Therapists in Pearisburg, VA

Photo of Amanda Hardwick, LCSW, RPT, CACYFSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Amanda Hardwick
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RPT, CACYFSW
Verified Verified
Pearisburg, VA 24134
Not accepting new clients
I love working with individuals and families and have been for 8 years in the New River Valley in a wide variety of roles. My approach is tailored for each client, situation and goal to find what works best for each unique individual. I use an eclectic approach and embrace a person-centered philosophy to best meet my client's needs and take joy in helping others explore and achieve personal goals to live a healthier and happier life.
I love working with individuals and families and have been for 8 years in the New River Valley in a wide variety of roles. My approach is tailored for each client, situation and goal to find what works best for each unique individual. I use an eclectic approach and embrace a person-centered philosophy to best meet my client's needs and take joy in helping others explore and achieve personal goals to live a healthier and happier life.
(540) 469-5147 View (540) 469-5147
Photo of Connie Fisher Hopkins, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Connie Fisher Hopkins
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Pearisburg, VA 24134
I am a graduate from Radford University earning a Bachelors Degree with a focus on social work. I received a Masters of Social Work from Radford in 2014 and began working toward being a LCSW. I received my LCSW in 2017 and have been working in outpatient therapy since. I have experience with anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, bipolar disorder, ADD/ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder, anger management, parenting issues, personality disorders, trauma, and grief. I work from a strength-based perspective with a client-centered style.
I am a graduate from Radford University earning a Bachelors Degree with a focus on social work. I received a Masters of Social Work from Radford in 2014 and began working toward being a LCSW. I received my LCSW in 2017 and have been working in outpatient therapy since. I have experience with anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, bipolar disorder, ADD/ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder, anger management, parenting issues, personality disorders, trauma, and grief. I work from a strength-based perspective with a client-centered style.
(540) 307-2972 View (540) 307-2972
Photo of Theresa Aileen Shuart, LPC, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Theresa Aileen Shuart
Marriage & Family Therapist, LPC, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pearisburg, VA 24134
Ms. Theresa Shuart is a Clinical Fellow in the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists with more than 35 years’ experience working with patients in the mental health field, helping people of all ages (age 3 and above), and she specializes in marriage and family therapy and loves working with children. Her clientele is diverse; she works with individuals, couples, and families. Typical treatment issues include anxiety, depression, behavioral problems; blended families; marriage issues, and military family issues.
Ms. Theresa Shuart is a Clinical Fellow in the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists with more than 35 years’ experience working with patients in the mental health field, helping people of all ages (age 3 and above), and she specializes in marriage and family therapy and loves working with children. Her clientele is diverse; she works with individuals, couples, and families. Typical treatment issues include anxiety, depression, behavioral problems; blended families; marriage issues, and military family issues.
(703) 991-0519 View (703) 991-0519

