Therapists in Franklin County, MA

View cities in Franklin County
Photo of Katherine Clarke Waddell - Couples Center of the Pioneer Valley, LMFT, LMHC, LICSW, LCSW, Marriage & Family Therapist
Couples Center of the Pioneer Valley
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LMHC, LICSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Shelburne Falls, MA 01370  (Online Only)
Relationship troubles? Looking for an excellent guide through times of great uncertainty? We are here to help! As a group practice in Massachusetts, specializing in couples work and individual therapy for heterosexual and queer folks, our team has a special focus on creating therapies for everyone experiencing relational challenges. Whether you are focusing on building communication, decision-making skills, or are needing affair recovery we're here to offer our expert guidance. Weekly sessions are available exclusively via Telehealth; mini-intensives and intensives are in person.
Relationship troubles? Looking for an excellent guide through times of great uncertainty? We are here to help! As a group practice in Massachusetts, specializing in couples work and individual therapy for heterosexual and queer folks, our team has a special focus on creating therapies for everyone experiencing relational challenges. Whether you are focusing on building communication, decision-making skills, or are needing affair recovery we're here to offer our expert guidance. Weekly sessions are available exclusively via Telehealth; mini-intensives and intensives are in person.
(413) 887-3401 View (413) 887-3401
Photo of Mark Nickels, LMHC
Mark Nickels
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Leverett, MA 01054  (Online Only)
Working in community mental health since 2016, I've learned that change doesn't come from a manual, or from me, but from you. You are someone who feels they've lost the thread of their life story, or is plagued by anxiety, a necessary adaptation to the world, but also a thief of life if not comprehended & taken in hand. You are a creative person who is stuck in an arid place, or someone managing a difficult transition in life, with health problems. It has come to pass that your relationships are not what you wish, & you're vexed in your relationship with yourself as well...
Working in community mental health since 2016, I've learned that change doesn't come from a manual, or from me, but from you. You are someone who feels they've lost the thread of their life story, or is plagued by anxiety, a necessary adaptation to the world, but also a thief of life if not comprehended & taken in hand. You are a creative person who is stuck in an arid place, or someone managing a difficult transition in life, with health problems. It has come to pass that your relationships are not what you wish, & you're vexed in your relationship with yourself as well...
(413) 207-9614 View (413) 207-9614
Photo of Derrick McCluskey, LMHC, Counselor
Derrick McCluskey
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Hi! I'm a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Massachusetts. I spent 23 years in the military travelling the world before I retired and decided to commit the rest of my life toward helping others. I have been providing therapy successfully for over six years with many successes for clients who are looking to do the work necessary to live their best life. You can read my reviews on healthgrades.com that have been posted by former clients.
Hi! I'm a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Massachusetts. I spent 23 years in the military travelling the world before I retired and decided to commit the rest of my life toward helping others. I have been providing therapy successfully for over six years with many successes for clients who are looking to do the work necessary to live their best life. You can read my reviews on healthgrades.com that have been posted by former clients.
(617) 609-1292 View (617) 609-1292
Photo of Story Stephenson, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Story Stephenson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Shelburne Falls, MA 01370  (Online Only)
Are you someone who, due to choice or circumstance, is living life outside the mainstream? Are you an "outsider" in relation to social norms, feeling like you don't fit in or are committed to values or self-expression that make life in the larger world challenging? Perhaps you have been wary of therapy & of therapists judging you because of gender identity or presentation, because of your interest in kink or other forms of sexual expression, or because of your involvement in polyamory or other non-traditional relationship styles. If so, you need look no further to find an open-minded & respectful therapist.
Are you someone who, due to choice or circumstance, is living life outside the mainstream? Are you an "outsider" in relation to social norms, feeling like you don't fit in or are committed to values or self-expression that make life in the larger world challenging? Perhaps you have been wary of therapy & of therapists judging you because of gender identity or presentation, because of your interest in kink or other forms of sexual expression, or because of your involvement in polyamory or other non-traditional relationship styles. If so, you need look no further to find an open-minded & respectful therapist.
