Therapists in Occoquan, VA

Photo of Amy Noone, MS, RIC
Amy Noone
Resident in Counseling, MS, RIC
Verified Verified
Occoquan, VA 22125
I believe that everyone can use help at various times in their lives and am passionate about helping clients live their best life—whatever that may look like to them—in a safe and supportive environment. My role as your counselor is to walk alongside you and help you navigate your life’s journey.
I believe that everyone can use help at various times in their lives and am passionate about helping clients live their best life—whatever that may look like to them—in a safe and supportive environment. My role as your counselor is to walk alongside you and help you navigate your life’s journey.
(703) 457-9556 View (703) 457-9556
Photo of Rachel Sheffel, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Rachel Sheffel
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Occoquan, VA 22125
Do you feel "drained" after interacting with certain people? Are you working on building healthier relationships and boundaries? Are you navigating a major life transition or event? Are you a high-functioning person who feels "stuck" in certain areas of your life or that you are "not living up to your potential"? Many of my clients identify as creative, intuitive, and empathic. Clients who choose to work with me are often seeking a more fulfilling and authentic life, working through layers of internalized conditioning, and healing old wounds that are standing in the way of fully embracing and loving themselves and their lives.
Do you feel "drained" after interacting with certain people? Are you working on building healthier relationships and boundaries? Are you navigating a major life transition or event? Are you a high-functioning person who feels "stuck" in certain areas of your life or that you are "not living up to your potential"? Many of my clients identify as creative, intuitive, and empathic. Clients who choose to work with me are often seeking a more fulfilling and authentic life, working through layers of internalized conditioning, and healing old wounds that are standing in the way of fully embracing and loving themselves and their lives.
(703) 691-5079 View (703) 691-5079
Photo of Marie Reimann, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Marie Reimann
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Occoquan, VA 22125
Not accepting new clients
In every stage of life, we face challenges and obstacles that will test us and can cause us to experience difficult emotional responses. Other times, we don’t know why we feel the way we do. Whatever you may be experiencing, deciding to seek help from a therapist takes strength and courage.
In every stage of life, we face challenges and obstacles that will test us and can cause us to experience difficult emotional responses. Other times, we don’t know why we feel the way we do. Whatever you may be experiencing, deciding to seek help from a therapist takes strength and courage.
(703) 791-9150 View (703) 791-9150
Photo of Tania Alfaro, MS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Tania Alfaro
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Occoquan, VA 22125
Not accepting new clients
I have a BA from Radford University and an MS in Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University. I enjoy working with a broad spectrum of individuals from diverse backgrounds. I am bilingual, English and Spanish, and I offer a sliding fee scale. Providing tools, emotional support, and education to those in need is a passion of mine. I have experience working with adolescents and adults suffering from complex traumas as well as providing a variety of community support resources to individuals and families.
I have a BA from Radford University and an MS in Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University. I enjoy working with a broad spectrum of individuals from diverse backgrounds. I am bilingual, English and Spanish, and I offer a sliding fee scale. Providing tools, emotional support, and education to those in need is a passion of mine. I have experience working with adolescents and adults suffering from complex traumas as well as providing a variety of community support resources to individuals and families.
(571) 620-6948 View (571) 620-6948
Photo of Michelle Kauble, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Michelle Kauble
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Occoquan, VA 22125
Waitlist for new clients
I am privileged to be a participant in the journey. I am an honest, genuine, compassionate advocate for my clients of all ages, races, ethinicities, backgrounds, orientations, and walks of life. I tell people all the time that if I had wanted to judge people, I would go to law school and get paid much more money! That's a joke! Survivors: let’s come together and agree that you’re never, ever going to back down! My interactive approach can yield results because I seek to learn constantly! I am also passionate about accessibility of mental health services- I supervise newer therapists and keep my rates affordable. That’s me!
