Therapists in Santa Clarita, CA

Photo of Dr. Mekeisha Buffaloe, PsyD, Psychologist
Dr. Mekeisha Buffaloe
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Santa Clarita, CA 91387  (Online Only)
Welcome! I'm Dr. Mekeisha Buffaloe, Psy.D, founder and owner of Synergy Consulting and Psychological Services, Inc. As a highly experienced psychologist, I am committed to guiding individuals on their path to personal growth and emotional well-being. With over a decade of clinical experience, I have helped countless clients overcome challenges and achieve lasting positive change. As a compassionate and dedicated professional, I am here to support you in maximizing your growth, fulfillment, and overall mental health.
Welcome! I'm Dr. Mekeisha Buffaloe, Psy.D, founder and owner of Synergy Consulting and Psychological Services, Inc. As a highly experienced psychologist, I am committed to guiding individuals on their path to personal growth and emotional well-being. With over a decade of clinical experience, I have helped countless clients overcome challenges and achieve lasting positive change. As a compassionate and dedicated professional, I am here to support you in maximizing your growth, fulfillment, and overall mental health.
(661) 927-4113 View (661) 927-4113
Photo of Julie Padula, LMFT, ATR, Marriage & Family Therapist
Julie Padula
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, ATR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Clarita, CA 91321  (Online Only)
Hello and congratulations on taking this first big step toward what I call the ultimate in self care. As a licensed MFT and Registered Art Therapist, I believe there are many ways to facilitate growth and gain clarity within oneself. I provide a relaxed, safe, judgement free space to do that in. I work with adults, teens, and couples, focusing on anxiety, depression, addiction, and trauma. I also work with grief/loss and phase of life issues.
Hello and congratulations on taking this first big step toward what I call the ultimate in self care. As a licensed MFT and Registered Art Therapist, I believe there are many ways to facilitate growth and gain clarity within oneself. I provide a relaxed, safe, judgement free space to do that in. I work with adults, teens, and couples, focusing on anxiety, depression, addiction, and trauma. I also work with grief/loss and phase of life issues.
(661) 306-2958 View (661) 306-2958
Photo of Samantha Sigala, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Samantha Sigala
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Clarita, CA 91390  (Online Only)
You may be paralyzed by self-doubt, exhausted by continual people-pleasing and overanalyzing, or overtaken by the past. You've learned to survive on auto pilot, and now is the time to break free from these behaviors and cycles. I truly believe it's never too late to create the life you want. I would love to be apart of your journey. I will help to support you in learning to love taking care of yourself, finding your path to healing and becoming the best version of yourself. Being a human is so complex that having a space to show up and unpack life is so important.
You may be paralyzed by self-doubt, exhausted by continual people-pleasing and overanalyzing, or overtaken by the past. You've learned to survive on auto pilot, and now is the time to break free from these behaviors and cycles. I truly believe it's never too late to create the life you want. I would love to be apart of your journey. I will help to support you in learning to love taking care of yourself, finding your path to healing and becoming the best version of yourself. Being a human is so complex that having a space to show up and unpack life is so important.
(669) 257-8199 View (669) 257-8199
Photo of Laura Spera, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Laura Spera
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Clarita, CA 91321  (Online Only)
Hi there, I'm Laura! My name is Laura Spera, and I am a Marriage and Family Therapist based in Fresno, California working statewide via Telehealth. I work with adults of all ages and couples and specialize in anxiety, depression, and adjustment disorders. I use Client-Centered Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy to help my clients begin to feel better, find hope and make progress. When working with clients and couples I base my approach on their individual needs. I find that Client-Centered Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy complement well together.
Hi there, I'm Laura! My name is Laura Spera, and I am a Marriage and Family Therapist based in Fresno, California working statewide via Telehealth. I work with adults of all ages and couples and specialize in anxiety, depression, and adjustment disorders. I use Client-Centered Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy to help my clients begin to feel better, find hope and make progress. When working with clients and couples I base my approach on their individual needs. I find that Client-Centered Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy complement well together.
