Therapists in Bellingham, WA
![Photo of Rebecca M. Lachut, LMHC, LMFT, NCC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/93244c46-7824-4488-a6e4-5af8895f0d6d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Rebecca M. Lachut
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMHC, LMFT, NCC
Verified Verified
Bellingham, WA 98229 (Online Only)
I enjoy finding a person or family's strengths and resources in a warm and inviting environment. My practice is research based and brings the best resources in a down to earth and nonjudgmental way.
I enjoy finding a person or family's strengths and resources in a warm and inviting environment. My practice is research based and brings the best resources in a down to earth and nonjudgmental way.
![Photo of Jessica Graf, LSWAIC, LMHCA, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/feaadf51-dfc0-4361-88c4-8bda83adba3b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jessica Graf
Counselor, LSWAIC, LMHCA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bellingham, WA 98227
Not accepting new clients
People who are deemed as "unique" or "different" often see themselves as misunderstood. This can lead to many different issues such as isolation/loneliness, anxiety, depression, stress, self-esteem issues, and many others. The teenage and young adult life stages can be especially tough.
People who are deemed as "unique" or "different" often see themselves as misunderstood. This can lead to many different issues such as isolation/loneliness, anxiety, depression, stress, self-esteem issues, and many others. The teenage and young adult life stages can be especially tough.
![Photo of Caitlin Connolly, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4549b4c3-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Caitlin Connolly
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Bellingham, WA 98225
As a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) my belief is that each one of us is the expert of our own lives and thus has the tools to develop a more sustainable transformation grounded in compassion and self love. Through curiosity and presence of mind, body and spirit we have the ability to rewrite our own stories. I am committed to meeting you where you are at through a client centered and non judgmental approach while offering support and encouragement through your individual journey.~ "There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you"- Maya Angelou
As a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) my belief is that each one of us is the expert of our own lives and thus has the tools to develop a more sustainable transformation grounded in compassion and self love. Through curiosity and presence of mind, body and spirit we have the ability to rewrite our own stories. I am committed to meeting you where you are at through a client centered and non judgmental approach while offering support and encouragement through your individual journey.~ "There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you"- Maya Angelou
![Photo of Camille Cornell, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/41b62437-b98b-4150-824d-81b6634840a3/2/320x400.jpeg)
I work with individual women who wish to heal alienation from their female bodies and to cultivate a wise and contended relationship with womanhood at every phase of life. To this end, I support clients in exploring the psychological dimension of female bodily experiences such as the menstrual cycle; health issues related to the reproductive system and pelvis; pregnancy prevention and pregnancy achievement; fertility struggles; pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period; all forms of perinatal loss; mothering; and perimenopause and menopause.
I work with individual women who wish to heal alienation from their female bodies and to cultivate a wise and contended relationship with womanhood at every phase of life. To this end, I support clients in exploring the psychological dimension of female bodily experiences such as the menstrual cycle; health issues related to the reproductive system and pelvis; pregnancy prevention and pregnancy achievement; fertility struggles; pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period; all forms of perinatal loss; mothering; and perimenopause and menopause.
![Photo of Christine Phelan, LMFT, CMHS, MHP, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c1cab3b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Christine Phelan
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CMHS, MHP, MA
Verified Verified
Bellingham, WA 98227
Not accepting new clients
I love to work with people who are actively seeking support for gaining clarity in any areas of stress or discomfort. It is personally fulfilling to help these clients as they work through life's issues. I provide a compassionate atmosphere that supports individual and family exploration of areas of concern; from mood, anxiety, and behavior concerns, to: family, work, school, performance, relationship dynamics. Your own desire for happiness, courage and wisdom will be recognized and nourished.
I love to work with people who are actively seeking support for gaining clarity in any areas of stress or discomfort. It is personally fulfilling to help these clients as they work through life's issues. I provide a compassionate atmosphere that supports individual and family exploration of areas of concern; from mood, anxiety, and behavior concerns, to: family, work, school, performance, relationship dynamics. Your own desire for happiness, courage and wisdom will be recognized and nourished.
