Therapists in Cookeville, TN

Photo of Caitlin Brady, LPCMHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Caitlin Brady
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCMHSP
Verified Verified
Cookeville, TN 38501
I am thrilled to introduce myself as a trauma-informed therapist, dedicated to providing compassionate and effective care to those in need. My approach is deeply rooted in the understanding that trauma can have a profound impact on an individual's mental, emotional, and physical well-being, and that healing requires a holistic and empathetic response. Throughout my career, I have worked with a diverse range of clients, each with their unique experiences, backgrounds, and needs. I have come to appreciate the importance of cultural humility, and I strive to create a safe and inclusive space for all.
I am thrilled to introduce myself as a trauma-informed therapist, dedicated to providing compassionate and effective care to those in need. My approach is deeply rooted in the understanding that trauma can have a profound impact on an individual's mental, emotional, and physical well-being, and that healing requires a holistic and empathetic response. Throughout my career, I have worked with a diverse range of clients, each with their unique experiences, backgrounds, and needs. I have come to appreciate the importance of cultural humility, and I strive to create a safe and inclusive space for all.
(931) 240-3728 View (931) 240-3728
Photo of Brandi J Hampshire, LPC, MHSP , Licensed Professional Counselor
Brandi J Hampshire
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
Cookeville, TN 38501  (Online Only)
My name is Brandi Hampshire. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Tennessee. I have 10 years experience working with adolescents and teens, alongside their parents. I also have two years experience working with adults in the correctional setting. I have worked with clients with a wide array of issues, including but not limited to: depression, anxiety, OCD, post-traumatic stress disorder, parenting issues, anger management, grief/loss, alcohol and drug issues, personality disorders, and life stressors. My counseling style is communicative and warm. I emphasize clients' strengths and life experiences,
My name is Brandi Hampshire. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Tennessee. I have 10 years experience working with adolescents and teens, alongside their parents. I also have two years experience working with adults in the correctional setting. I have worked with clients with a wide array of issues, including but not limited to: depression, anxiety, OCD, post-traumatic stress disorder, parenting issues, anger management, grief/loss, alcohol and drug issues, personality disorders, and life stressors. My counseling style is communicative and warm. I emphasize clients' strengths and life experiences,
(931) 651-7821 View (931) 651-7821
Photo of Logan Miles, LPCMHSP, RYT-500, Licensed Professional Counselor
Logan Miles
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCMHSP, RYT-500
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cookeville, TN 38501  (Online Only)
I offer a nurturing, collaborative therapeutic environment, committed to bringing compassion and curiosity as you explore parts of yourself and share your experiences. Much of the distress and dysregulation we experience in life develops in relationships. Alternatively, with care and safety, the counseling relationship can be a space of healing and regulation. Incorporating mindfulness and acceptance practices, we allow space to explore and process your emotions, and to grow capacity for regulation in times of distress and overwhelm.
I offer a nurturing, collaborative therapeutic environment, committed to bringing compassion and curiosity as you explore parts of yourself and share your experiences. Much of the distress and dysregulation we experience in life develops in relationships. Alternatively, with care and safety, the counseling relationship can be a space of healing and regulation. Incorporating mindfulness and acceptance practices, we allow space to explore and process your emotions, and to grow capacity for regulation in times of distress and overwhelm.
(931) 535-5917 View (931) 535-5917
Photo of Dr. Brad Bull, MDiv, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dr. Brad Bull
Marriage & Family Therapist, MDiv, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Cookeville, TN 38501
Have you ever driven a fully-loaded 15-passenger van? As drivers in that situation, when we look in the rearview mirror, the only thing we can see is the passengers. We can't see outside. The side-view mirror offers minimal help. We have a HUGE blindspot. If we are in the left lane of the interstate and want to move to the right, the best thing to do is ask the "shotgun" rider to check. A counselor functions much like that: helping us check our blindspots.
Have you ever driven a fully-loaded 15-passenger van? As drivers in that situation, when we look in the rearview mirror, the only thing we can see is the passengers. We can't see outside. The side-view mirror offers minimal help. We have a HUGE blindspot. If we are in the left lane of the interstate and want to move to the right, the best thing to do is ask the "shotgun" rider to check. A counselor functions much like that: helping us check our blindspots.
