Therapists in Central East Denver, Denver, CO

Photo of Erica Salazar, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Erica Salazar
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Central East Denver, Denver, CO 80206  (Online Only)
Are you thinking of starting therapy because you struggle with romantic, family or work relationships? Do you find it challenging to address your own needs? People who seek out my services often know these issues exist but want support with moving from knowing to healing and growing. They don't want a therapist who nods their head. They want a therapist who empathizes, provides insights and humbly provides alternative ways to exist in this world.
Are you thinking of starting therapy because you struggle with romantic, family or work relationships? Do you find it challenging to address your own needs? People who seek out my services often know these issues exist but want support with moving from knowing to healing and growing. They don't want a therapist who nods their head. They want a therapist who empathizes, provides insights and humbly provides alternative ways to exist in this world.
(303) 951-6489 View (303) 951-6489
Photo of Kristen Melanie Evans, LCSW, LAC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kristen Melanie Evans
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LAC
Verified Verified
Central East Denver, Denver, CO 80220  (Online Only)
Embarking on the journey of healing and recovery can be a challenging and courageous step, and I understand the apprehension that often accompanies seeking support. In my nine years of dedicated work in the field of recovery and addiction, I've come to appreciate that the path to healing is not a linear trajectory but rather a transformative spiral. It's a journey where you may find yourself revisiting aspects you thought you understood, only to uncover deeper truths and insights. I believe in the resilience of the human spirit and the profound capacity for growth and change.
Embarking on the journey of healing and recovery can be a challenging and courageous step, and I understand the apprehension that often accompanies seeking support. In my nine years of dedicated work in the field of recovery and addiction, I've come to appreciate that the path to healing is not a linear trajectory but rather a transformative spiral. It's a journey where you may find yourself revisiting aspects you thought you understood, only to uncover deeper truths and insights. I believe in the resilience of the human spirit and the profound capacity for growth and change.
(720) 734-1447 View (720) 734-1447
Photo of Jen Battista, MA, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jen Battista
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Central East Denver, Denver, CO 80206  (Online Only)
Hello! I have a true passion for respecting the genuine humanness of each one of the clients I have the pleasure of working with. I value fostering a safe and trusting space for others to heal and grow by telling their stories, being seen and heard, and aiding in the therapeutic process by meeting the client where they are at. What brings you individually, or as a couple, to therapy is as unique as you and your story. With that belief, I use an eclectic approach to therapy to assist clients struggling within various stages and obstacles, to feel empowered to fully experience life.
Hello! I have a true passion for respecting the genuine humanness of each one of the clients I have the pleasure of working with. I value fostering a safe and trusting space for others to heal and grow by telling their stories, being seen and heard, and aiding in the therapeutic process by meeting the client where they are at. What brings you individually, or as a couple, to therapy is as unique as you and your story. With that belief, I use an eclectic approach to therapy to assist clients struggling within various stages and obstacles, to feel empowered to fully experience life.
(720) 575-3471 View (720) 575-3471
Photo of Joanne Baum, PhD, LCSW, CAS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Joanne Baum
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW, CAS
Verified Verified
Central East Denver, Denver, CO 80206  (Online Only)
As a therapist, I partner with the person I am working with and we collaboratively explore options that may fit your needs and bring you where you want to be, and how you want to be in your life. I am available for TeleHealth Sessions throughout Colorado. If you are wanting to tackle issues such as Addiction, Codependency, Trauma, Sexuality, Unmanageable Stress and Anxiety, Gambling, ADD, Feeling Intimidated by a Life Transition ("What is next?") or Feeling Stuck and wanting to make Personal or Career Changes we may want to meet. I use Brainspotting, talk therapies, and a variety of other treatment methods like CBT, MI, & DBT.
As a therapist, I partner with the person I am working with and we collaboratively explore options that may fit your needs and bring you where you want to be, and how you want to be in your life. I am available for TeleHealth Sessions throughout Colorado. If you are wanting to tackle issues such as Addiction, Codependency, Trauma, Sexuality, Unmanageable Stress and Anxiety, Gambling, ADD, Feeling Intimidated by a Life Transition ("What is next?") or Feeling Stuck and wanting to make Personal or Career Changes we may want to meet. I use Brainspotting, talk therapies, and a variety of other treatment methods like CBT, MI, & DBT.
(720) 744-3597 View (720) 744-3597
Photo of Jeanette Wotkyns, JD, MSc, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jeanette Wotkyns
Marriage & Family Therapist, JD, MSc, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Central East Denver, Denver, CO 80230
Not accepting new clients
I love working with people who are going through transitions of all kinds. Relationships, careers, families, parenting, loss. We all have stories to tell and each is unique and wonderful.
I love working with people who are going through transitions of all kinds. Relationships, careers, families, parenting, loss. We all have stories to tell and each is unique and wonderful.
(303) 622-5076 View (303) 622-5076
Photo of Kimberly Koll, LPC, LMHC, NCC, Counselor
Kimberly Koll
Counselor, LPC, LMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Central East Denver, Denver, CO 80206  (Online Only)
