Therapists in South Park, PA
![Photo of Dawn Marie Friend - Dr. Dawn Marie Friend & Associates, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50fbb374-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Dawn Marie Friend & Associates
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
South Park, PA 15129
I have been helping clients of all ages, races, and backgrounds live more fulfilling, rewarding, hopeful lives for as long as I can remember. It was natural for me to become a psychologist and make my mark on the world by doing exactly what I loved to do. Although my clients continually tell me how much they are helped by therapy, I can honestly say that I am the one who is truly changed by helping others. No matter what your difficulties are, I can assure you that you will be changed in some way by entering therapy. There is no difficulty too great or too small to work on in therapy. The only constant in life is change.
I have been helping clients of all ages, races, and backgrounds live more fulfilling, rewarding, hopeful lives for as long as I can remember. It was natural for me to become a psychologist and make my mark on the world by doing exactly what I loved to do. Although my clients continually tell me how much they are helped by therapy, I can honestly say that I am the one who is truly changed by helping others. No matter what your difficulties are, I can assure you that you will be changed in some way by entering therapy. There is no difficulty too great or too small to work on in therapy. The only constant in life is change.
![Photo of Elizabeth Kozlowski, LPC, MSCP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5b044684-05ca-4294-942a-154a10bd0641/3/320x400.jpeg)
Elizabeth Kozlowski
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MSCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
South Park, PA 15129
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who works with individuals from age 6 through adulthood. I work with clients struggling with a number of issues including mood disorders, ADHD, anxiety, trauma, and addictions. I use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and motivational interviewing to help clients through their difficulties.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who works with individuals from age 6 through adulthood. I work with clients struggling with a number of issues including mood disorders, ADHD, anxiety, trauma, and addictions. I use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and motivational interviewing to help clients through their difficulties.
![Photo of Rosemary Cunningham, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/543a8626-8b23-4bd5-91cc-cfa7c52db9a6/2/320x400.jpeg)
Rosemary Cunningham
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
South Park, PA 15129 (Online Only)
My focus as a therapist is to assist my clients in recognizing their strengths and using them to become the best person they can be. I specialize in working with the LGBT community on a variety of issues and am a sex-positive therapist. I use a trauma-informed approach with all of my clients and have been helping those who have been through various traumas in their lives throughout my years of practice.
My focus as a therapist is to assist my clients in recognizing their strengths and using them to become the best person they can be. I specialize in working with the LGBT community on a variety of issues and am a sex-positive therapist. I use a trauma-informed approach with all of my clients and have been helping those who have been through various traumas in their lives throughout my years of practice.
![Photo of Samantha J Lacy, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2a15f6be-60c3-4d0d-b250-dad9a32876e4/2/320x400.jpeg)
Samantha J Lacy
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
South Park, PA 15129
Are you currently living your best life? Are you living your truth? Or maybe events from your past and/or present are weighing on you and you're not sure what to do at this point or where to turn. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who prides myself on my ability to help others achieve their therapeutic goals and be the best version of themselves. I have over 18 years of experience in the field of psychology, and have worked in many different settings such as partial hospital, IBHS, Social Skills programming, school settings, and Outpatient MH. I enjoy working with children, adolescents, and adults.
Are you currently living your best life? Are you living your truth? Or maybe events from your past and/or present are weighing on you and you're not sure what to do at this point or where to turn. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who prides myself on my ability to help others achieve their therapeutic goals and be the best version of themselves. I have over 18 years of experience in the field of psychology, and have worked in many different settings such as partial hospital, IBHS, Social Skills programming, school settings, and Outpatient MH. I enjoy working with children, adolescents, and adults.
![Photo of Tasha Myers, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5ae530a6-af39-4ea1-a867-8b9704014abe/2/320x400.jpeg)
Tasha Myers
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
South Park, PA 15129 (Online Only)
I enjoy meeting with individuals (18 and up), couples and families. I encourage coming into therapy for any variety of reasons including relationship difficulties, life changes, trauma, stress, loss etc. I can help address concerns related to symptoms or just simply talk to you about your life in a way a friend or family member cannot.
I enjoy meeting with individuals (18 and up), couples and families. I encourage coming into therapy for any variety of reasons including relationship difficulties, life changes, trauma, stress, loss etc. I can help address concerns related to symptoms or just simply talk to you about your life in a way a friend or family member cannot.
