Photo of Carrie Sheppard - MindSource Center, LLC, LMHC, MEd, LBAT, Marriage & Family Therapist
MindSource Center, LLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMHC, MEd, LBAT
Verified Verified
Covington, WA 98042
Parenting a child with autism or other developmental delays can be challenging. The usual strategies that work with other children often do not work well at all with a child who struggles with sensory processing differences, anxiety or other issues that go along with neurodevelopment conditions. Expert guidance from our autism specialists can help you feel and be more effective as a parent and fully enjoy your relationship with your child. Our behavioral services (ABA) is designed to accelerate your child's development and build lifelong skills for learning and independence.
Parenting a child with autism or other developmental delays can be challenging. The usual strategies that work with other children often do not work well at all with a child who struggles with sensory processing differences, anxiety or other issues that go along with neurodevelopment conditions. Expert guidance from our autism specialists can help you feel and be more effective as a parent and fully enjoy your relationship with your child. Our behavioral services (ABA) is designed to accelerate your child's development and build lifelong skills for learning and independence.
(253) 655-2249 View (253) 655-2249
Photo of Sarah Downer, MSW, LICSW, IFS L1, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sarah Downer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, IFS L1
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Covington, WA 98042
Do you continue to get triggered by things that have happened in the past? Do you have negative beliefs about yourself that keep getting reinforced by current experiences? Do you have specific phobias that you would like to address?
Do you continue to get triggered by things that have happened in the past? Do you have negative beliefs about yourself that keep getting reinforced by current experiences? Do you have specific phobias that you would like to address?
(253) 563-1709 View (253) 563-1709
Photo of Laura Elyse Dawn, LMHCA, Counselor
Laura Elyse Dawn
Counselor, LMHCA
Verified Verified
Kent, WA 98042
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate in the state of Washington and I work with relationship issues, shame, childhood wounds, anxiety, depression, grief, and anger-management. My approach to counseling is informed by a deep belief that every individual has inherent value and dignity. In my work, I seek to offer my clients a safe place to unpack the difficulties of life while also offering hope for a more fulfilling future. I believe that healing is relational, and I want to offer my clients an experience of compassion and empathy as we work through healing together.
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate in the state of Washington and I work with relationship issues, shame, childhood wounds, anxiety, depression, grief, and anger-management. My approach to counseling is informed by a deep belief that every individual has inherent value and dignity. In my work, I seek to offer my clients a safe place to unpack the difficulties of life while also offering hope for a more fulfilling future. I believe that healing is relational, and I want to offer my clients an experience of compassion and empathy as we work through healing together.
(253) 499-6133 View (253) 499-6133
Arthur Levine
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Covington, WA 98042  (Online Only)
I am committed to helping people get the results they want quickly and effectively. Toward that end, I have studied a broad range of therapeutic approaches, and I endeavor to tailor my work with you to meet your specific needs and temperament. Through my studies and experience, I have learned that the Unconscious Mind is a great resource, full of all our life's learnings, experiences, and wisdom, and that it can be enlisted in the quest for emotional healing, personal growth, and creating lasting changes in one's life.
I am committed to helping people get the results they want quickly and effectively. Toward that end, I have studied a broad range of therapeutic approaches, and I endeavor to tailor my work with you to meet your specific needs and temperament. Through my studies and experience, I have learned that the Unconscious Mind is a great resource, full of all our life's learnings, experiences, and wisdom, and that it can be enlisted in the quest for emotional healing, personal growth, and creating lasting changes in one's life.
(206) 504-2651 View (206) 504-2651
Photo of Tim Griswold, BS, MA, LMHC, NCC, Counselor
Tim Griswold
Counselor, BS, MA, LMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
Covington, WA 98042
Accepting new in-person and teletherapy clients! You may feel life is getting the best of you or that relationship issues are overwhelming. Work, family, time pressures, money, and stress may have all taken a toll. You may feel powerless, helpless, angry, hurt, and emotionally drained when issues arise. You know you need to break the cycle.