I have immediate openings! I specialize with those who are struggling with living their best lives, with no hope in sight. I help those who feel like they are drowning with grief, anxiety, and/or depression. Feel like you are not motivated to do basic tasks, and life is just not the same anymore without your loved one here? I am here to help. I specialize in grief and loss, trauma, and life transitions. I have been a hospice counselor for over 4 years and been doing grief and loss counseling for over a decade. I have helped hundreds of people in the last decade navigate their grief journey and "new normal" to find value.
I have immediate openings! I specialize with those who are struggling with living their best lives, with no hope in sight. I help those who feel like they are drowning with grief, anxiety, and/or depression. Feel like you are not motivated to do basic tasks, and life is just not the same anymore without your loved one here? I am here to help. I specialize in grief and loss, trauma, and life transitions. I have been a hospice counselor for over 4 years and been doing grief and loss counseling for over a decade. I have helped hundreds of people in the last decade navigate their grief journey and "new normal" to find value.
(972) 640-9202 View (972) 640-9202
Photo of Kerry Lutz, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kerry Lutz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Central East Denver, Denver, CO 80206  (Online Only)
I am a telehealth-only therapist in Colorado who specializes in individuals and couples struggling with relationships, intimacy, self-esteem, and trauma. I believe that sexuality is a core part of being human and seek to help my clients find joy in sex and eroticism. I am also trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), which helps alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories. As I have spent four years working and traveling in Central and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, I approach each client with an open mind and value everyone's diverse array of experiences.
I am a telehealth-only therapist in Colorado who specializes in individuals and couples struggling with relationships, intimacy, self-esteem, and trauma. I believe that sexuality is a core part of being human and seek to help my clients find joy in sex and eroticism. I am also trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), which helps alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories. As I have spent four years working and traveling in Central and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, I approach each client with an open mind and value everyone's diverse array of experiences.
(720) 613-2644 View (720) 613-2644
Photo of Julia Shirar, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Julia Shirar
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Central East Denver, Denver, CO 80206
My approach is rooted in the belief that no matter what a person has going on, there is always an internal compass guiding them towards integration. In our sessions, we will incorporate Jungian/depth psychology, IFS/parts work, relational psychodynamic therapy, attachment theory, & mindfulness (MBCT). We can also incorporate creativity therapy, dreamwork, and body-focused techniques.
My approach is rooted in the belief that no matter what a person has going on, there is always an internal compass guiding them towards integration. In our sessions, we will incorporate Jungian/depth psychology, IFS/parts work, relational psychodynamic therapy, attachment theory, & mindfulness (MBCT). We can also incorporate creativity therapy, dreamwork, and body-focused techniques.
(720) 807-8723 View (720) 807-8723
Photo of Kelsie McGuire, MA, LPC, EMDR, MI, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kelsie McGuire
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, EMDR, MI
Verified Verified
Central East Denver, Denver, CO 80220  (Online Only)
In my first years in the field, I noticed the trend of individuals understanding their patterns of self-sabotage but still feeling unable to break these as the therapeutic work they have done was all cognitive and therefore, had not resulted in a heart change. People would be able to understand from a logical sense that they had worth for example, but struggled to feel worthy or treat themselves as having value in spite of having engaged in therapy for years. To address this, I pursued continued education in order to better help these particular clients.
In my first years in the field, I noticed the trend of individuals understanding their patterns of self-sabotage but still feeling unable to break these as the therapeutic work they have done was all cognitive and therefore, had not resulted in a heart change. People would be able to understand from a logical sense that they had worth for example, but struggled to feel worthy or treat themselves as having value in spite of having engaged in therapy for years. To address this, I pursued continued education in order to better help these particular clients.
(720) 706-5980 View (720) 706-5980
Photo of Kristin J Myers, PhD, LPC, LSC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kristin J Myers
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, LSC
Verified Verified
Central East Denver, Denver, CO 80206
When someone comes to me for counseling, they can expect to find a warm, compassionate, and open person who accepts them, as they are, unconditionally. Whether I am talking to a young person or an adult, I am committed to providing the highest quality of counseling for my clients by empowering them to tap into their inner strength and potential. I can support you through a wide range of emotional and social concerns.
When someone comes to me for counseling, they can expect to find a warm, compassionate, and open person who accepts them, as they are, unconditionally. Whether I am talking to a young person or an adult, I am committed to providing the highest quality of counseling for my clients by empowering them to tap into their inner strength and potential. I can support you through a wide range of emotional and social concerns.
(720) 712-1768 View (720) 712-1768
Photo of Kate Fox, MA, LPCC, Pre-Licensed Professional
Kate Fox
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Central East Denver, Denver, CO 80206
