Therapists in Southeast, Denver, CO

Photo of Alison Millette, MSW, SWC, ADDC
Alison Millette
Clinical Social Work Candidate, MSW, SWC, ADDC
Verified Verified
Southeast, Denver, CO 80231
Waitlist for new clients
Finding yourself in destructive patterns and using unhelpful behaviors to cope can make you feel isolated and alone. Knowing you are different from others and wondering how to navigate everyday situations is exhausting and debilitating. Being neurodivergent in a world built for neurotypical people can lead to depression, anxiety, trauma, burnout, and substance use just to name a few. With the weight of everything all at once you can feel trapped and hopeless. No matter what you are struggling with, you deserve to be fiercely advocated for and supported in a way that honors your unique humanness.
Finding yourself in destructive patterns and using unhelpful behaviors to cope can make you feel isolated and alone. Knowing you are different from others and wondering how to navigate everyday situations is exhausting and debilitating. Being neurodivergent in a world built for neurotypical people can lead to depression, anxiety, trauma, burnout, and substance use just to name a few. With the weight of everything all at once you can feel trapped and hopeless. No matter what you are struggling with, you deserve to be fiercely advocated for and supported in a way that honors your unique humanness.
(720) 802-6913 View (720) 802-6913
Photo of Luci Draayer, LCSW, CMC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Luci Draayer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CMC
Verified Verified
Southeast, Denver, CO 80237
Not accepting new clients
Living with illness and decline is hard. And caring for someone with a chronic condition is no less difficult. Are you in one of these situations and struggling to keep perspective? Feeling overwhelmed with the permanent nature of your situation? Looking at an uncertain future? Being proactive in managing your emotional health is as important as finding the expert to treat you or your loved one’s medical condition. And maximizing coping skills that have been helpful in the past is key to "living well" with chronic illness.
Living with illness and decline is hard. And caring for someone with a chronic condition is no less difficult. Are you in one of these situations and struggling to keep perspective? Feeling overwhelmed with the permanent nature of your situation? Looking at an uncertain future? Being proactive in managing your emotional health is as important as finding the expert to treat you or your loved one’s medical condition. And maximizing coping skills that have been helpful in the past is key to "living well" with chronic illness.
(720) 408-7796 View (720) 408-7796
Photo of Betsy Usher, PsyD, Psychologist
Betsy Usher
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Southeast, Denver, CO 80222
I know sometimes it feels like no one can help you. That you are too much, too dark, and too broken to be helped. Sometimes trauma can manifest by cutting, eating disorders, depression, chaos, and a real struggle to maintain friendships. It can be hard to even picture what a stable and consistent life would look like, but it's still something you want. Chaotic feelings feel like they take over you and you struggle to make it through each day. You want to live but still feel suicidal. This is all normal for someone with trauma, someone who has been through abuse, someone who has experienced broken relationships and even toxic ones.
I know sometimes it feels like no one can help you. That you are too much, too dark, and too broken to be helped. Sometimes trauma can manifest by cutting, eating disorders, depression, chaos, and a real struggle to maintain friendships. It can be hard to even picture what a stable and consistent life would look like, but it's still something you want. Chaotic feelings feel like they take over you and you struggle to make it through each day. You want to live but still feel suicidal. This is all normal for someone with trauma, someone who has been through abuse, someone who has experienced broken relationships and even toxic ones.
(970) 825-1004 View (970) 825-1004
Photo of Mary Flack, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Mary Flack
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Southeast, Denver, CO 80222
I have been counseling since 2004, am a mother of five children and have worked as a financial life coach. I use talk/cognitive behavioral therapy to help clients become aware of issues or brokenness and pain that can be negatively affecting their lives. The goal is to guide my clients to a place of wholeness, where they are able to live out a peaceful and fulfilling life.
I have been counseling since 2004, am a mother of five children and have worked as a financial life coach. I use talk/cognitive behavioral therapy to help clients become aware of issues or brokenness and pain that can be negatively affecting their lives. The goal is to guide my clients to a place of wholeness, where they are able to live out a peaceful and fulfilling life.
(303) 900-5980 View (303) 900-5980
Photo of Jessica Taylor, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jessica Taylor
