Therapists in Andersonville, Chicago, IL

Photo of Hannah Swenson, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Hannah Swenson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Andersonville, Chicago, IL 60640
Welcome! My therapeutic approach is rooted in comprehensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), integrating mindfulness, acceptance, and change strategies within a collaborative and anti-oppressive environment. Whether providing individual therapy or leading DBT skills groups, I prioritize creating a safe and validating space where clients can explore their emotions, learn new coping skills, and work towards their goals with compassion and support.
Welcome! My therapeutic approach is rooted in comprehensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), integrating mindfulness, acceptance, and change strategies within a collaborative and anti-oppressive environment. Whether providing individual therapy or leading DBT skills groups, I prioritize creating a safe and validating space where clients can explore their emotions, learn new coping skills, and work towards their goals with compassion and support.
(872) 253-8714 View (872) 253-8714
Photo of Tim E Dean, PsyD, Psychologist
Tim E Dean
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Andersonville, Chicago, IL 60640  (Online Only)
My areas of expertise are in working with adults experiencing difficulties related to mood, anxiety, and trauma (recent or past). I enjoy working with adults with ADHD and other neurodivergencies to deepen their understanding of how their brain works and to develop practical strategies to reduce the burden of living in a neurotypical world. My therapy style is warm, casual, and humorous. My approach is client-centered; I work to tailor therapy to the unique needs of each individual while building a trusting relationship over time. I incorporate CBT, ACT, DBT, humanistic, and existential theories and interventions in my work.
My areas of expertise are in working with adults experiencing difficulties related to mood, anxiety, and trauma (recent or past). I enjoy working with adults with ADHD and other neurodivergencies to deepen their understanding of how their brain works and to develop practical strategies to reduce the burden of living in a neurotypical world. My therapy style is warm, casual, and humorous. My approach is client-centered; I work to tailor therapy to the unique needs of each individual while building a trusting relationship over time. I incorporate CBT, ACT, DBT, humanistic, and existential theories and interventions in my work.
(872) 213-7344 View (872) 213-7344
Photo of James D Caughel - Presencing Therapy PLLC, LCPC, Counselor
Presencing Therapy PLLC
Counselor, LCPC
Not Verified Not Verified
Andersonville, Chicago, IL 60660
**How many cookies are too many at once? Am I a bad parent, or have a bad kid? Am I too much for people? Not enough? Why don’t other people have these problems? I can’t deal with this anymore. Why aren’t I better yet? Why do people say I need a therapist? I don’t want someone telling me how to live. I’ve done/been through things no one can ever know.** Whether within ourselves, or from peer/romantic/family relationships, we may experience increasingly uncomfortable thoughts/feelings/actions. And, whether sometimes or constant, "what's wrong with me" and "how/when will it be better" may become the most uncomfortable thoughts to hold.
**How many cookies are too many at once? Am I a bad parent, or have a bad kid? Am I too much for people? Not enough? Why don’t other people have these problems? I can’t deal with this anymore. Why aren’t I better yet? Why do people say I need a therapist? I don’t want someone telling me how to live. I’ve done/been through things no one can ever know.** Whether within ourselves, or from peer/romantic/family relationships, we may experience increasingly uncomfortable thoughts/feelings/actions. And, whether sometimes or constant, "what's wrong with me" and "how/when will it be better" may become the most uncomfortable thoughts to hold.
(872) 204-2394 View (872) 204-2394
Photo of Nia Henderson, MS, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Nia Henderson
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Andersonville, Chicago, IL 60640
I believe that safety, choice, empowerment, and collaboration are the foundation for a productive therapeutic experience. I am passionate about helping people from diverse cultures, ethnicities, and sexual orientations navigate relationships and addressing individual/interpersonal challenges related to trauma, racial and gender identity, self-esteem, social and cultural stress, family of origin, depression, anxiety, family dynamics, and life transitions.
I believe that safety, choice, empowerment, and collaboration are the foundation for a productive therapeutic experience. I am passionate about helping people from diverse cultures, ethnicities, and sexual orientations navigate relationships and addressing individual/interpersonal challenges related to trauma, racial and gender identity, self-esteem, social and cultural stress, family of origin, depression, anxiety, family dynamics, and life transitions.
(773) 900-5067 View (773) 900-5067
