PTSD and Trauma Therapy in California: How to Choose the Right Therapist Online

Trauma Therapy
Written By Sheila Vidal, PsyD

Quick Answer

Choose a California-licensed, trauma-informed online therapist who uses evidence-based treatments (like ACT, CBT, or CPT) and provides clear pacing, skills practice, and progress tracking (American Psychological Association, 2017; National Center for PTSD, n.d.). In summary:

Finding the right PTSD therapist in California – especially for online therapy – is essential for your healing journey. You want someone who is not only licensed in California and qualified, but also a therapist who uses evidence-based trauma treatments, makes you feel safe, and understands your unique background. In this guide, I walk through key steps to choose a trauma-informed therapist, including verifying credentials, understanding top PTSD treatments, and asking high-impact questions during a telehealth consultation. I also discuss how to gauge a therapist’s trauma expertise, cultural competence, and LGBTQ+ affirming practice. My goal is to help you find the support you deserve to start healing in a way that fits your life.

Man in an online PTSD and trauma therapy session with a licensed therapist in California.

Photo by LinkedIn via Unsplash.

What Evidence-Based Treatments Are Best for PTSD?

In short, the gold standard for PTSD therapy is trauma-focused psychotherapy – notably Prolonged Exposure (PE) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) – which are consistently recommended by clinical guidelines (American Psychological Association, 2017; National Center for PTSD, n.d.). The American Psychological Association’s PTSD treatment guideline and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs both emphasize that trauma-focused therapies like PE and CPT have the strongest evidence for reducing post-traumatic stress symptoms (American Psychological Association, 2017; National Center for PTSD, n.d.).

  • Prolonged Exposure (PE)

    : A behavioral approach that helps you gently confront trauma memories and real-life triggers you’ve been avoiding. Over roughly 8–15 sessions, you repeatedly revisit traumatic memories (imaginal exposure) and gradually approach feared situations in real life (in vivo exposure) with your therapist’s guidance. This process retrains your brain to realize these reminders are not truly dangerous. PE often causes some anxiety while confronting trauma cues, but over time the distress diminishes as you habituate. PE has very strong evidence; it significantly reduces PTSD symptoms and can sustain improvements long-term (American Psychological Association, 2017; National Center for PTSD, n.d.). It can be a good fit if you feel ready to face fear head-on to reduce avoidance. A skilled PE therapist will always proceed at your consented pace and will not force exposures.

  • Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

    : A structured form of cognitive-behavioral therapy specifically for PTSD. CPT focuses on how you interpret the trauma and aims to shift “stuck points” – unhelpful beliefs like self-blame (“It was my fault”) or overgeneralized fears (“Nowhere is safe”). Over about 12 sessions, you write an impact statement about the trauma, then work through worksheets and discussions to challenge and modify distorted thoughts about safety, trust, control, self-worth, and intimacy. Unlike PE, CPT involves less graphic revisiting of the event and more analysis of thoughts and meanings. Many people who prefer focusing on their thinking rather than detailed exposure find CPT a good fit. Research shows CPT is as effective as PE in reducing PTSD symptoms, so it often comes down to preference (American Psychological Association, 2017).

  • Trauma-Focused CBT (General CBT for PTSD)

    : “CBT” is an umbrella term; both CPT and PE are types of CBT. If a therapist simply says they do “CBT for PTSD,” clarify what that involves. Standard CBT for PTSD typically blends some exposure elements with cognitive techniques, but in a less structured way than CPT or PE. For example, a CBT-oriented therapist might help you challenge negative thoughts, gradually face avoided situations, improve sleep hygiene, and practice relaxation skills. CBT is well-established for many mental health issues and has trauma-focused adaptations that are effective for PTSD (American Psychological Association, 2017). Just ensure any CBT includes directly addressing the trauma memory or its impacts; a purely generic anxiety or depression CBT might not fully resolve PTSD.

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

    : ACT is a newer evidence-based approach that builds psychological flexibility – the ability to experience painful memories or feelings without avoiding them, and still move toward your values. ACT isn’t yet considered a first-line trauma therapy in all official guidelines, but research is growing. It emphasizes mindfulness, acceptance strategies, and committed action aligned with your values, which can be very relevant in trauma recovery (since avoidance of trauma-related thoughts and feelings often maintains PTSD). A growing body of research suggests ACT can be an effective component of trauma care (Rowe-Johnson et al., 2025). Some therapists integrate ACT alongside PE or CPT, or use it as a standalone if you prefer a skills-and-values focus. For example, some health systems use ACT-based tools and apps to support between-session practice (National Center for PTSD, n.d.). If you like the idea of living meaningfully alongside difficult memories rather than doing intensive exposure, ACT might appeal to you.