I am privileged to be a participant in the journey. I am an honest, genuine, compassionate advocate for my clients of all ages, races, ethinicities, backgrounds, orientations, and walks of life. I tell people all the time that if I had wanted to judge people, I would go to law school and get paid much more money! That's a joke! Survivors: let’s come together and agree that you’re never, ever going to back down! My interactive approach can yield results because I seek to learn constantly! I am also passionate about accessibility of mental health services- I supervise newer therapists and keep my rates affordable. That’s me!
(434) 483-5575 View (434) 483-5575
Photo of Lynnai Frock, MA, Pre-Licensed Professional
Lynnai Frock
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Occoquan, VA 22125
Not accepting new clients
Entering counseling can be daunting, especially when coming for the first time. I aim for you to feel truly seen and heard in each session. I aspire to empower my clients and help them to lead meaningful lives, however, that looks to you. My primary work is with anxiety, depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), adjustment issues, and relationship conflicts. I have experience working with adolescents and adults, but I am open to working with all age groups! My approach utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and techniques from mindfulness and logotherapy.
Entering counseling can be daunting, especially when coming for the first time. I aim for you to feel truly seen and heard in each session. I aspire to empower my clients and help them to lead meaningful lives, however, that looks to you. My primary work is with anxiety, depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), adjustment issues, and relationship conflicts. I have experience working with adolescents and adults, but I am open to working with all age groups! My approach utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and techniques from mindfulness and logotherapy.
(571) 601-1829 View (571) 601-1829
Photo of Kerry A Jetton, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kerry A Jetton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Occoquan, VA 22125
I'm here to help. Life is full of struggles and difficulties that can affect the way we see and interact with the world. I am here to help you process your pain, and to move past it; I am also here to help you explore what is needed to enable you to live your full and authentic life moving forward. I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, families and the LGBTQIA+ community. I treat Anxiety, Depression, OCD, Trauma, BPD, self-harming behaviors, social and adjustment issues, family issues and more. I use a variety of evidence-based therapies, including EMDR, CBT, DBT, ERP, Mindfulness, Play Therapy and Sand Tray Therapy.
I'm here to help. Life is full of struggles and difficulties that can affect the way we see and interact with the world. I am here to help you process your pain, and to move past it; I am also here to help you explore what is needed to enable you to live your full and authentic life moving forward. I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, families and the LGBTQIA+ community. I treat Anxiety, Depression, OCD, Trauma, BPD, self-harming behaviors, social and adjustment issues, family issues and more. I use a variety of evidence-based therapies, including EMDR, CBT, DBT, ERP, Mindfulness, Play Therapy and Sand Tray Therapy.
(571) 998-1653 View (571) 998-1653
Photo of Tammy Young, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Tammy Young
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Occoquan, VA 22125
As a professional counselor and Army Veteran, I have a passion for helping other veterans develop an awareness and understanding about their military and post military experiences. I also have a passion to work with children, adolescents, and adults struggling with trauma, depression, anxiety, ADHD, self-esteem issues, relationship issues, addiction, infertility, and parenting struggles.
As a professional counselor and Army Veteran, I have a passion for helping other veterans develop an awareness and understanding about their military and post military experiences. I also have a passion to work with children, adolescents, and adults struggling with trauma, depression, anxiety, ADHD, self-esteem issues, relationship issues, addiction, infertility, and parenting struggles.
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Anthony R DiFrancesco
Psychologist, PhD, PC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Occoquan, VA 22125
As a Clinical Psychologist I enjoy working with the entire life span. It gives me a unique perspective and understanding of what challenges occur at different stages of life whether it's a child/adolescent/young adult making changes for the future or an older adult working through childhood experiences or traumas. For healing to occur it is critical to understand how past patterns of coping and beliefs are an active part of our current lives. Practical reflection and problem solving is an integral part of my treatment. I have been in private practice in Prince William County since 1988.