(857) 574-0953 View (857) 574-0953
Photo of Jen DeWitt, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jen DeWitt
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Greenfield, MA 01301
Not accepting new clients
My approach is gentle, informal and direct. I provide a warm, affirming space and view our relationship as a partnership. Together we will create a space where you feel safe and seen while challenged and moving towards growth. I will support you in reducing distress, increasing your capacity for self-regulation, building compassionate self-understanding, navigating yourself in relationship, reducing shame, shifting emotional reactivity, integrating trauma, increasing resilience and crafting a toolbox of effective, adaptive skills and strategies to manage the challenges and problems you are facing.
My approach is gentle, informal and direct. I provide a warm, affirming space and view our relationship as a partnership. Together we will create a space where you feel safe and seen while challenged and moving towards growth. I will support you in reducing distress, increasing your capacity for self-regulation, building compassionate self-understanding, navigating yourself in relationship, reducing shame, shifting emotional reactivity, integrating trauma, increasing resilience and crafting a toolbox of effective, adaptive skills and strategies to manage the challenges and problems you are facing.
View
Photo of Matt Swift, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Matt Swift
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Orange, MA 01364  (Online Only)
Do you sometimes feel like you’re stuck in a loop? Are you running into the same obstacles over and over? Do your interpersonal relationships seem to repeat the same scripts, or echo each other? Are you ready to look at the underlying feelings that you’ve been reacting to and try some new behaviors to shift these patterns? We can diffuse these reactions, take your energy back, and explore new paths toward the life you were meant to live, and we will find tools to address these barriers that leverage your strengths!
Do you sometimes feel like you’re stuck in a loop? Are you running into the same obstacles over and over? Do your interpersonal relationships seem to repeat the same scripts, or echo each other? Are you ready to look at the underlying feelings that you’ve been reacting to and try some new behaviors to shift these patterns? We can diffuse these reactions, take your energy back, and explore new paths toward the life you were meant to live, and we will find tools to address these barriers that leverage your strengths!
(978) 637-6298 View (978) 637-6298
Photo of Tricia Wells, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Tricia Wells
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Greenfield, MA 01301
Waitlist for new clients
I have been working in the Pioneer Valley for over twenty five years, helping people find more effective ways to manage life changes and stresses. I am committed to appreciating the complexity and uniqueness of the problems people have in their lives. I will listen carefully, respectfully and authentically. We will work together to help you overcome obstacles, distressful behaviors and painful symptoms. I believe that positive change happens in people's lives through empathy, radical acceptance and leaps of faith. My practice includes work with individual adults and couples.
I have been working in the Pioneer Valley for over twenty five years, helping people find more effective ways to manage life changes and stresses. I am committed to appreciating the complexity and uniqueness of the problems people have in their lives. I will listen carefully, respectfully and authentically. We will work together to help you overcome obstacles, distressful behaviors and painful symptoms. I believe that positive change happens in people's lives through empathy, radical acceptance and leaps of faith. My practice includes work with individual adults and couples.
(413) 889-1923 View (413) 889-1923
Photo of Jill Fleischner, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jill Fleischner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
In searching for a therapist it is important to find someone you feel has the capacity to fully listen, to truly understand without judgment, and who can to bear witness to the experience you bring forth to treatment. When two people can walk together safely carrying the weight of one's individual experience and history significant change can occur.This process is an ongoing reminder of the potential curative power behind relationship and the resiliency of human spirit.
In searching for a therapist it is important to find someone you feel has the capacity to fully listen, to truly understand without judgment, and who can to bear witness to the experience you bring forth to treatment. When two people can walk together safely carrying the weight of one's individual experience and history significant change can occur.This process is an ongoing reminder of the potential curative power behind relationship and the resiliency of human spirit.
