Therapists in East Baton Rouge Parish, LA

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Photo of Donna M Barnes-Johnson, LPC-S, EdD, Licensed Professional Counselor
Donna M Barnes-Johnson
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S, EdD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Baton Rouge, LA 70816
Life happens, and sometimes life happens hard. Do you find that when you fall, you have a hard time getting back up again? Do you feel stuck and like you can’t find your way out? I often come across people just like you; feeling a loss of identity, questioning themselves, and whether or not they have purpose. The hurt and pain you’ve endured can obscure this one truth: YOU, My Dear, have purpose.
Life happens, and sometimes life happens hard. Do you find that when you fall, you have a hard time getting back up again? Do you feel stuck and like you can’t find your way out? I often come across people just like you; feeling a loss of identity, questioning themselves, and whether or not they have purpose. The hurt and pain you’ve endured can obscure this one truth: YOU, My Dear, have purpose.
(225) 475-3169 View (225) 475-3169
Photo of Lauren DeSalvo, MA, PLPC, Pre-Licensed Professional
Lauren DeSalvo
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, PLPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Baton Rouge, LA 70810
I am passionate about helping people overcome histories of trauma and cycles of anxiety, depression, and hopelessness. I work best with clients who deal with C-PTSD, PTSD, anxiety, stress, and grief. I am eager to help my clients understand how trauma impacts their nervous system and to teach them ways to regulate their nervous system through emotion-focused and somatic interventions.
I am passionate about helping people overcome histories of trauma and cycles of anxiety, depression, and hopelessness. I work best with clients who deal with C-PTSD, PTSD, anxiety, stress, and grief. I am eager to help my clients understand how trauma impacts their nervous system and to teach them ways to regulate their nervous system through emotion-focused and somatic interventions.
(225) 239-4805 View (225) 239-4805
Judy O. Holland
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BACS
Verified Verified
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
Waitlist for new clients
I am a licensed clinical social worker with 30+ years of experience. I work with individuals who have complicated histories and current complex situations. If permitted, I will walk beside you in your healing process, offering education, direction, encouragement, & support. Many come into therapy feeling misunderstood, overwhelmed and alone. I aim to develop a trusting relationship & provide safety which is critical to recovery. My typical client is a person with one or more addictions and/or PTSD symptoms & reactions, depression, anxiety, bi-polar disorder, etc.; any combination may or may not have been diagnosed at time of entry.
I am a licensed clinical social worker with 30+ years of experience. I work with individuals who have complicated histories and current complex situations. If permitted, I will walk beside you in your healing process, offering education, direction, encouragement, & support. Many come into therapy feeling misunderstood, overwhelmed and alone. I aim to develop a trusting relationship & provide safety which is critical to recovery. My typical client is a person with one or more addictions and/or PTSD symptoms & reactions, depression, anxiety, bi-polar disorder, etc.; any combination may or may not have been diagnosed at time of entry.
(225) 263-3695 View (225) 263-3695
Photo of Doug Leyda, LCSW, BACS, ACSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Doug Leyda
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BACS, ACSW
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Baton Rouge, LA 70816
Your insurance will list me as John (Douglas) Leyda and my direct number is 225-610-4750................... When life seems a bit too much, it is time for a healthier balance. I know seeking professional help may be challenging. My goal as your therapist will be to provide an open and accepting place where you can progressively build on your strengths and overcome that which holds you back. I am experienced in working with clients of diverse backgrounds. Additionally, as a Board Approved Clinical Supervisor (BACS), I provide clinical supervision for social workers pursuing licensure.
Your insurance will list me as John (Douglas) Leyda and my direct number is 225-610-4750................... When life seems a bit too much, it is time for a healthier balance. I know seeking professional help may be challenging. My goal as your therapist will be to provide an open and accepting place where you can progressively build on your strengths and overcome that which holds you back. I am experienced in working with clients of diverse backgrounds. Additionally, as a Board Approved Clinical Supervisor (BACS), I provide clinical supervision for social workers pursuing licensure.
(225) 307-3146 View (225) 307-3146
Photo of Elizabeth Jones, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Elizabeth Jones
