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

Online Therapy
Written By Sheila Vidal, PsyD

Experiencing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or complex trauma can be incredibly challenging. Finding the right therapist in California to support your recovery shouldn't add to your stress. As a licensed trauma psychologist soon expanding my practice to California, I’ve compiled key factors to help you choose the right online therapist and begin your healing journey.

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

Photo by LinkedIn via Unsplash.

Understand What You Need from Therapy

Choosing the right therapist begins by understanding your specific needs. PTSD and trauma manifest uniquely for everyone. Whether you're experiencing anxiety, flashbacks, emotional numbness, or relational issues, clearly identifying your challenges can help you find a therapist specializing in those areas.

Look for Specialization in Trauma-Informed Care

Not every therapist is equipped to handle PTSD or complex trauma. Look for therapists trained in evidence-based treatments like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and mindfulness-based therapies. These approaches provide structured yet compassionate frameworks essential for trauma recovery.

  1. Verify Credentials and Licensing:

    Ensure your potential therapist is licensed in California by checking their credentials through the California Board of Psychology. This ensures they're professionally qualified to support your mental health.

  2. Prioritize Confidentiality and Privacy:

    Privacy is critical when dealing with sensitive issues like PTSD. Select therapists who clearly outline their confidentiality practices and utilize secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth platforms.

Cultural Responsiveness Matters

California is diverse, and your therapist should be sensitive to cultural and community-specific trauma. Trauma-informed care should respect and understand the diverse backgrounds of clients, from immigrant experiences to specific cultural stigmas around mental health.

Evaluate Convenience and Accessibility

Online therapy removes geographical barriers, providing access to specialized trauma support no matter your location in California. Check your therapist’s availability, session frequency, and technical accessibility to ensure it fits your lifestyle and needs.

Schedule a Consultation

A preliminary consultation can significantly help you gauge if a therapist feels like the right fit. Use this opportunity to discuss your therapy goals, ask questions about their approach, and assess your comfort level.

Ready to start your healing journey? Join my California waitlist now to receive priority updates on my upcoming California services.

Further Reading

To deepen your understanding of PTSD, trauma therapy, and how to find the right online therapist, explore these trusted resources:

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes, online therapy has been proven effective for PTSD, especially when delivered by trained, trauma-informed specialists.

  • Look for therapists who use HIPAA-compliant, secure video platforms and clearly detail their privacy and confidentiality measures.

  • Absolutely. Online therapy allows you to choose a therapist based on specialization rather than location.

Sheila Vidal, PsyD

I’m Dr. Sheila Vidal, a licensed clinical psychologist in the State of Virginia and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. I provide trauma-informed online therapy for adults across Virginia, offering evidence-based care to help individuals navigate the lasting effects of traumatic stress, PTSD, and complex emotional challenges. Although I currently reside in Northern California, I offer virtual psychological services exclusively to residents of Virginia.

I earned my Master of Arts degree in Diplomacy and Military Studies from Hawaii Pacific University, where I was honored with the "Best Graduate Paper" award for my thesis on interwar revolution in Vietnam from 1954 to 1959. Driven by a passion for understanding human behavior and resilience, I went on to earn a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Washington, DC.

During my time in Washington, DC, I completed clinical training at the DC Superior Court, providing psychological assessments to at-risk youth, including Spanish-speaking unaccompanied minors. I completed my postdoctoral training at the Kennedy Krieger Institute/Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, where I focused on behavioral psychology and supported children and families navigating complex trauma and behavioral health challenges.

As a clinical psychologist with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, I gained extensive experience providing evidence-based trauma treatment to Military Veterans, Reservists, First Responders, Law Enforcement Personnel, and their Caregivers. My clinical work encompassed a wide range of mental health concerns, including those related to PTSD, Moral Injury, and Military Sexual Trauma (MST).

My extensive academic training, international teaching background, and fieldwork abroad have strengthened my cultural competence in working with diverse and historically marginalized populations impacted by trauma. I specialize in treating PTSD, trauma-related conditions, and the complex intersection of mood and personality disorders that often emerge following prolonged or early-life traumatic experiences.

At Next Mission Recovery, I am committed to providing culturally responsive, trauma-informed online therapy that fosters resilience, promotes healing, and supports sustainable growth. Through a compassionate, evidence-based approach, I strive to create a therapeutic space where clients feel respected, validated, and empowered to move toward meaningful recovery.

https://www.nextmissionrecovery.com/about
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): How It Can Help You Heal