Therapists in Erie, PA
Counseling Services of Michelle Adler
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Erie, PA 16510
Greetings! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who believes in better mental health through compassion and kindness. I want to partner with you on your journey of recovery. I have worked in the mental health field since 2001 and I have been practicing counseling since 2005. I have worked in various levels of mental health (crisis services, inpatient, outpatient, prison, adult partial hospitalization program, mobile therapy, advocacy for victims, residential treatment facility, private practice) and have learned that people need to be heard, listened to, and treated with appropriate care. My office is private and comfortable.
Greetings! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who believes in better mental health through compassion and kindness. I want to partner with you on your journey of recovery. I have worked in the mental health field since 2001 and I have been practicing counseling since 2005. I have worked in various levels of mental health (crisis services, inpatient, outpatient, prison, adult partial hospitalization program, mobile therapy, advocacy for victims, residential treatment facility, private practice) and have learned that people need to be heard, listened to, and treated with appropriate care. My office is private and comfortable.
Autumn McLellan
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Erie, PA 16509
Not accepting new clients
I will not be taking on new clients at this time. Sorry for any inconvenience. Please check back soon. It is my belief that the therapeutic relationship is important to promote change. Change happens in an accepting and nonjudgmental environment. I have a Master's Degree in Community Counseling and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania. I work with individuals with depression, anxiety, relational issues, mood issues, life changes, addiction, grief and trauma concerns. My approaches are strength based and gleaned from a reality and solution focus as well as mindfulness and cognitive behavioral approaches.
I will not be taking on new clients at this time. Sorry for any inconvenience. Please check back soon. It is my belief that the therapeutic relationship is important to promote change. Change happens in an accepting and nonjudgmental environment. I have a Master's Degree in Community Counseling and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania. I work with individuals with depression, anxiety, relational issues, mood issues, life changes, addiction, grief and trauma concerns. My approaches are strength based and gleaned from a reality and solution focus as well as mindfulness and cognitive behavioral approaches.
Richard States
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Erie, PA 16506 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Since the early 1990s, I have worked with individuals, couple, and families across outpatient and inpatient settings, in homes and schools, and through telehealth. I have assisted people with a variety of challenges, including depression, stress and anxiety, trauma, behavioral dyscontrol, poor self-esteem, substance use, life transition, and other concerns. I really like helping people increase self-awareness, which fosters self-regulation of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I want my clients to fully embrace life, chart their life course, and realize their dreams!
Since the early 1990s, I have worked with individuals, couple, and families across outpatient and inpatient settings, in homes and schools, and through telehealth. I have assisted people with a variety of challenges, including depression, stress and anxiety, trauma, behavioral dyscontrol, poor self-esteem, substance use, life transition, and other concerns. I really like helping people increase self-awareness, which fosters self-regulation of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I want my clients to fully embrace life, chart their life course, and realize their dreams!
Katie Gentile
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, ATR-BC, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Erie, PA 16502 (Online Only)
You are deserving of peace and happiness. Often times life has a way of throwing us challenges that feel overwhelming and unmanageable. These challenges can make us feel alone, stressed, and unsupported. These feelings tend to stay with us even when we are separated from the challenge itself and leak into other aspects of our life. This then prevents us from focusing on other important life events and the challenges we face may become all-consuming. This can feel as though you are not present and are missing out on the simple joy’s life can bring. You are not alone.
You are deserving of peace and happiness. Often times life has a way of throwing us challenges that feel overwhelming and unmanageable. These challenges can make us feel alone, stressed, and unsupported. These feelings tend to stay with us even when we are separated from the challenge itself and leak into other aspects of our life. This then prevents us from focusing on other important life events and the challenges we face may become all-consuming. This can feel as though you are not present and are missing out on the simple joy’s life can bring. You are not alone.