I have 35 plus years working with individuals, couples and families. I AM PRESENTING ASL2 Workshop in Bellingham and Seattle. This is available to couples who have attended the Art and Science of Love workshop with Drs. John and Julie Gottman, with other Certified Gottman workshop leaders, or have studied the Gottman DVD. Please check out the Gottman Institute website for further information and our website: asl2workshop.com PLEASE NOTE THAT I AM NOT ABLE TO ACCEPT NEW CLIENTS AT THIS TIME.
I have 35 plus years working with individuals, couples and families. I AM PRESENTING ASL2 Workshop in Bellingham and Seattle. This is available to couples who have attended the Art and Science of Love workshop with Drs. John and Julie Gottman, with other Certified Gottman workshop leaders, or have studied the Gottman DVD. Please check out the Gottman Institute website for further information and our website: asl2workshop.com PLEASE NOTE THAT I AM NOT ABLE TO ACCEPT NEW CLIENTS AT THIS TIME.
![Photo of Pamela S. Helberg, MA, LMHC, LPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/69248ff0-8333-4206-a7ca-21bede3da689/2/320x400.jpeg)
Pamela S. Helberg
Counselor, MA, LMHC, LPC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Bellingham, WA 98225 (Online Only)
Sometimes we all just need someone to talk to. Whether we struggle with anxiety, depression, overwhelming new life circumstances, or relationship issues, there is no better medicine than being heard. If you are a college student struggling with anxiety and transitions, an overwhelmed parent juggling work and home life, or simply trying to figure out how to take the next step to reach your goals, let's talk. Together we can sort through the details and work on strategies that will make a positive difference in your life. Take a risk on your own behalf. Reach out for help.
Sometimes we all just need someone to talk to. Whether we struggle with anxiety, depression, overwhelming new life circumstances, or relationship issues, there is no better medicine than being heard. If you are a college student struggling with anxiety and transitions, an overwhelmed parent juggling work and home life, or simply trying to figure out how to take the next step to reach your goals, let's talk. Together we can sort through the details and work on strategies that will make a positive difference in your life. Take a risk on your own behalf. Reach out for help.
![Photo of Virginia Houston, MS, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/de38e11e-719e-486d-8822-04e02f7ec258/3/320x400.jpeg)
You're on-edge and having trouble concentrating. You feel restless and unable to stop overthinking. Maybe you're wanting to isolate to protect your friends and family from your sadness and anger. It's hard to continue pretending that everything is fine when you are feeling so desperate inside. You want to feel heard, seen, and understood. You would love to figure out your anxiety or depression—where it might be coming from and how to make it stop (or at least not be so intense).
You're on-edge and having trouble concentrating. You feel restless and unable to stop overthinking. Maybe you're wanting to isolate to protect your friends and family from your sadness and anger. It's hard to continue pretending that everything is fine when you are feeling so desperate inside. You want to feel heard, seen, and understood. You would love to figure out your anxiety or depression—where it might be coming from and how to make it stop (or at least not be so intense).
![Photo of Accent Counseling, MS, LMHC, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/26587b40-8333-4e11-8adb-01ee9ae3700b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Congratulations on taking the first step toward self improvement! I know the thought of seeking counseling and therapy can seem daunting and scary, and I commend your efforts. People seek counseling for many reasons, sometimes feeling "stuck" or "lost" in their lives, and not knowing which way to turn. Sometimes we just don't trust ourselves, or others, and begin thinking, "Is this what my life will always be like?"
Congratulations on taking the first step toward self improvement! I know the thought of seeking counseling and therapy can seem daunting and scary, and I commend your efforts. People seek counseling for many reasons, sometimes feeling "stuck" or "lost" in their lives, and not knowing which way to turn. Sometimes we just don't trust ourselves, or others, and begin thinking, "Is this what my life will always be like?"
![Photo of Ingrid Robinson, MA, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6d7ffdef-583e-4b09-a8de-445a476590ff/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ingrid Robinson
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Bellingham, WA 98225
Not accepting new clients
I work with adults who are navigating life transitions, perinatal mental health struggles and who have experienced trauma. I work collaboratively with clients to help them recognize and change patterns or beliefs that may be holding them back from growth or healing. My goal is to help clients increase their awareness of their own inherent wisdom, and to create roadmaps through life's challenges using their own experiences and intuition as guideposts.
