach and a touch of humor, we’ll work together to tackle your challenges and find practical solutions. If you're ready for honest conversations and real progress, let’s get started.
Hi! I'm Sarah, and I'm here to help you cut through the clutter and get to what really matters. With a straightforward approach and a touch of humor, we’ll work together to tackle your challenges and find practical solutions. If you're ready for honest conversations and real progress, let’s get started.
(816) 253-6982 View (816) 253-6982
Photo of Robie J Sullivan, MA, JD, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Robie J Sullivan
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, JD, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Kansas City, MO 64157
Not accepting new clients
Connection with others who care is a central need for all human beings. This need is often most deeply felt during times of relational distress or personal struggle. My role as a therapist is to provide a safe place for you to feel cared for and understood when you need it most. Therapy provides a sacred space for healing and growth. It is within this space that I help clients process painful emotions and uncover patterns that keep them stuck in unhealthy relational dynamics. My passion is to help clients experience greater joy and fulfillment in their life and relationships.
Connection with others who care is a central need for all human beings. This need is often most deeply felt during times of relational distress or personal struggle. My role as a therapist is to provide a safe place for you to feel cared for and understood when you need it most. Therapy provides a sacred space for healing and growth. It is within this space that I help clients process painful emotions and uncover patterns that keep them stuck in unhealthy relational dynamics. My passion is to help clients experience greater joy and fulfillment in their life and relationships.
(816) 678-0194 View (816) 678-0194
Photo of Dr. Leah Barreca, PhD, Psychologist
Dr. Leah Barreca
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kansas City, MO 64157  (Online Only)
Are you feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges? If you're seeking practical tools to manage stress, anxiety, depression, or a chronic medical condition, virtual cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) might be the right fit. Whether you're juggling a busy schedule, dealing with a chronic illness, managing a life transition, or simply looking to improve your overall well-being, virtual CBT solutions may be able to help you develop the skills needed to improve functioning and decrease distress.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges? If you're seeking practical tools to manage stress, anxiety, depression, or a chronic medical condition, virtual cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) might be the right fit. Whether you're juggling a busy schedule, dealing with a chronic illness, managing a life transition, or simply looking to improve your overall well-being, virtual CBT solutions may be able to help you develop the skills needed to improve functioning and decrease distress.
(816) 685-8322 View (816) 685-8322
Photo of Annette Arms, LPC , Licensed Professional Counselor
Annette Arms
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Kansas City, MO 64157  (Online Only)
Hi, my name is Annette Arms, and I am a licensed professional counselor, and a nationally certified counselor who is EMDR trained living and working in southwest Missouri serving clients throughout the state via telehealth. I work with children, adolescents, young adults, couples, and families. My specialties include working with neurodivergent children and adults, and the approaches I use are person-centered using a variety of integrative approaches such as EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, and Narrative Therapy tailored to each client's individual need(s).
Hi, my name is Annette Arms, and I am a licensed professional counselor, and a nationally certified counselor who is EMDR trained living and working in southwest Missouri serving clients throughout the state via telehealth. I work with children, adolescents, young adults, couples, and families. My specialties include working with neurodivergent children and adults, and the approaches I use are person-centered using a variety of integrative approaches such as EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, and Narrative Therapy tailored to each client's individual need(s).
(636) 435-2701 View (636) 435-2701
Photo of Lebeka Fox - Fox Child and Family Therapy, LCSW, LPC, LMFT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Fox Child and Family Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LPC, LMFT
Verified Verified
Kansas City, MO 64157
Our therapists use the latest research in play therapy, neurobiology, trauma, and attachment theory to inform our treatment. We draw from experts in the field including Dr. Bruce Perry, Dan Siegel, Karyn Purvis, Heather Forbes, Ana Gomez and Dan Hughes.
Our therapists use the latest research in play therapy, neurobiology, trauma, and attachment theory to inform our treatment. We draw from experts in the field including Dr. Bruce Perry, Dan Siegel, Karyn Purvis, Heather Forbes, Ana Gomez and Dan Hughes.
(816) 607-1775 View (816) 607-1775
Photo of Cindy Markley - Living Waters: Counseling, Consulting, Coaching, MA, LPC, NCC, CGRS, Counselor
Living Waters: Counseling, Consulting, Coaching
Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC, CGRS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kansas City, MO 64157
Are you living life at the level of victory and happiness that you desire? Many struggle to conquer thoughts and feelings that keep them locked in fear, hurt and uncertainty. I help people identify core beliefs and change their thoughts and feelings to line up with God's Word. God loves you. He is interested in you! At Living Waters the mission is to help you heal and grow by taking back your life one solid step at a time. Whether you are suffering from toxic relationships, depression, loneliness, couple issues, grief, or trauma – Christian counseling services can help. The best gift you can give those you love is a healthy you.