I am committed to building trust with my future clients in therapy. I believe that a strong therapeutic relationship is essential for helping clients to achieve their goals and make positive changes in their lives. I will provide a safe, non-judgmental, and empathetic space where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings. My approach is client-centered, and I will work collaboratively with clients to tailor therapy to their individual needs. I am dedicated to upholding ethical standards and ensuring that my clients feel heard, respected, and supported throughout their therapeutic journey.
I am committed to building trust with my future clients in therapy. I believe that a strong therapeutic relationship is essential for helping clients to achieve their goals and make positive changes in their lives. I will provide a safe, non-judgmental, and empathetic space where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings. My approach is client-centered, and I will work collaboratively with clients to tailor therapy to their individual needs. I am dedicated to upholding ethical standards and ensuring that my clients feel heard, respected, and supported throughout their therapeutic journey.
Is the mental load from the stresses of life overwhelming you? You’re not alone. I often hear from women who are told to “keep trying harder," or “they aren’t enough” despite their many attempts to be heard and supported. As a counselor, I have expertise working with women experiencing anxiety, relationship strain, seeking purpose, career changes, and parenting children of Autism/PDA/ADHD. I have over a decade of experience in the field. I’ve lived in NC, MA and PA and seen how similar we are in confusion and heartbreak. With compassion, I’ll partner with you through the journey from hurt to hope.
Is the mental load from the stresses of life overwhelming you? You’re not alone. I often hear from women who are told to “keep trying harder," or “they aren’t enough” despite their many attempts to be heard and supported. As a counselor, I have expertise working with women experiencing anxiety, relationship strain, seeking purpose, career changes, and parenting children of Autism/PDA/ADHD. I have over a decade of experience in the field. I’ve lived in NC, MA and PA and seen how similar we are in confusion and heartbreak. With compassion, I’ll partner with you through the journey from hurt to hope.
Nicole Knight
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Erie, PA 16506 (Online Only)
You may appear as if you “have it all together” on the outside but inside feel isolated. You may be noticing patterns in your relationships without understanding why this keeps happening to you. You may carry the weight of your experiences, relationship cycles influenced by previous generations, and the expectations of a society that wants us to be “normal”. You may be on your own for the first time wondering who you are apart from what you’ve learned. Perhaps you’re not sure where your life is heading. Looking inward to reveal our full potential can be a challenge when everyone else has told us who to be.
You may appear as if you “have it all together” on the outside but inside feel isolated. You may be noticing patterns in your relationships without understanding why this keeps happening to you. You may carry the weight of your experiences, relationship cycles influenced by previous generations, and the expectations of a society that wants us to be “normal”. You may be on your own for the first time wondering who you are apart from what you’ve learned. Perhaps you’re not sure where your life is heading. Looking inward to reveal our full potential can be a challenge when everyone else has told us who to be.
Aurelia Jorden
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, ATR
Verified Verified
Erie, PA 16506
Not accepting new clients
Are you tired of the cycle? Stuck in the same conversation with yourself or others wishing it was different? Still waiting for your mind & body to get on the same page? Is your body stuck in FEAR? When we carry negative beliefs about ourselves, many times in our healing process what we think and what we feel just don’t match. Somewhere along the line, events occurred that created a negative belief in your core that you have carried into other areas of life that don’t serve you and can even make life feel harder. We all know life has 'ups' and 'downs,' but when the scale tips more into the 'downs,' ease & relief can feel foreign.
Are you tired of the cycle? Stuck in the same conversation with yourself or others wishing it was different? Still waiting for your mind & body to get on the same page? Is your body stuck in FEAR? When we carry negative beliefs about ourselves, many times in our healing process what we think and what we feel just don’t match. Somewhere along the line, events occurred that created a negative belief in your core that you have carried into other areas of life that don’t serve you and can even make life feel harder. We all know life has 'ups' and 'downs,' but when the scale tips more into the 'downs,' ease & relief can feel foreign.