So many of us are feeling disconnected right now. And if you're struggling with a stressful life issue, it can feel especially painful. Even if it seems like no one understands, you don't have to deal with it alone. I can help you explore and process your unique life experiences. Painful experiences can hold us back, whether they are something currently happening in your life or something from your past or childhood. Often, much more is going on underneath the surface than we know. Together, we can find a way to help you find the peace you are searching for.
So many of us are feeling disconnected right now. And if you're struggling with a stressful life issue, it can feel especially painful. Even if it seems like no one understands, you don't have to deal with it alone. I can help you explore and process your unique life experiences. Painful experiences can hold us back, whether they are something currently happening in your life or something from your past or childhood. Often, much more is going on underneath the surface than we know. Together, we can find a way to help you find the peace you are searching for.
(720) 797-7462 View (720) 797-7462
Photo of Cathy Curley - Trust Inner Wisdom Counseling, MA, LPCC
Trust Inner Wisdom Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
Central East Denver, Denver, CO 80218
I have a unique approach for achieving self-acceptance and confidence by getting in touch and learning to trust your inner wisdom. I also have two golden retrievers who are great therapy dogs.
I have a unique approach for achieving self-acceptance and confidence by getting in touch and learning to trust your inner wisdom. I also have two golden retrievers who are great therapy dogs.
(720) 679-5192 View (720) 679-5192
Photo of Melissa McCormick, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Melissa McCormick
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Central East Denver, Denver, CO 80230
I recently moved to Denver from Orlando, Florida. I love hiking, painting, and my two cats, Tangerine and Gizmo! I am nonbinary (she/they pronouns) and queer. I am passionate about therapy and am here to help! I received both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees at University of Central Florida. I have worked in all levels of eating disorder treatment/care (inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient), and have worked with all levels of substance use disorder treatment. I volunteered for Orlando United Counseling (for those affected by the Pulse and Plaza shootings) for 3 years.
I recently moved to Denver from Orlando, Florida. I love hiking, painting, and my two cats, Tangerine and Gizmo! I am nonbinary (she/they pronouns) and queer. I am passionate about therapy and am here to help! I received both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees at University of Central Florida. I have worked in all levels of eating disorder treatment/care (inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient), and have worked with all levels of substance use disorder treatment. I volunteered for Orlando United Counseling (for those affected by the Pulse and Plaza shootings) for 3 years.
(720) 815-9644 View (720) 815-9644
Photo of Lou Ashcraft, MA, LPC, MFTC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Lou Ashcraft
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, MFTC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Central East Denver, Denver, CO 80218  (Online Only)
I know finding the right fit for a therapist can be a bit like shopping for a sofa: try a bunch before finding the one that makes you want to rest and stay a while. I’ll offer a few details that might make this process feel a little more directive. I am a licensed professional counselor and a marriage and family therapist candidate. My work is relational at its core, whether I am working with individuals, or larger units. Those who seem to get the most out of working with me are in touch with their internal emotional landscapes and interested in being active participants in their healing.
I know finding the right fit for a therapist can be a bit like shopping for a sofa: try a bunch before finding the one that makes you want to rest and stay a while. I’ll offer a few details that might make this process feel a little more directive. I am a licensed professional counselor and a marriage and family therapist candidate. My work is relational at its core, whether I am working with individuals, or larger units. Those who seem to get the most out of working with me are in touch with their internal emotional landscapes and interested in being active participants in their healing.
(720) 704-4067 View (720) 704-4067
Photo of Alex Zobel, MA, LPCC, Counselor
Alex Zobel
Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
Central East Denver, Denver, CO 80218  (Online Only)
I offer a dynamic approach to psychotherapy. I specialize in working with anxiety, depression and life transitions. I incorporate practices that work with balancing the nervous system through a psychodynamic approach incorporating Gestalt therapy, EMDR, Synergetic Play Therapy, art, somatic practices and neuroscience among other modalities. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate in the state of Colorado (LPCC).
I offer a dynamic approach to psychotherapy. I specialize in working with anxiety, depression and life transitions. I incorporate practices that work with balancing the nervous system through a psychodynamic approach incorporating Gestalt therapy, EMDR, Synergetic Play Therapy, art, somatic practices and neuroscience among other modalities. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate in the state of Colorado (LPCC).
(720) 928-5923 View (720) 928-5923
Photo of Alisha Bashaw, LPC, LAC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Alisha Bashaw
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LAC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Central East Denver, Denver, CO 80220
I see life as a story, and we hold the pens to our next steps. Some chapters of our stories are wonderful, some are difficult, and all of them combine to make us who we are. I believe that everyone has much to tell, and I am passionate about helping people live the lives they desire while holding space for mystery and wonder as each person’s path unfolds. I often use Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) , Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Existential approaches in session, and believe in addressing wellness holistically.
