Almost everyday a female client will tell me how handsome I am or that they think they are in love with me to which I usually just say aww, thank you and move on. The other at a friends house, she just came out and said she loves me to which I said aww, thank you. That didn't go over too well. Suggestions to save my hide?

Hummm depends on how it was meant... Hell when at friends house we are always telling each other we love them... But all on a friendly note... If she meant it in a way of like a relationship love unless you feel the same it would be like cutting your own throat to say it back.... So first you need to know if it is a friendly love or partner type of love...

I think I made a oopsie... well thank God !.for depends... ... just tell her you like her but not in that way....
.. tell her you have switched over to the gay side...
.. tell her you are a devout monk...
.... tell her you're interested in her sister..

Hahahah that is so wrong in so many ways shshsh

just nod. They'll know for sure you're not interested.

You could have just asked her if it was going to be at her place or yours, lol!!!

Just start talking about your new present girlfriend, invent one if not currently attached, and how much you are in love with her, she will transfer her unwanted affection to someone else without you loosing her as a friend, hopefully.

Sell everything.
Move to Tibet.
Seek enlightenment and inner peace.
Write a book.
Make million$.
Buy an island someplace warm.
Have true peace.

Kinda wondering what line of work you are in, if female clients daily tell you they love you??

I work in Mental Health.

Last visit went okay, I fell asleep after dinner and left in the morning; then she called me and told me I took something that belongs to her- I asked what was it (I took her her trash out and was worried I threw something important out)- she said I took her heart.

I will just avoid the issue until something comes to a head

That kinda explains it

well your clients at work is one thing.
but among friends is a different thing.
it depends on the situation and possibly the sobriety of the setting.
women do more easily say I love you; to each other. to guy friends. it could be I love you because you're my good friend. I love you because you took my side on am important issue. I love you because you helped me with some heavy duty project. I love you because the wine is wonderful and life feels wonderful and I love the whole world.
if it's any of these things, aww thank you works. or in my case I say something equivalent and they know I love them too.
if she meant it in a more serious way, then it's nice to acknowledge but redirect so she doesn't get false illusions.

Since your profession is mental health, you already know, being in any kind of health care, what is appropriate conversation or not. You are to inform the client in a gentle manner that is inappropriate, you are performing a job. Where you draw the line from human emotion/caring is a fine line, you must walk without taking advantage of the client.