Donnelle Super Counseling, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MEd psy, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Erie, PA 16505
I am a State Licensed Professional Clinical Social Worker with a Master's in Social Work and in School Psychology. I have been providing professional counseling in the Erie area for over 20 years. My areas of expertise include transitional aged young adults, Depression and Anxiety, couples counseling, geriatric issues. I also do coaching for sports anxiety with a fee for service charge. Previously I was a supervisor for Stairways Behavioral Health and am now offering supervision for Social Work licensure.
I am a State Licensed Professional Clinical Social Worker with a Master's in Social Work and in School Psychology. I have been providing professional counseling in the Erie area for over 20 years. My areas of expertise include transitional aged young adults, Depression and Anxiety, couples counseling, geriatric issues. I also do coaching for sports anxiety with a fee for service charge. Previously I was a supervisor for Stairways Behavioral Health and am now offering supervision for Social Work licensure.
Danielle M Grignol-Oza
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Erie, PA 16506
Hello. I am Danielle Grignol-Oza, M.A., LPC, and I am currently accepting new clients either virtually or in office; the latter depending on circumstances due to COVID-19 restrictions. My office is located within Presque Isle Mind-Body Wellness in Erie, Pennsylvania. I accept commercial Highmark, UPMC, and Cigna employment plans. I have vast experience working with trauma, mood disorders, relationships, and self-esteem. I am open minded, flexible, and work with clients on their level. I believe you should be an active participant in your own therapy.
Hello. I am Danielle Grignol-Oza, M.A., LPC, and I am currently accepting new clients either virtually or in office; the latter depending on circumstances due to COVID-19 restrictions. My office is located within Presque Isle Mind-Body Wellness in Erie, Pennsylvania. I accept commercial Highmark, UPMC, and Cigna employment plans. I have vast experience working with trauma, mood disorders, relationships, and self-esteem. I am open minded, flexible, and work with clients on their level. I believe you should be an active participant in your own therapy.
Hello! I am Angela Tirpak a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Does life feel overwhelming at times? You are not quite sure why you are feeling so many challenges and not sure how to deal with them. Life can do this to all of us. Together we can identify what the challenges are and get you to a more balanced life.
Hello! I am Angela Tirpak a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Does life feel overwhelming at times? You are not quite sure why you are feeling so many challenges and not sure how to deal with them. Life can do this to all of us. Together we can identify what the challenges are and get you to a more balanced life.
15 Second Videos
Counseling Services of Michelle Adler
Greg Parker
Blair Currie Mead
Katelynne Hankins
Sexual Wellness PA, LLC
Casey Hubbell
Nea Motzer
Warren A Levy
Christian Counseling Associates of Western PA
Molly Wolf
Thrive Therapy Space
Lauren Emhe
Ryan D. Henry
Deirdre Myers
Christian Counseling Associates of W Pennsylvania
Dozier Counseling Firm LLC
Amy Boxer
Meagan Brown
Keli REAMS Csw LLC
Bill Golden
Mindful Therapy Services LLC
Shaakira Gillette
Kitty Martin
Christian Counseling Associates of Western PA
Penny Orr
Joel Kightlinger
Counseling Meadville - Mercy House
Empathic Empowerment Counseling PLLC
Carolyn Weimer
Ashley Nitija McWilliams
Phillip Raab
Noah Mickey at Self Care Conversations LLC
Emily Stowe-Sorensen
Anjé McLish - Sex Couples Non-Monogamy
I really don't have an ideal client as all individuals are different and have unique strengths and weaknesses that are useful to them in some way.. I tend to take a strength based approach and encourage independent problem solving dialogue. I feel very comfortable working with nearly all ages even younger children so long as their parents are actively engaged with treatment. Depression, anxiety, personal relationships, separation and loss, and disrupted adjustments are all within the scope of my work. Now, with telepsychology there are more opportunities to connect with people.
I really don't have an ideal client as all individuals are different and have unique strengths and weaknesses that are useful to them in some way.. I tend to take a strength based approach and encourage independent problem solving dialogue. I feel very comfortable working with nearly all ages even younger children so long as their parents are actively engaged with treatment. Depression, anxiety, personal relationships, separation and loss, and disrupted adjustments are all within the scope of my work. Now, with telepsychology there are more opportunities to connect with people.