(413) 862-5564 View (413) 862-5564
Photo of Lindsay Boudreau, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lindsay Boudreau
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Orange, MA 01364  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Note: I only provide EMDR and IFS informed EMDR treatment. Starting therapy may bring up a lot of thoughts and feelings, and your decision to seek therapy shows a commitment to living your best life. I believe in my work that restoring relationships with ourselves and our loved ones can help navigate the difficult times we live in. Finding freedom from worry and depression is work, but you are not alone on this journey. You may also be exploring your sexual or gender identity and looking for additional support. Your curiosity and interest in exploring these issues will help you succeed in reaching your goals for your best life.
Note: I only provide EMDR and IFS informed EMDR treatment. Starting therapy may bring up a lot of thoughts and feelings, and your decision to seek therapy shows a commitment to living your best life. I believe in my work that restoring relationships with ourselves and our loved ones can help navigate the difficult times we live in. Finding freedom from worry and depression is work, but you are not alone on this journey. You may also be exploring your sexual or gender identity and looking for additional support. Your curiosity and interest in exploring these issues will help you succeed in reaching your goals for your best life.
(978) 307-4086 View (978) 307-4086
Photo of Margaret (Maggie) Nwokeji, PhD, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Margaret (Maggie) Nwokeji
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW
Verified Verified
Orange, MA 01364  (Online Only)
My motto is “If it costs you your peace, it is too expensive”. You may be looking for ways to reduce fear, sadness, and trauma responses but are unsure where to start. You might also want to find a therapist willing to walk alongside your spiritual journey. I want to help you find that deep peace and help you find ways to continue working on that life.
My motto is “If it costs you your peace, it is too expensive”. You may be looking for ways to reduce fear, sadness, and trauma responses but are unsure where to start. You might also want to find a therapist willing to walk alongside your spiritual journey. I want to help you find that deep peace and help you find ways to continue working on that life.
(978) 607-3765 View (978) 607-3765
Photo of Maddox Sprengel, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Maddox Sprengel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Turners Falls, MA 01376  (Online Only)
Greetings! As a therapist, I work to support your process of self-knowing; partnering with you to utilize the tools of curiosity and self-compassion to explore desired changes, uproot stuckness, and cultivate practices for tending to your heart. I especially enjoy working with folks on complexities related to LGBTQIA+ identity, substance use, anxiety, depression, and relationship structures & intricacies.
Greetings! As a therapist, I work to support your process of self-knowing; partnering with you to utilize the tools of curiosity and self-compassion to explore desired changes, uproot stuckness, and cultivate practices for tending to your heart. I especially enjoy working with folks on complexities related to LGBTQIA+ identity, substance use, anxiety, depression, and relationship structures & intricacies.
(413) 217-1935 View (413) 217-1935
Photo of Karen w Nolen - Karen W. Nolen, LICSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Karen W. Nolen, LICSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Sunderland, MA 01375
As we move from collective difficulty and hibernation, back out into the world, do you want to talk about doing some things differently? At this time, are you wanting to initiate change, add motivation or more quiet softness into your life? How do you handle stress? I help purpose-driven people like artists and/or activists. I also love working with recovering addict/alcoholics. Are you wanting or needing to live more from a place of balance? I help clients work through inner blocks, to reconnect their truth; thereby creating a more intentional life.
As we move from collective difficulty and hibernation, back out into the world, do you want to talk about doing some things differently? At this time, are you wanting to initiate change, add motivation or more quiet softness into your life? How do you handle stress? I help purpose-driven people like artists and/or activists. I also love working with recovering addict/alcoholics. Are you wanting or needing to live more from a place of balance? I help clients work through inner blocks, to reconnect their truth; thereby creating a more intentional life.
(413) 350-3874 View (413) 350-3874
Photo of Jamie Parnell, LMHC, Counselor
Jamie Parnell
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Greenfield, MA 01301
Together we can help you become the best version of yourself. I specialize in working with Children, Teens, Young Adults, Adults & Families. Through insight and awareness into thoughts, emotions, and relationships patterns; You will begin to experience profound growth. This is a warm & empathetic space for you to identify concerns, manage emotions, and create realistic, achievable goals.