Photo of John Knapp - Center for Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, PhD, Psychologist
Center for Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Andersonville, Chicago, IL 60640
Often, people come to us looking to explore psychological concerns in a sophisticated way. If they had past therapy, they were at times disappointed that it did not go deeper, as it left the greater meaning (the "roots") of their symptoms unexplored. As psychodynamic therapists, however, our goal is to see comprehensively, with thoughtful attention to the subtle depths and intricacies of your experience. In so doing, we can help to both resolve symptoms and impart meaning to your experiences, even those thoughts, feelings, and emotions that are often deemed painful or meaningless.
Often, people come to us looking to explore psychological concerns in a sophisticated way. If they had past therapy, they were at times disappointed that it did not go deeper, as it left the greater meaning (the "roots") of their symptoms unexplored. As psychodynamic therapists, however, our goal is to see comprehensively, with thoughtful attention to the subtle depths and intricacies of your experience. In so doing, we can help to both resolve symptoms and impart meaning to your experiences, even those thoughts, feelings, and emotions that are often deemed painful or meaningless.
(872) 278-3735 View (872) 278-3735
Photo of Cher Hamilton-Tekautz | Neurodivergent Trauma Therapist, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Cher Hamilton-Tekautz | Neurodivergent Trauma Therapist
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Andersonville, Chicago, IL 60640
You have a critical inner voice saying you aren’t good enough, you’re an imposter, or you’re a burden to those you care about. Your mental health is impacting your physical health, you have trouble sleeping, and you find it difficult to manage your thoughts, emotions, and stress levels. You also have difficulty navigating relationship(s) (especially family ones) and you want to have healthier relationships where you can speak honestly about your feelings and needs, feel less guilt, and find peace of mind. You also want to understand your emotional triggers and find healthy ways to soothe yourself.
You have a critical inner voice saying you aren’t good enough, you’re an imposter, or you’re a burden to those you care about. Your mental health is impacting your physical health, you have trouble sleeping, and you find it difficult to manage your thoughts, emotions, and stress levels. You also have difficulty navigating relationship(s) (especially family ones) and you want to have healthier relationships where you can speak honestly about your feelings and needs, feel less guilt, and find peace of mind. You also want to understand your emotional triggers and find healthy ways to soothe yourself.
(773) 362-5277 View (773) 362-5277
Photo of Alexandria Champagne, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Alexandria Champagne
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Andersonville, Chicago, IL 60640  (Online Only)
My clinical work is guided by the principal that clients are the experts of their own lives. I strive to create a collaborative, empathetic space in which clients feel validated and supported in their movement towards their healing goals. My approach is client-centered and integrative, pulling strongly from trauma-informed, relational, and anti-oppression frameworks.
My clinical work is guided by the principal that clients are the experts of their own lives. I strive to create a collaborative, empathetic space in which clients feel validated and supported in their movement towards their healing goals. My approach is client-centered and integrative, pulling strongly from trauma-informed, relational, and anti-oppression frameworks.
(773) 570-2138 View (773) 570-2138
Photo of Ana Gonzalez, MA, LCPC, Counselor
Ana Gonzalez
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
Andersonville, Chicago, IL 60640  (Online Only)
Entering therapy can be a challenging decision. My approach to therapy is with the focus that you are the ultimate expert on you. As your therapist, I am invited along on your journey and see my role as a facilitator for making changes that are congruent with you and your life goals. My counseling style is interactive, and I collaborate with you to identify choices that align with your life's vision. The objective is to gain insight and choose new approaches to challenges, and problem solving with new choices and behavior.
Entering therapy can be a challenging decision. My approach to therapy is with the focus that you are the ultimate expert on you. As your therapist, I am invited along on your journey and see my role as a facilitator for making changes that are congruent with you and your life goals. My counseling style is interactive, and I collaborate with you to identify choices that align with your life's vision. The objective is to gain insight and choose new approaches to challenges, and problem solving with new choices and behavior.
(773) 537-4684 View (773) 537-4684
Photo of Lauren Brancato, MA, NCC, CSTIP, LCPC, Counselor
Lauren Brancato
