Therapists in Cayucos, CA
![Photo of Diane M. Thorp, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9460a399-3bb3-4ee5-994a-e3e77f3c3941/2/320x400.jpeg)
Diane M. Thorp
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Cayucos, CA 93430
Welcome to DMT Psychotherapy. I am a Licensed Board Certified Psychotherapist along with a Certified Clinical Supervisor and work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, & families. I have extensive training and experience treating a variety of issues such as complex trauma, depression, anxiety disorders, behavioral issues, low self-esteem, relationship problems, ADHD, and parenting. Life can be challenging and overwhelming at times and asking for help is the first step towards leading a happier and more fulfilled life. I can help & assist in finding tools you need to make positive transformations. I provide a safe and comfortable environment where individuals can share their thoughts and feelings.
Welcome to DMT Psychotherapy. I am a Licensed Board Certified Psychotherapist along with a Certified Clinical Supervisor and work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, & families. I have extensive training and experience treating a variety of issues such as complex trauma, depression, anxiety disorders, behavioral issues, low self-esteem, relationship problems, ADHD, and parenting. Life can be challenging and overwhelming at times and asking for help is the first step towards leading a happier and more fulfilled life. I can help & assist in finding tools you need to make positive transformations. I provide a safe and comfortable environment where individuals can share their thoughts and feelings.
![Photo of Christopher Ceaser, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8b9287da-d9b1-403d-84ae-ac07cdf55c3d/3/320x400.jpeg)
If we meet and you decide to not continue, there will be no charge. This is because a positive relationship between therapist and client is the #1 predictor of a successful outcome. Come in and see if we are a good fit. PLEASE VISIT MY WEBSITE BY CLICKING ON THE WEBSITE BUTTON TO THE LEFT TO LEARN MORE. AtascaderoCounseling.com
If we meet and you decide to not continue, there will be no charge. This is because a positive relationship between therapist and client is the #1 predictor of a successful outcome. Come in and see if we are a good fit. PLEASE VISIT MY WEBSITE BY CLICKING ON THE WEBSITE BUTTON TO THE LEFT TO LEARN MORE. AtascaderoCounseling.com
![Photo of Deborah M Halpern, MA, MEd](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7de15024-8b83-4d9a-8eae-f0c6710bb5da/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Certified Transformational Life Coach with Master's degrees in Psychology and Education. I help my clients to work through various life transitions: developing healthier habits, letting go of self-defeating behaviors, managing anxiety, and discovering how to create a life worth living! My unique gift is to help people learn the skills and practices they can use to move through fear and doubt to arrive at a place of authenticity and presence. I specialize in bringing together the body and the mind to bring my clients into a state of health, balance, and wholeness.
I am a Certified Transformational Life Coach with Master's degrees in Psychology and Education. I help my clients to work through various life transitions: developing healthier habits, letting go of self-defeating behaviors, managing anxiety, and discovering how to create a life worth living! My unique gift is to help people learn the skills and practices they can use to move through fear and doubt to arrive at a place of authenticity and presence. I specialize in bringing together the body and the mind to bring my clients into a state of health, balance, and wholeness.
More Therapists Nearby
Nettie M Rosburg
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Los Osos, CA 93402 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I work with individuals and couples from the ages of 18 to 80-something. I like to help restore vitality to all sorts of relationships and life in general. I focus on assisting persons who want to make conscious choices for more satisfying living, and who want to develop positive and effective relationships and cope well with life challenges. My work is collaborative, is focused on the here and now and the achievement of a feeling of personal wholeness and satisfaction. I have 38 years of experience working positively with individuals and couples, including those affected by problems related to mental illness and/substance abuse.
I work with individuals and couples from the ages of 18 to 80-something. I like to help restore vitality to all sorts of relationships and life in general. I focus on assisting persons who want to make conscious choices for more satisfying living, and who want to develop positive and effective relationships and cope well with life challenges. My work is collaborative, is focused on the here and now and the achievement of a feeling of personal wholeness and satisfaction. I have 38 years of experience working positively with individuals and couples, including those affected by problems related to mental illness and/substance abuse.