As a Clinical Psychologist I enjoy working with the entire life span. It gives me a unique perspective and understanding of what challenges occur at different stages of life whether it's a child/adolescent/young adult making changes for the future or an older adult working through childhood experiences or traumas. For healing to occur it is critical to understand how past patterns of coping and beliefs are an active part of our current lives. Practical reflection and problem solving is an integral part of my treatment. I have been in private practice in Prince William County since 1988.
(703) 491-9701 View (703) 491-9701
Photo of Shinavia McKinney, MA, NCC
Shinavia McKinney
Resident in Counseling, MA, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Occoquan, VA 22125
Being a fierce advocate and mental health professional who enjoys lifting people up, I love working with clients who look forward to making goals, plans, and working towards exponential growth. Some of my greatest success has come from working with clients who are just as invested as I am.
Being a fierce advocate and mental health professional who enjoys lifting people up, I love working with clients who look forward to making goals, plans, and working towards exponential growth. Some of my greatest success has come from working with clients who are just as invested as I am.
(703) 496-4595 View (703) 496-4595
Photo of Victoria Hook, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Victoria Hook
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Occoquan, VA 22125
Sometimes when we think about seeing someone for our health, we worry about feeling like we're under the microscope. I want more than anything for people to walk in, feel welcome, and take their time to feel understood. Seeking out counseling can be one of the hardest steps you take, but I like to make it a point to show you just how strong you really are. I primarily work with teens, pre-teens, and young adults (especially college students) but all are welcome. My main specialties are depression, anxiety, OCD, emetophobia, ADHD, self-esteem, family conflict, adjustment issues, and relationship issues.
Sometimes when we think about seeing someone for our health, we worry about feeling like we're under the microscope. I want more than anything for people to walk in, feel welcome, and take their time to feel understood. Seeking out counseling can be one of the hardest steps you take, but I like to make it a point to show you just how strong you really are. I primarily work with teens, pre-teens, and young adults (especially college students) but all are welcome. My main specialties are depression, anxiety, OCD, emetophobia, ADHD, self-esteem, family conflict, adjustment issues, and relationship issues.
(571) 701-2257 View (571) 701-2257
Photo of Emmanuel Roy Smith Sr. Esq., BBA, LLB, MA, RIC, Counselor
Emmanuel Roy Smith Sr. Esq.
Counselor, BBA, LLB, MA, RIC
Not Verified Not Verified
1 Endorsed
Occoquan, VA 22125
I believe that empowerment and encouragement through the use of counseling strategies can help promote and build positive life skills to help improve interpersonal relationships, reduce stress, and anger. My passion for counseling is to help create positive change or adjustments for each individual that I counsel. I apply a variety of counseling strategies and approaches, and believe in their situational application. I have extensive experience working with adults, children with: depression, social issues, grief, relationships, conflict resolutions, anger management, anxieties, spiritual concerns, post-traumatic stress disorder
I believe that empowerment and encouragement through the use of counseling strategies can help promote and build positive life skills to help improve interpersonal relationships, reduce stress, and anger. My passion for counseling is to help create positive change or adjustments for each individual that I counsel. I apply a variety of counseling strategies and approaches, and believe in their situational application. I have extensive experience working with adults, children with: depression, social issues, grief, relationships, conflict resolutions, anger management, anxieties, spiritual concerns, post-traumatic stress disorder
(703) 935-4594 View (703) 935-4594
Photo of Sean Gleason, MA, LPC, CCMHC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Sean Gleason
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CCMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
Occoquan, VA 22125  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Are you looking for a therapist who can help you without judging you? One who will accept you unconditionally and work together with you as a partner in the therapeutic process? I practice person-centered therapy, which believes a therapist should be transparent about the process and relate to you without hiding behind a professional or personal facade. I will treat you with unconditional positive regard and accept you for the wonderful person that you are inside. I will listen to you without judgment and take the time to understand and appreciate your perspective.
Are you looking for a therapist who can help you without judging you? One who will accept you unconditionally and work together with you as a partner in the therapeutic process? I practice person-centered therapy, which believes a therapist should be transparent about the process and relate to you without hiding behind a professional or personal facade. I will treat you with unconditional positive regard and accept you for the wonderful person that you are inside. I will listen to you without judgment and take the time to understand and appreciate your perspective.