![Photo of Jill Dunn, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f754c475-4c6e-43cd-83f1-d307af1e686e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jill Dunn
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
South Park, PA 15129
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in working with teenagers and adults. I have received specialized training in utilizing EMDR, neurofeedback, OCD, couples counseling, eating disorders, depression, anxiety and trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy for use with children and adults.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in working with teenagers and adults. I have received specialized training in utilizing EMDR, neurofeedback, OCD, couples counseling, eating disorders, depression, anxiety and trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy for use with children and adults.
![Photo of Ellen Davidovich, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f49774ba-5912-41eb-918b-e75dd697be23/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ellen Davidovich
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
South Park, PA 15129
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges. My outpatient experience supports those dealing with anxiety, depression, life transitions, career counseling, interpersonal conflict and complex family issues. Prior to my outpatient experience, I spent ten years in a residential setting treating individuals involved with juvenile probation, commercially sexually exploited children (CSEC) and CYF. Im addition, I hold also hold a certification to treat first responders, addressing their unique mental health pressures that come along with their professional stressors.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges. My outpatient experience supports those dealing with anxiety, depression, life transitions, career counseling, interpersonal conflict and complex family issues. Prior to my outpatient experience, I spent ten years in a residential setting treating individuals involved with juvenile probation, commercially sexually exploited children (CSEC) and CYF. Im addition, I hold also hold a certification to treat first responders, addressing their unique mental health pressures that come along with their professional stressors.
![Photo of Donald J Zandier Jr. - Zandier Counseling, MA, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3fe9ca6e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
More Than Just Talk....... If you haven't been in psychotherapy before, you may not realize that the traditional approach to treatment is to educate the client about their conditions and teach them how to change their own feelings and behaviors. Although this approach can be very helpful, it is usually a long process that depends a great deal on the individual's courageous persistence. Moreover, a change in behavior and belief does not necessarily resolve the history of negative experiences fueling such things as depression and anxiety. These are some of the reasons I offer "More Than Just Talk".
More Than Just Talk....... If you haven't been in psychotherapy before, you may not realize that the traditional approach to treatment is to educate the client about their conditions and teach them how to change their own feelings and behaviors. Although this approach can be very helpful, it is usually a long process that depends a great deal on the individual's courageous persistence. Moreover, a change in behavior and belief does not necessarily resolve the history of negative experiences fueling such things as depression and anxiety. These are some of the reasons I offer "More Than Just Talk".
![Photo of Ronald Thomas Curran, PhD](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bf1567f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Pain, uncertainty, feelings of being lost and a failure emerge as we seek to find our individual path in life. These feelings often indicate it is time to be found, not that you are "mentally ill." They can indicate the need to connect with your inner Self rather than to substitute unfulfilling forms of social adjustment. My approach focuses on you as a unique individual. It recognizes that you have a Self in the sense that there is a unique inner guidance available to you. I will work as a guide in your journey toward conflict resolution and wholeness.
Pain, uncertainty, feelings of being lost and a failure emerge as we seek to find our individual path in life. These feelings often indicate it is time to be found, not that you are "mentally ill." They can indicate the need to connect with your inner Self rather than to substitute unfulfilling forms of social adjustment. My approach focuses on you as a unique individual. It recognizes that you have a Self in the sense that there is a unique inner guidance available to you. I will work as a guide in your journey toward conflict resolution and wholeness.
![Photo of Luke A Watson, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/47a3f56f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Is your child or teen or young adult struggling with anger, anxiety, trauma or depression? Are you losing hope and unsure where to turn to help them? I have worked with children, teens, and adults for the past 20 years working to empower young people with coping skills and practical strategies to manage strong emotions. I use a variety of evidence based strategies including mindfulness and cognitve-behavioral therapy to help young people find a sense of inner calm. Happiness and peace are possible for your child and for you. I see school aged children ages 8 and up as well as adults for individual counseling.
Is your child or teen or young adult struggling with anger, anxiety, trauma or depression? Are you losing hope and unsure where to turn to help them? I have worked with children, teens, and adults for the past 20 years working to empower young people with coping skills and practical strategies to manage strong emotions. I use a variety of evidence based strategies including mindfulness and cognitve-behavioral therapy to help young people find a sense of inner calm. Happiness and peace are possible for your child and for you. I see school aged children ages 8 and up as well as adults for individual counseling.
![Photo of Susan M Stay - Stay Counseling Center, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f734539-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Stay Counseling Center
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
South Park, PA 15129
Stay Counseling Center s a group psychotherapy practice located in the South Hills. If you are seeking services to manage day to day stress,relationship issues, trauma, depression, panic, anxiety or other issues that create distress and compromise our day to day living. We invite you to share with us the possibly of personal and relational growth.