![Photo of David C Lichti - David C. Lichti, LMFT, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3dd07df9-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Currently, I'm mostly using Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy with my clients. When, as a child, we find ourselves traumatizing or trapped in negative circumstances, parts of our self system compensate by locking away that which at that time was too much for us to handle. Later, if we do not go back to this locked away material, the pain, confusion and injustice of what happened to us long ago, can get triggered, or, awakened, when similar such challenges arise in the present. IFS provides a safe way for that locked away material to be approached and reprocessed, allowing our core self to take back control of our lives.
Currently, I'm mostly using Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy with my clients. When, as a child, we find ourselves traumatizing or trapped in negative circumstances, parts of our self system compensate by locking away that which at that time was too much for us to handle. Later, if we do not go back to this locked away material, the pain, confusion and injustice of what happened to us long ago, can get triggered, or, awakened, when similar such challenges arise in the present. IFS provides a safe way for that locked away material to be approached and reprocessed, allowing our core self to take back control of our lives.
![Photo of Anita Clark, PhD, Psychological Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d65c3c1a-bd07-4169-8497-4915cb5dd223/1/320x400.jpeg)
I enjoy working with all ages but especially adolescents. I am most experienced in helping clients who deal with anxiety and those who are survivors of trauma.
I enjoy working with all ages but especially adolescents. I am most experienced in helping clients who deal with anxiety and those who are survivors of trauma.
![Photo of Robin Joy Lewis, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f3fc392-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Robin Joy Lewis
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Morro Bay, CA 93442 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I have great faith in human resilience and the natural capacity for growth and healing. My experience as a Psychologist has taught me to meet each person where s/he is and creatively support their development toward meeting challenges and living their best life. I have been fortunate in combining my work in private practice with 30 years as a university faculty member training and learning from a wide range of mental health professionals.
I have great faith in human resilience and the natural capacity for growth and healing. My experience as a Psychologist has taught me to meet each person where s/he is and creatively support their development toward meeting challenges and living their best life. I have been fortunate in combining my work in private practice with 30 years as a university faculty member training and learning from a wide range of mental health professionals.
![Photo of Alexis Gibson, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/109d1992-47fa-4e1c-af18-2eeb43646f2a/3/320x400.jpeg)
Thank you for being here. I appreciate you taking the courageous step of looking at profiles and thinking about working with a therapist. I strive to be a partner in exploring your inner world. Together, we can be curious and warm towards aspects that have been too painful to acknowledge, invite in parts of you that have been rejected, and make insightful connections between the past and present which will allow you to live with vibrancy and self-compassion.
Thank you for being here. I appreciate you taking the courageous step of looking at profiles and thinking about working with a therapist. I strive to be a partner in exploring your inner world. Together, we can be curious and warm towards aspects that have been too painful to acknowledge, invite in parts of you that have been rejected, and make insightful connections between the past and present which will allow you to live with vibrancy and self-compassion.
![Photo of Tim Schenberg, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c52bb4e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Many people struggle with finding their way in life. It is very hard to do it on your own. Therapy is one of many tools that people can use to create and sustain change. My practice tends to draw individuals, couples and families who need support with a variety of different challenges and conflicts.
Many people struggle with finding their way in life. It is very hard to do it on your own. Therapy is one of many tools that people can use to create and sustain change. My practice tends to draw individuals, couples and families who need support with a variety of different challenges and conflicts.
![Photo of Jennifer M Blomfield, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/468ba4b6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
"Therapy can be a place where the wonder and awe of self discovery can culminate in personal clarity, empowerment and promote a richer more fulfilling life. Living with past and present wounds, dealing with depression, anxiety, anger or addictions, or working through difficult relationships and life transitions, our lives may seem out of control when our emotions and our thinking are out of balance. As your counselor I will help you by gently guiding you in finding that balance by creating a safe and supportive environment as you develop skills to regain your mentally healthy life."
