How to Choose a Trauma Therapist in California

Start by verifying the license

In California, marriage and family therapists (LMFTs), clinical social workers (LCSWs), professional clinical counselors (LPCCs), and educational psychologists are licensed by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS). Psychologists (PhD or PsyD) are licensed separately by the California Board of Psychology. Anyone can check a clinician's license status, including whether it is active and in good standing, through the BBS license lookup tool.

Source: California Board of Behavioral Sciences, license verification.

A license number being verifiable is a baseline, not a guarantee of fit. It is also reasonable to ask what specific training and experience a therapist has with childhood trauma, since general therapy experience and trauma-specific experience are not the same thing.

Weigh virtual versus in-person options

California residents can choose from in-person or virtual therapy, and both are legitimate. Research finds that video-delivered therapy can be comparable in effectiveness to in-person care for many people, including for trauma-related difficulties. The right format depends on your situation: whether you have a private space at home, whether you prefer a physical therapy room, your comfort with technology, and the nature of the work itself.

If you are considering virtual therapy, a clinician licensed to practice in California must confirm your location, because the rules for telehealth depend on where the client is physically located. You can read more in our article on virtual therapy in California.

Look for a genuine fit with your goals

Trauma work is personal, and the quality of the relationship matters. Beyond credentials, consider whether the therapist's approach makes sense to you, whether they work with the concerns you want to address (childhood trauma, abuse, or neglect in adult life), and whether you feel respected and understood. A therapist should explain their approach clearly and should never pressure you to share more than feels safe.

Questions to ask in a consultation

• What training and experience do you have working with adult survivors of childhood trauma?
• How would you describe your approach, and what does a typical session look like?
• How do you think about pacing, especially early in the work?
• Do you offer virtual sessions, and are there any location requirements?
• What are your fees, and how do you handle availability?
• How do you review progress, and how long does the work typically last?

A consultation should feel like a conversation, not an interrogation. You are gathering information, and a good therapist welcomes thoughtful questions.

Notice the signs that matter

It is reasonable to feel cautious when a therapist guarantees a cure, promises a fixed timeline, pressures you into a decision, or is evasive about credentials or approach. Responsible trauma therapy is honest about the fact that results vary from person to person and that the pace belongs to the client.

About this practice

Dr. Arlene Drake, PhD, LMFT, offers individual, group, and couples therapy for adults affected by childhood trauma, abuse, and neglect, with virtual sessions available to California residents. The practice's approach is active, structured, and goal-oriented, guided by the philosophy The End of Endless Therapy, a way of working rather than a promise of a specific outcome.

Where to go from here

If you would like to explore whether this practice fits, you can request a consultation or call (818) 516-3013. You can also read more about individual trauma therapy, group therapy, and couples therapy.

Related articles

• Is virtual therapy available in California?
• What is childhood trauma therapy?
• Emotional abuse and neglect: how they show up in adult life