I see life as a story, and we hold the pens to our next steps. Some chapters of our stories are wonderful, some are difficult, and all of them combine to make us who we are. I believe that everyone has much to tell, and I am passionate about helping people live the lives they desire while holding space for mystery and wonder as each person’s path unfolds. I often use Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) , Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Existential approaches in session, and believe in addressing wellness holistically.
(844) 483-3913 View (844) 483-3913
Photo of Jason Rogers, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jason Rogers
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Central East Denver, Denver, CO 80206
Have you been in therapy for years and feel like you are not making progress? Have you been trying to change some maladaptive behaviors like; lashing out at others, giving in/pacifying, avoiding people/situations, or just breaking out of a depressive funk? You are not broken. The discourse may be wrong. We are all shaped by our individual experiences. They represent themselves in the form of memories and they not only define us but often make it hard to change without addressing them directly. If you are ready for change and feel you need to change the discourse, I encourage you to reach out.
Have you been in therapy for years and feel like you are not making progress? Have you been trying to change some maladaptive behaviors like; lashing out at others, giving in/pacifying, avoiding people/situations, or just breaking out of a depressive funk? You are not broken. The discourse may be wrong. We are all shaped by our individual experiences. They represent themselves in the form of memories and they not only define us but often make it hard to change without addressing them directly. If you are ready for change and feel you need to change the discourse, I encourage you to reach out.
(720) 821-6104 View (720) 821-6104
Photo of Mara Yamshon - Youth and Family Healing, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Youth and Family Healing
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Central East Denver, Denver, CO 80220
I strive to serve and empower the social needs of youth, and adults struggling with systemic pressures treating the whole body and utilizing trauma and neuroscience based interventions.
I strive to serve and empower the social needs of youth, and adults struggling with systemic pressures treating the whole body and utilizing trauma and neuroscience based interventions.
(773) 432-7015 View (773) 432-7015
Photo of Ashley Rodgers, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ashley Rodgers
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Central East Denver, Denver, CO 80230
Life is constantly changing and evolving. Sometimes we need a little support to take care of ourselves, reach our goals or to make strong, lasting relationships with the people we love. No one is an island. People need people to feel connected and lead fulfilling lives. Let me help you do the same. Here at Serenity Counseling Services, we believe in supporting our clients through fostering authentic connection, establishing direction with values and not merely goals, and restoring meaning and purpose to the lives of clients and their families.
Life is constantly changing and evolving. Sometimes we need a little support to take care of ourselves, reach our goals or to make strong, lasting relationships with the people we love. No one is an island. People need people to feel connected and lead fulfilling lives. Let me help you do the same. Here at Serenity Counseling Services, we believe in supporting our clients through fostering authentic connection, establishing direction with values and not merely goals, and restoring meaning and purpose to the lives of clients and their families.
(720) 605-3192 View (720) 605-3192
Photo of Colleen Fischer, PhD, Psychologist
Colleen Fischer
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Central East Denver, Denver, CO 80206
I am a licensed pediatric psychologist in the state of Colorado and I offer psychological assessment services to help answer important questions regarding your child or adolescent. I offer the full range of pediatric testing services, including cognitive testing, social/emotional testing, focused ADHD assessments, and in-depth learning disability evaluations. With over 20 years of experience assessing children and adolescents, I understand the complex needs of children with multiple diagnoses, emotional and learning concerns, and gifted and talented/2E issues. Evaluations can be conducted in the office setting or in your home.
I am a licensed pediatric psychologist in the state of Colorado and I offer psychological assessment services to help answer important questions regarding your child or adolescent. I offer the full range of pediatric testing services, including cognitive testing, social/emotional testing, focused ADHD assessments, and in-depth learning disability evaluations. With over 20 years of experience assessing children and adolescents, I understand the complex needs of children with multiple diagnoses, emotional and learning concerns, and gifted and talented/2E issues. Evaluations can be conducted in the office setting or in your home.
(720) 310-1100 View (720) 310-1100

See more therapy options for Central East Denver, Denver

How does your Therapist compare?

Number of Therapists in Central East Denver, Denver, CO

700+

Average cost per session

$150

Therapists in Central East Denver, Denver, CO who prioritize treating:

94% Anxiety
87% Depression
84% Relationship Issues
79% Self Esteem
76% Trauma and PTSD
71% Stress
68% Life Transitions

Average years in practice

11 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

72% Aetna
63% UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH
58% Cigna and Evernorth

How Therapists in Central East Denver, Denver, CO see their clients

70% In Person and Online
30% Online Only

Gender breakdown

78% Female
19% Male
3% Non-Binary
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling

How can I find a therapist in Central East Denver, Denver?

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.