Accepting new in-person and teletherapy clients! You may feel life is getting the best of you or that relationship issues are overwhelming. Work, family, time pressures, money, and stress may have all taken a toll. You may feel powerless, helpless, angry, hurt, and emotionally drained when issues arise. You know you need to break the cycle.
(425) 728-6736 View (425) 728-6736
Photo of Perry Sage, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Perry Sage
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Covington, WA 98042
Not accepting new clients
Everyone has something amazing and wonderful about themselves! My approach to therapy is to help my clients find what this is and then use it to overcome their challenges and difficulties in life. I work with adolescents, and adults with a wide range of mental health issues from anxiety, depression, and difficult life events to everyday struggles.
Everyone has something amazing and wonderful about themselves! My approach to therapy is to help my clients find what this is and then use it to overcome their challenges and difficulties in life. I work with adolescents, and adults with a wide range of mental health issues from anxiety, depression, and difficult life events to everyday struggles.
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Photo of Sarah Goodale, MSW, MTh, LSWAIC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sarah Goodale
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, MTh, LSWAIC
Verified Verified
Kent, WA 98042
Do you feel stuck? Are you looking for resources to help you/your child overcome anxiety, depression, social issues, anger, trauma, grief, or loneliness? Have you seen a change in your child and you are not sure how to support them? Are they acting out in school, isolating themselves, appear angry for no reason, or have stopped sharing their thoughts with you. I want to help you or your loved one to have a safe place to process, be equipped, identify & obtain your goals. I work with children (6 and up), teenagers, and adults of all ages.
Do you feel stuck? Are you looking for resources to help you/your child overcome anxiety, depression, social issues, anger, trauma, grief, or loneliness? Have you seen a change in your child and you are not sure how to support them? Are they acting out in school, isolating themselves, appear angry for no reason, or have stopped sharing their thoughts with you. I want to help you or your loved one to have a safe place to process, be equipped, identify & obtain your goals. I work with children (6 and up), teenagers, and adults of all ages.
(425) 385-0486 View (425) 385-0486
Photo of Serge Hovaguimian, MS, LMFT, CSAT, MHP, Marriage & Family Therapist
Serge Hovaguimian
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, CSAT, MHP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kent, WA 98042
My approach to therapy is grounded on trust, respect and the honoring of your experiences. I work with individuals, couples and families from a systems based orientation. That means you and your concerns are all in context of your family system. In treatment, we look at how your family of origin impacts how and where you may be stuck. Whether it is anxiety, depression, anger or an addiction, we can discover the source of the problem and help you reach your potential.
My approach to therapy is grounded on trust, respect and the honoring of your experiences. I work with individuals, couples and families from a systems based orientation. That means you and your concerns are all in context of your family system. In treatment, we look at how your family of origin impacts how and where you may be stuck. Whether it is anxiety, depression, anger or an addiction, we can discover the source of the problem and help you reach your potential.
(206) 900-9100 View (206) 900-9100
Photo of Emily Wesley, LICSW, MSW, EMDR, Reiki, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Emily Wesley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, MSW, EMDR, Reiki
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Kent, WA 98042  (Online Only)
I am passionate to assist clients with healing the mind, body and spirit while seeing each person as an individual in the context of their environment. I use a relational, humanistic, client centered and strength-based approach with an attachment lens while acknowledging that each individual is unique and motivated through free will to achieve their highest potential. I hold space for vulnerability and acceptance during each session. I work with BIPOC identified people with their intersectionalities and how it relates to systemic oppression and other nuances of identifying as BIPOC.
I am passionate to assist clients with healing the mind, body and spirit while seeing each person as an individual in the context of their environment. I use a relational, humanistic, client centered and strength-based approach with an attachment lens while acknowledging that each individual is unique and motivated through free will to achieve their highest potential. I hold space for vulnerability and acceptance during each session. I work with BIPOC identified people with their intersectionalities and how it relates to systemic oppression and other nuances of identifying as BIPOC.
(253) 342-4672 View (253) 342-4672
Photo of Meg Goodfellow, RN, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Meg Goodfellow
Marriage & Family Therapist, RN, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Covington, WA 98042  (Online Only)