Bottom line: No single treatment is “best” for everyone – all the above approaches are highly respected and empirically supported (American Psychological Association, 2017). A qualified trauma therapist should be trained in at least one of these methods and be able to explain why it fits your situation. If a therapist mentions they use trauma-focused therapy – whether ACT, CBT, CPT, or PE – that’s a good sign they are up-to-date on proven strategies. Be cautious if someone promises a quick fix but can’t name any of these well-researched methods.

Also, remember effective PTSD therapy is often time-limited: many trauma-focused treatments last about 8–16 sessions (roughly 2–4 months of weekly therapy) (American Psychological Association, 2017; National Center for PTSD, n.d.). Some people continue longer or pursue additional support for complex trauma, but even short-term evidence-based therapy can lead to significant improvement. The key is that you receive trauma-focused, evidence-based care, which gives you the best shot at healing (American Psychological Association, 2017).

For those considering medication: Certain medications (like SSRIs) are also often used for PTSD alongside therapy. Guidelines frequently suggest trauma-focused psychotherapy as first-line, but medication can help some individuals, especially if therapy alone isn’t enough or symptoms are severe (American Psychological Association, 2017). You can discuss this with your primary care doctor or psychiatrist; some therapists collaborate with prescribers as needed.

How Can I Verify a Therapist’s California License and Credentials?

Always verify your therapist’s California license online – it’s an easy but crucial step to ensure you’re working with a legitimate, qualified provider (California Department of Consumer Affairs, n.d.; California Board of Psychology, n.d.; California Board of Behavioral Sciences, n.d.). In California, independent therapists must be licensed (for example, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, LMFT, LCSW), which means they’ve completed extensive education, supervised hours, and passed exams (California Board of Psychology, n.d.; California Board of Behavioral Sciences, n.d.). To verify a license:

  • Ask for their license type and number. A reputable clinician will gladly provide this information. I list my licenses publicly (for example, “CA PSY36022” and “VA 0810007130”).

  • Look it up on California’s licensing boards. California has user-friendly online databases. You can enter the name or license number on the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) license lookup site (California Department of Consumer Affairs, n.d.). Psychologists are regulated by the Board of Psychology, and therapists like LMFTs or LCSWs by the Board of Behavioral Sciences – both boards link into the DCA database (California Board of Psychology, n.d.; California Board of Behavioral Sciences, n.d.). These lookups will show if the license is active, when it was issued, and if any disciplinary actions have occurred.

  • Check for proper degree and training. Beyond a license, consider the therapist’s degrees and certifications. Do they have a master’s or doctoral degree in a mental health field? Any specialized certifications in trauma therapy (such as training in CPT or PE)? Extra certifications aren’t mandatory, but they signal focused expertise. At minimum, ensure your therapist has an advanced mental health degree and a current California license. Be cautious of unqualified individuals using titles like “trauma coach” without proper credentials – verifying licensure protects you from this (California Department of Consumer Affairs, n.d.; California Board of Behavioral Sciences, n.d.).

  • Confirm they can practice independently. In California, terms like “Associate” or “Intern” mean a therapist is still in training and not yet licensed for independent practice (they must be supervised). A fully licensed professional won’t use those titles. Almost all therapists offering online services independently will be fully licensed, but it’s good to double-check.

Performing these checks gives peace of mind. California’s licensing boards exist to ensure therapists meet strict standards in education, ethics, and competence, so a valid license is a baseline sign of credibility and safety (California Board of Psychology, n.d.; California Board of Behavioral Sciences, n.d.).

What Questions Should I Ask During a Telehealth Consultation?

Most therapists offer an initial consultation – often a free 15-minute phone or video call – so you can get to know each other before committing to therapy. Think of this consult as a two-way interview: the therapist is assessing your needs, and you are assessing the therapist’s fit for you. Coming prepared with a few key questions will help you cover the important bases (National Center for PTSD, n.d.).

Here are some questions you might ask:

  • What is your clinical background and experience?
    For example: “What is your degree and how many years have you been practicing? Are you licensed in California?” This establishes their qualifications. You can also ask if they have specific experience with trauma: “Have you worked with people who have been through trauma similar to mine?” and “Do you have special training in PTSD treatment?” A therapist with direct PTSD experience or trauma certifications will likely be better equipped to help (    American Psychological Association, 2017; National Center for PTSD, n.d.).