(661) 465-3782 View (661) 465-3782
Photo of Liz Megaw - Tribute, Pre-Licensed Professional
Tribute
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Santa Clarita, CA 91351
Life is beautiful and at times difficult, but we don’t have to do it alone. Sometimes we just need someone to walk with us, to hear us and see us. I’m a relational therapist practicing from an eclectic view with empathy and a nonjudgmental lens. Helping individuals, couples and families communicate, find awareness of issues and grow toward change is an honor. We can connect through telehealth and/or in person in Canyon Country, CA. Looking forward to meeting you!
Life is beautiful and at times difficult, but we don’t have to do it alone. Sometimes we just need someone to walk with us, to hear us and see us. I’m a relational therapist practicing from an eclectic view with empathy and a nonjudgmental lens. Helping individuals, couples and families communicate, find awareness of issues and grow toward change is an honor. We can connect through telehealth and/or in person in Canyon Country, CA. Looking forward to meeting you!
(661) 535-1930 View (661) 535-1930
Photo of Chelsea Reid - Bloom Therapy LA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Bloom Therapy LA
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
Santa Clarita, CA 91355
Welcome to Bloom Therapy LA! Our skilled and engaging therapists can work with you to resolve and heal past experiences which may be holding you back. Let us help you get unstuck and out of patterns that no longer serve you.
Welcome to Bloom Therapy LA! Our skilled and engaging therapists can work with you to resolve and heal past experiences which may be holding you back. Let us help you get unstuck and out of patterns that no longer serve you.
(661) 443-6471 View (661) 443-6471
Photo of Dr. Melissa Jinariu With Therapy So-Cal, PsyD, LMFT, Psychologist
Dr. Melissa Jinariu With Therapy So-Cal
Psychologist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Clarita, CA 91355
I've spent the last 25 years helping children, adolescents, and adults struggling with TRAUMA, worries, sadness, problems at school or home, or adjusting to difficult or scary life experiences (divorce, death, accident). If you feel stuck in repeated patterns, triggers, or unwanted memories from your past, we can help! If your child has difficulty managing their big feelings and behaviors, we've got you! We will work with you and/or your child using evidence based treatments like EMDR, TF-CBT, CBT, ERP, and PCIT to improve coping and quality of life. Your family's path to healing starts with a call to our practice: Therapy SoCal.
I've spent the last 25 years helping children, adolescents, and adults struggling with TRAUMA, worries, sadness, problems at school or home, or adjusting to difficult or scary life experiences (divorce, death, accident). If you feel stuck in repeated patterns, triggers, or unwanted memories from your past, we can help! If your child has difficulty managing their big feelings and behaviors, we've got you! We will work with you and/or your child using evidence based treatments like EMDR, TF-CBT, CBT, ERP, and PCIT to improve coping and quality of life. Your family's path to healing starts with a call to our practice: Therapy SoCal.
(661) 690-1228 View (661) 690-1228
Photo of Elizabeth Nims, AMFT, APCC, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Elizabeth Nims
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, APCC, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Clarita, CA 91355
Feeling stuck, unmotivated, or frustrated with who you are or where you are in your life? Wanting to make changes, but not sure where to start or how to maintain those changes? As a therapist, I find immense joy in coming alongside my clients to help them understand their core beliefs and enact change. I understand that many of us were not taught the skills we needed in childhood and need a therapist’s assistance in learning those skills. I am looking to work with highly motivated, consistent clients, who are ready to grow and develop themselves.
Feeling stuck, unmotivated, or frustrated with who you are or where you are in your life? Wanting to make changes, but not sure where to start or how to maintain those changes? As a therapist, I find immense joy in coming alongside my clients to help them understand their core beliefs and enact change. I understand that many of us were not taught the skills we needed in childhood and need a therapist’s assistance in learning those skills. I am looking to work with highly motivated, consistent clients, who are ready to grow and develop themselves.
(661) 306-2759 View (661) 306-2759
Photo of Shirley Duarte, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Shirley Duarte
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Clarita, CA 91350  (Online Only)
Hi there, I'm Shirley. Do you often feel weighed down by your feelings? Are you struggling with your relationships, work, and health? Is it hard to be kind to yourself? Experience loneliness regularly? Talk to me if you find it difficult to make friends and experience loneliness. Together, we can identify what's not working and get you back to balance. We'll use a whole self approach, addressing the needs of your mind, body, and spirit.