Stay Counseling Center s a group psychotherapy practice located in the South Hills. If you are seeking services to manage day to day stress,relationship issues, trauma, depression, panic, anxiety or other issues that create distress and compromise our day to day living. We invite you to share with us the possibly of personal and relational growth.
![Photo of Amy Schafer, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d0ecd2e6-2c55-46a3-a49e-a5879007048c/2/320x400.jpeg)
I strongly believe that all people have the ability to live their best life when given the opportunity and the right tools for them. Each journey is just as unique as the individual who embarks on it. The work I do with clients is person centered, motivationally driven, and tailored to meet the needs of each person no matter where they are on their therapeutic journey. Whether this is your first time seeking therapy, or have decided to try again, I would be honored to meet you where you are and guide you toward reaching your personal goals.
I strongly believe that all people have the ability to live their best life when given the opportunity and the right tools for them. Each journey is just as unique as the individual who embarks on it. The work I do with clients is person centered, motivationally driven, and tailored to meet the needs of each person no matter where they are on their therapeutic journey. Whether this is your first time seeking therapy, or have decided to try again, I would be honored to meet you where you are and guide you toward reaching your personal goals.
![Photo of Leann E. Romitti, PhD, LPC, NCC, CMHNCS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c0a154d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Leann E. Romitti
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, NCC, CMHNCS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
South Park, PA 15129 (Online Only)
“I don’t know who I am anymore”. “I used to be so happy”. “Why is being healthy so hard right now”. “When did it become so hard to get out of bed”. Some days you find yourself asking these questions. You don’t know when it happened, but you barely recognize the person in the mirror. You don’t feel like yourself. You feel lost, stuck and overwhelmed by the little things. You feel guilty because you struggle to be present at your job, with your partner, or your children and family. You want to stop "just getting through another day". You are ready to take your life back. You are ready to thrive.
“I don’t know who I am anymore”. “I used to be so happy”. “Why is being healthy so hard right now”. “When did it become so hard to get out of bed”. Some days you find yourself asking these questions. You don’t know when it happened, but you barely recognize the person in the mirror. You don’t feel like yourself. You feel lost, stuck and overwhelmed by the little things. You feel guilty because you struggle to be present at your job, with your partner, or your children and family. You want to stop "just getting through another day". You are ready to take your life back. You are ready to thrive.
![Photo of Alyssa Sullinger, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ba1490ac-90ce-4d9e-b6bc-2b9129fcf09b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Alyssa Sullinger
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
South Park, PA 15129 (Online Only)
Are you a millennial or Gen Z Christian woman struggling with anxiety in your relationships? You're not alone. My name is Alyssa, and I specialize in helping young women like you navigate the complexities of anxiety, attachment, and codependency through a unique blend of psychological principles and Christian faith. I also specialize in helping those suffering from religious trauma or who are looking to reconnect with their faith.
Are you a millennial or Gen Z Christian woman struggling with anxiety in your relationships? You're not alone. My name is Alyssa, and I specialize in helping young women like you navigate the complexities of anxiety, attachment, and codependency through a unique blend of psychological principles and Christian faith. I also specialize in helping those suffering from religious trauma or who are looking to reconnect with their faith.
![Photo of Madison Dobas, MS, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7ba47984-4ade-413a-af1c-181377334817/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a pre-licensed, Master’s level therapist who works with adults struggling with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, grief, trauma, addiction, and substance use. My goal is to help clients navigate their feelings and offer a path forward to healing.
I am a pre-licensed, Master’s level therapist who works with adults struggling with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, grief, trauma, addiction, and substance use. My goal is to help clients navigate their feelings and offer a path forward to healing.
![Photo of Sarah Heitzenrater, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d5de2b5b-c267-4832-8179-3c9f7680c700/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sarah Heitzenrater
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
South Park, PA 15129
As a National Certified and Licensed Professional Counselor I aim to create a safe, inclusive and affirming space for every one of my clients. I prioritize the therapeutic relationships that I build with each client and acknowledge the importance of having a trusting and supportive environment. I have a special interest in diverse LGBTQ+ issues, as well as, experience working with anxiety, various mood disorders, trauma, grief and loss, and addiction.