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Southeast, Denver, CO 80231
Are you a Gen-Z or Millennial woman who is struggling with dating and/or relationships? You want a happy and healthy relationship, but you find that you are tempted to avoid dating altogether because it gives you too much anxiety. It triggers your self-esteem issues to get worse. Or maybe you are dating, but find yourself dating only emotionally unavailable people and wonder if this is because of something you are doing/attracting. Also, symptoms of anxiety and depression can often times go hand-in-hand with self-esteem and relationship issues. Sound like you?
Are you a Gen-Z or Millennial woman who is struggling with dating and/or relationships? You want a happy and healthy relationship, but you find that you are tempted to avoid dating altogether because it gives you too much anxiety. It triggers your self-esteem issues to get worse. Or maybe you are dating, but find yourself dating only emotionally unavailable people and wonder if this is because of something you are doing/attracting. Also, symptoms of anxiety and depression can often times go hand-in-hand with self-esteem and relationship issues. Sound like you?
(720) 864-0564 View (720) 864-0564
Photo of Emily Tiede, Licensed Professional Counselor
Emily Tiede
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
Southeast, Denver, CO 80231
Dedicating time and energy to bettering self is courageous and powerful. Self-discovery and growth are not easy tasks and I’d be honored to support your journey. When working with me, you can expect to chat with someone who practices genuine curiosity and active listening skills. I aspire to learn about you, what your goals are, and how we can take steps toward those goals. Some ways to describe my style are empathetic, attentive, integrative, nonjudgemental, and supportive.
Dedicating time and energy to bettering self is courageous and powerful. Self-discovery and growth are not easy tasks and I’d be honored to support your journey. When working with me, you can expect to chat with someone who practices genuine curiosity and active listening skills. I aspire to learn about you, what your goals are, and how we can take steps toward those goals. Some ways to describe my style are empathetic, attentive, integrative, nonjudgemental, and supportive.
(303) 732-8179 View (303) 732-8179
Photo of Rianna Joyce - Peregrine Counseling and Wellness, MSc, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Peregrine Counseling and Wellness
Licensed Professional Counselor, MSc, LPC
Verified Verified
Southeast, Denver, CO 80231
Peregrine Counseling and Wellness is a nonprofit mental health organization based in southeast Denver, CO. We aim to promote wellbeing from a mind-body perspective, working to heal trauma through the integration of evidence-based practices. Our team of clinicians have over a decade or more of experience working with victims of trauma and trauma related disorders.
Peregrine Counseling and Wellness is a nonprofit mental health organization based in southeast Denver, CO. We aim to promote wellbeing from a mind-body perspective, working to heal trauma through the integration of evidence-based practices. Our team of clinicians have over a decade or more of experience working with victims of trauma and trauma related disorders.
(720) 709-1888 View (720) 709-1888
Photo of Yolanda Barrera, PsyD, LP, Psychologist
Yolanda Barrera
Psychologist, PsyD, LP
Verified Verified
Southeast, Denver, CO 80224
Congratulations on taking the first step toward improving yourself & your life! You are on your way of finding real solutions to your problems! Our Mission: We Support and strengthen the Mental-Emotional Health and well-being of Latinos, in an atmosphere of professional collaboration, cultural sensitivity and reliable support, through Specialized Bilingual Services in Spanish / English, in Person, by Phone and Online / Video Therapy for individuals, couples, marriages, parents and families; We do your Psychological Evaluations for Immigration ; Courses and Workshops for Individuals and family.
Congratulations on taking the first step toward improving yourself & your life! You are on your way of finding real solutions to your problems! Our Mission: We Support and strengthen the Mental-Emotional Health and well-being of Latinos, in an atmosphere of professional collaboration, cultural sensitivity and reliable support, through Specialized Bilingual Services in Spanish / English, in Person, by Phone and Online / Video Therapy for individuals, couples, marriages, parents and families; We do your Psychological Evaluations for Immigration ; Courses and Workshops for Individuals and family.
(303) 223-6344 View (303) 223-6344
Photo of Jennifer Perkins - Now Accepting New Clients!, MSW, LSW, MFTC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jennifer Perkins - Now Accepting New Clients!
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW, MFTC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Southeast, Denver, CO 80237