Hi there, I'm Shirley. Do you often feel weighed down by your feelings? Are you struggling with your relationships, work, and health? Is it hard to be kind to yourself? Experience loneliness regularly? Talk to me if you find it difficult to make friends and experience loneliness. Together, we can identify what's not working and get you back to balance. We'll use a whole self approach, addressing the needs of your mind, body, and spirit.
(657) 300-9815 View (657) 300-9815
Photo of Marie Chacon - Marie Chacon - ESA Letters (CA, OR, PA & UT), MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Marie Chacon - ESA Letters (CA, OR, PA & UT)
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Clarita, CA 91321  (Online Only)
My approach to therapy is to provide a supportive environment for change through warmth and compassion. I have more than a decade of clinical experience working with adolescents and adults with depression, anxiety, ADHD, phase of life issues/stressors, parents of incarcerated youth, conduct issues, and other mental health challenges. I also provide emotional support animal (ESA) assessment services to determine if you qualify for an ESA / ESA letter. I am licensed in California, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Utah.
My approach to therapy is to provide a supportive environment for change through warmth and compassion. I have more than a decade of clinical experience working with adolescents and adults with depression, anxiety, ADHD, phase of life issues/stressors, parents of incarcerated youth, conduct issues, and other mental health challenges. I also provide emotional support animal (ESA) assessment services to determine if you qualify for an ESA / ESA letter. I am licensed in California, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Utah.
(661) 689-7912 View (661) 689-7912
Photo of Mark Acuna, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Mark Acuna
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Clarita, CA 91350
Mark Anthony Acuna is a licensed Marriage Family Therapist (LMFT 78330) with over 20 years of clinical experience. He specializes in working with clients dealing with PTSD, substance abuse, trauma, depression, anxiety, autism, and grief and loss, as well as clients working on building their self-esteem. Mark is engaging and thoughtful in his treatment methodology; employing a client-centered therapy approach, which highlights the strengths of his clients in order to facilitate a smoother therapeutic healing process.
Mark Anthony Acuna is a licensed Marriage Family Therapist (LMFT 78330) with over 20 years of clinical experience. He specializes in working with clients dealing with PTSD, substance abuse, trauma, depression, anxiety, autism, and grief and loss, as well as clients working on building their self-esteem. Mark is engaging and thoughtful in his treatment methodology; employing a client-centered therapy approach, which highlights the strengths of his clients in order to facilitate a smoother therapeutic healing process.
(661) 493-8892 View (661) 493-8892
Photo of Lisa Kappaz, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lisa Kappaz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Clarita, CA 91355  (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with private, county, and healthcare system experience. My experience ranges from children to adults and I have specialized training in Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) and Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). I am currently only seeing adults and treat general mood disorders, anxiety disorders, postpartum, and phase-of-life transitions.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with private, county, and healthcare system experience. My experience ranges from children to adults and I have specialized training in Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) and Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). I am currently only seeing adults and treat general mood disorders, anxiety disorders, postpartum, and phase-of-life transitions.
(661) 339-5704 View (661) 339-5704
Photo of Lena S. Magardechian, MA, MFT, PsyD, Psychological Associate
Lena S. Magardechian
Psychological Associate, MA, MFT, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Clarita, CA 91321
Anxiety and doubt has been running your life for quite a while. Whether it is your own anxiety or the anxiety of your child, it feels like there is almost never a moment that is free from worry. You want to feel less controlled by the anxiety and more in charge of your own life again. You see what the anxiety is doing to you and to your family and desperately want to make a change. You may feel completely stuck and unsure of where to turn for help. With our years of experience in working with children, adults and families, Nicole Connolly, Ph.D. and Associates can help you break free from the anxiety and reclaim your life.
