CalVCB Therapy in California
Trauma-informed virtual counseling for survivors of violent crime.
What Is CalVCB?
The California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB) is a state-funded program that may help cover the cost of therapy and other recovery services for survivors of violent crime.
At Willow & Sage Therapy Collective, we provide trauma-informed virtual therapy throughout California and accept CalVCB as a payment option for eligible clients. Our goal is to make this process feel as supportive (and human!) as possible.
Who May Qualify for CalVCB?
You may be eligible for CalVCB benefits if:
You were the victim of a violent crime in California, such as sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse, elder abuse, stalking, physical assault, drunk driving, robbery, battery, online harassment, human trafficking, homicide, or attempted homicide.
You are a family member or dependent of a CA victim (including survivors of homicide).
You experienced emotional or physical harm due to the crime, even without physical injury.
The crime was reported to law enforcement (with some exceptions), and you are cooperating with the investigation. You do not need a conviction for CalVCB to apply.
You file the CalVCB application within time limits. These are:
Within 7 years of the crime, or
7 years after the direct victim turns 21 years of age, or
7 years from when the crime could have been discovered, whichever is later.
Some applications filed later than this may be considered.
What Therapy Services Can
CalVCB Cover?
When approved, CalVCB may help cover therapy services that support healing after a qualifying crime, including:
Individual psychotherapy
Trauma-focused therapy
EMDR therapy
Rape crisis therapy
Grief counseling
Family therapy connected to the crime or loss
All services are provided by our CalVCB-certified, licensed therapists and may be offered through secure virtual sessions anywhere in California, when authorized.
Using CalVCB for Therapy: What to Expect and How Payment Works
Using CalVCB to pay for therapy works a bit differently, and understanding the basics upfront can make things easier. Here are a few key things to know:
Approval is required before therapy can be covered. Timelines vary.
Therapy is authorized in limited increments, with additional approval needed for continued sessions.
Coverage is determined by CalVCB, and approval is not guaranteed or unlimited.
CalVCB is a payer of last resort, meaning other available funding sources, like insurance or Medi-Cal, may need to be used first.
Clients or advocates apply directly to CalVCB. We can help you guide you through the process, but we don’t determine approval or timing.
Sessions before approval may not be covered, so it’s helpful to apply as soon as possible.
If questions come up or coverage changes, we’ll talk through next steps together so you’re not navigating this alone. If you’d like to read the official program details, you can also review CalVCB’s website.
Ready to explore CalVCB therapy?
Your 20-minute consultation is free.