I believe therapists should listen, not just “nod”. I believe therapists should be just as authentic as they ask of their clients. I ascribe to the philosophy of the humanistic therapist, Carl Rogers, in providing each client with genuine warmth, empathy, and unconditional positive regard. I bring my whole heart, my whole self into the hour with you. It is your hour where you can curse and cry. Nothing is off limits, nothing will be judged and every emotion is valid.
I believe therapists should listen, not just “nod”. I believe therapists should be just as authentic as they ask of their clients. I ascribe to the philosophy of the humanistic therapist, Carl Rogers, in providing each client with genuine warmth, empathy, and unconditional positive regard. I bring my whole heart, my whole self into the hour with you. It is your hour where you can curse and cry. Nothing is off limits, nothing will be judged and every emotion is valid.
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Photo of Dorothy Capers, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Dorothy Capers
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Kent, WA 98042  (Online Only)
Welcome! I will bring my 25 years of experience to sessions with you. For too long, the idea of mental wellness was viewed as a luxury allotted to the few. Someone was considered “strong” if they endured a traumatic, life-changing event, regardless of functionality. Now we understand that those events change the way we relate to everything. You continue to engage in daily expectations but you may not be sleeping, or enjoying things that brought you peace or happiness. The way you think and feel becomes your daily existence and you forget how you were before. Let me help you regain that life or find it for the first time.
Welcome! I will bring my 25 years of experience to sessions with you. For too long, the idea of mental wellness was viewed as a luxury allotted to the few. Someone was considered “strong” if they endured a traumatic, life-changing event, regardless of functionality. Now we understand that those events change the way we relate to everything. You continue to engage in daily expectations but you may not be sleeping, or enjoying things that brought you peace or happiness. The way you think and feel becomes your daily existence and you forget how you were before. Let me help you regain that life or find it for the first time.
(253) 352-3188 View (253) 352-3188
Photo of Michelle Mong, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Michelle Mong
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Covington, WA 98042  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Everything we do involves relationships; so when we are not feeling effective in this part of our lives, other parts suffer as well. Over the past twenty five years I have worked on relationships with teenagers and adults through individual, family and couples work. My specialty is effective communication coaching in order to get needs met in relationships. I do this through the lens of family systems work, asking thoughtful questions and offering perspective. Anyone who is willing to walk through the therapy door and want more out of their relationships is who I welcome in my office.
Everything we do involves relationships; so when we are not feeling effective in this part of our lives, other parts suffer as well. Over the past twenty five years I have worked on relationships with teenagers and adults through individual, family and couples work. My specialty is effective communication coaching in order to get needs met in relationships. I do this through the lens of family systems work, asking thoughtful questions and offering perspective. Anyone who is willing to walk through the therapy door and want more out of their relationships is who I welcome in my office.
(253) 442-2334 View (253) 442-2334
Photo of Jessica Weis, LMHC, Counselor
Jessica Weis
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Covington, WA 98042
We all need a place to be seen and be real. To not have to worry about getting judged, saying the wrong thing or hurting the feelings of those whom we love and often confide. I see adolescent and adult individuals looking to develop coping skills for depression or anxiety, process trauma or grief, set healthy boundaries, or simply be heard in a safe and confidential space. We work together to find the tools needed to navigate life's challenges. While our intentional focus will be working towards your identified goals, it's important to acknowledge the unintentional benefits of simply having a space to call your own.
We all need a place to be seen and be real. To not have to worry about getting judged, saying the wrong thing or hurting the feelings of those whom we love and often confide. I see adolescent and adult individuals looking to develop coping skills for depression or anxiety, process trauma or grief, set healthy boundaries, or simply be heard in a safe and confidential space. We work together to find the tools needed to navigate life's challenges. While our intentional focus will be working towards your identified goals, it's important to acknowledge the unintentional benefits of simply having a space to call your own.
(253) 364-1619 View (253) 364-1619