Are you living life at the level of victory and happiness that you desire? Many struggle to conquer thoughts and feelings that keep them locked in fear, hurt and uncertainty. I help people identify core beliefs and change their thoughts and feelings to line up with God's Word. God loves you. He is interested in you! At Living Waters the mission is to help you heal and grow by taking back your life one solid step at a time. Whether you are suffering from toxic relationships, depression, loneliness, couple issues, grief, or trauma – Christian counseling services can help. The best gift you can give those you love is a healthy you.
(816) 545-9240 View (816) 545-9240
Photo of Sydney Lynn Stansbury, PhD, LPC, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sydney Lynn Stansbury
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LPC, LMFT
Verified Verified
Kansas City, MO 64157
If you desire an open and supportive relationship with people in your life...If sadness, anger, fear, or guilt make it hard for you to connect with others comfortably, please contact me. Whether we work on a one-to-one basis or with your significant other and family members, I can help identify and heal wounds that prevent you and your loved ones from thinking, feeling, and behaving in healthy ways. Together we can build more honest and effective patterns of relating to one another.
If you desire an open and supportive relationship with people in your life...If sadness, anger, fear, or guilt make it hard for you to connect with others comfortably, please contact me. Whether we work on a one-to-one basis or with your significant other and family members, I can help identify and heal wounds that prevent you and your loved ones from thinking, feeling, and behaving in healthy ways. Together we can build more honest and effective patterns of relating to one another.
(816) 659-2367 View (816) 659-2367
Photo of Seth A Haney, MA, LPC, EMDR, Licensed Professional Counselor
Seth A Haney
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, EMDR
Verified Verified
Kansas City, MO 64157
Not accepting new clients
I help those who are experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, stress, overwhelm or are feeling like their life is out-of-control. I specialize in trauma, which is any distressing or disturbing event that overwhelms your ability to cope, causes feelings of helplessness, diminishes your sense of self and/or your ability to feel the full range of emotions and experiences. I frequently work with first responders and others who have high stress jobs and who experience trauma in their everyday life.
I help those who are experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, stress, overwhelm or are feeling like their life is out-of-control. I specialize in trauma, which is any distressing or disturbing event that overwhelms your ability to cope, causes feelings of helplessness, diminishes your sense of self and/or your ability to feel the full range of emotions and experiences. I frequently work with first responders and others who have high stress jobs and who experience trauma in their everyday life.
(816) 348-3102 View (816) 348-3102
Photo of Jennifer Coleman, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jennifer Coleman
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Kansas City, MO 64157
Not accepting new clients
Do you feel stuck, or overwhelmed? Or does your child or teen feel this way? Together we can discover the path forward, learning what works best for you as you learn new ways to manage what life brings, and how to avoid unhealthy relationship patterns or pitfalls of the past. I am very experienced in treating anxiety and depression; I also understand how painful events and trauma from the past can hold someone back, and even cause a person to feel held hostage. I have specialized training in helping people recover and heal from trauma, painful events, and complicated grief.
Do you feel stuck, or overwhelmed? Or does your child or teen feel this way? Together we can discover the path forward, learning what works best for you as you learn new ways to manage what life brings, and how to avoid unhealthy relationship patterns or pitfalls of the past. I am very experienced in treating anxiety and depression; I also understand how painful events and trauma from the past can hold someone back, and even cause a person to feel held hostage. I have specialized training in helping people recover and heal from trauma, painful events, and complicated grief.
(816) 470-0017 View (816) 470-0017
Photo of Bethany Black, LPC, CPT, MA, MEd, Licensed Professional Counselor
Bethany Black
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CPT, MA, MEd
Verified Verified
Kansas City, MO 64157
Hi there! At the the core of great therapy is the therapeutic relationship between the client and their therapist. I believe very strongly in the positive changes that can occur as a result of therapy. We all have various emotional needs that can be addressed and benefit from the therapeutic process. I am passionate about serving children, adolescents, adults and families. By partnering with my clients, I see tremendous growth towards their goals and improvement in general well being. When working with children and teens, I take a systems approach and work closely with caregivers to provide the most comprehensive care possible.
Hi there! At the the core of great therapy is the therapeutic relationship between the client and their therapist. I believe very strongly in the positive changes that can occur as a result of therapy. We all have various emotional needs that can be addressed and benefit from the therapeutic process. I am passionate about serving children, adolescents, adults and families. By partnering with my clients, I see tremendous growth towards their goals and improvement in general well being. When working with children and teens, I take a systems approach and work closely with caregivers to provide the most comprehensive care possible.
(816) 240-4021 View (816) 240-4021
Photo of Stacy Witzki, LPC, LCPC, NCC, SATP-C, RPT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Stacy Witzki