I work with adults who are navigating life transitions, perinatal mental health struggles and who have experienced trauma. I work collaboratively with clients to help them recognize and change patterns or beliefs that may be holding them back from growth or healing. My goal is to help clients increase their awareness of their own inherent wisdom, and to create roadmaps through life's challenges using their own experiences and intuition as guideposts.
![Photo of Ian James Whitelaw, MA, CHT](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0310da42-55da-44fe-80e5-9ad5ccb5ea41/3/320x400.jpeg)
Are you a man who wants to change his life and live the life you were meant to? Do you have fears of not being enough? Not smart enough? Not wealthy enough? Are you challenged with the darkness and disease of addictions? Is your relationship healthy? The holistic methods I use heal wounded relationships so they can be happy, strong, and connected. I will help you access the power that has always been with you and find acceptance. My extensive training and experience allow me to use effective techniques to raise awareness and move from shame to grace. Everyone can heal. Why not have a peaceful life? Allow me to help you live it
Are you a man who wants to change his life and live the life you were meant to? Do you have fears of not being enough? Not smart enough? Not wealthy enough? Are you challenged with the darkness and disease of addictions? Is your relationship healthy? The holistic methods I use heal wounded relationships so they can be happy, strong, and connected. I will help you access the power that has always been with you and find acceptance. My extensive training and experience allow me to use effective techniques to raise awareness and move from shame to grace. Everyone can heal. Why not have a peaceful life? Allow me to help you live it
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![Photo of Lindsay S Tucker, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fe496452-2edd-4c7d-b389-11f0fb3dcdb5/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lindsay S Tucker
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Bellingham, WA 98225 (Online Only)
In relationship with counseling participants, my approach is trauma-informed, person-centered, and I draw on somatic and mindfulness-based interventions. This means that you can expect a non-judgemental environment to increase your understanding of self with the belief that each participant has their own force for therapeutic change within themselves.
In relationship with counseling participants, my approach is trauma-informed, person-centered, and I draw on somatic and mindfulness-based interventions. This means that you can expect a non-judgemental environment to increase your understanding of self with the belief that each participant has their own force for therapeutic change within themselves.
![Photo of Bonnie Marie Shanser, MA, LMHC, LPC, SEP, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4f58d3e8-285a-4522-b76d-9fc26f418eed/2/320x400.jpeg)
In holding the Eastern-based philosophy that sees every human as inherently whole and brilliantly sane, I believe that every pain we carry--at its source--shares the wisdom of how to heal it. Supporting you in connecting more directly to your experience, to inhabit your body, and compassionately navigate the sometimes complex layers of this space can allow for reintegration of parts of yourself you may have lost connection to. In reconciliation of one's whole being--there is often a naming and reclaiming of our lived experience that needs to happen for greater alignment to occur within ourselves and within our relationships.
In holding the Eastern-based philosophy that sees every human as inherently whole and brilliantly sane, I believe that every pain we carry--at its source--shares the wisdom of how to heal it. Supporting you in connecting more directly to your experience, to inhabit your body, and compassionately navigate the sometimes complex layers of this space can allow for reintegration of parts of yourself you may have lost connection to. In reconciliation of one's whole being--there is often a naming and reclaiming of our lived experience that needs to happen for greater alignment to occur within ourselves and within our relationships.
![Photo of Tara Reagan - Bellingham Neurodevelopmental Services, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e067a776-227c-4330-b055-182175086816/1/320x400.jpeg)
Bellingham Neurodevelopmental Services
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bellingham, WA 98226
Dr. Reagan works with children and adolescents from ages four through nineteen. Her areas of specialty include developmental disorders such as attention and learning problems, neurological conditions such as epilepsy and concussion, and medical conditions that affect neuropsychological functioning such as genetic disorders.
Dr. Reagan works with children and adolescents from ages four through nineteen. Her areas of specialty include developmental disorders such as attention and learning problems, neurological conditions such as epilepsy and concussion, and medical conditions that affect neuropsychological functioning such as genetic disorders.
