Therapists in Baton Rouge, LA

Photo of Shan Russell, PhD, LPC-S, NCC, CAMS-II, Licensed Professional Counselor
Shan Russell
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC-S, NCC, CAMS-II
Verified Verified
Baton Rouge, LA 70816  (Online Only)
It takes courage and commitment to begin the therapy process. It is my hope that through the creation of a safe, non-judgmental space and a collaborative relationship, clients will be able to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Whether its related to relationships, work, family, or even nothing that you can identify at all. As the therapist, I will provide that space and that relationship, as well as insight, skills, knowledge, emotional support, guidance, and encouragement that can lead each person to make the changes he or she is seeking. Ignoring the problem is not the answer even though it seems easier.
It takes courage and commitment to begin the therapy process. It is my hope that through the creation of a safe, non-judgmental space and a collaborative relationship, clients will be able to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Whether its related to relationships, work, family, or even nothing that you can identify at all. As the therapist, I will provide that space and that relationship, as well as insight, skills, knowledge, emotional support, guidance, and encouragement that can lead each person to make the changes he or she is seeking. Ignoring the problem is not the answer even though it seems easier.
(833) 527-0702 View (833) 527-0702
Photo of Christina W Westbrook, MS, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Christina W Westbrook
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Baton Rouge, LA 70810
Not accepting new clients
For new appointments You can text me directly at 225-650-5721. I enjoy working with individuals of all ages. I view the counseling relationship as a partnership in which I assist my clients in working through problems, and help them learn practical and healthy ways to meet their goals and improve their overall functioning. I use an integrative trauma-focused therapy approach, which includes a variety of techniques and modalities. My areas of focus are Physical, Emotional, and Sexual Trauma, Sports Trauma, Relationship Trauma, and Medical Trauma.
For new appointments You can text me directly at 225-650-5721. I enjoy working with individuals of all ages. I view the counseling relationship as a partnership in which I assist my clients in working through problems, and help them learn practical and healthy ways to meet their goals and improve their overall functioning. I use an integrative trauma-focused therapy approach, which includes a variety of techniques and modalities. My areas of focus are Physical, Emotional, and Sexual Trauma, Sports Trauma, Relationship Trauma, and Medical Trauma.
(225) 475-3257 View (225) 475-3257
Photo of Samantha Webb, PLPC, Pre-Licensed Professional
Samantha Webb
Pre-Licensed Professional, PLPC
Verified Verified
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
Hi there! I strive to create a collaborative treatment experience that fosters a strong therapeutic alliance using various evidence based modalities. I am passionate about working through issues related to body image, disordered eating behaviors, relationship & attachment issues, as well as mood disorders with adolescents and adults. In my approach, I use humanistic and existential therapies to aid in bringing understanding and meaning to life. With a passion for helping others and a love for creating meaningful connections, I strive to support clients in reaching their ultimate potential.
Hi there! I strive to create a collaborative treatment experience that fosters a strong therapeutic alliance using various evidence based modalities. I am passionate about working through issues related to body image, disordered eating behaviors, relationship & attachment issues, as well as mood disorders with adolescents and adults. In my approach, I use humanistic and existential therapies to aid in bringing understanding and meaning to life. With a passion for helping others and a love for creating meaningful connections, I strive to support clients in reaching their ultimate potential.
(225) 401-6263 View (225) 401-6263
Photo of Frazier Woods Jr, LPC , Licensed Professional Counselor
Frazier Woods Jr
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Baton Rouge, LA 70816
I am privileged to work adults & college-aged students regardless of their gender, ethnicity, or familiarity/comfortability with therapy. My approach works best with individuals seeking safety (a non-judgmental space to share their concerns) & support (cognitive approaches/practical tools that will improve client functioning) in the areas of anxiety, depression, & other life experiences that cause distress or impairment.
I am privileged to work adults & college-aged students regardless of their gender, ethnicity, or familiarity/comfortability with therapy. My approach works best with individuals seeking safety (a non-judgmental space to share their concerns) & support (cognitive approaches/practical tools that will improve client functioning) in the areas of anxiety, depression, & other life experiences that cause distress or impairment.
(225) 396-5685 View (225) 396-5685
Photo of Doug White - Doug White & Associates, Licensed Professional Counselor
Doug White & Associates
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
Doug White and Associates provides a wide range of services for those who have mental health struggles. Our practice takes pride in offering services to the community through six clinicians who specialize in a wide range of mental health areas. Our practice, as a whole, specializes in Sexual and Porn Addiction, but we are grateful to have a team that can help with many different areas. The staff at Doug White and Associates is highly trained and skilled in helping individuals recover from sexual addiction, pornography addiction, affairs, and other process addictions.