"Therapy can be a place where the wonder and awe of self discovery can culminate in personal clarity, empowerment and promote a richer more fulfilling life. Living with past and present wounds, dealing with depression, anxiety, anger or addictions, or working through difficult relationships and life transitions, our lives may seem out of control when our emotions and our thinking are out of balance. As your counselor I will help you by gently guiding you in finding that balance by creating a safe and supportive environment as you develop skills to regain your mentally healthy life."
![Photo of Angela Knuckles, MA, APCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/59934039-f3e9-4ded-910a-683415a5a82f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Angela Knuckles
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, APCC
Verified Verified
Los Osos, CA 93402
Do you want to do more than survive? Maybe you want to BUILD connections? IMPROVE your relationships with others? Relieve symptoms of anxiety and/or depression? Helping people to find connection, recognize their strengths, and empower them to live healthier lives is my mission. I believe in life-long learning and growth, and enjoy helping others re-author their stories and find new purpose in their lives. As a previous Montessori teacher, I have many years of experience working with children and their families. Children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families are all welcome..
Do you want to do more than survive? Maybe you want to BUILD connections? IMPROVE your relationships with others? Relieve symptoms of anxiety and/or depression? Helping people to find connection, recognize their strengths, and empower them to live healthier lives is my mission. I believe in life-long learning and growth, and enjoy helping others re-author their stories and find new purpose in their lives. As a previous Montessori teacher, I have many years of experience working with children and their families. Children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families are all welcome..
![Photo of Suzanne Barron, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cd5f89e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/6/320x400.jpeg)
Suzanne Barron
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Morro Bay, CA 93442 (Online Only)
These are difficult times. Whether you are sheltering in place, or out in the workplace, these unusual times can increase anxiety and depression. Online sessions are available to assist you in individual or couple counseling. Are you feeling stuck? Do you feel you have lost connection with yourself or loved ones? Change and healing are possible. It is a courageous step to begin therapy. I will encourage you and empower you to learn skills to more fully live your life.
These are difficult times. Whether you are sheltering in place, or out in the workplace, these unusual times can increase anxiety and depression. Online sessions are available to assist you in individual or couple counseling. Are you feeling stuck? Do you feel you have lost connection with yourself or loved ones? Change and healing are possible. It is a courageous step to begin therapy. I will encourage you and empower you to learn skills to more fully live your life.
![Photo of Elise Thompson, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1f7c1aa6-f5c9-4006-8cd5-878eacf8f8b3/2/320x400.jpeg)
Elise Thompson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93402 (Online Only)
It has been my privilege to work alongside families, couples, and individuals identifying strengths, increasing insight around problems and developing a plan to improve quality of life. It's hard to find a therapist. When we connect I will be interested in your goals for therapy, and why you are seeking a therapist right now. I welcome your questions about who I am and specifics on what my treatment plan might be for you.
It has been my privilege to work alongside families, couples, and individuals identifying strengths, increasing insight around problems and developing a plan to improve quality of life. It's hard to find a therapist. When we connect I will be interested in your goals for therapy, and why you are seeking a therapist right now. I welcome your questions about who I am and specifics on what my treatment plan might be for you.
![Photo of Kristina Paramore, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4a4c92f5-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hi! My name is Kristina and Congratulations on possibly your first step towards reaching your goals. Has life become too overwhelming? Confused about what your next step is or how to overcome a current life challenge and feel as if you are stuck? Therapy can be a great starting point. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist practicing since 2010; working with individuals, couples, families and teens.
Hi! My name is Kristina and Congratulations on possibly your first step towards reaching your goals. Has life become too overwhelming? Confused about what your next step is or how to overcome a current life challenge and feel as if you are stuck? Therapy can be a great starting point. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist practicing since 2010; working with individuals, couples, families and teens.
![Photo of Ashley Smith - Balasana Therapeutic Arts, MS, LMFT, RYT200, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c2b97bf-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Ashley Smith - Balasana Therapeutic Arts
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, RYT200
Verified Verified
Los Osos, CA 93402
I have 20 years experience working with stressed and traumatized youth in the foster and probation systems; as a full-time therapist with County Mental Health for 12 years I gained much experience and training as a specialist in stress, trauma and sexual abuse. I’m excited to be available to serve parents, youth, and adults seeking to heal from developmental stress or trauma. I use directive, engaging and short-term interventions to facilitate your power to restore a sense of peace and control in your life. I want to help you create the life you know you deserve, you are not the problem and you will see, you can be the solution.