![Photo of Holly Zwolinski, MSSA, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8e077a0a-0f46-4266-a355-a4f49efb1d9b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Holly Zwolinski
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSA, LICSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Bellingham, WA 98226 (Online Only)
I believe that fostering an open and collaborative therapeutic relationship with clients is key to getting the most out of therapy. Together we are able to focus on gaining insight into interpersonal relationships and identifying the patterns that affect them. I specialize in working with adults who are experiencing various struggles related to trauma, stress, and life adjustments. I often target issues related to shame with people. I've learned that shame and fear often drive most of our struggles.
I believe that fostering an open and collaborative therapeutic relationship with clients is key to getting the most out of therapy. Together we are able to focus on gaining insight into interpersonal relationships and identifying the patterns that affect them. I specialize in working with adults who are experiencing various struggles related to trauma, stress, and life adjustments. I often target issues related to shame with people. I've learned that shame and fear often drive most of our struggles.
![Photo of Jeremy Pyke, MSN, ARNP, FNP-C](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e3d92cef-2770-43c1-bf62-ad261dcdbb5b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Many of us see our own upbringing as “it wasn’t that bad.” And yet our current choices and reactions reflect back to us patterns of deep wounding. Generational trauma, family shame, parental caretaking, and distorted expectations all have deep impacts on our journey to discovering and living our true self. Black Sheep Healing works with people who realize that there can be another way. This is for people who are having a human response to an inhumane world.
Many of us see our own upbringing as “it wasn’t that bad.” And yet our current choices and reactions reflect back to us patterns of deep wounding. Generational trauma, family shame, parental caretaking, and distorted expectations all have deep impacts on our journey to discovering and living our true self. Black Sheep Healing works with people who realize that there can be another way. This is for people who are having a human response to an inhumane world.
![Photo of Genevieve Wohlford, MA, ND](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2de8671d-935c-430e-845e-eda68d07c0d0/2/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in working with women during preconception, challenges getting pregnant, pregnancy, postpartum and into motherhood. Becoming a mother is often exciting and joyous but also can be overwhelming, exhausting and bring up mood changes, worries, fears and more. The support of a counselor during this time can be very helpful and can alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. I also specialize in working with adult women of all ages challenged with depression, anxiety, eating disorders or difficulty losing weight, chronic stress and fatigue. For more information visit www.dr-genevieve-nd.com/
I specialize in working with women during preconception, challenges getting pregnant, pregnancy, postpartum and into motherhood. Becoming a mother is often exciting and joyous but also can be overwhelming, exhausting and bring up mood changes, worries, fears and more. The support of a counselor during this time can be very helpful and can alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. I also specialize in working with adult women of all ages challenged with depression, anxiety, eating disorders or difficulty losing weight, chronic stress and fatigue. For more information visit www.dr-genevieve-nd.com/
![Photo of Lisa J Pierce, MA, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51a24100-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Have you ever wondered why a misunderstanding or hurtful experience with someone important in your life produces such strong, painful emotions? Do you have memories of past traumatic experiences pop up and bite you on a regular basis? Would you like to have more fulfilling relationships? If your answer to any of these questions is “Yes,” I specialize in relationships and trauma. Relationships are the single most common reason we experience strong feelings and reactions. If you want to feel close again to your significant other, and/or end the merry-go-round of chaos from traumatic memories of your past, we may be a good fit!
Have you ever wondered why a misunderstanding or hurtful experience with someone important in your life produces such strong, painful emotions? Do you have memories of past traumatic experiences pop up and bite you on a regular basis? Would you like to have more fulfilling relationships? If your answer to any of these questions is “Yes,” I specialize in relationships and trauma. Relationships are the single most common reason we experience strong feelings and reactions. If you want to feel close again to your significant other, and/or end the merry-go-round of chaos from traumatic memories of your past, we may be a good fit!
![Photo of Stephanie M Druckman, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9a95ecda-7da9-41b4-80ff-77fd56775fce/1/320x400.jpeg)
Stephanie M Druckman
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bellingham, WA 98226 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I love working with clients that are looking to face their challenges, find the tools to deal with them and change their life! I have seen clients be able to identify their issues and know they want to be able to feel joy again and I get excited to get the opportunity to walk by their side, learn those coping skills, so they are able to reclaim their inner strength.