Schedule a free consultation instantly through my website! My practice is centered around person-centered, strengths-based, and family systems approaches, specializing in supporting youth, adolescents, families, and couples. I believe in the power of every individual and family system to navigate challenges and thrive through resilience and healthy communication. I am passionate about working with youth and adolescents, supporting them through the unique challenges they face and empowering them to build resilience. And, with a focus on family systems theory, I help families and couples improve communication, and resolve conflicts.
Schedule a free consultation instantly through my website! My practice is centered around person-centered, strengths-based, and family systems approaches, specializing in supporting youth, adolescents, families, and couples. I believe in the power of every individual and family system to navigate challenges and thrive through resilience and healthy communication. I am passionate about working with youth and adolescents, supporting them through the unique challenges they face and empowering them to build resilience. And, with a focus on family systems theory, I help families and couples improve communication, and resolve conflicts.
(720) 590-8282 View (720) 590-8282
Photo of Shannon Browning | Teen - Young Adult Therapist, Pre-Licensed Professional
Shannon Browning | Teen - Young Adult Therapist
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Southeast, Denver, CO 80231  (Online Only)
I understand that the world is a scary place. Sometimes, it feels like there’s more change than stability, and as a teen or twenty-something…well, that change can seem like an on-going, constant in our every day lives. On top of it all, you’re also constantly hearing the many voices around you that claim to know what’s best, yet they’re somehow all saying different things. In the midst of this chaos, it might even feel like you sometimes have to make a choice: You can be your full, authentic, vibrant self, or you can keep your head down, try to fit in, and do your best to please all of those voices telling you who to be.
I understand that the world is a scary place. Sometimes, it feels like there’s more change than stability, and as a teen or twenty-something…well, that change can seem like an on-going, constant in our every day lives. On top of it all, you’re also constantly hearing the many voices around you that claim to know what’s best, yet they’re somehow all saying different things. In the midst of this chaos, it might even feel like you sometimes have to make a choice: You can be your full, authentic, vibrant self, or you can keep your head down, try to fit in, and do your best to please all of those voices telling you who to be.
(720) 679-7192 View (720) 679-7192
Photo of Weston Zink, LPC, LAC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Weston Zink
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LAC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Southeast, Denver, CO 80224  (Online Only)
I help men and women recover from trauma, addiction, anxiety, and other mental health issues. I also specialize working with men-specific issues. If you're feeling courageous enough and ready to face your monsters, let's connect and do some work!
I help men and women recover from trauma, addiction, anxiety, and other mental health issues. I also specialize working with men-specific issues. If you're feeling courageous enough and ready to face your monsters, let's connect and do some work!
(720) 613-5218 View (720) 613-5218
Photo of Kelly Gillespie - Mountain Hope Counseling and Wellness, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Mountain Hope Counseling and Wellness
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Southeast, Denver, CO 80224
Mountain Hope Counseling and Wellness is a growing team of diverse therapists that are dedicated to helping you heal, grow, and reach your mental health care goals. We have therapists that specialize in everything from anxiety and depression to anger management and divorce recovery. Along with our fabulous counseling team, we will soon be offering our wellness division that will offer trauma informed yoga, trauma informed massage, DBT groups, and acupuncture, as well as, other wellness areas.
Mountain Hope Counseling and Wellness is a growing team of diverse therapists that are dedicated to helping you heal, grow, and reach your mental health care goals. We have therapists that specialize in everything from anxiety and depression to anger management and divorce recovery. Along with our fabulous counseling team, we will soon be offering our wellness division that will offer trauma informed yoga, trauma informed massage, DBT groups, and acupuncture, as well as, other wellness areas.
(720) 513-2479 View (720) 513-2479
Photo of Fiona Cochran - Fiona Cochran, LMFT: Couples and Sex Therapy, LMFT, ACS, Marriage & Family Therapist
Fiona Cochran, LMFT: Couples and Sex Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, ACS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Southeast, Denver, CO 80224
Relationships are an essential part of the human experience. I can offer support to help you navigate whatever is happening in your life or in your relationship. We will work together to create positive lasting changes in a supportive and encouraging environment. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and sex-positive therapist, I utilize several methods of therapy based on my client's needs. I am a LGBTQIA+ friendly, Poly, and Kink affirming practice.