Counselor, MA, NCC, CSTIP, LCPC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Andersonville, Chicago, IL 60640
I am passionate about taking time to consider the overall well-being of my clients and strive to empower my clients to manage symptoms and live their fullest life possible. Let's talk about what goals you have in mind and how we can work toward those goals. Your therapy is your time - we can cater sessions to your needs and what feels most important to work on. I have helped clients reach positive outcomes using a mix of insight building, solution and strength focused interventions in practice.
I am passionate about taking time to consider the overall well-being of my clients and strive to empower my clients to manage symptoms and live their fullest life possible. Let's talk about what goals you have in mind and how we can work toward those goals. Your therapy is your time - we can cater sessions to your needs and what feels most important to work on. I have helped clients reach positive outcomes using a mix of insight building, solution and strength focused interventions in practice.
(773) 207-7184 View (773) 207-7184
Photo of Donald ( D. J. ) Watson II, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Donald ( D. J. ) Watson II
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Andersonville, Chicago, IL 60640
Not accepting new clients
I believe that therapy is most successful when there is mutual respect and trust between the therapist and client. I have successfully worked with families, teens, and adults from diverse sexual orientations, ethnicities, cultures, and religious backgrounds. Some of my clinical specialties include couples/family conflict, social and cultural stressors, anxiety, depression, trauma, and meaning making.
I believe that therapy is most successful when there is mutual respect and trust between the therapist and client. I have successfully worked with families, teens, and adults from diverse sexual orientations, ethnicities, cultures, and religious backgrounds. Some of my clinical specialties include couples/family conflict, social and cultural stressors, anxiety, depression, trauma, and meaning making.
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Photo of Natalie Dulin, MS, ALMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Natalie Dulin
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, ALMFT
Verified Verified
Andersonville, Chicago, IL 60640
I have the honor of working with individuals, romantic relationships, and families navigating complex life transitions. Some of my clinical specialities include anxiety, grief, intimacy, parenting, and identity development. My goal is to partner with you in your path toward healing. I lead with warmth, empathy, and authenticity to foster a nonjudgmental therapeutic space. I weave in humor, creativity, and curiosity to help create a nurturing experience for introspection and connection. I integrate multiple therapeutic models to fit my clients' needs to achieve the desired change in their lives.
I have the honor of working with individuals, romantic relationships, and families navigating complex life transitions. Some of my clinical specialities include anxiety, grief, intimacy, parenting, and identity development. My goal is to partner with you in your path toward healing. I lead with warmth, empathy, and authenticity to foster a nonjudgmental therapeutic space. I weave in humor, creativity, and curiosity to help create a nurturing experience for introspection and connection. I integrate multiple therapeutic models to fit my clients' needs to achieve the desired change in their lives.
(773) 974-1716 View (773) 974-1716
Photo of John C Knapp - Center for Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, PhD, Psychologist
Center for Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Andersonville, Chicago, IL 60640
Often, people come to us looking to explore psychological concerns in a sophisticated way. If they had past therapy, they were at times disappointed that it did not go deeper, as it left the greater meaning (the "roots") of their symptoms unexplored. As psychodynamic therapists, however, our goal is to see comprehensively, with thoughtful attention to the subtle depths and intricacies of your experience. In so doing, we can help to both resolve symptoms and impart meaning to your experiences, even those thoughts, feelings, and emotions that are often deemed painful or meaningless.
Often, people come to us looking to explore psychological concerns in a sophisticated way. If they had past therapy, they were at times disappointed that it did not go deeper, as it left the greater meaning (the "roots") of their symptoms unexplored. As psychodynamic therapists, however, our goal is to see comprehensively, with thoughtful attention to the subtle depths and intricacies of your experience. In so doing, we can help to both resolve symptoms and impart meaning to your experiences, even those thoughts, feelings, and emotions that are often deemed painful or meaningless.
(773) 492-8500 View (773) 492-8500
Photo of John Williams, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
John Williams
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Andersonville, Chicago, IL 60640