Photo of Pearle Hintz, MS, LMHC, Counselor
Pearle Hintz
Counselor, MS, LMHC
Verified Verified
Kent, WA 98042
I am a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) with over 25 years experience working with adults, families and adolescents. Areas I work in include depression, anxiety, trauma/PTSD, relationship, family conflict, parenting, life transitions, grief/loss, stress, and improving communication, confidence and self esteem. Approaches I use include cognitive behavioral (CBT), family systems, and I am a certified EMDR therapist (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). I work in Kent, Federal Way, and Enumclaw.
I am a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) with over 25 years experience working with adults, families and adolescents. Areas I work in include depression, anxiety, trauma/PTSD, relationship, family conflict, parenting, life transitions, grief/loss, stress, and improving communication, confidence and self esteem. Approaches I use include cognitive behavioral (CBT), family systems, and I am a certified EMDR therapist (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). I work in Kent, Federal Way, and Enumclaw.
(253) 777-1059 View (253) 777-1059
Photo of Kevin Sosa - Sosa Counseling LLC, LMHCA, MA, Counselor
Sosa Counseling LLC
Counselor, LMHCA, MA
Verified Verified
Kent, WA 98042  (Online Only)
I believe in empowering adults and teens in the issues centered around Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, ADHD Masking and Symptom Concerns, Stress, Trauma, Meaning, Grief/Loss, Coping Skills, Relational Issues, or other issues contributing to mental distress. Has counseling not worked in the past? Feeling a lack of motivation? Having issues with relationships? Feeling overwhelmed? Worried about not being understood? Whether you are newly diagnosed or have been struggling for years, I am here to support you in finding your path forward. (Telehealth Only)(6/25/24 Update: Accepting Clients)
I believe in empowering adults and teens in the issues centered around Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, ADHD Masking and Symptom Concerns, Stress, Trauma, Meaning, Grief/Loss, Coping Skills, Relational Issues, or other issues contributing to mental distress. Has counseling not worked in the past? Feeling a lack of motivation? Having issues with relationships? Feeling overwhelmed? Worried about not being understood? Whether you are newly diagnosed or have been struggling for years, I am here to support you in finding your path forward. (Telehealth Only)(6/25/24 Update: Accepting Clients)
(425) 970-8004 View (425) 970-8004
Photo of Samantha M Johnson, QCSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Samantha M Johnson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, QCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Kent, WA 98042
Hi! Samantha Johnson, QCSW, LICSW. I started into counseling when I was just a youngen’, so now I have 14 years of experience! But don’t worry, I am not too old to understand. I work with people who are suffering. I understand how difficult life can get and want to do anything I can to try to help you find better days. I have worked in ‘discrete addictions programs’ to community mental health and few in between. I have been trained in Gestalt, Motivational Interviewing, Play Therapy, Reality Therapy and CBT. My approach is simple, where are you? And where do you want to be? Then is it just figuring out how to reach those goals.
Hi! Samantha Johnson, QCSW, LICSW. I started into counseling when I was just a youngen’, so now I have 14 years of experience! But don’t worry, I am not too old to understand. I work with people who are suffering. I understand how difficult life can get and want to do anything I can to try to help you find better days. I have worked in ‘discrete addictions programs’ to community mental health and few in between. I have been trained in Gestalt, Motivational Interviewing, Play Therapy, Reality Therapy and CBT. My approach is simple, where are you? And where do you want to be? Then is it just figuring out how to reach those goals.
(253) 262-0751 View (253) 262-0751
Life Guide Northwest PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Kent, WA 98042
Life Guide Northwest was founded in 2010 in Portland Oregon by my late father Stevie B. Hoggans. His sole purpose in establishing Life Guide Northwest was to create a treatment agency to support the specific needs of the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) community. This level of support was not available in his community, which dealt with socio-economic challenges which manifested into issues such as behavioral health conditions, crime, substance abuse, poverty, and homelessness. Like my father, I am passionate about helping ALL individuals who are struggling to navigate interpersonal challenges.
Life Guide Northwest was founded in 2010 in Portland Oregon by my late father Stevie B. Hoggans. His sole purpose in establishing Life Guide Northwest was to create a treatment agency to support the specific needs of the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) community. This level of support was not available in his community, which dealt with socio-economic challenges which manifested into issues such as behavioral health conditions, crime, substance abuse, poverty, and homelessness. Like my father, I am passionate about helping ALL individuals who are struggling to navigate interpersonal challenges.