(931) 271-1520 View (931) 271-1520
Photo of Angela Moralee, LPCMHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Angela Moralee
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCMHSP
Verified Verified
Cookeville, TN 38501
I am a person-centered therapist committed to helping adults dealing with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, and trauma, as well as life issues such as marriage, divorce, parenthood, communication, and other life adjustments.
I am a person-centered therapist committed to helping adults dealing with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, and trauma, as well as life issues such as marriage, divorce, parenthood, communication, and other life adjustments.
(931) 391-3723 View (931) 391-3723
Photo of Leslie D Bohn, MA, NCC, Pre-Licensed Professional
Leslie D Bohn
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, NCC
Verified Verified
Cookeville, TN 38501  (Online Only)
If, along with the central issue that has you browsing therapists on Psychology Today, you are worried that you will be judged according to someone else's moral or spiritual values; if you are questioning cultural or familial norms; unhappy in the role in which you previously thrived; experiencing grief; wanting to strengthen your romantic relationship(s) with support in discussing sexual desires and boundaries; dealing with typical life stressors; or on the daunting precipice of change, we would probably work well together.
If, along with the central issue that has you browsing therapists on Psychology Today, you are worried that you will be judged according to someone else's moral or spiritual values; if you are questioning cultural or familial norms; unhappy in the role in which you previously thrived; experiencing grief; wanting to strengthen your romantic relationship(s) with support in discussing sexual desires and boundaries; dealing with typical life stressors; or on the daunting precipice of change, we would probably work well together.
(931) 740-1763 View (931) 740-1763
Photo of Hillary Locke, MA, LPCMHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Hillary Locke
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPCMHSP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cookeville, TN 38501
You can book with me now by clinking on my website. I understand that it can be difficult to reach out for help. Are you having trouble being who you want to be in your relationships? Are you overwhelmed by intrusive thoughts and debilitating anxiety? Are you worried about the judgment of others? I am glad you made it here! I welcome you to take that first step and call. I provide a judgment free, inclusive, and nurturing environment. I am committed to helping my clients let go of shame and find healing.
You can book with me now by clinking on my website. I understand that it can be difficult to reach out for help. Are you having trouble being who you want to be in your relationships? Are you overwhelmed by intrusive thoughts and debilitating anxiety? Are you worried about the judgment of others? I am glad you made it here! I welcome you to take that first step and call. I provide a judgment free, inclusive, and nurturing environment. I am committed to helping my clients let go of shame and find healing.
(615) 987-0053 View (615) 987-0053
Photo of Cody Dewayne York, MA, LPC, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Cody Dewayne York
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
Cookeville, TN 38501
“Did you know that there are some seeds that cannot sprout unless they are first burned? Sometimes breaking is making. Even Iron can start again, and there are many things that can move through fire and find themselves much better for it afterward.” Kerrek, Critical Role. Sometimes we are confronted with difficult thoughts and experiences that can feel uncomfortable or impossible. I offer a relaxed environment to help you along that journey; be that depression or anxiety, life changes, grief or loss, mood disorders, etc. I strive to make sure I understand your place within in your story and want to help you get to your next chapter.
“Did you know that there are some seeds that cannot sprout unless they are first burned? Sometimes breaking is making. Even Iron can start again, and there are many things that can move through fire and find themselves much better for it afterward.” Kerrek, Critical Role. Sometimes we are confronted with difficult thoughts and experiences that can feel uncomfortable or impossible. I offer a relaxed environment to help you along that journey; be that depression or anxiety, life changes, grief or loss, mood disorders, etc. I strive to make sure I understand your place within in your story and want to help you get to your next chapter.
(931) 271-5789 View (931) 271-5789
Photo of Tonya Stearns, EdS, LPCMHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Tonya Stearns