My work with clients is focused on providing quick solutions to life's challenges in a supportive, non-judgmental and collaborative atmosphere. I welcome all clients with positive regard to all races, religions, sexual orientation or gender.
My work with clients is focused on providing quick solutions to life's challenges in a supportive, non-judgmental and collaborative atmosphere. I welcome all clients with positive regard to all races, religions, sexual orientation or gender.
(773) 922-6510 View (773) 922-6510
Photo of Dr. Jessica Brennan, PsyD, Psychologist
Dr. Jessica Brennan
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Andersonville, Chicago, IL 60640
Dr. Jessica Brennan takes a personalized and holistic approach to psychotherapy. As both a licensed clinical psychologist and certified yoga teacher, she incorporates the needs of the mind, body and emotional self into treatment. Dr. Brennan works with clients to help them identify personal goals, increase insight into problematic behaviors and establish balanced coping skills. She provides support and strategies to increase overall happiness, productivity and life satisfaction.
Dr. Jessica Brennan takes a personalized and holistic approach to psychotherapy. As both a licensed clinical psychologist and certified yoga teacher, she incorporates the needs of the mind, body and emotional self into treatment. Dr. Brennan works with clients to help them identify personal goals, increase insight into problematic behaviors and establish balanced coping skills. She provides support and strategies to increase overall happiness, productivity and life satisfaction.
(630) 474-6217 View (630) 474-6217
Photo of Margot Beth Duxler, PhD, Psychologist
Margot Beth Duxler
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Andersonville, Chicago, IL 60660
As a licensed clinical psychologist I treat people with a broad spectrum of issues, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, relational problems, trauma and PTSD, grieving and loss, and eating disorders. I believe that people who are in emotional pain have made choices and decisions based on what they believed to be the best options available to them at the time. My collaboration with patients focuses on discovering and creating greater and more adaptive options than they previously thought possible.
As a licensed clinical psychologist I treat people with a broad spectrum of issues, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, relational problems, trauma and PTSD, grieving and loss, and eating disorders. I believe that people who are in emotional pain have made choices and decisions based on what they believed to be the best options available to them at the time. My collaboration with patients focuses on discovering and creating greater and more adaptive options than they previously thought possible.
(415) 237-6132 View (415) 237-6132
Photo of Kip Burgess, PsyD, Psychologist
Kip Burgess
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Andersonville, Chicago, IL 60660  (Online Only)
I am a CBT and ACT-informed therapist who wants to help adults of any age to live a more fulfilling life. I enjoy working with people who are struggling with things like stress, sadness or worrying and are curious to find another way to tackle those issues. I want to work with each client to find specific, tailored goals and then use the time in therapy to help clients achieve them. I am eager to help clients examine their values and make changes in their life. Aligning actions with values can make life so much more meaningful. I hope you find me to be a friendly, knowledgeable, and caring professional.
I am a CBT and ACT-informed therapist who wants to help adults of any age to live a more fulfilling life. I enjoy working with people who are struggling with things like stress, sadness or worrying and are curious to find another way to tackle those issues. I want to work with each client to find specific, tailored goals and then use the time in therapy to help clients achieve them. I am eager to help clients examine their values and make changes in their life. Aligning actions with values can make life so much more meaningful. I hope you find me to be a friendly, knowledgeable, and caring professional.
(872) 240-5986 View (872) 240-5986
Photo of Eilis Fagan, MA, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Eilis Fagan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW
Verified Verified
Andersonville, Chicago, IL 60640
Life's most challenging moments can cause uncertainty, distress, discomfort, and stagnation. However, with support, these challenges can also lead to self-reflection, growth, and change. I work with adolescents and adults that are seeking support while they navigate difficult life transitions, heal from trauma, explore identity, or live with depression, anxiety, and family conflict among other challenges. It is my hope that we can work together to identify patterns in your life that no longer serve you, develop realistic and values-guided coping skills, and foster deeper connections with yourself and with those around you.