Doug White and Associates provides a wide range of services for those who have mental health struggles. Our practice takes pride in offering services to the community through six clinicians who specialize in a wide range of mental health areas. Our practice, as a whole, specializes in Sexual and Porn Addiction, but we are grateful to have a team that can help with many different areas. The staff at Doug White and Associates is highly trained and skilled in helping individuals recover from sexual addiction, pornography addiction, affairs, and other process addictions.
(225) 372-5305 View (225) 372-5305
Photo of Alan L. Taylor, PhD, Psychologist
Alan L. Taylor
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
Life is guaranteed to produce problems for you to face and solve. Whatever they may be, you do not have to face them alone. We all need someone else to listen, understand, and guide us when we want to cope better with problems, increase our quality of life, or make important decisions.
Life is guaranteed to produce problems for you to face and solve. Whatever they may be, you do not have to face them alone. We all need someone else to listen, understand, and guide us when we want to cope better with problems, increase our quality of life, or make important decisions.
(225) 412-6911 View (225) 412-6911
Photo of Caila Monet Palmer, MEd, PLPC
Caila Monet Palmer
Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, PLPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Baton Rouge, LA 70816  (Online Only)
When life gets hard, it may be easy to feel like an empty shell of yourself, often waiting for hope amid the weight of anxiety, depression, stress, & trauma making it an even heavier burden to manage the demands of daily life. Guided by the principles of community, commitment, and autonomy, my mission is to equip individuals with the tools needed to navigate their distinct life journeys, overcome challenges, and pursue their aspirations. I am dedicated to establishing a secure, nonjudgmental, & accepting environment where you are encouraged to embark on a journey of authentic self-discovery, skill enhancement, and individual growth.
When life gets hard, it may be easy to feel like an empty shell of yourself, often waiting for hope amid the weight of anxiety, depression, stress, & trauma making it an even heavier burden to manage the demands of daily life. Guided by the principles of community, commitment, and autonomy, my mission is to equip individuals with the tools needed to navigate their distinct life journeys, overcome challenges, and pursue their aspirations. I am dedicated to establishing a secure, nonjudgmental, & accepting environment where you are encouraged to embark on a journey of authentic self-discovery, skill enhancement, and individual growth.
(504) 420-7417 View (504) 420-7417
Photo of Cali Barrett - Cali Barrett, LCSW, MSW, LCSW, BACS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Cali Barrett, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, BACS
Verified Verified
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
My desire is to meet my clients right where they are in life and journey with them through life's hardships. Whatever is currently weighing you down - anxiety, depression, financial struggles, parental stress, relational problems, communication problems, feeling overwhelmed, feeling not enough or too much, or any other burdens, I am here to journey with you. I want to provide a safe, comfortable, and confidential environment to allow my clients the space to process, heal, or just "be" in a non-judgemental atmosphere. You are not alone. You are welcome here. Just as you are. I look forward to meeting you!
My desire is to meet my clients right where they are in life and journey with them through life's hardships. Whatever is currently weighing you down - anxiety, depression, financial struggles, parental stress, relational problems, communication problems, feeling overwhelmed, feeling not enough or too much, or any other burdens, I am here to journey with you. I want to provide a safe, comfortable, and confidential environment to allow my clients the space to process, heal, or just "be" in a non-judgemental atmosphere. You are not alone. You are welcome here. Just as you are. I look forward to meeting you!
(225) 396-2224 View (225) 396-2224
Photo of Patricia L. Meek, MFA, LPC, LAC, LLC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Patricia L. Meek
Licensed Professional Counselor, MFA, LPC, LAC, LLC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Waitlist for new clients
Are you ready for deep and lasting change? Are you willing to practice self-compassion for those wounded parts that hold you back from a fulfilling life? Therapy is a courageous act of exploring and releasing old wounds, discovering and embracing authenticity, and learning to make conscious choices with compassion. I have nineteen years of experience using a unique blend of integrative therapies that include somatic awareness, mindfulness, Jungian psychology, and spiritually focused counseling that will allow you to uncover subconscious traumatic patterns, internalized cognitive distortions, and maladaptive coping strategies.
Are you ready for deep and lasting change? Are you willing to practice self-compassion for those wounded parts that hold you back from a fulfilling life? Therapy is a courageous act of exploring and releasing old wounds, discovering and embracing authenticity, and learning to make conscious choices with compassion. I have nineteen years of experience using a unique blend of integrative therapies that include somatic awareness, mindfulness, Jungian psychology, and spiritually focused counseling that will allow you to uncover subconscious traumatic patterns, internalized cognitive distortions, and maladaptive coping strategies.
(225) 777-9796 View (225) 777-9796
Photo of Lindsey Armentor, MEd, LPC-S, LAC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Lindsey Armentor
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC-S, LAC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