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
My office is a safe space for gay women. If you are struggling in your relationship, coming out to your family or stressed navigating the dating world I can help. I work with clients who want fulfilling, meaningful lives in their relationships and careers. If you're feeling uncertain about the direction of your career or relationships, we’ll develop the tools you need to feel more confident in your decision-making. If a painful childhood or past trauma is weighing you down, we’ll address stress and negative thoughts to help you start feeling better.
My office is a safe space for gay women. If you are struggling in your relationship, coming out to your family or stressed navigating the dating world I can help. I work with clients who want fulfilling, meaningful lives in their relationships and careers. If you're feeling uncertain about the direction of your career or relationships, we’ll develop the tools you need to feel more confident in your decision-making. If a painful childhood or past trauma is weighing you down, we’ll address stress and negative thoughts to help you start feeling better.
(225) 396-5520 View (225) 396-5520
Photo of Kimberly Brown, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kimberly Brown
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Baton Rouge, LA 70816
Waitlist for new clients
Hello and welcome! As a therapist, I can help you manage your everyday challenges in a warm and supportive environment. By working together, my goal will be to help you feel better as quickly as possible.
Hello and welcome! As a therapist, I can help you manage your everyday challenges in a warm and supportive environment. By working together, my goal will be to help you feel better as quickly as possible.
(225) 314-5696 View (225) 314-5696
Photo of Caitlyn Fruge, MS, LPC, Counselor
Caitlyn Fruge
Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Baton Rouge, LA 70810
I believe counseling benefits everyone but it is important to find a good match between counselor and client. I challenge you to grow, explore issues, and develop future goals by providing the necessary tools to overcome barriers through newly found awareness. It is at the utmost importance to me that you feel safe in a nurturing environment that facilitates self-acceptance and validation. I utilize integrated counseling techniques which focus on holistic wellness perspective.
I believe counseling benefits everyone but it is important to find a good match between counselor and client. I challenge you to grow, explore issues, and develop future goals by providing the necessary tools to overcome barriers through newly found awareness. It is at the utmost importance to me that you feel safe in a nurturing environment that facilitates self-acceptance and validation. I utilize integrated counseling techniques which focus on holistic wellness perspective.
(225) 320-5076 View (225) 320-5076
Photo of Lisa Head, MA, MDiv, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Lisa Head
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, MDiv, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Waitlist for new clients
I work with all ages of clients: adults, adolescents and children older than 6. My adult clients generally have a trauma or grief background and are ready to stop letting their past define their current lives. I do work from a Story Informed Trauma Therapy approach with EMDR, and together, we look deeply into your stories and begin recognizing patterns that were once very helpful, but now no longer working. By understanding why you made past choices, my clients find that they can begin to transform unwanted thoughts and behaviors into a healthier way of life. With children, I focus on grief, anxiety and life issues related to kids.
I work with all ages of clients: adults, adolescents and children older than 6. My adult clients generally have a trauma or grief background and are ready to stop letting their past define their current lives. I do work from a Story Informed Trauma Therapy approach with EMDR, and together, we look deeply into your stories and begin recognizing patterns that were once very helpful, but now no longer working. By understanding why you made past choices, my clients find that they can begin to transform unwanted thoughts and behaviors into a healthier way of life. With children, I focus on grief, anxiety and life issues related to kids.
(225) 414-6183 View (225) 414-6183
Photo of Ashley Scott, LCSW, MSW, PMH-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ashley Scott
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW, PMH-C
Verified Verified
Baton Rouge, LA 70810  (Online Only)
If you are struggling with perinatal mental health, life transitions, body acceptance, or eating disorders and are motivated to start living more fully and true to your values, I might be the therapist for you. My skill set lies in my ability to connect with people and my commitment to helping you through whatever is moving you to seek therapy. We all benefit from the support of others, but some of us have a hard time asking for help (myself included). If there’s something you could use a hand in conquering, I hope you will take that next step and reach out! I'm glad you are here and look forward to chatting soon.