Anxiety and doubt has been running your life for quite a while. Whether it is your own anxiety or the anxiety of your child, it feels like there is almost never a moment that is free from worry. You want to feel less controlled by the anxiety and more in charge of your own life again. You see what the anxiety is doing to you and to your family and desperately want to make a change. You may feel completely stuck and unsure of where to turn for help. With our years of experience in working with children, adults and families, Nicole Connolly, Ph.D. and Associates can help you break free from the anxiety and reclaim your life.
(661) 218-1317 View (661) 218-1317
Photo of Frank Sanchez, PhD, Psychologist
Frank Sanchez
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Santa Clarita, CA 91355
Even the strongest people need help to work through some of life's more challenging problems. You may have noticed that you have been experiencing problems sleeping, problems in your relationships or problems functioning at work. Everyone has hurdles to overcome that sometimes include being weighed down by self-doubt, shame, worry, loneliness and only seeing what you did wrong. You may ask yourself “how can I continue like this”, well you don’t have to. It is possible to change and love your life.
Even the strongest people need help to work through some of life's more challenging problems. You may have noticed that you have been experiencing problems sleeping, problems in your relationships or problems functioning at work. Everyone has hurdles to overcome that sometimes include being weighed down by self-doubt, shame, worry, loneliness and only seeing what you did wrong. You may ask yourself “how can I continue like this”, well you don’t have to. It is possible to change and love your life.
(747) 205-1184 View (747) 205-1184
Photo of Lisa Clemente, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lisa Clemente
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Santa Clarita, CA 91321
Waitlist for in person session. Working through difficult times makes us, and our relationships, stronger. Making the decision to begin therapy isn't always easy, but sometimes it's just what you need to get your life back on track. Despite the stereotype of a therapist being someone who will, "tell you what to do," my role is to listen and help you toward hearing your own answers. It can offer you insight and perspective so you can achieve what you are striving for in your life. Together, we can explore what is getting in the way of you living a happier life.
Waitlist for in person session. Working through difficult times makes us, and our relationships, stronger. Making the decision to begin therapy isn't always easy, but sometimes it's just what you need to get your life back on track. Despite the stereotype of a therapist being someone who will, "tell you what to do," my role is to listen and help you toward hearing your own answers. It can offer you insight and perspective so you can achieve what you are striving for in your life. Together, we can explore what is getting in the way of you living a happier life.
(661) 338-5864 View (661) 338-5864
Photo of Ashley (Jennifer Ashley) T. Booth, LCSW, MSW, MS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ashley (Jennifer Ashley) T. Booth
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW, MS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Clarita, CA 91387  (Online Only)
The future of psychotherapy is with psychedelics. I have dedicated my life to bringing these tools above ground. I come to this meaningful work with integrity, heartfelt curiosity, and humility after witnessing how transformative psychedelics can be for individuals. I see healing and human connection as an essential aspect of what’s needed for our planet right now and nothing gives me more joy than to see people discovering their vitality and passion for life again. I currently work with ketamine and I also offer support to individuals dabbling with psychedelics and microdosing, providing risk reduction and integration.
The future of psychotherapy is with psychedelics. I have dedicated my life to bringing these tools above ground. I come to this meaningful work with integrity, heartfelt curiosity, and humility after witnessing how transformative psychedelics can be for individuals. I see healing and human connection as an essential aspect of what’s needed for our planet right now and nothing gives me more joy than to see people discovering their vitality and passion for life again. I currently work with ketamine and I also offer support to individuals dabbling with psychedelics and microdosing, providing risk reduction and integration.
(805) 323-9309 View (805) 323-9309
Photo of Jeff Zhorne, MA
Jeff Zhorne
MA
Verified Verified
Santa Clarita, CA 91321
Death and divorce catch most of us totally unprepared because we are not taught how to handle loss. We can feel so ill-equipped. Whether your loss is from death of a loved one, divorce or breakup, loss of trust, loss of safety or other meaningful emotional losses, healing is finding new reasons for living. Learn skills and tools to end the pain, isolation and emptiness. Discover healing and joy again.