I love working with clients that are looking to face their challenges, find the tools to deal with them and change their life! I have seen clients be able to identify their issues and know they want to be able to feel joy again and I get excited to get the opportunity to walk by their side, learn those coping skills, so they are able to reclaim their inner strength.
![Photo of Sandy Levey-Lunden, BA-Psyc, MSEd, POCCP](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bccef12-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I work extensively with past/childhood trauma, divorces, family conflict, grief, and fear. The focus of my work is about acknowledging and releasing the beliefs we develop about ourselves from events that occur in the past that are hindering our True selves for flourishing in the present. As an original life coach and counselor of 40 years, I help people see all possibilities and make a greater vision of themselves, their unique talents, gifts and abilities. I have been teaching seminars, workshops, and private sessions for my whole career. My unique healing modality, "The Clearing Process", is the basis for all 24 of my workshops.
I work extensively with past/childhood trauma, divorces, family conflict, grief, and fear. The focus of my work is about acknowledging and releasing the beliefs we develop about ourselves from events that occur in the past that are hindering our True selves for flourishing in the present. As an original life coach and counselor of 40 years, I help people see all possibilities and make a greater vision of themselves, their unique talents, gifts and abilities. I have been teaching seminars, workshops, and private sessions for my whole career. My unique healing modality, "The Clearing Process", is the basis for all 24 of my workshops.
See more therapy options for Bellingham
Nearby Searches for Bellingham
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How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Bellingham, WA
500+
Average cost per session
$150
Therapists in Bellingham, WA who prioritize treating:
93% | Anxiety |
86% | Depression |
79% | Self Esteem |
78% | Relationship Issues |
75% | Trauma and PTSD |
75% | Stress |
71% | Life Transitions |
Average years in practice
9 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
80% | Premera |
64% | Aetna |
62% | Regence |
How Therapists in Bellingham, WA see their clients
58% | In Person and Online | |
42% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
78% | Female | |
17% | Male | |
5% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in Bellingham?
Search for nearby therapists or counselors by inputting your city, town, or suburb; or zip code; or a provider’s name into the search bar. From there, you can filter providers by the issues they treat, cost, insurance, gender, and other factors to find providers who are well-suited to your needs. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or zip code into the search bar.
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?
The Psychology Today directory lists providers who offer legitimate mental health services to the public, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counselor?
Therapists, psychologists, and counselors are all licensed mental health professionals. In the US, psychologists have earned a doctoral degree. The terms “therapist” and “counselor” are used somewhat interchangeably, but generally therapists offer longer-term, mental health care, while counselors offer shorter-term care that may focus on one domain, such as marriage, career, or academic challenges.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
What type of therapy is right for me?
The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.
How much does therapy cost?
The cost of therapy depends on a number of variables, including location and the therapist’s experience and training. On average, a therapy session in the United States could cost between $100 and $200 or more. If you have insurance, the expense of mental health care is typically lower, but it varies based on your insurance plan details and whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network mental healthcare provider.
What are more affordable or low cost therapy solutions?
Many therapists offer sliding scale payments, usually on a limited number of slots, which consists in an agreement between the therapist and a client to pay a reduced rate. Therapists who provide such arrangements often consider the client's income or ability to pay, but the extent of the discount is ultimately at the therapist's discretion. Furthermore, while group therapy may have different goals and benefits compared to individual therapy, it can be a more affordable solution to address certain types of issues.
Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?
Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.
Is online therapy a good option?
Therapy conducted online can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your zip code.
Are therapy sessions confidential?
Confidentiality is a crucial part of the therapeutic relationship. Therapists in the United States are bound by the regulations set out by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), which aims to protect sensitive health information. With very few exceptions, a therapist will only discuss their client with others when the client has given their written permission. The instances in which a therapist would be required to disclose personal information are: if a client poses a danger to themselves or others, if the therapist suspects the abuse of a child or an elderly or otherwise dependent adult, or if they are legally forced to by court order. These exceptions to the confidentiality agreement are usually discussed with a client before their first session.