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Photo of Addie M Brown, LMFT, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Addie M Brown
Licensed Professional Counselor, LMFT, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Occoquan, VA 22125
Sometimes people seek counseling with a clear goal of what they want and need. Other times, people aren't sure how counseling can help them, but they know they need support to feel better or make changes in their lives. Whether you are looking to improve yourself or your relationships, let go of past emotional pain, or learn skills that will improve your communication and ability to manage stress, counseling can help you turn the page and begin a new chapter in your life.
Sometimes people seek counseling with a clear goal of what they want and need. Other times, people aren't sure how counseling can help them, but they know they need support to feel better or make changes in their lives. Whether you are looking to improve yourself or your relationships, let go of past emotional pain, or learn skills that will improve your communication and ability to manage stress, counseling can help you turn the page and begin a new chapter in your life.
(571) 380-8024 View (571) 380-8024
Photo of Kristen Dwyer, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kristen Dwyer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Occoquan, VA 22125
I work with clients to go deep into the origins of who they are and how life and relationships have shaped them. When you look deeper into your story you can make sense of how you have learned to navigate connection, emotions, conflict, boundaries, and relational needs. We can explore the stuck points, protectors, adaptations, and threat mitigation strategies you have needed up until now. We can also make space for any parts or wounds that need healing or going back for. Along the way, I can help you access your inner resources, wisdom, and resilience. My role is to help you explore the other possibilities available to you.
I work with clients to go deep into the origins of who they are and how life and relationships have shaped them. When you look deeper into your story you can make sense of how you have learned to navigate connection, emotions, conflict, boundaries, and relational needs. We can explore the stuck points, protectors, adaptations, and threat mitigation strategies you have needed up until now. We can also make space for any parts or wounds that need healing or going back for. Along the way, I can help you access your inner resources, wisdom, and resilience. My role is to help you explore the other possibilities available to you.
(571) 609-3059 View (571) 609-3059
Photo of Ben Clark - Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Woodbridge, Counselor
Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Woodbridge
Counselor
Verified Verified
Occoquan, VA 22125
At Thriveworks, we're dedicated to providing top-tier mental health services that are easily accessible to everyone. With over 340 locations nationwide and flexible online therapy options, our professional therapists are equipped to assist you through any stress, life transitions, or ongoing mental health concerns. We prioritize your convenience and needs by offering flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments, ensuring that you can start your therapy journey as early as this week. Plus, we accept most major insurance plans, making your path to mental health support smoother and more affordable.
At Thriveworks, we're dedicated to providing top-tier mental health services that are easily accessible to everyone. With over 340 locations nationwide and flexible online therapy options, our professional therapists are equipped to assist you through any stress, life transitions, or ongoing mental health concerns. We prioritize your convenience and needs by offering flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments, ensuring that you can start your therapy journey as early as this week. Plus, we accept most major insurance plans, making your path to mental health support smoother and more affordable.
(571) 630-3680 View (571) 630-3680
Photo of Kyle Stephan, MSW, Pre-Licensed Professional
Kyle Stephan
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Occoquan, VA 22125
I specialize in the relationships we have with ourselves, partners, children, and families. Whether a child or adult, our behaviors can always be made sense of when seen as a bid for connection, security, co-regulation, or validation. Where responses feel disruptive, defiant, shut down, withdrawn, critical, or overwhelming, they are a protest against disconnection or change, indications of a missed need, or a signal that whatever is happening is outside of a capacity to cope at that moment. I make space for everyone’s resourceful, brilliant, and sometimes limiting patterns, emotions, needs, protectors, and adaptations.