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Mark Murphy, LCPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Mark Murphy
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Ripplemead, VA 24150
I have been a Licensed Professional Counselor for over 20 years. I have worked with men, women, teens, and families on various issues. Sometimes that work involved helping them through a particular incident or life change that overwhelmed them. Other times, our work centered around longstanding topics of depression, anxiety, trauma, and addiction. With years of both institutional and outpatient experience, I enjoy helping people move from a place they can no longer tolerate to one where they feel happier and more effective. I also provide clinical supervision for LPC residents.
I have been a Licensed Professional Counselor for over 20 years. I have worked with men, women, teens, and families on various issues. Sometimes that work involved helping them through a particular incident or life change that overwhelmed them. Other times, our work centered around longstanding topics of depression, anxiety, trauma, and addiction. With years of both institutional and outpatient experience, I enjoy helping people move from a place they can no longer tolerate to one where they feel happier and more effective. I also provide clinical supervision for LPC residents.
(757) 909-5571 View (757) 909-5571
Photo of Erin Janovec, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Erin Janovec
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Narrows, VA 24124
Hello! My name is Erin Janovec. I am a licensed professional counselor in Virginia. My approach to therapy is a humanistic and integrated approach that considers each individual's unique needs. I am certified in EMDR and trained in TF-CBT. I have worked with clients ranging from young to old with varying diagnoses. I have experience working with individuals with substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, bipolar, OCD, PTSD, ADHD, and more.
Hello! My name is Erin Janovec. I am a licensed professional counselor in Virginia. My approach to therapy is a humanistic and integrated approach that considers each individual's unique needs. I am certified in EMDR and trained in TF-CBT. I have worked with clients ranging from young to old with varying diagnoses. I have experience working with individuals with substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, bipolar, OCD, PTSD, ADHD, and more.
(540) 264-9592 View (540) 264-9592
Photo of Anna Bezemer, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Anna Bezemer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Narrows, VA 24124
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a master's in clinical social work, based in Richmond Virginia. I work with adult clients of all backgrounds, while specializing in following areas: LGBTQ+, kink/polyamory/ethically non-monogamous relationships, sex workers, and substance use/misuse recovery and harm reduction. I am passionate about helping people feel comfortable and safe in their own skins and gain tools to manage their day to day lives.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a master's in clinical social work, based in Richmond Virginia. I work with adult clients of all backgrounds, while specializing in following areas: LGBTQ+, kink/polyamory/ethically non-monogamous relationships, sex workers, and substance use/misuse recovery and harm reduction. I am passionate about helping people feel comfortable and safe in their own skins and gain tools to manage their day to day lives.
(757) 979-6902 View (757) 979-6902
Photo of Sarah Rash, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Sarah Rash
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Mountain Lake, VA 24136
Sarah Rash is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with 7 years of combined experience working in a variety of counseling venues. She has a passion for helping adults understand and navigate the challenges they face as a result of life circumstances or diagnoses to lead to more rewarding day-to-day lives. Sarah specializes in anxiety, depression, grief, coping skills education, self-esteem, some trauma work, and self-exploration/growth.
Sarah Rash is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with 7 years of combined experience working in a variety of counseling venues. She has a passion for helping adults understand and navigate the challenges they face as a result of life circumstances or diagnoses to lead to more rewarding day-to-day lives. Sarah specializes in anxiety, depression, grief, coping skills education, self-esteem, some trauma work, and self-exploration/growth.
(540) 307-2453 View (540) 307-2453
Photo of Kendra Rascoe, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kendra Rascoe
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Narrows, VA 24124
My name is Kendra Rascoe, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and graduated from Liberty University with an M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy. I work with clients in Virginia statewide through telehealth. I work with adults, adolescents, and children. I specialize in anxiety, stress, life transitions, and relationships. I utilize an integrative and person-centered approach using a combination of theories such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Family systems, and Solution-focused.
My name is Kendra Rascoe, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and graduated from Liberty University with an M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy. I work with clients in Virginia statewide through telehealth. I work with adults, adolescents, and children. I specialize in anxiety, stress, life transitions, and relationships. I utilize an integrative and person-centered approach using a combination of theories such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Family systems, and Solution-focused.
(757) 866-4970 View (757) 866-4970
Photo of Matthew Sandford, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Matthew Sandford
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Rich Creek, VA 24147
My name is Matt Sandford and I have been practicing as a Licensed Professional Counselor for 14 years now, with 16 years of total experience. I believe that creating a safe space enables people to explore and process the stuff on their minds and in their hearts, which can lead to healthiness, strength, and growth. I have a variety of experiences, but I specialize in stress and anxiety, relationship challenges, marriage, self-worth challenges, and spiritual challenges.
My name is Matt Sandford and I have been practicing as a Licensed Professional Counselor for 14 years now, with 16 years of total experience. I believe that creating a safe space enables people to explore and process the stuff on their minds and in their hearts, which can lead to healthiness, strength, and growth. I have a variety of experiences, but I specialize in stress and anxiety, relationship challenges, marriage, self-worth challenges, and spiritual challenges.
(804) 376-1216 View (804) 376-1216
Photo of Michael Orndoff, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Michael Orndoff
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Mountain Lake, VA 24136
Michael Orndoff is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 4 years of experience in the field of Social Work. He is passionate about helping adults, adolescents, and couples manage their own unique challenges in their daily life. Michael specializes in relationship issues, depression, career concerns, anger management, building self-esteem, and parenting concerns. Michael completed his Master's Degree in Social Work from Norfolk State University and his Bachelor's degree in Social Work from Virginia Wesleyan University.