I have 20 years experience working with stressed and traumatized youth in the foster and probation systems; as a full-time therapist with County Mental Health for 12 years I gained much experience and training as a specialist in stress, trauma and sexual abuse. I’m excited to be available to serve parents, youth, and adults seeking to heal from developmental stress or trauma. I use directive, engaging and short-term interventions to facilitate your power to restore a sense of peace and control in your life. I want to help you create the life you know you deserve, you are not the problem and you will see, you can be the solution.
![Photo of Michael Reynolds Harris - Michael Harris, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/465ba98b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Michael Harris
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Los Osos, CA 93402
Welcome. Whether for you or a loved one, taking this step can be difficult and is extremely commendable. You're not alone. My hope is to provide personalized therapy that highlights your strengths and builds your personal resources. I am here to listen and support my clients while compassionately crafting a plan tailored to your unique experiences and struggles, that aims to foster personal growth and self-discovery.
Welcome. Whether for you or a loved one, taking this step can be difficult and is extremely commendable. You're not alone. My hope is to provide personalized therapy that highlights your strengths and builds your personal resources. I am here to listen and support my clients while compassionately crafting a plan tailored to your unique experiences and struggles, that aims to foster personal growth and self-discovery.
![Photo of Jennifer Suzanne Mangum - Mending the Spirit, LMFT, CADC II, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d23ad789-8313-4792-9745-8d11fa5a26dc/3/320x400.jpeg)
Mending the Spirit
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CADC II
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Osos, CA 93402
Waitlist for new clients
My name is Jennifer Mangum, I am a licensed therapist specializing in anxiety, depression and OCD. In addition, I am also a certified drug and alcohol counselor and have completed certification training for peripartum/postpartum issues. I work with both individuals and families struggling with any of the above areas. As part of the process, I will work with you/your family collaboratively to develop treatment goals while exploring what thoughts/behaviors/patterns are keeping you/your family stuck. I offer a 20-minute free consultation to answer any questions you may have. Contact me today so we can start the healing you deserve.
My name is Jennifer Mangum, I am a licensed therapist specializing in anxiety, depression and OCD. In addition, I am also a certified drug and alcohol counselor and have completed certification training for peripartum/postpartum issues. I work with both individuals and families struggling with any of the above areas. As part of the process, I will work with you/your family collaboratively to develop treatment goals while exploring what thoughts/behaviors/patterns are keeping you/your family stuck. I offer a 20-minute free consultation to answer any questions you may have. Contact me today so we can start the healing you deserve.
![Photo of Alice Baldwin O'Keefe, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d3f3222e-4a65-4425-bc14-0378302ed15c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Alice Baldwin O'Keefe
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Morro Bay, CA 93442 (Online Only)
When everything is changing, the invitation is clear: learn from this, find a way to be closer to what really matters. But where to begin? How to navigate this new path? Who will walk with me as I rediscover fresh purpose, joy, and meaning in this mess? As the questions and doubts swirl, know that you are not alone. There is a way through.
When everything is changing, the invitation is clear: learn from this, find a way to be closer to what really matters. But where to begin? How to navigate this new path? Who will walk with me as I rediscover fresh purpose, joy, and meaning in this mess? As the questions and doubts swirl, know that you are not alone. There is a way through.
![Photo of Kimberly Burnett, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/781669fb-f97b-49aa-81e7-128a50f66e00/2/320x400.jpeg)
"Life's beauty is inseparable from it's fragility" Dr. Susan David. My work as a psychotherapist is deeply humbling and gratifying as I see others make profound and meaningful changes in their lives. I offer individual, couples and family therapy treating relational and transitional issues. I am culturally sensitive, respecting your unique story. I have a broad range of clinical experience. My background includes working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, and grief/loss. I have a special interest and experience working with stressed and traumatized youth in the foster care and probation systems.