I specialize in the relationships we have with ourselves, partners, children, and families. Whether a child or adult, our behaviors can always be made sense of when seen as a bid for connection, security, co-regulation, or validation. Where responses feel disruptive, defiant, shut down, withdrawn, critical, or overwhelming, they are a protest against disconnection or change, indications of a missed need, or a signal that whatever is happening is outside of a capacity to cope at that moment. I make space for everyone’s resourceful, brilliant, and sometimes limiting patterns, emotions, needs, protectors, and adaptations.
(703) 420-5297 View (703) 420-5297
Photo of Aysha Kemp, MSW, Pre-Licensed Professional
Aysha Kemp
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Occoquan, VA 22125  (Online Only)
Life and relationships sometimes offer inaccurate messages about who we are, what we deserve, and what is available to us. Where you have felt invalidated, shamed, limited, or unsafe, I want to help you rewrite your story. I am passionate about connection, communication, mind-body-soul healing, and guiding others into their light. I support individuals and couples in identifying patterns such as over-functioning, perfectionism, people-pleasing, shutting down, withdrawing, or focusing on tasks. As we explore the roots of these strategies, we can find new ways to relate, meet needs, build self-worth, and heal old hurts.
Life and relationships sometimes offer inaccurate messages about who we are, what we deserve, and what is available to us. Where you have felt invalidated, shamed, limited, or unsafe, I want to help you rewrite your story. I am passionate about connection, communication, mind-body-soul healing, and guiding others into their light. I support individuals and couples in identifying patterns such as over-functioning, perfectionism, people-pleasing, shutting down, withdrawing, or focusing on tasks. As we explore the roots of these strategies, we can find new ways to relate, meet needs, build self-worth, and heal old hurts.
(571) 474-3049 View (571) 474-3049
Photo of Anwar Taylor, LMFT-R, Pre-Licensed Professional
Anwar Taylor
Pre-Licensed Professional, LMFT-R
Verified Verified
Occoquan, VA 22125
When we are in conflict, disconnection, or misunderstanding with a loved one, we all experience distress. Our protective strategies come alive, shutting down, criticizing, going numb, or pursuing for reconnection. We find ourselves in the same old dance, talking different relational languages we can’t seem to reconcile, having the same old fight. I help individuals and couples talk about what is happening inside them, identify needs, and understand what is at the core of any recurring patterns. I make space for all the ways life has shaped each of you, how this impacts your interactions, and where the misses are taking place.
When we are in conflict, disconnection, or misunderstanding with a loved one, we all experience distress. Our protective strategies come alive, shutting down, criticizing, going numb, or pursuing for reconnection. We find ourselves in the same old dance, talking different relational languages we can’t seem to reconcile, having the same old fight. I help individuals and couples talk about what is happening inside them, identify needs, and understand what is at the core of any recurring patterns. I make space for all the ways life has shaped each of you, how this impacts your interactions, and where the misses are taking place.
(571) 771-2637 View (571) 771-2637
Photo of Patrick Curley - Clinic Director, LCSW
Patrick Curley - Clinic Director
LCSW
Verified Verified
Occoquan, VA 22125
Does your teenager have feelings of anxiety, sadness, depression, feeling hopeless, having trouble with motivation, getting out of bed? Or, does your child have difficulty focusing, hyperactivity, won't sit still or listen? As parents, do you feel your at your wits end, tried everything, need help? Whatever mental, emotional and behavioral issues your child is going thru, We are here to help. We can assist those with anxiety, depression, add and everything in between. At Ellie Mental Health, we provide services in a safe, authentic, fun environment that helps our clients overcome their obstacles.
Does your teenager have feelings of anxiety, sadness, depression, feeling hopeless, having trouble with motivation, getting out of bed? Or, does your child have difficulty focusing, hyperactivity, won't sit still or listen? As parents, do you feel your at your wits end, tried everything, need help? Whatever mental, emotional and behavioral issues your child is going thru, We are here to help. We can assist those with anxiety, depression, add and everything in between. At Ellie Mental Health, we provide services in a safe, authentic, fun environment that helps our clients overcome their obstacles.
(703) 215-3609 View (703) 215-3609
1

How does your Therapist compare?

Number of Therapists in Occoquan, VA

20+

Average cost per session

$120

Therapists in Occoquan, VA who prioritize treating:

95% Anxiety
90% Depression
86% Stress
81% Relationship Issues
81% Coping Skills
76% Self Esteem
71% Trauma and PTSD

Average years in practice

8 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

93% BlueCross and BlueShield
71% Cigna and Evernorth
71% Elevance

How Therapists in Occoquan, VA see their clients

91% In Person and Online
9% Online Only

Gender breakdown

69% Female
31% Male
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling

How can I find a therapist in Occoquan?

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.