Life's most challenging moments can cause uncertainty, distress, discomfort, and stagnation. However, with support, these challenges can also lead to self-reflection, growth, and change. I work with adolescents and adults that are seeking support while they navigate difficult life transitions, heal from trauma, explore identity, or live with depression, anxiety, and family conflict among other challenges. It is my hope that we can work together to identify patterns in your life that no longer serve you, develop realistic and values-guided coping skills, and foster deeper connections with yourself and with those around you.
(872) 246-7165 View (872) 246-7165
Photo of Lindsay L Doyle, PsyD, Psychologist
Lindsay L Doyle
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Andersonville, Chicago, IL 60640
Welcome! I'm Dr. Doyle, I work with adolescents & adults in the Chicagoland area. I view therapy as a unique opportunity for individuals to access their own resilience and develop increasingly satisfying relationships with themselves, their past experiences, their personal potentials, and others in their life and community. I believe a trusting, authentic relationship built on a holistic appreciation of each unique person is essential to therapeutic growth. Accordingly, I use an integrated approach to therapy that is individualized, strength-based, and collaborative. You'll find me to be warm, engaged, and challenging as needed.
Welcome! I'm Dr. Doyle, I work with adolescents & adults in the Chicagoland area. I view therapy as a unique opportunity for individuals to access their own resilience and develop increasingly satisfying relationships with themselves, their past experiences, their personal potentials, and others in their life and community. I believe a trusting, authentic relationship built on a holistic appreciation of each unique person is essential to therapeutic growth. Accordingly, I use an integrated approach to therapy that is individualized, strength-based, and collaborative. You'll find me to be warm, engaged, and challenging as needed.
(908) 280-0433 View (908) 280-0433
Photo of Andrew Sarkisian, PsyD, Pre-Licensed Professional
Andrew Sarkisian
Pre-Licensed Professional, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Andersonville, Chicago, IL 60640
I believe therapy can offer a non-judgmental space where individuals are heard, supported, and understood. I approach therapy with values of collaboration, warmth, humor, and the individual’s unique history. Within therapy, I strive to create a space for the interplay of conscious and unconscious factors as essential expressions of identity. These factors may include past experiences that mysteriously show up in our present lives as patterns, but can be understood more fully towards healing and transformation.
I believe therapy can offer a non-judgmental space where individuals are heard, supported, and understood. I approach therapy with values of collaboration, warmth, humor, and the individual’s unique history. Within therapy, I strive to create a space for the interplay of conscious and unconscious factors as essential expressions of identity. These factors may include past experiences that mysteriously show up in our present lives as patterns, but can be understood more fully towards healing and transformation.
(773) 692-7875 View (773) 692-7875
Photo of Thomas R Pickens, CADC, MS, Drug & Alcohol Counselor
Thomas R Pickens
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, CADC, MS
Not Verified Not Verified
Andersonville, Chicago, IL 60640
I have worked with people from all walks of life for over two decades. I am goal-oriented, like to get to the point, and work with you to offer real-life solutions, instead of staying stuck in the past. Yes, I'm compassionate and gently curious too, but I like to get down to nitty-gritty and get you feeling better ASAP. I also have a degree in philosophy and enjoy helping people look for meaning in their lives if that is what they need to feel better about themselves
I have worked with people from all walks of life for over two decades. I am goal-oriented, like to get to the point, and work with you to offer real-life solutions, instead of staying stuck in the past. Yes, I'm compassionate and gently curious too, but I like to get down to nitty-gritty and get you feeling better ASAP. I also have a degree in philosophy and enjoy helping people look for meaning in their lives if that is what they need to feel better about themselves
(312) 313-9785 View (312) 313-9785

See more therapy options for Andersonville, Chicago

How does your Therapist compare?

Number of Therapists in Andersonville, Chicago, IL

100+

Average cost per session

$175

Therapists in Andersonville, Chicago, IL who prioritize treating:

90% Anxiety
87% Relationship Issues
87% Depression
76% Self Esteem
74% Trauma and PTSD
68% Stress
65% Life Transitions

Average years in practice

9 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

97% BlueCross and BlueShield
60% Aetna
41% Cigna and Evernorth

How Therapists in Andersonville, Chicago, IL see their clients

80% In Person and Online
20% Online Only

Gender breakdown

58% Female
34% Male
8% Non-Binary
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling

How can I find a therapist in Andersonville, Chicago?

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.