Together we can help you become the best version of yourself. I specialize in working with Children, Teens, Young Adults, Adults & Families. Through insight and awareness into thoughts, emotions, and relationships patterns; You will begin to experience profound growth. This is a warm & empathetic space for you to identify concerns, manage emotions, and create realistic, achievable goals.
(413) 300-9838 View (413) 300-9838
Photo of Debra Lucey-Maynard, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Debra Lucey-Maynard
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Orange, MA 01364  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I am honored to support individuals/families that have struggles that they are motivated to overcome. It is normal for us all to struggle from time to time. Many of us have endured trauma in the past and it can be a challenge to feel peace and/or joy again. Trauma focused therapy can provide a safe outlet for you to explore your concerns and learn or strengthen coping skills as you continue to find healing. I believe that everyone has struggles in their lives. Many of us are touched by trauma and work hard to get through necessary activities during our day to day life. I feel we can all change and grow at any point in our life.
I am honored to support individuals/families that have struggles that they are motivated to overcome. It is normal for us all to struggle from time to time. Many of us have endured trauma in the past and it can be a challenge to feel peace and/or joy again. Trauma focused therapy can provide a safe outlet for you to explore your concerns and learn or strengthen coping skills as you continue to find healing. I believe that everyone has struggles in their lives. Many of us are touched by trauma and work hard to get through necessary activities during our day to day life. I feel we can all change and grow at any point in our life.
(978) 341-3859 View (978) 341-3859
Photo of Ann Norris, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ann Norris
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Sunderland, MA 01375  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I offer empathetic and empowering care to young adults and adults. My main areas of focus include helping individuals navigate life transitions and supporting folks with complex trauma, ADHD, Autism and mood disorders including anxiety and depression. I enjoy collaborating with people in creative and strength-based ways and working beside them while they make meaningful changes in their lives.
I offer empathetic and empowering care to young adults and adults. My main areas of focus include helping individuals navigate life transitions and supporting folks with complex trauma, ADHD, Autism and mood disorders including anxiety and depression. I enjoy collaborating with people in creative and strength-based ways and working beside them while they make meaningful changes in their lives.
(413) 324-5141 View (413) 324-5141
Photo of Ariana Flanagan, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ariana Flanagan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Orange, MA 01364  (Online Only)
If you've been feeling like enough is enough, or have been carrying around your pain or stress for too long I welcome you. Maybe you're feeling stuck in unhelpful thought patterns, or disconnected from your drive. Living with pain, hurt, worries, or a desire for change brings you out of the peace of the present. Let's find a way to bring you back to it. We're all human and all have different identities. I understand the intersectionality of people, and that different parts of your identify may not be welcome in certain spaces, and how painful this is. Your whole will always be welcome in this space.
If you've been feeling like enough is enough, or have been carrying around your pain or stress for too long I welcome you. Maybe you're feeling stuck in unhelpful thought patterns, or disconnected from your drive. Living with pain, hurt, worries, or a desire for change brings you out of the peace of the present. Let's find a way to bring you back to it. We're all human and all have different identities. I understand the intersectionality of people, and that different parts of your identify may not be welcome in certain spaces, and how painful this is. Your whole will always be welcome in this space.
(978) 543-5171 View (978) 543-5171
Photo of Ashley Thiboutot, LMHC, Counselor
Ashley Thiboutot
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Orange, MA 01364  (Online Only)
Having big emotions? Thoughts stuck on repeat? Not sure where you are going or how to get there? Welcome fellow human, these are incredibly common experiences to have in life, and sometimes, therapy can be the next step to tackling these experiences. The individuals I work with often come to therapy feeling lost and that life has lost some of its meaning and are unsure how to move forward. Many experience emotions of confusion, anxiety, resentment, sadness and are unsure of what to do with these emotions.