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdS, LPCMHSP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cookeville, TN 38501
What are you experiencing in your life right now? What would you like to experience instead? Perhaps you simply want to feel better and don't know where to start. Life is a journey and along the way, we encounter many wonderful things as well as many challenges. You may have gone through something in your past or perhaps you are experiencing something currently that is affecting multiple areas of your life. I am here to help you to process what is going on in your life and together we will work on strategies that will allow you to address whatever issues or situations affecting you.
What are you experiencing in your life right now? What would you like to experience instead? Perhaps you simply want to feel better and don't know where to start. Life is a journey and along the way, we encounter many wonderful things as well as many challenges. You may have gone through something in your past or perhaps you are experiencing something currently that is affecting multiple areas of your life. I am here to help you to process what is going on in your life and together we will work on strategies that will allow you to address whatever issues or situations affecting you.
(931) 348-4202 View (931) 348-4202
Photo of Annette J Lynch, MA, LPC, MHSP, ACS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Annette J Lynch
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, MHSP, ACS
Verified Verified
Cookeville, TN 38501
Not accepting new clients
I hold an MA in Educational Psychology specializing in Mental Health Counseling, and am licensed as an LPC, MHSP in Tennessee. I am also an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS) for those taking a path toward LPC, MHSP. There are many different therapies, just as there are many different types of individual issues. Therefore, I work with many; however, I believe CBT, DBT, person-centered, and compassion-focused therapies are particularly helpful, especially for those struggling with grief, trauma, behavioral, and long-unaddressed issues.
I hold an MA in Educational Psychology specializing in Mental Health Counseling, and am licensed as an LPC, MHSP in Tennessee. I am also an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS) for those taking a path toward LPC, MHSP. There are many different therapies, just as there are many different types of individual issues. Therefore, I work with many; however, I believe CBT, DBT, person-centered, and compassion-focused therapies are particularly helpful, especially for those struggling with grief, trauma, behavioral, and long-unaddressed issues.
(931) 340-7185 View (931) 340-7185
Photo of H. David Chaney, LPC, MHSP, NCC, Counselor
H. David Chaney
Counselor, LPC, MHSP, NCC
Verified Verified
Cookeville, TN 38501
Waitlist for new clients
My approach begins with listening to your concerns and questions. Hearing your desires and goals about how you would like to respond to the adversities of life and then introducing you to concepts and strategies designed to help you respond to life's problems more effectively. My approach may include spiritual resources but I never impose my values and aim to be respectful of yours.
My approach begins with listening to your concerns and questions. Hearing your desires and goals about how you would like to respond to the adversities of life and then introducing you to concepts and strategies designed to help you respond to life's problems more effectively. My approach may include spiritual resources but I never impose my values and aim to be respectful of yours.
(931) 246-7065 View (931) 246-7065
Photo of John Steven Ferraro, LPC-, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
John Steven Ferraro
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-, MHSP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cookeville, TN 38501
Hello, my name is John, been counseling for over 35 years, beside being licensed also have license to supervise counselor working for licensure. My focus has been developing evidenced based treatment, cognitive behavior, dialectical behavior therapy, positive therapy and EMDR with a Rogerian style.
Hello, my name is John, been counseling for over 35 years, beside being licensed also have license to supervise counselor working for licensure. My focus has been developing evidenced based treatment, cognitive behavior, dialectical behavior therapy, positive therapy and EMDR with a Rogerian style.
(931) 650-5162 View (931) 650-5162
Photo of Alyssa Thurman, MA, LPCTemp, Licensed Professional Counselor
Alyssa Thurman
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPCTemp
Verified Verified
Cookeville, TN 38501
Sometimes the strongest thing you can do is to ask for help. We all come to therapy for various reasons. Whatever the reason, I would love to offer you the time and space to discover your own healing and wellness. While I welcome anyone into my office, I have a heart for women and children with their families.
Sometimes the strongest thing you can do is to ask for help. We all come to therapy for various reasons. Whatever the reason, I would love to offer you the time and space to discover your own healing and wellness. While I welcome anyone into my office, I have a heart for women and children with their families.
