CalVCB Therapy in California
Trauma-informed virtual counseling for survivors of violent crime—often at no cost to you.
You Shouldn't Have to Pay the Price Twice
You need help you can't afford, for something that wasn't your fault. And you're the one left figuring it out.
Here's what most people don't know: if you survived a violent crime in California, the state has a program that may pay for your therapy, so you don't have to. It's called CalVCB (California Victim Compensation Board), and the eligibility is wider than you'd think.
At Willow & Sage, we're CalVCB-certified therapists who specialize in trauma. We offer virtual therapy throughout California, and we've walked many clients through this process, handled the paperwork, and helped people access support they didn't realize was available. You focus on healing. We'll handle the rest.
Not sure if you qualify? Let's find out together.
Who Qualifies for CalVCB-Covered Therapy?
You may be eligible if:
You were the victim of a violent crime in California, including sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse, elder abuse, stalking, physical assault, robbery, human trafficking, homicide (for family members), attempted homicide, drunk driving incidents, battery, or online harassment.
You're a family member or dependent of a California crime victim, including survivors of homicide victims.
You experienced emotional or psychological harm. You don't need to have a physical injury to qualify.
The crime was reported to law enforcement (with some exceptions), and you're cooperating with the investigation. A conviction is not required.
Time limits: Generally within 7 years of the crime, or 7 years after the victim turns 21, or 7 years from when the crime was discovered—whichever is later. Some late applications may still be considered.
Not sure where you stand? That's okay! Eligibility can be nuanced. We've helped clients who assumed they wouldn't qualify discover they actually do.
What Therapy Services Can
CalVCB Cover?
When approved, CalVCB may help cover mental health services that support your recovery, including:
Individual trauma therapy
EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
Grief counseling (for family members of homicide victims)
Family therapy connected to the crime or loss
Trauma-focused treatment for PTSD, anxiety, depression, and related symptoms
All services are provided by our licensed, CalVCB-certified therapists through secure, HIPAA-compliant video sessions, available anywhere in California.
How We Support You Through the CalVCB Process
Using CalVCB to pay for therapy works differently than insurance, and we know it can feel overwhelming. Here's how we make it easier:
We guide you through the application. Clients or victim advocates apply directly to CalVCB. We'll explain what's needed, answer your questions, and help you understand each step. You won't be left figuring it out alone.
We handle the clinical paperwork. Once you're approved, we take care of the treatment authorization requests and documentation on our end.
We keep you informed. Therapy through CalVCB is authorized in limited increments, with additional approval needed for continued sessions. We'll let you know when reauthorization is coming up and what to expect.
We're transparent about limitations. CalVCB is considered a "payer of last resort," meaning other funding sources (like insurance or Medi-Cal) may need to be used first. Coverage isn't unlimited, and approval isn't guaranteed. But we'll be honest with you every step of the way, and if something changes, we'll talk through your options together.
We move as fast as the system allows. Sessions before approval typically aren't covered, so we encourage applying as soon as possible. Once approved, we can often get started quickly.
Why Choose Willow & Sage for CalVCB Therapy?
You'll work with a trauma therapist, not a generalist.
Lizabeth Belli, AMFT, is our CalVCB clinician. She's trained in EMDR, somatic therapy, and certified in Trauma Resiliency Model work. She's helped women move through assault, grief, anxiety, and the aftermath of things no one should have to go through.
We know how to work with CalVCB.
We've helped clients in California apply, get approved, and start trauma therapy without getting buried in paperwork. We handle the clinical documentation. When something comes up, we figure it out with you.
Sessions are virtual, anywhere in California.
Complete privacy, from anywhere in California. You can be in your car, your home, wherever feels safe. Therapy on your terms, from your space.
Frequently Asked Questions About CalVCB Therapy in California
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No. CalVCB is about supporting crime victims, not about the outcome of the criminal case. You can qualify even if no one was arrested or charged.
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Reporting is generally required, but there are exceptions, especially for child abuse, domestic violence, and sexual assault. If you're not sure whether your situation qualifies, reach out and we can talk through it.
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You may still qualify. CalVCB allows applications up to 7 years after the crime, or 7 years after the victim turns 21, or 7 years from when the crime could reasonably have been discovered. Some late applications are still considered. If you're unsure, it's worth a conversation.
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Yes. CalVCB covers virtual trauma therapy with certified providers. All of our sessions are online, so you can work with us from anywhere in California.
The State Might Pay for This
You've dealt with enough. If there's a chance CalVCB covers your therapy, it's worth 20 minutes to find out. Everything you share stays confidential.