If you are struggling with perinatal mental health, life transitions, body acceptance, or eating disorders and are motivated to start living more fully and true to your values, I might be the therapist for you. My skill set lies in my ability to connect with people and my commitment to helping you through whatever is moving you to seek therapy. We all benefit from the support of others, but some of us have a hard time asking for help (myself included). If there’s something you could use a hand in conquering, I hope you will take that next step and reach out! I'm glad you are here and look forward to chatting soon.
(470) 613-2759 View (470) 613-2759
Photo of Mechele de Avila Evans - Mechele de Avila, LCSW, LLC, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Mechele de Avila, LCSW, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Baton Rouge, LA 70815
"I don't know what's wrong with me, but I don't feel like myself." Many things can happen in our lives that cause us to feel, "off," or not like we used to be. We may think that we aren't enjoying life as much as we used to, we may find that we are too caught up in our own head to enjoy things we used to enjoy. If you are feeling sad, overwhelmed, anxious, worried, nervous, or having a hard time dealing with changes, therapy can help. Most of us want a life worth living: good relationships with ourselves and others, happiness, and motivation to do things that we want to do. If you're ready to make some changes and start feeling better, call me for a free ten minute consultation to see how I can help you get back on track to feeling better.
"I don't know what's wrong with me, but I don't feel like myself." Many things can happen in our lives that cause us to feel, "off," or not like we used to be. We may think that we aren't enjoying life as much as we used to, we may find that we are too caught up in our own head to enjoy things we used to enjoy. If you are feeling sad, overwhelmed, anxious, worried, nervous, or having a hard time dealing with changes, therapy can help. Most of us want a life worth living: good relationships with ourselves and others, happiness, and motivation to do things that we want to do. If you're ready to make some changes and start feeling better, call me for a free ten minute consultation to see how I can help you get back on track to feeling better.
(225) 522-4998 View (225) 522-4998
Photo of Maureen S Powell, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Maureen S Powell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
I’ve been providing trauma counseling for over 20 years. I’m really excited to be providing a newer psychotherapy technique to treat trauma. DBR (Deep Brain Reorienting) is a trauma therapy which “aims to access the core of the traumatic experience in a way which tracks the original physiological sequence in the brainstem” (deepbrainreorienting.com)
I’ve been providing trauma counseling for over 20 years. I’m really excited to be providing a newer psychotherapy technique to treat trauma. DBR (Deep Brain Reorienting) is a trauma therapy which “aims to access the core of the traumatic experience in a way which tracks the original physiological sequence in the brainstem” (deepbrainreorienting.com)
(225) 442-9607 View (225) 442-9607
Photo of Sarah M Tipton, MA, NCC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Sarah M Tipton
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
Not accepting new clients
Hello, my name is Sarah Mecholsky Tipton and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Masters in Community Counseling from LSU. I am passionate about the work I do, and what fuels my passion is my clients. I see counseling as a collaborative process where I work together with you to explore and define the present problem situations. I value the insight and perspective each of my clients brings to the therapy room, since each person provides invaluable insights into their own life. I take a person-centered approach and will employ an eclectic counseling style, dependent on what each client needs.
Hello, my name is Sarah Mecholsky Tipton and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Masters in Community Counseling from LSU. I am passionate about the work I do, and what fuels my passion is my clients. I see counseling as a collaborative process where I work together with you to explore and define the present problem situations. I value the insight and perspective each of my clients brings to the therapy room, since each person provides invaluable insights into their own life. I take a person-centered approach and will employ an eclectic counseling style, dependent on what each client needs.
(225) 425-3705 View (225) 425-3705
Photo of Sharon Valencia, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sharon Valencia
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
Are there serious problems in your marriage or in a difficult relationship? Do you feel overwhelmed by anxiety, stress or depression? If you struggle with a painful life situation, why not get the help you need now! I work with individuals and couples to resolve issues and empower you to create the life you desire. I am warm and accepting and will provide you with a safe place to begin your inner healing.