(931) 740-1173 View (931) 740-1173
Photo of David John Eisenmenger, LCSW, MDvYale, MBA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
David John Eisenmenger
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MDvYale, MBA
Verified Verified
Cookeville, TN 38506
An informed and liberated mind is my goal in mental health treatment. I have 32 years experience in pastoral counseling, statewide crisis intervention, and counseling in a clinical setting. My experience in helping souls to heal comes from having been with people in their homes, schools, hospitals, and detention centers. I have worked with families ranging from the very poor to the wealthy. Emotional pain can come to anyone and I enable my clients to heal old and new hurts that get in the way of a healthy and happy life.
An informed and liberated mind is my goal in mental health treatment. I have 32 years experience in pastoral counseling, statewide crisis intervention, and counseling in a clinical setting. My experience in helping souls to heal comes from having been with people in their homes, schools, hospitals, and detention centers. I have worked with families ranging from the very poor to the wealthy. Emotional pain can come to anyone and I enable my clients to heal old and new hurts that get in the way of a healthy and happy life.
(931) 994-5692 View (931) 994-5692
Photo of Christina Williams, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Christina Williams
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Cookeville, TN 38501
Waitlist for new clients
There comes a time when you realize that you need help. "Faith is taking the first step, even when you don't see the whole staircase", MLK Jr. I believe no one wants to live in misery and the first step is asking for help. I believe in helping others to reaffirm their positivity and build on the ones that are struggles. My goal in therapy is for my clients to feel at ease and know they are not alone. To help them deal with the multitude of issues that sometimes can bring pain and help them on the path of healing.
There comes a time when you realize that you need help. "Faith is taking the first step, even when you don't see the whole staircase", MLK Jr. I believe no one wants to live in misery and the first step is asking for help. I believe in helping others to reaffirm their positivity and build on the ones that are struggles. My goal in therapy is for my clients to feel at ease and know they are not alone. To help them deal with the multitude of issues that sometimes can bring pain and help them on the path of healing.
(931) 783-1169 View (931) 783-1169
Photo of Mary C Linkous, LPC, MHSP, TCYM, Licensed Professional Counselor
Mary C Linkous
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP, TCYM
Verified Verified
Cookeville, TN 38501  (Online Only)
Mary Linkous LPC-MHSP is a professional counselor with over 15 years of agency counseling experience. Mary has experience with and enjoys working with adolescents, and adults in transition periods of life including divorce, empty nest, and career change. Mary also specializes in counseling for mental health and other service professionals encouraging personal wellness and work-life balance. Mary utilizes a practical, person-centered total wellness approach to counseling incorporating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Trauma Informed Care and trauma based therapy. Mary offers evening and weekend sessions.
Mary Linkous LPC-MHSP is a professional counselor with over 15 years of agency counseling experience. Mary has experience with and enjoys working with adolescents, and adults in transition periods of life including divorce, empty nest, and career change. Mary also specializes in counseling for mental health and other service professionals encouraging personal wellness and work-life balance. Mary utilizes a practical, person-centered total wellness approach to counseling incorporating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Trauma Informed Care and trauma based therapy. Mary offers evening and weekend sessions.
(615) 900-2148 View (615) 900-2148
Photo of Carole Lovell, PsyD, LCSW, NBCCH, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Carole Lovell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PsyD, LCSW, NBCCH
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Cookeville, TN 38501
Waitlist for new clients
I enjoy all of my clients and have 25 years experience treating most mental or emotional disorder. I work primarily with adults. I am Certified in DBT, EMDR, and Clinical Hypnosis and personality testing. I am an Approved consultant and trainer in EMDR in TN, AL, GA, TX, KY, TX, VA, NH and Washington D. C. , I have developed a protocol for treating shame which is a result of Complex PTSD and other traumatic events including addictions, depression , anxiety and chronic pain. I treat chronic pain, relationship issues, parent education life coaching, critical incidents grief and loss, and anger management,