"Life's beauty is inseparable from it's fragility" Dr. Susan David. My work as a psychotherapist is deeply humbling and gratifying as I see others make profound and meaningful changes in their lives. I offer individual, couples and family therapy treating relational and transitional issues. I am culturally sensitive, respecting your unique story. I have a broad range of clinical experience. My background includes working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, and grief/loss. I have a special interest and experience working with stressed and traumatized youth in the foster care and probation systems.
![Photo of Stacy Guisse, PsyD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cda4751-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
My journey in the healing arts is a wonderful one and involves working with clients of all ages and stages of life. I have an integrated therapy approach with a specific focus on intermodal therapies, life transitions, community building, and family/group work. I work with clients who can be experiencing anxiety, adolescent anxiety, depression, substance abuse, significant life adjustments/transitions, post traumatic stress, blended family dynamics, grief/loss, adjustment to motherhood, and couples communication challenges. In our work together we are transforming life challenges into growth opportunities and creative action in your life.
My journey in the healing arts is a wonderful one and involves working with clients of all ages and stages of life. I have an integrated therapy approach with a specific focus on intermodal therapies, life transitions, community building, and family/group work. I work with clients who can be experiencing anxiety, adolescent anxiety, depression, substance abuse, significant life adjustments/transitions, post traumatic stress, blended family dynamics, grief/loss, adjustment to motherhood, and couples communication challenges. In our work together we are transforming life challenges into growth opportunities and creative action in your life.
See more therapy options for Cayucos
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Cayucos, CA
< 10
Therapists in Cayucos, CA who prioritize treating:
100% | Relationship Issues |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | Parenting |
100% | School Issues |
100% | Coping Skills |
100% | Self Esteem |
67% | Depression |
Average years in practice
11 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
50% | Aetna |
50% | Cigna and Evernorth |
50% | Medicare |
How Therapists in Cayucos, CA see their clients
67% | In Person and Online | |
33% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
100% | Female |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in Cayucos?
Search for nearby therapists or counselors by inputting your city, town, or suburb; or zip code; or a provider’s name into the search bar. From there, you can filter providers by the issues they treat, cost, insurance, gender, and other factors to find providers who are well-suited to your needs. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or zip code into the search bar.
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?
The Psychology Today directory lists providers who offer legitimate mental health services to the public, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counselor?
Therapists, psychologists, and counselors are all licensed mental health professionals. In the US, psychologists have earned a doctoral degree. The terms “therapist” and “counselor” are used somewhat interchangeably, but generally therapists offer longer-term, mental health care, while counselors offer shorter-term care that may focus on one domain, such as marriage, career, or academic challenges.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
What type of therapy is right for me?
The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.
How much does therapy cost?
The cost of therapy depends on a number of variables, including location and the therapist’s experience and training. On average, a therapy session in the United States could cost between $100 and $200 or more. If you have insurance, the expense of mental health care is typically lower, but it varies based on your insurance plan details and whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network mental healthcare provider.
What are more affordable or low cost therapy solutions?
Many therapists offer sliding scale payments, usually on a limited number of slots, which consists in an agreement between the therapist and a client to pay a reduced rate. Therapists who provide such arrangements often consider the client's income or ability to pay, but the extent of the discount is ultimately at the therapist's discretion. Furthermore, while group therapy may have different goals and benefits compared to individual therapy, it can be a more affordable solution to address certain types of issues.
Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?
Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.
Is online therapy a good option?
Therapy conducted online can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your zip code.
Are therapy sessions confidential?
Confidentiality is a crucial part of the therapeutic relationship. Therapists in the United States are bound by the regulations set out by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), which aims to protect sensitive health information. With very few exceptions, a therapist will only discuss their client with others when the client has given their written permission. The instances in which a therapist would be required to disclose personal information are: if a client poses a danger to themselves or others, if the therapist suspects the abuse of a child or an elderly or otherwise dependent adult, or if they are legally forced to by court order. These exceptions to the confidentiality agreement are usually discussed with a client before their first session.