Making the decision to begin therapy takes courage, and finding the right therapist is an important step in the healing process. I seek to help my clients achieve more fulfilling and balanced lives by offering a warm, accepting and nonjudgmental environment. I provide individual and group therapy to adolescents and adults with diverse backgrounds and concerns. Whether you are looking for strategies to manage new life situations, wish to improve your relationships with others, suffer from chronic mental illness, or seek to increase your overall well-being, I offer a safe environment to explore your concerns.
Making the decision to begin therapy takes courage, and finding the right therapist is an important step in the healing process. I seek to help my clients achieve more fulfilling and balanced lives by offering a warm, accepting and nonjudgmental environment. I provide individual and group therapy to adolescents and adults with diverse backgrounds and concerns. Whether you are looking for strategies to manage new life situations, wish to improve your relationships with others, suffer from chronic mental illness, or seek to increase your overall well-being, I offer a safe environment to explore your concerns.
Courtney Brooke Hopkins
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LLC
Verified Verified
Erie, PA 16508
I am a LPC with 10+ years of experience and am the owner of my LLC, Therapy For A Better You. I hold a certification for CBIT to help patients with Tics/Tourette’s Disorders and experienced with TF-CBT. I specialize in ODD, ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Mood Disorders, Trauma, PTSD, Adjustment Disorders, dual diagnoses and behavior modification. I also have experience working with families and their children facing family stressors, such as divorce, co-parenting, financial stressors and discord. I have worked with children, preteens, teenagers and adults.
I am a LPC with 10+ years of experience and am the owner of my LLC, Therapy For A Better You. I hold a certification for CBIT to help patients with Tics/Tourette’s Disorders and experienced with TF-CBT. I specialize in ODD, ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Mood Disorders, Trauma, PTSD, Adjustment Disorders, dual diagnoses and behavior modification. I also have experience working with families and their children facing family stressors, such as divorce, co-parenting, financial stressors and discord. I have worked with children, preteens, teenagers and adults.
Kelly C Coates
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Erie, PA 16506
Not accepting new clients
I have no openings at this time. As a counselor, my primary role is to empower you, the client, to make desired changes in your life. It takes a brave person to really look inward, and I am often humbled by the opportunity to join with my clients in their respective journeys of self-discovery, healing, and personal growth. Life can be hard and messy, but it should never be hard and messy alone. I also believe that therapy is about building on strengths and what is already working as much as it is about addressing what seems wrong or broken.
I have no openings at this time. As a counselor, my primary role is to empower you, the client, to make desired changes in your life. It takes a brave person to really look inward, and I am often humbled by the opportunity to join with my clients in their respective journeys of self-discovery, healing, and personal growth. Life can be hard and messy, but it should never be hard and messy alone. I also believe that therapy is about building on strengths and what is already working as much as it is about addressing what seems wrong or broken.
Kristen A Schenker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ICADC, ICCS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Erie, PA 16506
Are you seeking freedom from anxiety, obsession, addiction, depression, or fear? Do you feel overwhelmed? Results- Oriented therapy? As co-owner of Aspen Counseling & Consulting LLC & owner of Free To Be Me Counseling LLC I offer private, empathetic counseling for your life's journey to help you achieve your goals. Whether addressing trauma, facing fears, or developing betters ways to cope, therapy may offer you the opportunity to experience freedom. I believe deeply in people's ability to change but sometimes we don't know how- sometimes we get stuck. Evidenced based therapy can create movement to help get unstuck- to be free!
Are you seeking freedom from anxiety, obsession, addiction, depression, or fear? Do you feel overwhelmed? Results- Oriented therapy? As co-owner of Aspen Counseling & Consulting LLC & owner of Free To Be Me Counseling LLC I offer private, empathetic counseling for your life's journey to help you achieve your goals. Whether addressing trauma, facing fears, or developing betters ways to cope, therapy may offer you the opportunity to experience freedom. I believe deeply in people's ability to change but sometimes we don't know how- sometimes we get stuck. Evidenced based therapy can create movement to help get unstuck- to be free!