  • What treatment approaches do you use for PTSD?
    This is crucial. Ask: “What kinds of PTSD treatments do you use, and have they been proven effective for issues like mine?” You want to hear them mention evidence-based methods – for instance, “I often use Cognitive Processing Therapy or Prolonged Exposure, tailored to your needs.” That tells you they use proven techniques and can articulate a plan in understandable terms (    American Psychological Association, 2017). You might follow up with: “How long do you expect treatment to last, and how will we know if it’s working?” A skilled therapist should give a general roadmap (for example, “PE usually takes about 10–12 sessions, and we’ll track your symptom changes as we go.”).

  • What is your approach to therapy (especially online)?
    Since you’re considering     online therapy in California, ask how their online process works. For example: “How do you ensure online sessions are private and secure?” (They should use a HIPAA-compliant video platform and have confidentiality safeguards in place.) Also: “What should I expect in our first online session?” and “Do you have policies for technical issues or if I’m in crisis between sessions?” Their answers reveal professionalism and preparedness for telehealth. A good answer might include having an emergency plan (for example, providing you resources like the 988 Crisis Lifeline or local contacts – standard practice for teletherapy) (National Center for PTSD, n.d.).

  • Do you take an approach that I’m comfortable with?
    This gets at personal style and fit. You might say: “How would you describe your style in sessions? More listening or more directive?” or “How do we set goals together?” If certain things matter to you – for instance, “Do you give homework between sessions?” or “I’m afraid of being pushed too fast to talk about my trauma” – bring them up. A trauma-informed therapist will emphasize collaboration and pacing: for example, “We’ll go at your pace; I won’t force you to discuss details until you feel ready. Early on, we’ll focus on coping skills so you feel safe.” Listen for that kind of reassurance (    National Center for PTSD, n.d.; Ranjbar et al., 2020).

  • Logistics: fees, scheduling, communication.
    Don’t forget practical details. Ask: “What are your fees per session? Do you offer a sliding scale or accept insurance?” (Many trauma therapists are private pay but can provide a superbill for potential out-of-network reimbursement.) Also: “What is your cancellation policy?” Knowing the cost and policies upfront prevents surprises. If you have scheduling needs, “Do you have evening or weekend appointments?” is wise to ask. And clarify how to contact them between sessions if needed (many therapists allow brief emails or have on-call arrangements for emergencies) (    National Center for PTSD, n.d.).

These consultation questions not only get you important info, they also let you observe the therapist’s demeanor. Are they open and welcoming to your questions? Do you feel heard and respected in their responses? Trust your gut here. You want someone who communicates clearly, shows patience, and demonstrates knowledge about trauma treatment. If a therapist seems irritated by questions or gives vague answers, that’s a red flag. A good clinician will respect that you’re an informed consumer taking your mental health seriously (National Center for PTSD, n.d.).

Remember, you have every right to “interview” your therapist – the best therapists appreciate that you’re ensuring a good mutual fit (National Center for PTSD, n.d.).

How Do ACT, CPT, PE, and CBT Compare for PTSD Treatment?

You’ve probably heard a lot of therapy acronyms by now – especially ACT, CPT, PE, and CBT. All of these can help with PTSD, but they have different philosophies and techniques. Here’s a quick comparison:

Therapy Core Focus Techniques Typical Duration
ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) Build psychological flexibility and make room for painful thoughts and feelings while committing to valued actions. Mindfulness, acceptance strategies, cognitive defusion, values-guided goal setting. Often combined with other trauma work. No set number of sessions; often 8–12 or more sessions, or integrated with other therapy.
CPT (Cognitive Processing Therapy) Change unhelpful beliefs about the trauma (the “story” you tell yourself). Writing an impact statement, identifying “stuck points,” challenging distorted thoughts in areas like safety, trust, and self-blame. Highly structured. Around 12 sessions (standard protocol).
PE (Prolonged Exposure) Gradually expose you to trauma memories and triggers to reduce fear. Imaginal exposure and in vivo exposure. Emphasis on emotional processing and habituation. Roughly 8–15 sessions, depending on the client.
CBT (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) A broad mix of cognitive and behavioral strategies for PTSD. Exposure elements, cognitive restructuring, coping skills (relaxation, sleep support, grounding, activity scheduling). Less structured than CPT or PE. Typically 8–16 sessions, depending on approach. Must include trauma processing for full effectiveness.

