Therapists in East Palo Alto, CA

Photo of Joan Sykes-Miessi, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Joan Sykes-Miessi
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
East Palo Alto, CA 94303  (Online Only)
Have you been struggling to “get it together” for some time now? Maybe you feel left out or confused because your friends and peers seem to have their lives all figured out. You have goals for yourself but can’t seem to get moving on them much less achieve them. Perhaps you have great starts but after a few weeks those 'starts' began to slow down to an eventually halt; once again leaving you with feelings like disappointment, maybe anger, or perhaps lonely to the point of not wanting to try again.
Have you been struggling to “get it together” for some time now? Maybe you feel left out or confused because your friends and peers seem to have their lives all figured out. You have goals for yourself but can’t seem to get moving on them much less achieve them. Perhaps you have great starts but after a few weeks those 'starts' began to slow down to an eventually halt; once again leaving you with feelings like disappointment, maybe anger, or perhaps lonely to the point of not wanting to try again.
(650) 412-6642 View (650) 412-6642
Photo of Quimani Green, PhD, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Quimani Green
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
East Palo Alto, CA 94303
As a Clinical Social Worker and Pyschotherapist, I have worked in the mental health field for over 12 years. I am a trainer, consultant, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and Registered Psychological Assistant who values healing, growth, determination, advocacy, and service. As a provider of services in the Human Services Agency, the Children Welfare and Mental Health Systems, I bring a unique perspective to the services that I provide.
As a Clinical Social Worker and Pyschotherapist, I have worked in the mental health field for over 12 years. I am a trainer, consultant, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and Registered Psychological Assistant who values healing, growth, determination, advocacy, and service. As a provider of services in the Human Services Agency, the Children Welfare and Mental Health Systems, I bring a unique perspective to the services that I provide.
(669) 600-5308 View (669) 600-5308
Photo of Karla Amanda Brown, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Karla Amanda Brown
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
East Palo Alto, CA 94303
It is time for you to get unstuck - feel stronger and live life in control. Do you feel hurt and betrayed by someone who was supposed to love you? If your current relationship is causing you pain, you are in the right place. Fear does not have to rule your every move. Together, you and I will address what has been keeping you frozen so that you can open the door to a life of possibility and begin enjoying yourself while feeling secure and confident.
It is time for you to get unstuck - feel stronger and live life in control. Do you feel hurt and betrayed by someone who was supposed to love you? If your current relationship is causing you pain, you are in the right place. Fear does not have to rule your every move. Together, you and I will address what has been keeping you frozen so that you can open the door to a life of possibility and begin enjoying yourself while feeling secure and confident.
(650) 297-3259 View (650) 297-3259
Photo of Anastasia Hospidales, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Anastasia Hospidales
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
East Palo Alto, CA 94303
Learn to love who you are and build self-compassion! I work to nurture relationships with yourself and others, strengthen connections, and enhance your life. Improve communication, better understand yourself, and build a foundation of love and respect for yourself and others. I work with clients going through separation or divorce, trauma, bullying, sexual assault, sexual desires, emotional abuse, physical abuse, depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and body dysmorphia.
Learn to love who you are and build self-compassion! I work to nurture relationships with yourself and others, strengthen connections, and enhance your life. Improve communication, better understand yourself, and build a foundation of love and respect for yourself and others. I work with clients going through separation or divorce, trauma, bullying, sexual assault, sexual desires, emotional abuse, physical abuse, depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and body dysmorphia.
(650) 844-1932 View (650) 844-1932
Photo of Sean Chatmon, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sean Chatmon
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
East Palo Alto, CA 94303
Not accepting new clients
Do you ever question if the bad things that happened to you are your fault? Maybe you spend a significant amount of time overthinking or trying to avoid the thoughts and feelings you experience. This is a normal response for many of us, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. Together we can explore and identify the strengths that you already have and use them as a foundation to build new skills for your healing. As your therapist, I will validate the struggles you are experiencing and challenge you to develop new skills that will not only improve your relationship with yourself, but also, with others.
Do you ever question if the bad things that happened to you are your fault? Maybe you spend a significant amount of time overthinking or trying to avoid the thoughts and feelings you experience. This is a normal response for many of us, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. Together we can explore and identify the strengths that you already have and use them as a foundation to build new skills for your healing. As your therapist, I will validate the struggles you are experiencing and challenge you to develop new skills that will not only improve your relationship with yourself, but also, with others.
(916) 823-9089 View (916) 823-9089
Photo of Melissa Antoun, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Melissa Antoun
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
East Palo Alto, CA 94303
Are you having a hard time managing everyday life? Are your daily worries getting in the way of your well-being? Are you experiencing transitions that are impacting your love, family and/or work life? Or are you having trouble discovering the life path that feels right for you? If so, I’m here to help. Together, we can develop strategies to help you move beyond confusion into a life of calm, clarity, and connection.
Are you having a hard time managing everyday life? Are your daily worries getting in the way of your well-being? Are you experiencing transitions that are impacting your love, family and/or work life? Or are you having trouble discovering the life path that feels right for you? If so, I’m here to help. Together, we can develop strategies to help you move beyond confusion into a life of calm, clarity, and connection.
(510) 330-2424 View (510) 330-2424
Photo of Grace N Flier, AMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Grace N Flier
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
East Palo Alto, CA 94303  (Online Only)
Everyone deserves respect and a compassionate listener for their concerns and worries. I specialize in helping individuals, families, and couples dealing with internal struggles, trauma, and relationship issues. My goal is to reduce conflict and teach tools that transform adversities into celebrations.
Everyone deserves respect and a compassionate listener for their concerns and worries. I specialize in helping individuals, families, and couples dealing with internal struggles, trauma, and relationship issues. My goal is to reduce conflict and teach tools that transform adversities into celebrations.
(650) 789-5604 View (650) 789-5604
Photo of Brandy Dunn - Silver Lake Psychology, PsyD, Psychologist
Silver Lake Psychology
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
East Palo Alto, CA 94303
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
(415) 650-5245 View (415) 650-5245