I enjoy all of my clients and have 25 years experience treating most mental or emotional disorder. I work primarily with adults. I am Certified in DBT, EMDR, and Clinical Hypnosis and personality testing. I am an Approved consultant and trainer in EMDR in TN, AL, GA, TX, KY, TX, VA, NH and Washington D. C. , I have developed a protocol for treating shame which is a result of Complex PTSD and other traumatic events including addictions, depression , anxiety and chronic pain. I treat chronic pain, relationship issues, parent education life coaching, critical incidents grief and loss, and anger management,
(931) 246-4164 x200 View (931) 246-4164 x200
Photo of Erin Marlene Kelly, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Erin Marlene Kelly
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Cookeville, TN 38501
I am a EMDR trained therapist who is enthusiastic about helping people attain goals for themselves and their primary relationships. We will set goals in the first session in order to provide clarity to the work based on what is important to you. I work with individuals, couples, and families. I see traditional, single parent, & blended families, understanding their differences.
I am a EMDR trained therapist who is enthusiastic about helping people attain goals for themselves and their primary relationships. We will set goals in the first session in order to provide clarity to the work based on what is important to you. I work with individuals, couples, and families. I see traditional, single parent, & blended families, understanding their differences.
(931) 326-3005 View (931) 326-3005
Photo of Kelly Hodge, MA, LPC, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kelly Hodge
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
Cookeville, TN 38501
"We think we listen but very rarely do we listen with real understanding, true empathy. Yet listening, of this very special kind, is one of the most potent forces for change that I know." Carl Rogers - Everyone at one time or another deals with sometimes more than they can handle and needs someone to really listen to them. I want to offer a safe and non-judgmental environment where you can be heard. My goal is to really understand and to help you through what you are facing. To help you reach your fullest potential and to increase your self-awareness. I want to create an environment where you can really discover who you are.
"We think we listen but very rarely do we listen with real understanding, true empathy. Yet listening, of this very special kind, is one of the most potent forces for change that I know." Carl Rogers - Everyone at one time or another deals with sometimes more than they can handle and needs someone to really listen to them. I want to offer a safe and non-judgmental environment where you can be heard. My goal is to really understand and to help you through what you are facing. To help you reach your fullest potential and to increase your self-awareness. I want to create an environment where you can really discover who you are.
(931) 240-5852 View (931) 240-5852
Photo of Zachary Spoerl, MDiv, MA, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Zachary Spoerl
Licensed Professional Counselor, MDiv, MA, MHSP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cookeville, TN 38501  (Online Only)
I work with individuals, couples, and families from a range of experiences, but find that most are dealing with some form of anxiety, depression, or shame-based symptoms. It can be very difficult to address these issues with others in our lives for a number of valid and practical reasons. As a therapist, I offer a safe, private, and nonjudgemental space for people to begin discussing and exploring these often uncomfortable parts of self, with the hope that more understanding will lead to a lessening of symptoms, as well as a clearer path forward.
I work with individuals, couples, and families from a range of experiences, but find that most are dealing with some form of anxiety, depression, or shame-based symptoms. It can be very difficult to address these issues with others in our lives for a number of valid and practical reasons. As a therapist, I offer a safe, private, and nonjudgemental space for people to begin discussing and exploring these often uncomfortable parts of self, with the hope that more understanding will lead to a lessening of symptoms, as well as a clearer path forward.
(931) 807-6645 View (931) 807-6645
1

How does your Therapist compare?

Number of Therapists in Cookeville, TN

50+

Average cost per session

$100

Therapists in Cookeville, TN who prioritize treating:

95% Anxiety
91% Depression
77% Relationship Issues
77% Grief
77% Self Esteem
73% Trauma and PTSD
73% Stress

Average years in practice

10 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

80% BlueCross and BlueShield
80% Cigna and Evernorth
71% UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH

How Therapists in Cookeville, TN see their clients

72% In Person and Online
28% Online Only

Gender breakdown

80% Female
20% Male
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling

How can I find a therapist in Cookeville?

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.