All four approaches are evidence-based. Research has found that when delivered by skilled practitioners, they yield comparably positive outcomes for PTSD in many cases (American Psychological Association, 2017; National Center for PTSD, n.d.). What matters most is which approach you feel comfortable with and will stick to. For example, some clients value CPT’s focus on thoughts and like having written homework; others feel PE’s direct confrontation of fear gives them a sense of mastery; others prefer ACT’s emphasis on mindfulness and values, or a flexible CBT mix.

It’s absolutely okay to discuss your preferences with a potential therapist. You might ask, “Do you use exposure therapy? I’m a bit nervous about it.” A good therapist will explain how they pace exposures with your consent. Or you might say, “I have a hard time talking about the trauma – are there other ways to work on it?” They could suggest CPT or a gentler approach as an alternative to intense exposure (American Psychological Association, 2017). The key is collaborative decision-making: a competent trauma therapist will work with you to choose a treatment approach that is evidence-based and aligns with what you’re ready for.

It is also common for therapists to blend techniques. It’s normal to start with some stabilization (grounding skills, emotion regulation strategies from CBT or ACT) before diving into trauma-focused CPT or PE. Or a therapist might primarily do CPT but incorporate a bit of exposure or mindfulness as needed. That’s fine as long as they have a clear rationale. The priority is that you’re getting trauma-informed care tailored to you, rather than a rigid one-size-fits-all method (Ranjbar et al., 2020).

How Can I Tell if a Therapist Offers Trauma Expertise, Cultural Competence, and LGBTQ+ Safety?

Technical skills and licenses are vital, but there’s more to a good therapeutic fit – especially for trauma survivors – than degrees on the wall. Trauma expertise, cultural competence, and an LGBTQ+ affirming stance are crucial for many people. These qualities might not be obvious on a resume, so here’s how to assess them:

Trauma Expertise

Beyond checking for evidence-based methods, consider whether the therapist truly understands trauma and operates with a trauma-informed approach (Ranjbar et al., 2020). Being “trauma-informed” means the therapist recognizes how trauma affects the nervous system and psyche, and they prioritize safety, trust, and empowerment in therapy. For example, trauma-informed therapists are careful about triggering content, won’t push you to detail your trauma until you’re ready, and will actively collaborate on coping tools for flashbacks or dissociation (National Center for PTSD, n.d.).

During your consultation or early sessions, pay attention to how they respond when you mention your trauma history. Do they seem comfortable and knowledgeable discussing PTSD symptoms like nightmares or hypervigilance? A trauma-savvy clinician will acknowledge such symptoms as common trauma responses and might briefly note how they’d address them (instead of glossing over or seeming startled) (National Center for PTSD, n.d.). You can also ask directly, “Have you treated people with PTSD or complex trauma before? What approaches do you use?” A strong yes with concrete examples is reassuring.

Also consider if they understand Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) or developmental trauma, if that applies to you. Not all trauma is a single event; some of us have endured chronic or childhood trauma. A therapist well-versed in C-PTSD will know that treatment may need to be longer-term or differently paced – often starting with safety and stabilization, then processing trauma, then focusing on rebuilding connection and identity (National Center for PTSD, n.d.). If you suspect you have C-PTSD, you might ask if the therapist is familiar with that term or has worked with long-term trauma. Ideally, they should be, and might mention using a phase-oriented approach (first building coping skills, then trauma processing, etc.). In short, choose someone who “gets” trauma. Trauma recovery is a specialized area – you deserve a therapist who demonstrates real knowledge, empathy, and respect for what you’ve been through (Ranjbar et al., 2020).

Cultural Competence

Healing from trauma doesn’t happen in a vacuum; it happens in the context of who you are – your culture, race and ethnicity, religion, gender, and community. A culturally competent therapist is mindful and respectful of these factors (Ranjbar et al., 2020). In practice, this looks like the therapist being curious (in a respectful way) about your identity and experiences, rather than making assumptions.

Consider: do they invite you to share what’s important about your cultural or family background? Do they acknowledge systemic factors if relevant (for example, racism, immigration stress, military culture) and understand how those might relate to your trauma or healing? A culturally humble therapist recognizes that trauma may be expressed differently and healed differently across cultures (Ranjbar et al., 2020).