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Carolina Sang, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Carolina Sang
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Are you finding it difficult to express your needs with someone in your life? Are you concerned that you and your loved one keep misunderstanding each other due to differences in cultural or gendered communication styles? Maybe you're going through a life transition that's adding to your stress levels, and leaving you both feeling in the dark about how to give and receive support? Or perhaps you are happy in your partnership, but are eager to grow together and deepen your bond even further? I can shine a light on those areas of difficulty for you both that remain obscured from view, and illuminate a new way forward.
Are you finding it difficult to express your needs with someone in your life? Are you concerned that you and your loved one keep misunderstanding each other due to differences in cultural or gendered communication styles? Maybe you're going through a life transition that's adding to your stress levels, and leaving you both feeling in the dark about how to give and receive support? Or perhaps you are happy in your partnership, but are eager to grow together and deepen your bond even further? I can shine a light on those areas of difficulty for you both that remain obscured from view, and illuminate a new way forward.
(408) 583-5437 View (408) 583-5437
Photo of Ashley Marie Boyd, MHt, MNLP, MSc, MTT, EFT
Ashley Marie Boyd
MHt, MNLP, MSc, MTT, EFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Palo Alto, CA 94301
I’m here to help you Create your Dream Life by setting & achieving your goals, overcome blocks, set new patterns & tap into your Alignment, Embodiment & Empowerment. My focus is on guiding you to your inner wisdom, transforming your relationship to self, forming new beliefs & patterns while rediscovering your unique talents. By working together my aim is to support you in achieving your hearts desires, achieving success & helping you flourish in your life. We will take a holistic approach that respects the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. I believe in your innate wisdom, wholeness, resilience, and capacity for growth.
I’m here to help you Create your Dream Life by setting & achieving your goals, overcome blocks, set new patterns & tap into your Alignment, Embodiment & Empowerment. My focus is on guiding you to your inner wisdom, transforming your relationship to self, forming new beliefs & patterns while rediscovering your unique talents. By working together my aim is to support you in achieving your hearts desires, achieving success & helping you flourish in your life. We will take a holistic approach that respects the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. I believe in your innate wisdom, wholeness, resilience, and capacity for growth.
(831) 603-2357 View (831) 603-2357
Photo of Megan Irvin, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Megan Irvin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Palo Alto, CA 94306
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, who believes in the importance of prioritizing mental health. Seeking out therapy means you value yourself and the relationships you are in. In order for clients to access their most authentic feelings, I feel the therapeutic environment is key. I provide an inviting, non-judgmental space to process the challenges that are present in your life, and work with a strength-based, solution-focused approach.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, who believes in the importance of prioritizing mental health. Seeking out therapy means you value yourself and the relationships you are in. In order for clients to access their most authentic feelings, I feel the therapeutic environment is key. I provide an inviting, non-judgmental space to process the challenges that are present in your life, and work with a strength-based, solution-focused approach.
(650) 727-1173 View (650) 727-1173
Photo of Lindsay Rae Trent, PhD, Psychologist
Lindsay Rae Trent
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94306
If you are looking for a data-driven, science-based approach to treatment then you should contact Dr. Trent for a free phone consultation. Dr. Trent specializes in evidence-based approaches to identification (i.e., psychodiagnostic assessment) and treatment of anxiety disorders, OCD, and behavioral issues. Dr. Trent is a Stanford-trained scientist who maintains active involvement in efforts to disseminate scientific approaches to psychological treatment.
If you are looking for a data-driven, science-based approach to treatment then you should contact Dr. Trent for a free phone consultation. Dr. Trent specializes in evidence-based approaches to identification (i.e., psychodiagnostic assessment) and treatment of anxiety disorders, OCD, and behavioral issues. Dr. Trent is a Stanford-trained scientist who maintains active involvement in efforts to disseminate scientific approaches to psychological treatment.
(650) 480-3590 View (650) 480-3590
Photo of Dee-Dee Stout, MA, MINT, Drug & Alcohol Counselor
Dee-Dee Stout
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, MA, MINT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Palo Alto, CA 94301