Michael Orndoff is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 4 years of experience in the field of Social Work. He is passionate about helping adults, adolescents, and couples manage their own unique challenges in their daily life. Michael specializes in relationship issues, depression, career concerns, anger management, building self-esteem, and parenting concerns. Michael completed his Master's Degree in Social Work from Norfolk State University and his Bachelor's degree in Social Work from Virginia Wesleyan University.
(540) 517-6020 View (540) 517-6020
Photo of Amanda Kassay, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Amanda Kassay
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Eggleston, VA 24086
Amanda is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Virginia with over 6 years of experience. She specializes in working with individuals from childhood and adolescence to late adulthood in individual and in family therapeutic settings. Amanda partners with clients to work through and manage anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem issues, stress, life transitions, grief, loss, and other concerns. Amanda received her Master's degree in Counseling and Human Services in 2015 from the CACREP-accredited Institute, Lindsey Wilson College, School of Professional Counseling in Columbia KY.
Amanda is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Virginia with over 6 years of experience. She specializes in working with individuals from childhood and adolescence to late adulthood in individual and in family therapeutic settings. Amanda partners with clients to work through and manage anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem issues, stress, life transitions, grief, loss, and other concerns. Amanda received her Master's degree in Counseling and Human Services in 2015 from the CACREP-accredited Institute, Lindsey Wilson College, School of Professional Counseling in Columbia KY.
(540) 572-7109 View (540) 572-7109
Photo of Renee Anderson, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Renee Anderson
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Mountain Lake, VA 24136
Renee Anderson is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 25 years of experience in the mental health field. She is purposeful and passionate about helping individuals at all life stages address and conquer challenges. Renee specializes in treating depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, motivational issues, and the fallout caused by major life transitions. Renee spent 15 years in a hospital setting performing emergency evaluations, case management, and social work interventions.
Renee Anderson is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 25 years of experience in the mental health field. She is purposeful and passionate about helping individuals at all life stages address and conquer challenges. Renee specializes in treating depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, motivational issues, and the fallout caused by major life transitions. Renee spent 15 years in a hospital setting performing emergency evaluations, case management, and social work interventions.
(540) 299-2576 View (540) 299-2576
Photo of Christina Ford-Shannon, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Christina Ford-Shannon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Mountain Lake, VA 24136
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Virginia with 16 years of experience working with people navigating a variety of life circumstances. I enjoy 1:1 therapy using various therapeutic techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, and interpersonal therapy techniques to equip clients with better problem-solving, stress management, and coping skills. I have a passion for working with teenage clients experiencing depression, anxiety, and anger management issues.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Virginia with 16 years of experience working with people navigating a variety of life circumstances. I enjoy 1:1 therapy using various therapeutic techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, and interpersonal therapy techniques to equip clients with better problem-solving, stress management, and coping skills. I have a passion for working with teenage clients experiencing depression, anxiety, and anger management issues.
(571) 604-6642 View (571) 604-6642
Photo of Avrial Mendoza - Abundant Life Christian Counseling, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Abundant Life Christian Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Ripplemead, VA 24150
Do you need a better way to cope with anxiety or depression? You may need help finding practical strategies & skills to help you not only get through your day, but improve your ability to navigate school or work, relational, and spiritual challenges. You may need a safe place to talk about your beliefs or doubts. Maybe life has changed, and you can't seem to adjust. Maybe it all has become too much, & self-worth, health, and things that were once so important have taken a hit. You would like to feel happy and hopeful again. Or at least have some tools so that you feel a sense of positive progress and growth.
Do you need a better way to cope with anxiety or depression? You may need help finding practical strategies & skills to help you not only get through your day, but improve your ability to navigate school or work, relational, and spiritual challenges. You may need a safe place to talk about your beliefs or doubts. Maybe life has changed, and you can't seem to adjust. Maybe it all has become too much, & self-worth, health, and things that were once so important have taken a hit. You would like to feel happy and hopeful again. Or at least have some tools so that you feel a sense of positive progress and growth.
(540) 227-0005 View (540) 227-0005
Photo of Ashley Watson, Pre-Licensed Professional
Ashley Watson
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Mountain Lake, VA 24136  (Online Only)
Ashley, a Licensed Resident in Counseling, focuses on helping adults rewrite narratives they've accumulated in life. With 9 years of diverse mental health experience, Ashley specializes in anxiety, depression, trauma, couples, and attachment-related issues. Beyond her professional role, she's a devoted mother and wife intimately acquainted with life's curveballs. She offers a supportive environment to foster self-understanding, guiding clients toward deeper insights and growth. Whether it's addressing individual or relational challenges, Ashley is dedicated to walking with clients on their journey toward healing and transformation.
Ashley, a Licensed Resident in Counseling, focuses on helping adults rewrite narratives they've accumulated in life. With 9 years of diverse mental health experience, Ashley specializes in anxiety, depression, trauma, couples, and attachment-related issues. Beyond her professional role, she's a devoted mother and wife intimately acquainted with life's curveballs. She offers a supportive environment to foster self-understanding, guiding clients toward deeper insights and growth. Whether it's addressing individual or relational challenges, Ashley is dedicated to walking with clients on their journey toward healing and transformation.
(540) 616-3220 View (540) 616-3220