Death and divorce catch most of us totally unprepared because we are not taught how to handle loss. We can feel so ill-equipped. Whether your loss is from death of a loved one, divorce or breakup, loss of trust, loss of safety or other meaningful emotional losses, healing is finding new reasons for living. Learn skills and tools to end the pain, isolation and emptiness. Discover healing and joy again.
(661) 733-0692 View (661) 733-0692
Photo of Sharon Price, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sharon Price
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Santa Clarita, CA 91354  (Online Only)
Hi there! My name is Sharon Price. Do you feel unseen and unheard, lonely in your relationships and family? Do you wish to have happy relationships but feel down and burdened? I work with individuals, couples and families from 3-83 in helping them cope with heavy hearts that rob them of the joy of connection. I love helping individuals learn new ways of communicating their wants and needs.
Hi there! My name is Sharon Price. Do you feel unseen and unheard, lonely in your relationships and family? Do you wish to have happy relationships but feel down and burdened? I work with individuals, couples and families from 3-83 in helping them cope with heavy hearts that rob them of the joy of connection. I love helping individuals learn new ways of communicating their wants and needs.
(661) 768-0736 View (661) 768-0736
Photo of Shauna Hoffman, MA, MFT, BCT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Shauna Hoffman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, BCT
Verified Verified
Santa Clarita, CA 91321
As a Relationship Specialist, Author, Podcaster and Speaker the first relationship I want my clients to look at is the relationship with themselves. Depression, Self Esteem Issues, Marital Conflict and even grief, are often a sign that you are truly on the search for who you are in this world. Whether you are a newly divorced adult, a couple striving to understand each other or a teen searching for self esteem, if you don't look within, you can never find your way to happiness. I offer Individual, Joint and Family Counseling. My podcast, A Journey To Awareness can be heard on IHeart Radio, Spotify, Apple and other Podcast platforms
As a Relationship Specialist, Author, Podcaster and Speaker the first relationship I want my clients to look at is the relationship with themselves. Depression, Self Esteem Issues, Marital Conflict and even grief, are often a sign that you are truly on the search for who you are in this world. Whether you are a newly divorced adult, a couple striving to understand each other or a teen searching for self esteem, if you don't look within, you can never find your way to happiness. I offer Individual, Joint and Family Counseling. My podcast, A Journey To Awareness can be heard on IHeart Radio, Spotify, Apple and other Podcast platforms
(661) 430-0392 View (661) 430-0392
Photo of April McClellan, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
April McClellan
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Clarita, CA 91354
My name is April McClellan, and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in the state of California. I completed my master’s degree in Marriage, Family, and Child Therapy at the University of Phoenix in 2010, and I have over 10 years of clinical experience across a variety of settings (outpatient substance abuse treatment, community mental health, nonprofit, and private practice). I have also facilitated anger management groups and grief counseling support groups for victims of crime in the city of Los Angeles.
My name is April McClellan, and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in the state of California. I completed my master’s degree in Marriage, Family, and Child Therapy at the University of Phoenix in 2010, and I have over 10 years of clinical experience across a variety of settings (outpatient substance abuse treatment, community mental health, nonprofit, and private practice). I have also facilitated anger management groups and grief counseling support groups for victims of crime in the city of Los Angeles.
(661) 690-2189 View (661) 690-2189
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How does your Therapist compare?

Number of Therapists in Santa Clarita, CA

400+

Average cost per session

$160

Therapists in Santa Clarita, CA who prioritize treating:

93% Anxiety
88% Depression
74% Self Esteem
73% Relationship Issues
71% Coping Skills
64% Trauma and PTSD
64% Stress

Average years in practice

12 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

79% Aetna
70% Cigna and Evernorth
70% Optum

How Therapists in Santa Clarita, CA see their clients

71% In Person and Online
29% Online Only

Gender breakdown

81% Female
18% Male
1% Non-Binary
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling

How can I find a therapist in Santa Clarita?

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.