"I see things differently." I see you fully able to achieve your goals. I see you as one who likely needs a non-judgmental place to talk about things: your future goals, how drug/alcohol use, etc fits w/that future, & how you see yourself getting there: abstinence, sober curious. moderation. I'm a collaborator, one who's committed to listening deeply & providing a space to talk about anything, for individuals/families/all. I am not a therapist; my main focus is on today & tomorrow though we may visit the past. And I follow the science of change & addiction; it shows there's no one way to recover/change & that's great news!
"I see things differently." I see you fully able to achieve your goals. I see you as one who likely needs a non-judgmental place to talk about things: your future goals, how drug/alcohol use, etc fits w/that future, & how you see yourself getting there: abstinence, sober curious. moderation. I'm a collaborator, one who's committed to listening deeply & providing a space to talk about anything, for individuals/families/all. I am not a therapist; my main focus is on today & tomorrow though we may visit the past. And I follow the science of change & addiction; it shows there's no one way to recover/change & that's great news!
(510) 447-1456 View (510) 447-1456
Photo of David Arbulú, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
David Arbulú
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Do you or someone you know worry way too much, feel tired all the time, or feel overwhelmed? Are you having difficulties with social situations or communication in your relationships? Not getting enough sleep, losing focus, or tend to procrastinate? If so, I can help! For over 15 years I have worked with individuals and families to connect, heal, and thrive. Hi, I'm David Arbulú, your friendly neighborhood therapist.
Do you or someone you know worry way too much, feel tired all the time, or feel overwhelmed? Are you having difficulties with social situations or communication in your relationships? Not getting enough sleep, losing focus, or tend to procrastinate? If so, I can help! For over 15 years I have worked with individuals and families to connect, heal, and thrive. Hi, I'm David Arbulú, your friendly neighborhood therapist.
(650) 419-8173 View (650) 419-8173
Photo of Ashley Boyer, PhD, Psychologist
Ashley Boyer
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Waitlist for new clients
Hi, I am a San Francisco Bay Area Child Psychologist. I specialize in anxiety and other related concerns such as perfectionism and difficult life adjustments. In my practice, I focus on the relationship and making you and your child feel comfortable through developmentally appropriate interventions. I want to help you work through your worries and achieve your best life.
Hi, I am a San Francisco Bay Area Child Psychologist. I specialize in anxiety and other related concerns such as perfectionism and difficult life adjustments. In my practice, I focus on the relationship and making you and your child feel comfortable through developmentally appropriate interventions. I want to help you work through your worries and achieve your best life.
(628) 228-6535 View (628) 228-6535
Photo of Caitlin Wicks, PsyD, Psychologist
Caitlin Wicks
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Menlo Park, CA 94025
I am here to tell you, you are not broken, even if your mind may tell you so. When we are anxious or in despair, we can’t think straight or engage our usual survival strategies. It can impact our health, body, emotions, relationships, perception of self and reality. We can't make sense of the distorted thoughts alone. We need a therapist to help guide us. I often help young women who are feeling shy, anxious, obsessive, depressed, struggling with perfectionism or life transitions. I enjoy helping girls and women achieve developmentally appropriate social-emotional, verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
I am here to tell you, you are not broken, even if your mind may tell you so. When we are anxious or in despair, we can’t think straight or engage our usual survival strategies. It can impact our health, body, emotions, relationships, perception of self and reality. We can't make sense of the distorted thoughts alone. We need a therapist to help guide us. I often help young women who are feeling shy, anxious, obsessive, depressed, struggling with perfectionism or life transitions. I enjoy helping girls and women achieve developmentally appropriate social-emotional, verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
(415) 649-5373 View (415) 649-5373
Photo of Dr. Manasi Shankar, PhD, LPCC, LPC, NCC
Dr. Manasi Shankar
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, PhD, LPCC, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Navigating mental and emotional struggles alone can be exhausting. I am so glad you are here. My rigorous training has led to a focus on helping clients recover from attachment insecurity, self-esteem issues, perfectionism, stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges. In sessions, we will collaborate to identify the root of the issue causing you pain, using a personalized and culturally-informed approach. We will then collaborate on a concrete treatment plan to meet your goals in a way that promotes sustainable change and long-term healing.