Relationships are an essential part of the human experience. I can offer support to help you navigate whatever is happening in your life or in your relationship. We will work together to create positive lasting changes in a supportive and encouraging environment. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and sex-positive therapist, I utilize several methods of therapy based on my client's needs. I am a LGBTQIA+ friendly, Poly, and Kink affirming practice.
(303) 872-6314 View (303) 872-6314
Photo of Audrey Davis, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Audrey Davis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Southeast, Denver, CO 80237
Audrey Davis is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Colorado who has been practicing since 2020. She has an MSW (Master of Social Work) from Boston College, with a focus in Clinical Social Work and a certificate in working with trauma. Audrey believes that clients are the expert on their own experience, and that her role as a therapist is to help them clarify who they are, who they want to be, and how to get there. In her spare time, Audrey enjoys camping, skiing, cooking, and playing outside with her dog!
Audrey Davis is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Colorado who has been practicing since 2020. She has an MSW (Master of Social Work) from Boston College, with a focus in Clinical Social Work and a certificate in working with trauma. Audrey believes that clients are the expert on their own experience, and that her role as a therapist is to help them clarify who they are, who they want to be, and how to get there. In her spare time, Audrey enjoys camping, skiing, cooking, and playing outside with her dog!
(720) 282-1606 View (720) 282-1606
Photo of Bailey Parton, MSW, Pre-Licensed Professional
Bailey Parton
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW
Verified Verified
Southeast, Denver, CO 80231
I believe in the transformative power of a wide range of emotions, the sanctuary of safety, and the simple but profound impact of understanding. My therapeutic approach to our time together is founded on the principle that each person is the expert of their own life, and my role is to guide and facilitate the process of discovery. Together we can identify what isn’t working, make steps towards positive change, and explore the inner world without shame or blame, because all parts of you are always welcome.
I believe in the transformative power of a wide range of emotions, the sanctuary of safety, and the simple but profound impact of understanding. My therapeutic approach to our time together is founded on the principle that each person is the expert of their own life, and my role is to guide and facilitate the process of discovery. Together we can identify what isn’t working, make steps towards positive change, and explore the inner world without shame or blame, because all parts of you are always welcome.
(720) 734-1882 View (720) 734-1882
Photo of Courtney Hjort, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Courtney Hjort
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Southeast, Denver, CO 80222  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Asking for help can be one of the hardest things to do. Are you feeling stuck, anxious, dealing with grief or loss, struggling to overcome trauma, or dealing with the effects of a difficult childhood? Are you an equestrian stuck with your ride? I am here to help you work to overcome the obstacles in your path. We will work together to find what styles and strategies will help you most.
Asking for help can be one of the hardest things to do. Are you feeling stuck, anxious, dealing with grief or loss, struggling to overcome trauma, or dealing with the effects of a difficult childhood? Are you an equestrian stuck with your ride? I am here to help you work to overcome the obstacles in your path. We will work together to find what styles and strategies will help you most.
(720) 709-2928 View (720) 709-2928
Photo of Sue Relihan, Registered Psychotherapist
Sue Relihan
Registered Psychotherapist
Verified Verified
Southeast, Denver, CO 80231  (Online Only)
Is the Stress of the world or your family getting you down ? Would you prefer to feel calmer and have clarity around what to do next. I use a combination of Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy, Mind-Body Medicine, Somatic IFS, Polyvagal Theory, and Hypnotic Coaching to help you understand and make changes. Self-acceptance and self-compassion are the perfect foundation for making life changes and I can help you achieve them. Do you support an Emergency Responder and need some encouragement from a like-minded person with similar experience?
Is the Stress of the world or your family getting you down ? Would you prefer to feel calmer and have clarity around what to do next. I use a combination of Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy, Mind-Body Medicine, Somatic IFS, Polyvagal Theory, and Hypnotic Coaching to help you understand and make changes. Self-acceptance and self-compassion are the perfect foundation for making life changes and I can help you achieve them. Do you support an Emergency Responder and need some encouragement from a like-minded person with similar experience?