I am not what happened to me. I am what I Choose to become. -Dr. Carl Jung... Trauma and circumstances do not have to define your life any longer. As a trauma informed Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Addiction Counselor, I possess the skillset to address both mental health and substance use disorders. Tell me your story and let me help you to develop healthier ways of coping with stress, anxiety, and depression. I also specialize in helping clients and families who struggle with the negative affects of substance use on individuals and/or the family unit.
I am not what happened to me. I am what I Choose to become. -Dr. Carl Jung... Trauma and circumstances do not have to define your life any longer. As a trauma informed Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Addiction Counselor, I possess the skillset to address both mental health and substance use disorders. Tell me your story and let me help you to develop healthier ways of coping with stress, anxiety, and depression. I also specialize in helping clients and families who struggle with the negative affects of substance use on individuals and/or the family unit.
(337) 455-7824 View (337) 455-7824
Photo of Hannah Knaus, MEd, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Hannah Knaus
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
3 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 Ernesha Smith, DBH, LCSW, BACS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ernesha Smith
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DBH, LCSW, BACS
Verified Verified
Baton Rouge, LA 70816  (Online Only)
My name is Ernesha, some call me Dr. Smith or Dr. E, but you can call me whatever feels comfortable for you! As a dedicated holistic therapist, I specialize in helping you reframe your thoughts, reconnect with your core values, and break through the subconscious barriers that maybe holding you back. Whether you’re navigating the complexities of life transitions, tackling relationship issues, needing a boost in self-confidence, or healing from unresolved trauma and loss, my approach is tailored to address the roots of your challenges to improve your overall well-being. I have supported many of my clients through difficult life events
My name is Ernesha, some call me Dr. Smith or Dr. E, but you can call me whatever feels comfortable for you! As a dedicated holistic therapist, I specialize in helping you reframe your thoughts, reconnect with your core values, and break through the subconscious barriers that maybe holding you back. Whether you’re navigating the complexities of life transitions, tackling relationship issues, needing a boost in self-confidence, or healing from unresolved trauma and loss, my approach is tailored to address the roots of your challenges to improve your overall well-being. I have supported many of my clients through difficult life events
(225) 263-6519 View (225) 263-6519
Photo of Zalexis Williams, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Zalexis Williams
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Baton Rouge, LA 70816
Not accepting new clients
Welcome! Are you looking to gain a better sense of who you are? Maybe there's been a recent change in your life and you're having a difficult time adjusting. Do you find yourself overwhelmed often? Dealing with pushback while trying to break generational patterns and set boundaries? Battling with unresolved trauma? Or, are you involved in a romantic relationship that lacks trust, intimacy, respect, and /or affection?
Welcome! Are you looking to gain a better sense of who you are? Maybe there's been a recent change in your life and you're having a difficult time adjusting. Do you find yourself overwhelmed often? Dealing with pushback while trying to break generational patterns and set boundaries? Battling with unresolved trauma? Or, are you involved in a romantic relationship that lacks trust, intimacy, respect, and /or affection?
(225) 686-5929 View (225) 686-5929
Photo of Debbie B. Breaux, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Debbie B. Breaux
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
If you are looking for a safe non-judgmental space where your preferences and pace will be honored, then read on. I believe it is possible to heal from past trauma and recover from eating disorders. However, I also believe healing requires more than just talk therapy.
If you are looking for a safe non-judgmental space where your preferences and pace will be honored, then read on. I believe it is possible to heal from past trauma and recover from eating disorders. However, I also believe healing requires more than just talk therapy.
(225) 283-1168 View (225) 283-1168
Photo of Samantha Rauber, LPC-S, NCC, PMH-C, Licensed Professional Counselor
Samantha Rauber
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S, NCC, PMH-C
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
Are you a mother feeling overwhelmed? Are you currently pregnant and navigating these intense emotions as you prepare to bring home baby? Are you a new mom and have met some difficult challenges? Was your birth experience not what you expected? Perhaps you are a new dad adjusting to life with a baby. Maybe you are looking for support through the journey of infertility and loss. If you can identify with any of these scenarios and have begun the search for counseling services, know how brave you already are. You will be met without judgement and limitless compassion as you embark on your journey into new parenthood wellness.
Are you a mother feeling overwhelmed? Are you currently pregnant and navigating these intense emotions as you prepare to bring home baby? Are you a new mom and have met some difficult challenges? Was your birth experience not what you expected? Perhaps you are a new dad adjusting to life with a baby. Maybe you are looking for support through the journey of infertility and loss. If you can identify with any of these scenarios and have begun the search for counseling services, know how brave you already are. You will be met without judgement and limitless compassion as you embark on your journey into new parenthood wellness.
(225) 412-6253 View (225) 412-6253