Online Therapists

Photo of Melissa Asbury, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Melissa Asbury
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Blacksburg, VA 24060  (Online Only)
Melissa is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who has worked with adults with serious mental illness in community-based positions, individual counseling, group facilitation, and assessment. She has worked with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, psychosis, adjustment issues, grief and loss, substance use disorders, self-esteem deficiencies, relationship issues, trauma, and much more.
Melissa is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who has worked with adults with serious mental illness in community-based positions, individual counseling, group facilitation, and assessment. She has worked with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, psychosis, adjustment issues, grief and loss, substance use disorders, self-esteem deficiencies, relationship issues, trauma, and much more.
(540) 507-2668 View (540) 507-2668
Photo of Chuck Rodgers - Substance Abuse Clinic Of Lynchburg, Psychologist
Substance Abuse Clinic Of Lynchburg
Psychologist
Verified Verified
Lynchburg, VA 24502
Are you or someone you love unable to break the grip of Alcohol or Drug Addiction? We know how to break it! Living with addiction or living with someone who is addicted to alcohol or drugs is devastating. You are exhausted as you go through the cycle, trying to stop on your own, yet one more time. You feel, helpless, hopeless, and terrified of what the future holds. You want desperately to break free and move forward but your best efforts end only in more disappointment and shame. There is help! It can end today! You can move forward!
Are you or someone you love unable to break the grip of Alcohol or Drug Addiction? We know how to break it! Living with addiction or living with someone who is addicted to alcohol or drugs is devastating. You are exhausted as you go through the cycle, trying to stop on your own, yet one more time. You feel, helpless, hopeless, and terrified of what the future holds. You want desperately to break free and move forward but your best efforts end only in more disappointment and shame. There is help! It can end today! You can move forward!
(434) 688-0942 View (434) 688-0942
Photo of Gavra Carden, LMHP-R, Pre-Licensed Professional
Gavra Carden
Pre-Licensed Professional, LMHP-R
Verified Verified
Roanoke, VA 24018
My name is Gavra Carden, and I am a resident in Counseling, with over 8 years of experience in the mental health field working with diverse populations. I strive to provide a compassionate and confidential environment for clients to explore past and present experiences while offering skilled interventions to cope with life’s many stresses. I believe individuals can move toward healing and growth, when provided with support. I offer a collaborative and transparent approach to therapy, working together with you to create goals aligning with your unique experiences and lifestyle.
My name is Gavra Carden, and I am a resident in Counseling, with over 8 years of experience in the mental health field working with diverse populations. I strive to provide a compassionate and confidential environment for clients to explore past and present experiences while offering skilled interventions to cope with life’s many stresses. I believe individuals can move toward healing and growth, when provided with support. I offer a collaborative and transparent approach to therapy, working together with you to create goals aligning with your unique experiences and lifestyle.
(540) 515-5740 View (540) 515-5740
Photo of Cory Groman, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Cory Groman
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Roanoke, VA 24013
He has worked with various populations, including adolescents, children, couples, and adults. He has experience with a broad spectrum of conditions/issues, including (but not limited to): addictions, crises of meaning, career advancement/discernment, depression, anxiety, social anxiety, trauma, grief/loss, anger management, mood issues, relational issues, parent/child issues, Christian issues, decision making, identifying purpose and ADHD. Theoretical perspectives include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused, Narrative, and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy.
He has worked with various populations, including adolescents, children, couples, and adults. He has experience with a broad spectrum of conditions/issues, including (but not limited to): addictions, crises of meaning, career advancement/discernment, depression, anxiety, social anxiety, trauma, grief/loss, anger management, mood issues, relational issues, parent/child issues, Christian issues, decision making, identifying purpose and ADHD. Theoretical perspectives include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused, Narrative, and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy.
(804) 626-5510 View (804) 626-5510
Photo of Krystal Frailey, MA
Krystal Frailey
Resident in Counseling, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Forest, VA 24551
I believe it is crucial for those seeking counseling to encounter a safe and compassionate environment. My goal is to meet clients where they are with warmth, connection, faith in their ability to achieve the outcomes they desire, compassionate challenge, and even humor. I hope that clients leave their therapy experience with increased awareness and insight, new skills, a sense of relief, and expanded knowledge about themselves, others and the world around them.
I believe it is crucial for those seeking counseling to encounter a safe and compassionate environment. My goal is to meet clients where they are with warmth, connection, faith in their ability to achieve the outcomes they desire, compassionate challenge, and even humor. I hope that clients leave their therapy experience with increased awareness and insight, new skills, a sense of relief, and expanded knowledge about themselves, others and the world around them.
(434) 202-4080 View (434) 202-4080

See more therapy options for Pearisburg

How does your Therapist compare?

Number of Therapists in Pearisburg, VA

< 10

Therapists in Pearisburg, VA who prioritize treating:

100% Depression
100% Anxiety
100% ADHD
100% Grief
100% Parenting
100% Trauma and PTSD
100% Family Conflict

Average years in practice

23 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

100% Aetna
100% BlueCross and BlueShield
100% Cigna and Evernorth

How Therapists in Pearisburg, VA see their clients

100% In Person and Online

Gender breakdown

100% Female
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling

How can I find a therapist in Pearisburg?

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.