You might not need a therapist of the same background (therapists can effectively treat people from different cultures), but you do want someone who creates a safe space for all aspects of your identity. One tip: Look at the therapist’s website or profile for clues – do they explicitly mention working with certain communities (for example, “LGBTQ+ friendly, experienced with veterans, BIPOC clients welcome”) or list languages they speak? Those can be good signs. During initial conversations, trust your instincts: you should feel respect and understanding, not awkwardness or bias. If a therapist downplays or seems ignorant of a cultural factor that matters to you, that’s a sign they might not be the best fit. On the other hand, a culturally attuned therapist might say something like, “Let me know if there are any cultural or family values that are important for me to understand, so I can respect them in our work.” That signals openness and humility (Ranjbar et al., 2020). Ultimately, you want to feel that all of you is welcome in the therapy room.

LGBTQ+ Safety

Trauma survivors who are LGBTQ+ (or gender diverse) need to know their therapist is affirming and knowledgeable about LGBTQ+ issues. Unfortunately, not all therapists have had adequate training here, so it’s wise to be intentional. An LGBTQ+-affirming therapist will typically state on their website or profile that they welcome LGBTQ+ clients, or they may mention specific experience or training with this community (Ranjbar et al., 2020). Look for subtle cues too: Do they use inclusive language (like introducing themselves with pronouns, or using the word “partner” instead of assuming gender of your significant other)? Do they perhaps list membership in organizations focused on LGBTQ+ mental health or feature inclusive symbols? These are signals of allyship.

You can also ask directly: “Have you worked with LGBTQ+ clients before?” or “Are you comfortable working with a [your identity] client?” A good therapist will respond enthusiastically and positively – for example, “Absolutely, I strive to provide a safe, affirming space for all orientations and gender identities.” If you’re transgender or nonbinary, you might specifically ask if they have experience with gender dysphoria or transition-related support, if that’s relevant for you.

Why is this so important? Because part of healing from trauma is feeling safe and seen. If you have to educate your therapist on basic aspects of your identity, or worry about judgment, it can hinder progress. Therapists who emphasize inclusivity often educate themselves on the unique stressors LGBTQ+ clients face (minority stress, discrimination trauma, coming-out challenges) (Ranjbar et al., 2020). If some of your trauma is related to identity-based harm (for example, anti-LGBTQ violence or rejection), you especially need a therapist who understands that context. The goal is that in therapy, you can discuss any part of your life – your same-sex partner, your coming-out journey, your chosen family – without needing to hide or explain things from scratch. When you have that level of comfort, therapy outcomes improve (Ranjbar et al., 2020).

In short, look for a therapist who not only has the right technical skills, but also “gets” you as a whole person – your trauma history, your culture, your identity, and your values. When therapy is both trauma-informed and culturally and LGBTQ+ informed, you’re far more likely to stick with it and see positive changes (Ranjbar et al., 2020). You deserve to feel seen, heard, and respected in therapy. Don’t settle for less.

Further Reading & References

Further Reading (Helpful Resources):

References (Research & Evidence):

  • Yes – research shows that evidence-based PTSD treatments delivered via secure video can be just as effective as face-to-face sessions (National Center for PTSD, n.d.). Therapists are able to form a strong therapeutic alliance and achieve similar symptom improvements through telehealth. The key is that the online platform is private and the therapist is experienced in delivering trauma therapy remotely (National Center for PTSD, n.d.). Many people also find online therapy more convenient and accessible (no commute, and you’re in the comfort of your home), which can make it easier to stick with treatment. Just ensure you have a private space and a stable internet connection for sessions. Over time, if you feel teletherapy isn’t meeting your needs, you can always discuss switching to in-person – but for most, online PTSD therapy works very well, so you can confidently start your healing journey online.

  • It depends on the severity of your trauma and the type of therapy used, but many evidence-based PTSD treatments are short-term. Typically, trauma-focused therapies like CPT or PE last around 10–12 weeks of weekly sessions (American Psychological Association, 2017). Some protocols can be a bit shorter (around 8 sessions) or a bit longer (up to about 16 sessions) (American Psychological Association, 2017). Of course, everyone heals at their own pace – some clients feel significantly better after just a few months and decide to conclude therapy, while others with complex or multiple traumas may continue for a year or more. It’s also common to do a structured course of therapy, take a break, and later do “booster” sessions or a second phase of work focusing on different goals. The most important thing is regular progress check-ins with your therapist. If you don’t notice any improvement after several sessions, bring it up – together you can adjust the approach or revisit the treatment plan. In general, though, significant PTSD symptom reduction often occurs within a few months when using proven methods (American Psychological Association, 2017; National Center for PTSD, n.d.). Healing isn’t overnight, but it also doesn’t have to take years.