As a National Certified and Licensed Professional Counselor I aim to create a safe, inclusive and affirming space for every one of my clients. I prioritize the therapeutic relationships that I build with each client and acknowledge the importance of having a trusting and supportive environment. I have a special interest in diverse LGBTQ+ issues, as well as, experience working with anxiety, various mood disorders, trauma, grief and loss, and addiction.
![Photo of James A Whisner, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8b319516-6fb0-49cb-9c0a-d9634cbdded2/3/320x400.jpeg)
Hello! I work with a broad range of clients from many backgrounds and cultures. I have assisted clients in coping with a broad range of mental health needs; anxiety disorders, depression, anger control, and family issues (blended family experience!). My professional experience that brings strength to my current practice includes working as a Behavioral Specialist Consultant and a Family Based Therapist. I have also performed as a counselor at long term inpatient facilities and spent a year working as a drug and alcohol counselor. I currently work as a mental health outpatient therapist.
Hello! I work with a broad range of clients from many backgrounds and cultures. I have assisted clients in coping with a broad range of mental health needs; anxiety disorders, depression, anger control, and family issues (blended family experience!). My professional experience that brings strength to my current practice includes working as a Behavioral Specialist Consultant and a Family Based Therapist. I have also performed as a counselor at long term inpatient facilities and spent a year working as a drug and alcohol counselor. I currently work as a mental health outpatient therapist.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Sarah Forrest, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/531afd23-cceb-4240-9b1e-a01467ff29a2/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sarah Forrest
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bethel Park, PA 15102
Not accepting new clients
Hi, I’m Sarah. If you’re here, you might be looking for some support. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by depression, struggling with anxiety, trying to have a baby, or feeling challenged by the one(s) you have, I’m here to help.
Hi, I’m Sarah. If you’re here, you might be looking for some support. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by depression, struggling with anxiety, trying to have a baby, or feeling challenged by the one(s) you have, I’m here to help.
![Photo of Rebecca Austin, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a22ae971-3e71-4f36-9094-b2e33d6efa75/1/320x400.png)
Are you struggling with overwhelming emotions or persistent negative thoughts? Maybe you're finding it hard to express your needs to loved ones, or you're feeling stuck in a cycle of anxiety and depression. I primarily focus on treating anxiety, depression, & mood disorders while also supporting clients with coping skills development, life transitions, substance use, & relationship issues. My focus is to help you regain control over your emotions, find lasting relief from emotional distress, and achieve a sense of inner peace and happiness.
Are you struggling with overwhelming emotions or persistent negative thoughts? Maybe you're finding it hard to express your needs to loved ones, or you're feeling stuck in a cycle of anxiety and depression. I primarily focus on treating anxiety, depression, & mood disorders while also supporting clients with coping skills development, life transitions, substance use, & relationship issues. My focus is to help you regain control over your emotions, find lasting relief from emotional distress, and achieve a sense of inner peace and happiness.
I offer an interpersonal/psychodynamic approach to working with individuals with anxiety, depression, personality, life and relationship issues.Treatment is personalized to meet each patient's needs. I have been practicing for over 25 years and offer individual, couple, family, psychoanalysis ,and psychodynamic therapy. i also supervise psychiatric residents at Western Psychiatric Institute, teach at the Pittsburgh Psychoanalytic Center,worked in the Family Division of the Courts, and spent 15 years as a professional member of the State Board of Psychology. I will be glad to speak with you regarding your personal issues and answer questions.
I offer an interpersonal/psychodynamic approach to working with individuals with anxiety, depression, personality, life and relationship issues.Treatment is personalized to meet each patient's needs. I have been practicing for over 25 years and offer individual, couple, family, psychoanalysis ,and psychodynamic therapy. i also supervise psychiatric residents at Western Psychiatric Institute, teach at the Pittsburgh Psychoanalytic Center,worked in the Family Division of the Courts, and spent 15 years as a professional member of the State Board of Psychology. I will be glad to speak with you regarding your personal issues and answer questions.
See more therapy options for South Park
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in South Park, PA
10+
Average cost per session
$100
Therapists in South Park, PA who prioritize treating:
100% | Anxiety |
100% | Trauma and PTSD |
94% | Depression |
82% | Relationship Issues |
82% | Self Esteem |
76% | Grief |
76% | Coping Skills |
Average years in practice
10 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
80% | Aetna |
73% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
73% | Highmark |
How Therapists in South Park, PA see their clients
77% | In Person and Online | |
23% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
71% | Female | |
24% | Male | |
5% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in South Park?
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
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.
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.
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.