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LCPC, NCC, SATP-C, RPT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Kansas City, MO 64157
It’s hard to get out of bed each morning. There was a time when you were hopeful about life, but that seems like long ago. That was before all your troubles started. Now, every day feels more difficult than the last. Your kids treat you like their personal assistant. You just got in another fight with your husband, and you’re not even sure what it was about. You try to concentrate at work, but your mind is always racing, darting in countless different directions. In the rare instance that you’re able to carve aside a moment for yourself, you feel guilty about it. It’s getting to the point where you just want to run away and hide.
It’s hard to get out of bed each morning. There was a time when you were hopeful about life, but that seems like long ago. That was before all your troubles started. Now, every day feels more difficult than the last. Your kids treat you like their personal assistant. You just got in another fight with your husband, and you’re not even sure what it was about. You try to concentrate at work, but your mind is always racing, darting in countless different directions. In the rare instance that you’re able to carve aside a moment for yourself, you feel guilty about it. It’s getting to the point where you just want to run away and hide.
(816) 266-4766 View (816) 266-4766
Photo of Samantha Anderson, EdS, LPC, LCPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Samantha Anderson
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdS, LPC, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kansas City, MO 64157
Hi! I am glad you are here. It takes courage to make the first step whether you are searching for yourself, your marriage, a child, or a loved one. At times we find ourselves in the middle of a life altering transition, struggling with our mental health, and in need of extra support. Asking for help can feel difficult, but getting better does not need to be! Do any of these resonate with you: lack of self love, healing from toxic relationships, wanting to truly know yourself, feel like something is missing in your life, or just anxious and unhappy? If those struggles feel familiar, please reach out to see if we would be a good fit!
Hi! I am glad you are here. It takes courage to make the first step whether you are searching for yourself, your marriage, a child, or a loved one. At times we find ourselves in the middle of a life altering transition, struggling with our mental health, and in need of extra support. Asking for help can feel difficult, but getting better does not need to be! Do any of these resonate with you: lack of self love, healing from toxic relationships, wanting to truly know yourself, feel like something is missing in your life, or just anxious and unhappy? If those struggles feel familiar, please reach out to see if we would be a good fit!
(816) 239-2967 View (816) 239-2967
Photo of Lori Streu, EdS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Lori Streu
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kansas City, MO 64157
Living with anxiety, depression, or relationship issues can be isolating and overwhelming. Sometimes it can even be difficult to know where to begin to make your life feel better. I help people figure out how to take action in their lives so that they can create a life of joy, purpose, and meaningful connections. I provide a compassionate, calm, and confidential space to help teens, adults, and families develop a plan that allows for growth and healing. The time to start feeling better is now!
Living with anxiety, depression, or relationship issues can be isolating and overwhelming. Sometimes it can even be difficult to know where to begin to make your life feel better. I help people figure out how to take action in their lives so that they can create a life of joy, purpose, and meaningful connections. I provide a compassionate, calm, and confidential space to help teens, adults, and families develop a plan that allows for growth and healing. The time to start feeling better is now!
(816) 209-1873 View (816) 209-1873
Photo of Erin McMains, LPC, EdS, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Erin McMains
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, EdS, NCC
Verified Verified
Kansas City, MO 64157  (Online Only)
You overthink and over-plan. You find it difficult to make decisions. Perhaps you feel anxious in social situations or dread doing the activities you once enjoyed. You are striving to keep everything perfect and would rather implode than disappoint someone. Or maybe the opposite - you find yourself getting angry or defensive when others try to help. You are overwhelmed and stressed. You have been struggling for so long that it has become your new normal. You are ready for change or you would not be here. But how do you find a therapist in Kansas City, MO you can fully trust? One that you can connect with? Let me help.
You overthink and over-plan. You find it difficult to make decisions. Perhaps you feel anxious in social situations or dread doing the activities you once enjoyed. You are striving to keep everything perfect and would rather implode than disappoint someone. Or maybe the opposite - you find yourself getting angry or defensive when others try to help. You are overwhelmed and stressed. You have been struggling for so long that it has become your new normal. You are ready for change or you would not be here. But how do you find a therapist in Kansas City, MO you can fully trust? One that you can connect with? Let me help.
(816) 327-9491 View (816) 327-9491
Photo of Michele Roberts, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Michele Roberts
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Kansas City, MO 64157
I want to acknowledge the courage it takes to seek help, especially when life's challenges seem overwhelming. If you're reading this, it's likely because you're looking for someone who can understand, support, and guide you on your path to healing. I want you to know that you are not alone. I offer more than just professional expertise; I provide a warm, empathetic, and safe space where you can openly share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Together, we will navigate the intricate landscape of your emotions with care and sensitivity.