(720) 730-3671 View (720) 730-3671
Photo of Lisa Griffiths - Center for Valued Living, PLLC, PsyD, LPC, LCSW, LMFT, LAC, Psychologist
Center for Valued Living, PLLC
Psychologist, PsyD, LPC, LCSW, LMFT, LAC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Southeast, Denver, CO 80237
We are a group of highly-qualified mental health therapists serving all over CO via telehealth and in-person (offices in Aurora). Our licensed therapists and supervised LPCC/SWC/intern providers take most insurances including Medicaid. See c4vl.com or photo gallery for details on our clinicians, & specialties, insurances. We are committed to anti-racist, neurodivergent-affirming, and GLBTQIA+ allied practice. We have providers who speak Spanish, French, and Russian. Hablamos Espanol tambien!
We are a group of highly-qualified mental health therapists serving all over CO via telehealth and in-person (offices in Aurora). Our licensed therapists and supervised LPCC/SWC/intern providers take most insurances including Medicaid. See c4vl.com or photo gallery for details on our clinicians, & specialties, insurances. We are committed to anti-racist, neurodivergent-affirming, and GLBTQIA+ allied practice. We have providers who speak Spanish, French, and Russian. Hablamos Espanol tambien!
(720) 262-5859 View (720) 262-5859
Photo of Sakina Mohamed Ali, MA, MFTC, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Sakina Mohamed Ali
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, MFTC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Southeast, Denver, CO 80231  (Online Only)
Do you ever feel like you're both speaking, but neither of you is truly being heard, leaving you wondering how to communicate more effectively? For couples, communication often stands as the cornerstone of a healthy relationship. Yet, so many find it challenging to express their needs and understand their partner's love language. What does love mean to you? How do you express and receive love? These questions are essential in building a foundation of empathy and understanding between partners. I specialize in helping couples explore these questions, providing practical guidance on implementing effective communication strategies.
Do you ever feel like you're both speaking, but neither of you is truly being heard, leaving you wondering how to communicate more effectively? For couples, communication often stands as the cornerstone of a healthy relationship. Yet, so many find it challenging to express their needs and understand their partner's love language. What does love mean to you? How do you express and receive love? These questions are essential in building a foundation of empathy and understanding between partners. I specialize in helping couples explore these questions, providing practical guidance on implementing effective communication strategies.
(855) 522-6967 View (855) 522-6967
Photo of Kimberly A Margolis, LSW
Kimberly A Margolis
LSW
Verified Verified
Southeast, Denver, CO 80224
I bring 20 years of experience and have treated tens of thousands of patients! I am high energy and passionate about helping people embark on the journey to find their true selves and life path; whether it relates to behavior, family, relationships, addiction, career and any other issue that one may find adversity. I've been told I have a gift to quickly get the core of peoples struggles in order to help them find resolution. I use behavioral strategies to help people achieve immediate change, then dive deep into analytical work which helps the changes become permanent. CALL TODAY!
I bring 20 years of experience and have treated tens of thousands of patients! I am high energy and passionate about helping people embark on the journey to find their true selves and life path; whether it relates to behavior, family, relationships, addiction, career and any other issue that one may find adversity. I've been told I have a gift to quickly get the core of peoples struggles in order to help them find resolution. I use behavioral strategies to help people achieve immediate change, then dive deep into analytical work which helps the changes become permanent. CALL TODAY!
(303) 622-5468 View (303) 622-5468

See more therapy options for Southeast, Denver

How does your Therapist compare?

Number of Therapists in Southeast, Denver, CO

300+

Average cost per session

$150

Therapists in Southeast, Denver, CO who prioritize treating:

93% Anxiety
89% Depression
81% Relationship Issues
78% Trauma and PTSD
77% Self Esteem
70% Coping Skills
69% Stress

Average years in practice

11 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

71% Aetna
68% Cigna and Evernorth
64% UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH

How Therapists in Southeast, Denver, CO see their clients

75% In Person and Online
25% Online Only

Gender breakdown

82% Female
17% Male
1% Non-Binary
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling

How can I find a therapist in Southeast, Denver?

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.