Welcoming new clients, I provide mental health therapy, specializing in working with children and teens, along with their family members, as well as couples, young adults and adults. Areas of specialty include those struggling with adjustment issues, anxiety disorders, OCD, eating disorders, depression, mood disorders, grief and loss, anger, self & body image issues, sexual identity issues, relationship issues, cutting/self harm, peer concerns and women's issues, just to name a few. I believe that the only way to get past our problems is to go through them, and I empower others to partake on this difficult, yet rewarding journey!
Welcoming new clients, I provide mental health therapy, specializing in working with children and teens, along with their family members, as well as couples, young adults and adults. Areas of specialty include those struggling with adjustment issues, anxiety disorders, OCD, eating disorders, depression, mood disorders, grief and loss, anger, self & body image issues, sexual identity issues, relationship issues, cutting/self harm, peer concerns and women's issues, just to name a few. I believe that the only way to get past our problems is to go through them, and I empower others to partake on this difficult, yet rewarding journey!
Sherese Jefferson
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Erie, PA 16501 (Online Only)
Hello! I'm so glad you found me! My name is Sherese and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified School Counselor in the state of PA. I have a heart for counseling children, teens, and young adults. I have extensive experience working with these populations in a variety of capacities as a school counselor, mentor, former youth pastor, and now therapist. I enjoy taking a holistic and creative approach in my counseling space.
Hello! I'm so glad you found me! My name is Sherese and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified School Counselor in the state of PA. I have a heart for counseling children, teens, and young adults. I have extensive experience working with these populations in a variety of capacities as a school counselor, mentor, former youth pastor, and now therapist. I enjoy taking a holistic and creative approach in my counseling space.
I use alot of humor in my sessions, as laughing directly short-circuits negative emotional pathways. My ideal client is one who seeks to better themselves and learn new ways of interacting with the world. I work well with people who enjoy having deep conversations and also working on practical issues. I tend to work best with individuals with anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, and dealing with trauma. You should choose me if you are seeking an approachable, grounded and not too fluffy therapist.
I use alot of humor in my sessions, as laughing directly short-circuits negative emotional pathways. My ideal client is one who seeks to better themselves and learn new ways of interacting with the world. I work well with people who enjoy having deep conversations and also working on practical issues. I tend to work best with individuals with anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, and dealing with trauma. You should choose me if you are seeking an approachable, grounded and not too fluffy therapist.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, depression or self loathing making everyday tasks feel like a challenge? These struggles impact your health, relationships, goals and overall quality of life. You may experience frustration, guilt, or hopelessness, and despite your best efforts, the problems persist, leaving you wondering why it's so hard to feel better. There's nothing wrong with you. You are doing your best with the resources you have. With compassionate support and effective strategies, you can overcome these mental health challenges.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, depression or self loathing making everyday tasks feel like a challenge? These struggles impact your health, relationships, goals and overall quality of life. You may experience frustration, guilt, or hopelessness, and despite your best efforts, the problems persist, leaving you wondering why it's so hard to feel better. There's nothing wrong with you. You are doing your best with the resources you have. With compassionate support and effective strategies, you can overcome these mental health challenges.
See more therapy options for Erie
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Erie, PA
300+
Average cost per session
$120
Therapists in Erie, PA who prioritize treating:
93% | Anxiety |
88% | Depression |
76% | Self Esteem |
73% | Coping Skills |
70% | Trauma and PTSD |
63% | Relationship Issues |
56% | Grief |
Average years in practice
11 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
85% | Highmark |
80% | Aetna |
80% | Optum |
How Therapists in Erie, PA see their clients
51% | In Person and Online | |
49% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
78% | Female | |
20% | Male | |
2% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in Erie?
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.