Are there serious problems in your marriage or in a difficult relationship? Do you feel overwhelmed by anxiety, stress or depression? If you struggle with a painful life situation, why not get the help you need now! I work with individuals and couples to resolve issues and empower you to create the life you desire. I am warm and accepting and will provide you with a safe place to begin your inner healing.
(225) 686-5679 View (225) 686-5679
Photo of Hannah Knaus, MEd, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Hannah Knaus
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Baton Rouge, LA 70810
My focus as a therapist is preteen/teenage girls’ and adult women’s mental health. You may be experiencing feelings of anxiety, depression, low self confidence, stress, or are struggling to find acceptance toward a life change. Perhaps you are unfulfilled with your career or major choice and need support in determining your life path. Maybe you’ve experienced trauma, and you’re finding that memories of an impactful event have held you back from living your fullest life. My goal is to utilize a client-centered, eclectic approach to provide you with the space to feel safe to process and overcome challenges you are facing.
My focus as a therapist is preteen/teenage girls’ and adult women’s mental health. You may be experiencing feelings of anxiety, depression, low self confidence, stress, or are struggling to find acceptance toward a life change. Perhaps you are unfulfilled with your career or major choice and need support in determining your life path. Maybe you’ve experienced trauma, and you’re finding that memories of an impactful event have held you back from living your fullest life. My goal is to utilize a client-centered, eclectic approach to provide you with the space to feel safe to process and overcome challenges you are facing.
(337) 202-8514 View (337) 202-8514
Photo of Angel Vaccaro, LPC , Licensed Professional Counselor
Angel Vaccaro
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Baton Rouge, LA 70816
I am a professional counselor licensed in Louisiana with over 8 years of counseling experience. I love spending time with my family and friends. I enjoy Cajun food, love to cook, and I am an adventurer. working with individuals who struggle with eating disorders, mood disorders, trauma, physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, and addictions. My therapy style is warm and accepting. I believe in treating individuals with respect, compassion, and empathy. I use a variety of approaches such as cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, narrative, eclectic, internal family systems, faith based, and rational emotive therapies.
I am a professional counselor licensed in Louisiana with over 8 years of counseling experience. I love spending time with my family and friends. I enjoy Cajun food, love to cook, and I am an adventurer. working with individuals who struggle with eating disorders, mood disorders, trauma, physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, and addictions. My therapy style is warm and accepting. I believe in treating individuals with respect, compassion, and empathy. I use a variety of approaches such as cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, narrative, eclectic, internal family systems, faith based, and rational emotive therapies.
(225) 314-6828 View (225) 314-6828
Photo of Jesse Mack, LPC-S, RPT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jesse Mack
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S, RPT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Baton Rouge, LA 70816
My focus is with children, adolescents, and adults with various mental health concerns. I work with each individual, and their families, to help build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they have set out to accomplish. I welcome anyone, of any sexual or gender identification. My goal is to provide a safe, compassionate, and honest place to work together through identified obstacles.
My focus is with children, adolescents, and adults with various mental health concerns. I work with each individual, and their families, to help build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they have set out to accomplish. I welcome anyone, of any sexual or gender identification. My goal is to provide a safe, compassionate, and honest place to work together through identified obstacles.
(225) 230-2943 View (225) 230-2943
Photo of Joanna Hynes, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Joanna Hynes
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
I love working with adults seeking help to process a life event or past trauma. My clients seek help dealing with symptoms of anxiety, depression, burn out, irritability, physical issues like migraines or digestive problems, or just wondering why they respond the way they do. Most are coping with more feelings than usual, healing from a loss, and hope to feel like themselves again. Other clients may be aware of unhealed trauma from childhood that they now feel ready to process.