I want to acknowledge the courage it takes to seek help, especially when life's challenges seem overwhelming. If you're reading this, it's likely because you're looking for someone who can understand, support, and guide you on your path to healing. I want you to know that you are not alone. I offer more than just professional expertise; I provide a warm, empathetic, and safe space where you can openly share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Together, we will navigate the intricate landscape of your emotions with care and sensitivity.
(816) 688-3702 View (816) 688-3702
Photo of Laura May, S-MFT, Pre-Licensed Professional
Laura May
Pre-Licensed Professional, S-MFT
Verified Verified
Kansas City, MO 64157
It is important to find a therapist who offers clients a supportive therapeutic alliance in order to have the best possible treatment outcomes. I offer a calm, thoughtful, and supportive approach to therapy. I willingly meet my clients exactly where they are on their journey.
It is important to find a therapist who offers clients a supportive therapeutic alliance in order to have the best possible treatment outcomes. I offer a calm, thoughtful, and supportive approach to therapy. I willingly meet my clients exactly where they are on their journey.
(816) 781-2349 View (816) 781-2349
Photo of Michael Davis, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Michael Davis
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kansas City, MO 64157
Not accepting new clients
Hello All! Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me to see if I am the right therapist for you. I genuinely just want to help people, so I see adolescents (ages 12-17), adults, and couples and have experience with almost every topic including anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, stress, trauma, addiction, and relationships to name a few. I have worked in the mental health field for over 10 years and in almost every segment of mental health including Crittenton Children's Hospital, Pathways Community Mental Health, and private practice for the past 4 years in Liberty.
Hello All! Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me to see if I am the right therapist for you. I genuinely just want to help people, so I see adolescents (ages 12-17), adults, and couples and have experience with almost every topic including anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, stress, trauma, addiction, and relationships to name a few. I have worked in the mental health field for over 10 years and in almost every segment of mental health including Crittenton Children's Hospital, Pathways Community Mental Health, and private practice for the past 4 years in Liberty.
(816) 379-3007 View (816) 379-3007
Photo of Melanie Crawford, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Melanie Crawford
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kansas City, MO 64157  (Online Only)
Feeling overwhelmed? Struggling to manage your emotions or navigate relationships? Are you just not feeling like yourself, like something is missing? Many people face these kind of challenges, but seeking support can be scary. You may wonder if your struggles are "bad enough" or that you should handle them on your own. You might think, "I should feel happy", but you don't. The truth is, we all need help sometimes. Whether you are seeking a listening ear, a safe space to talk, or specialized therapeutic approaches, you've come to the right place.
Feeling overwhelmed? Struggling to manage your emotions or navigate relationships? Are you just not feeling like yourself, like something is missing? Many people face these kind of challenges, but seeking support can be scary. You may wonder if your struggles are "bad enough" or that you should handle them on your own. You might think, "I should feel happy", but you don't. The truth is, we all need help sometimes. Whether you are seeking a listening ear, a safe space to talk, or specialized therapeutic approaches, you've come to the right place.
(816) 934-5619 View (816) 934-5619
Photo of Andrew L Dixon, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Andrew L Dixon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Kansas City, MO 64157
I strive to ensure that you feel comfortable and seen. Let's be honest, going to therapy can be awkward and scary. My goal is to help ease your anxiety, fear or doubt and make you feel comfortable. Healing is a process and that starts once you start therapy. Using evidence-based techniques such as CBT, Family Systems Theory, and Solution-Focused therapy we can start to unravel, understand and heal from the complexities of our past, which will bring us courage and confidence for our future.
I strive to ensure that you feel comfortable and seen. Let's be honest, going to therapy can be awkward and scary. My goal is to help ease your anxiety, fear or doubt and make you feel comfortable. Healing is a process and that starts once you start therapy. Using evidence-based techniques such as CBT, Family Systems Theory, and Solution-Focused therapy we can start to unravel, understand and heal from the complexities of our past, which will bring us courage and confidence for our future.
(816) 653-3927 View (816) 653-3927
1

See more therapy options for 64157

How does your Therapist compare?

Number of Therapists in 64157

20+

Average cost per session

$130

Therapists in 64157 who prioritize treating:

96% Anxiety
92% Depression
88% Coping Skills
83% Self Esteem
79% Relationship Issues
75% Trauma and PTSD
75% Stress

Average years in practice

10 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

86% Aetna
71% Cigna and Evernorth
71% UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH

How Therapists in 64157 see their clients

75% In Person and Online
25% Online Only

Gender breakdown

87% Female
13% Male
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling

How can I find a therapist in 64157?

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.