Photo of Shautera Clofer, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Shautera Clofer
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
Shautera Clofer is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 7 years of experience in the mental health field. She is passionate about helping families, couples, adolescents, and adults navigate life changes and stressors and live a more meaningful, balanced, and positive life. She specializes in stress, anxiety, grief, family conflict, self-esteem, anger, depression, and child/adolescent therapy. Shautera completed her Master of Arts in counseling at the University of Holy Cross. She has 7 siblings and has great knowledge of family systems, understanding that, with families, it truly takes a village and not everyone has that village.
Shautera Clofer is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 7 years of experience in the mental health field. She is passionate about helping families, couples, adolescents, and adults navigate life changes and stressors and live a more meaningful, balanced, and positive life. She specializes in stress, anxiety, grief, family conflict, self-esteem, anger, depression, and child/adolescent therapy. Shautera completed her Master of Arts in counseling at the University of Holy Cross. She has 7 siblings and has great knowledge of family systems, understanding that, with families, it truly takes a village and not everyone has that village.
(225) 577-5689 View (225) 577-5689
Photo of Genevieve Haydel - Healthy Progressions, LCSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Healthy Progressions, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Baton Rouge, LA 70816
The services provided at Healthy Progressions include individual therapy targeting clients with, but not limited, to the following diagnosis: Major depression, PTSD, Bipolar, Anxiety, OCD, Adjustment disorder, Eating disorders as well as those with a history of grief and trauma. The population served will be individuals of all genders ranging from 6 years of age and older.
The services provided at Healthy Progressions include individual therapy targeting clients with, but not limited, to the following diagnosis: Major depression, PTSD, Bipolar, Anxiety, OCD, Adjustment disorder, Eating disorders as well as those with a history of grief and trauma. The population served will be individuals of all genders ranging from 6 years of age and older.
(225) 307-4368 View (225) 307-4368
Photo of Stephenne Brady Calhoun, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Stephenne Brady Calhoun
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Baton Rouge, LA 70810
As a counselor, I believe in providing a safe space for you to explore and express your innermost thoughts and feelings. With a person-centered and faith-based perspective, I endeavor to help individuals reach an awareness of their strengths and self-efficacy. My professional philosophy is summed up in my commitment to being a "positive interruption" in the lives of my clients.
As a counselor, I believe in providing a safe space for you to explore and express your innermost thoughts and feelings. With a person-centered and faith-based perspective, I endeavor to help individuals reach an awareness of their strengths and self-efficacy. My professional philosophy is summed up in my commitment to being a "positive interruption" in the lives of my clients.
(225) 425-8688 View (225) 425-8688
Photo of Dr. Vanessa A. Williams, MTh, PsyD, Pastoral Counselor
Dr. Vanessa A. Williams
Pastoral Counselor, MTh, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Baton Rouge, LA 70814  (Online Only)
It is my belief that in the right environment, everyone has the opportunity to grow, to heal and to succeed. My goal is to provide a safe space for you to navigate your emotions, recognize your strengths and work towards your goals. As a Christian therapist, I practice the integration of biblical principles and psychological techniques. I believe that complete healing and transformation is achieved through the word of God. My motto is: “It’s necessary to have Christ and the couch!”
It is my belief that in the right environment, everyone has the opportunity to grow, to heal and to succeed. My goal is to provide a safe space for you to navigate your emotions, recognize your strengths and work towards your goals. As a Christian therapist, I practice the integration of biblical principles and psychological techniques. I believe that complete healing and transformation is achieved through the word of God. My motto is: “It’s necessary to have Christ and the couch!”
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Photo of Anne Catherine Seemann - Catherine Seemann Psychotherapy Services, LLC, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Catherine Seemann Psychotherapy Services, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Life challenges are a part of the common human experience. Finding the best support for yourself during these times is important. A therapist can be an important part of your support system, offering a perspective family and friends may not.
Life challenges are a part of the common human experience. Finding the best support for yourself during these times is important. A therapist can be an important part of your support system, offering a perspective family and friends may not.
(225) 414-6474 View (225) 414-6474
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How does your Therapist compare?

Number of Therapists in Baton Rouge, LA

600+

Average cost per session

$125

Therapists in Baton Rouge, LA who prioritize treating:

90% Anxiety
87% Depression
76% Coping Skills
75% Relationship Issues
74% Self Esteem
72% Stress
63% Grief

Average years in practice

10 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

72% BlueCross and BlueShield
71% Aetna
67% UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH

How Therapists in Baton Rouge, LA see their clients

68% In Person and Online
32% Online Only

Gender breakdown

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

How can I find a therapist in Baton Rouge?

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.