I love working with adults seeking help to process a life event or past trauma. My clients seek help dealing with symptoms of anxiety, depression, burn out, irritability, physical issues like migraines or digestive problems, or just wondering why they respond the way they do. Most are coping with more feelings than usual, healing from a loss, and hope to feel like themselves again. Other clients may be aware of unhealed trauma from childhood that they now feel ready to process.
(504) 420-7572 View (504) 420-7572
Photo of Gwanette Johnson - Guided Journey Counseling & Consulting, LLC, MA, NCC, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor
Guided Journey Counseling & Consulting, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, LPC-S
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
Are you ready to take that first step to wellness and personal growth? I am here to assist you. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 10 years of experience. My goal is to provide a warm and trusting environment for individuals to gain the necessary skills needed to overcome the everyday challenges and struggles in life. I help people with a variety of issues including but not limited to depression, stress, anxiety, relationship problems, life transitions and career development across the lifespan.
Are you ready to take that first step to wellness and personal growth? I am here to assist you. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 10 years of experience. My goal is to provide a warm and trusting environment for individuals to gain the necessary skills needed to overcome the everyday challenges and struggles in life. I help people with a variety of issues including but not limited to depression, stress, anxiety, relationship problems, life transitions and career development across the lifespan.
(225) 522-4893 View (225) 522-4893
Photo of Keesha J Turner - Step Bye Step Wellness LLC, MA, MS, LPC, CCTP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Step Bye Step Wellness LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, MS, LPC, CCTP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Baton Rouge, LA 70817
Not accepting new clients
Do you feel stuck, experienced infidelity, overwhelmed, feeling emotional, family and/or relational issues or honestly unsure. It's okay. It is my hope for clients to understand meeting with a therapist is effective. Both the Therapist and client work together through short-term discomfort to establish long-term health and wellness goals. Therapy is a space where clients and therapists build trusting mutual relationships.
Do you feel stuck, experienced infidelity, overwhelmed, feeling emotional, family and/or relational issues or honestly unsure. It's okay. It is my hope for clients to understand meeting with a therapist is effective. Both the Therapist and client work together through short-term discomfort to establish long-term health and wellness goals. Therapy is a space where clients and therapists build trusting mutual relationships.
(225) 206-5659 View (225) 206-5659
Photo of Lynn Gresham, MEd, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Lynn Gresham
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
Trying to manage the stress in our relationships can be overwhelming, frustrating, and painful. Are you questioning the commitment you made, and wondering if things can get any better? Did an event happen causing your relationship to change? Do you want to take the next step in your commitment, but would like to identify strengths and examine potential roadblocks before moving forward? Maybe you're doing well, but could strengthen intimacy, communication, or understanding within your relationship.
Trying to manage the stress in our relationships can be overwhelming, frustrating, and painful. Are you questioning the commitment you made, and wondering if things can get any better? Did an event happen causing your relationship to change? Do you want to take the next step in your commitment, but would like to identify strengths and examine potential roadblocks before moving forward? Maybe you're doing well, but could strengthen intimacy, communication, or understanding within your relationship.
(225) 442-9620 View (225) 442-9620
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How does your Therapist compare?

Number of Therapists in East Baton Rouge Parish, LA

600+

Average cost per session

$125

Therapists in East Baton Rouge Parish, LA who prioritize treating:

91% Anxiety
87% Depression
76% Relationship Issues
76% Coping Skills
74% Self Esteem
71% Stress
63% Grief

Average years in practice

10 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

72% BlueCross and BlueShield
70% Aetna
68% UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH

How Therapists in East Baton Rouge Parish, LA see their clients

69% In Person and Online
31% Online Only

Gender breakdown

80% Female
19% Male
1% Non-Binary
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling

How can I find a therapist in East Baton Rouge Parish?

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.