Q: How do I verify a therapist's license?
A: Free, in two minutes, at the state's official lookup: search.dca.ca.gov covers LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and associates (Board of Behavioral Sciences) plus psychologists (Board of Psychology). Search by name; check three things: the license is current (not expired, surrendered, or revoked), the type matches what they advertise, and whether any disciplinary actions are listed — documents are public and readable.
Worked example: "Jane Smith, LMFT #12345" → lookup shows LMFT license, current, no discipline = green. Lookup shows "AMFT registration" while her website says "licensed therapist" = a conversation, or a pass. No result at all under any spelling = walk away; practicing without a license or registration is illegal in California.
Do this: verify before the first session — it's two minutes and no therapist worth seeing minds. Every profile on this site shows the license number so you can check us against the state, not take our word.
Source: DCA license search — search.dca.ca.gov; BBS — bbs.ca.gov.