(253) 652-5938 View (253) 652-5938
Photo of Lisa Deann Thomson, LMHC, Counselor
Lisa Deann Thomson
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Covington, WA 98042  (Online Only)
As children and teens learn who they are and how to navigate being in this world, they can stumble into unhelpful patterns of thinking and behaving. Children and teens suffering from challenges such as depression, anxiety, social anxiety, self-harm or defiance can learn new and healthy ways to think and act and to feel better. Helping children and empowering their parents is my passion. Together through art, talk and play we will explore and utilize the child's and family's strengths. We will build upon joy and face the shadows creating a skill set from which children can draw to live their best lives.
As children and teens learn who they are and how to navigate being in this world, they can stumble into unhelpful patterns of thinking and behaving. Children and teens suffering from challenges such as depression, anxiety, social anxiety, self-harm or defiance can learn new and healthy ways to think and act and to feel better. Helping children and empowering their parents is my passion. Together through art, talk and play we will explore and utilize the child's and family's strengths. We will build upon joy and face the shadows creating a skill set from which children can draw to live their best lives.
(253) 236-3090 View (253) 236-3090
Photo of Kelsey Bingham, LMHC, BCN, Counselor
Kelsey Bingham
Counselor, LMHC, BCN
Verified Verified
Covington, WA 98042
Accepting new clients! Are you seeing your child struggle to keep up in school or socially? Feeling discouraged or hopeless? Being a child is tough at any age. And in recent years, the stresses and challenges have only increased, making it even harder for children to succeed. I bring a unique understanding of how brain function impacts behavior coupled with counseling skills to help children, pre-teens, and adults change their lives for the better. In addition to counseling, I am board certified in neurofeedback. I have worked hundreds of hours with clients to train their brains to shift into a more functional state.
Accepting new clients! Are you seeing your child struggle to keep up in school or socially? Feeling discouraged or hopeless? Being a child is tough at any age. And in recent years, the stresses and challenges have only increased, making it even harder for children to succeed. I bring a unique understanding of how brain function impacts behavior coupled with counseling skills to help children, pre-teens, and adults change their lives for the better. In addition to counseling, I am board certified in neurofeedback. I have worked hundreds of hours with clients to train their brains to shift into a more functional state.
(253) 470-2321 View (253) 470-2321
Photo of Alison Davis, MA, LMHC, CSAT, EMDR, Counselor
Alison Davis
Counselor, MA, LMHC, CSAT, EMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kent, WA 98042
I provide a compassionate place to heal so that you can experience healthy relationships and find meaning and joy in life. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington. I am certified in Couples Communication, Sex Addiction (CSAT), and Lifespan Integration - which helps to heal past wounds. I am also trained in EMDR, which is a clinically proven way to help people resolve trauma. I work with clients on issues such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relationship issues including infidelity, codependency, grief, trauma, and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. I also work with addictions (sex, chemicals & gambling) and Partners and families of addicted individuals.
I provide a compassionate place to heal so that you can experience healthy relationships and find meaning and joy in life. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington. I am certified in Couples Communication, Sex Addiction (CSAT), and Lifespan Integration - which helps to heal past wounds. I am also trained in EMDR, which is a clinically proven way to help people resolve trauma. I work with clients on issues such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relationship issues including infidelity, codependency, grief, trauma, and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. I also work with addictions (sex, chemicals & gambling) and Partners and families of addicted individuals.
(206) 489-3642 View (206) 489-3642

How does your Therapist compare?

Number of Therapists in 98042

50+

Average cost per session

$150

Therapists in 98042 who prioritize treating:

96% Depression
96% Anxiety
87% Self Esteem
81% Relationship Issues
77% Stress
75% Coping Skills
74% Grief

Average years in practice

12 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

87% Premera
68% Regence
65% First Choice Health | FCH

How Therapists in 98042 see their clients

68% In Person and Online
32% Online Only

Gender breakdown

82% Female
14% Male
4% Non-Binary
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling

How can I find a therapist in 98042?

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.