  • That’s completely okay – a trauma-informed therapist will never force you to share details until you feel safe and ready (Ranjbar et al., 2020). In early sessions, the focus is usually on building trust, strengthening your coping skills, and making sure you have stability in your life (National Center for PTSD, n.d.). Therapists often teach grounding techniques, mindfulness, and other skills so you can manage distressing feelings before delving into the trauma narrative (National Center for PTSD, n.d.). If or when you choose to discuss the traumatic events, you have control over how and when to do so. Approaches like CPT let you process thoughts and feelings about the trauma without necessarily describing every detail.

    Even in exposure-based therapies like PE, you decide what to confront and when – consent is key at every step (American Psychological Association, 2017). It’s valid to spend the first phase of therapy just talking “around” the trauma – for example, focusing on how it’s affecting your sleep or relationships – until you feel more secure. As you build confidence in your therapist and learn to self-soothe, you may gradually feel ready to address the deeper pain. And if not, that’s okay too. Therapy can always center on improving your present life (managing anxiety, rebuilding trust, etc.) until you’re prepared for trauma-processing. The important thing is to communicate openly with your therapist about your comfort level. A good therapist will respect your boundaries and never rush or pressure you – they’ll work with you, not on you (Ranjbar et al., 2020).

  • Yes, absolutely – and any professional therapist will understand. Finding the right personal fit is very important in trauma therapy. You might meet a therapist who is perfectly qualified, but if you just don’t “click” or feel fully comfortable, it’s okay to look for someone else. Sometimes it takes trying with one or two providers to get that ideal match. If you realize after a few sessions that it’s not working (for example, you don’t feel heard, or you dislike their style), it’s perfectly acceptable to switch. You can either discuss your concerns to see if things improve, or politely let them know you’d like to explore other options (National Center for PTSD, n.d.).

    Therapists generally want what’s best for you – even if that means referring you to a colleague. Don’t stick with someone out of guilt or fear of hurting their feelings. This process is about you and your healing. When you do find a therapist whom you trust and feel at ease with, you’ll know – therapy will still be challenging at times, but you’ll feel supported and see yourself making progress. It’s worth it to keep looking until you find that synergy.

  • Look for explicit signals in their profile and observe how they communicate. Many therapists will state in their bio or website “LGBTQ+ affirming” or “ally,” which is a great start. You can also see if they mention working with gender and sexual minorities as an area of focus. During initial interactions, notice whether they invite your preferred name and pronouns and whether they use inclusive language (for example, asking about “partners” instead of assuming a heterosexual spouse) (Ranjbar et al., 2020).

    You have the right to ask them directly, too: “Have you worked with LGBTQ+ clients before?” or “What training or approach do you have for LGBTQ+ populations?” A genuinely affirming therapist will answer openly and positively – they might mention attending workshops on LGBTQ+ mental health or simply express enthusiasm to work with you (Ranjbar et al., 2020). Small cues can speak volumes: Do they introduce themselves with their pronouns? Do they correct themselves smoothly if they misgender someone? Are they knowledgeable about issues like coming out, minority stress, or discrimination? An affirming therapist will not treat LGBTQ+ identity as a “problem” – they’ll see it as an important part of who you are and support you in that context (Ranjbar et al., 2020).

    If you ever sense judgment or ignorance (for example, a therapist pathologizes your identity or seems uncomfortable discussing it), that’s a clear sign to find someone else. Trust your instincts. An inclusive therapist helps you feel seen and respected; you shouldn’t have to educate them on basic aspects of your identity (though they will listen and learn what your specific experiences mean to you). Safe therapy means you can be your authentic self. Don’t compromise on that (Ranjbar et al., 2020).

Remember: Healing from trauma is possible with the right support. You’re taking a brave step by seeking help. By ensuring your therapist is qualified, evidence-based, trauma-informed, and a good fit for you, you’re setting the stage for real progress. Take your time, trust yourself, and don’t hesitate to reach out for that initial consultation. Your next mission – recovery, resilience, and renewal – starts with finding the therapist who will walk that path with you.

Sheila Vidal, PsyD

I’m Dr. Sheila Vidal—a licensed clinical psychologist providing ACT-led, trauma-informed online therapy for adults in California and Virginia (PSY36022; 0810007130). I specialize in PTSD, Complex PTSD, attachment patterns, anxiety, and mood. Confidential, insurance-free care for executives, immigrants/refugees, veterans, first responders, and clearance holders.

https://www.nextmissionrecovery.com/about
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