Having big emotions? Thoughts stuck on repeat? Not sure where you are going or how to get there? Welcome fellow human, these are incredibly common experiences to have in life, and sometimes, therapy can be the next step to tackling these experiences. The individuals I work with often come to therapy feeling lost and that life has lost some of its meaning and are unsure how to move forward. Many experience emotions of confusion, anxiety, resentment, sadness and are unsure of what to do with these emotions.
(774) 260-6614 View (774) 260-6614
Photo of Kayden Burns, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kayden Burns
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Hi! I am passionate about working from a strengths based perspective with adults who are inspired to create a life filled with meaning, clarity, confidence, groundedness and joy. Wild Core Coaching LLC emerged from the belief that human beings naturally have an inherent drive towards their most authentic, deeply true self. My role is to guide the collaborative process of navigating the layers that cloak one's core. By engaging in the process of unraveling old stories, challenging our limiting beliefs and unlocking our ability to thrive, we are able to create an identity that rings true, regardless of the world around us.
Hi! I am passionate about working from a strengths based perspective with adults who are inspired to create a life filled with meaning, clarity, confidence, groundedness and joy. Wild Core Coaching LLC emerged from the belief that human beings naturally have an inherent drive towards their most authentic, deeply true self. My role is to guide the collaborative process of navigating the layers that cloak one's core. By engaging in the process of unraveling old stories, challenging our limiting beliefs and unlocking our ability to thrive, we are able to create an identity that rings true, regardless of the world around us.
(978) 878-3182 View (978) 878-3182
Photo of Sarah Seward, PhD, Psychologist
Sarah Seward
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Not accepting new clients
There are many reasons to seek professional emotional help. Chronic feelings of stress, sadness and fear, relationship conflict, the pain of past trauma, or the struggle to cope with a physical illness. As a psychologist, I combine my extensive clinical training with a passion for transforming life's emotional challenges into avenues for personal growth, comprehensive wellness, and self-fulfillment. Through my experience, compassion, and humanity I will work collaboratively with you to build a therapeutic relationship that promotes the safe and respectful exploration of the difficulties you are facing.
There are many reasons to seek professional emotional help. Chronic feelings of stress, sadness and fear, relationship conflict, the pain of past trauma, or the struggle to cope with a physical illness. As a psychologist, I combine my extensive clinical training with a passion for transforming life's emotional challenges into avenues for personal growth, comprehensive wellness, and self-fulfillment. Through my experience, compassion, and humanity I will work collaboratively with you to build a therapeutic relationship that promotes the safe and respectful exploration of the difficulties you are facing.
(413) 206-2173 View (413) 206-2173
Photo of Susan Gershwin, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Susan Gershwin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Northfield, MA 01360  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Most of my clients are functioning day to day but know that with some focused work they can be doing even better. They are usually seeking EMDR or couple's counseling. Some of the couples I work with identify with LGBTQ, and they need a safe place to get some work done so they can thrive. Physicians or mental health professionals may request short term or adjunct EMDR support with a traumatic event for their patients/clients who are overall stable.
Most of my clients are functioning day to day but know that with some focused work they can be doing even better. They are usually seeking EMDR or couple's counseling. Some of the couples I work with identify with LGBTQ, and they need a safe place to get some work done so they can thrive. Physicians or mental health professionals may request short term or adjunct EMDR support with a traumatic event for their patients/clients who are overall stable.
(413) 266-5371 View (413) 266-5371

See more therapy options for Franklin County

How does your Therapist compare?

Number of Therapists in Franklin County, MA

100+

Average cost per session

$135

Therapists in Franklin County, MA who prioritize treating:

92% Anxiety
85% Depression
79% Relationship Issues
79% Trauma and PTSD
73% Self Esteem
65% Grief
60% Coping Skills

Average years in practice

14 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

89% BlueCross and BlueShield
55% UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH
49% Optum

How Therapists in Franklin County, MA see their clients

59% In Person and Online
41% Online Only

Gender breakdown

69% Female
27% Male
4% Non-Binary
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling

How can I find a therapist in Franklin County?

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.