Navigating mental and emotional struggles alone can be exhausting. I am so glad you are here. My rigorous training has led to a focus on helping clients recover from attachment insecurity, self-esteem issues, perfectionism, stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges. In sessions, we will collaborate to identify the root of the issue causing you pain, using a personalized and culturally-informed approach. We will then collaborate on a concrete treatment plan to meet your goals in a way that promotes sustainable change and long-term healing.
(408) 716-3883 View (408) 716-3883
Photo of Dr. Dorothy Pang, PhD, NCSP, LSSP, Psychologist
Dr. Dorothy Pang
Psychologist, PhD, NCSP, LSSP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Palo Alto, CA 94306  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Life often brings moments of overwhelm, dissatisfaction, and uncertainty, making us feel unsure of how to move forward. You may be frustrated with how you perceive yourself, relate to your body and food, respond to triggers or seemingly unchangeable interpersonal dynamics, or how you cope with stressors. Having a warm, trusted person who is dedicated to provide a safe space to help you heal and grow can make a world of difference. I'm here to help you experience compassion for how you've tried to survive unmet needs, challenge unhelpful thoughts, develop more effective coping tools, and empower you to live aligned with your values.
Life often brings moments of overwhelm, dissatisfaction, and uncertainty, making us feel unsure of how to move forward. You may be frustrated with how you perceive yourself, relate to your body and food, respond to triggers or seemingly unchangeable interpersonal dynamics, or how you cope with stressors. Having a warm, trusted person who is dedicated to provide a safe space to help you heal and grow can make a world of difference. I'm here to help you experience compassion for how you've tried to survive unmet needs, challenge unhelpful thoughts, develop more effective coping tools, and empower you to live aligned with your values.
(628) 348-4425 View (628) 348-4425
Photo of Jane Loya Ryan, PhD, MS
Jane Loya Ryan
PhD, MS
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Clients seek me out to become outstanding leaders in a dynamic world. They want a trusted guide to elevate their lives and leadership. Today's world reshapes our thinking, emotions, actions, resilience, and triumphs. Upholding integrity, values, and purpose amid shifting priorities is demanding. Emotional intelligence unlocks your full potential, fostering thriving, not just surviving. As your coach, I support you in conquering unique challenges, realizing your vision, and reaching your goals, empowering you to adapt, evolve, and lead exceptionally.
Clients seek me out to become outstanding leaders in a dynamic world. They want a trusted guide to elevate their lives and leadership. Today's world reshapes our thinking, emotions, actions, resilience, and triumphs. Upholding integrity, values, and purpose amid shifting priorities is demanding. Emotional intelligence unlocks your full potential, fostering thriving, not just surviving. As your coach, I support you in conquering unique challenges, realizing your vision, and reaching your goals, empowering you to adapt, evolve, and lead exceptionally.
(650) 675-2823 View (650) 675-2823
Photo of Alina Kurland, PsyD, PMH-C, Psychologist
Alina Kurland
Psychologist, PsyD, PMH-C
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94306  (Online Only)
Whether you know exactly what you’d like to change, or you aren’t sure where to start, I know this is a big step and I’m ready to meet you where you’re at. I am certified in perinatal mental health and love working with women who are navigating pregnancy, the postpartum period, infertility, birth trauma, PMDD, or other women's wellness concerns. I also treat depression, anxiety, and trauma in people from all walks of life. My goal is to team up with you to help you make meaningful and lasting change, according to your own vision for your life.
Whether you know exactly what you’d like to change, or you aren’t sure where to start, I know this is a big step and I’m ready to meet you where you’re at. I am certified in perinatal mental health and love working with women who are navigating pregnancy, the postpartum period, infertility, birth trauma, PMDD, or other women's wellness concerns. I also treat depression, anxiety, and trauma in people from all walks of life. My goal is to team up with you to help you make meaningful and lasting change, according to your own vision for your life.
(650) 229-6660 View (650) 229-6660

See more therapy options for East Palo Alto

How does your Therapist compare?

Number of Therapists in East Palo Alto, CA

< 10

Therapists in East Palo Alto, CA who prioritize treating:

100% Relationship Issues
100% Depression
88% Anxiety
88% Trauma and PTSD
75% Stress
63% Family Conflict
63% Coping Skills

Average years in practice

12 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

75% Aetna
75% Cigna and Evernorth
50% BlueCross and BlueShield

How Therapists in East Palo Alto, CA see their clients

75% In Person and Online
25% Online Only

Gender breakdown

86% Female
14% Male
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling

How can I find a therapist in East Palo Alto?

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.