Certificate of Merit Assessments
Trauma-informed support for survivors seeking justice in California
Helping Survivors Navigate the Legal Process With Compassion and Care
For survivors of childhood sexual abuse in California, the law has changed—but the process can still feel overwhelming. If you’re pursuing justice through the “delayed discovery” doctrine under California law, you may be required to obtain a Certificate of Merit from a licensed mental health professional. At Guidance Teletherapy, our trained clinicians provide trauma-informed, non-therapeutic assessments that meet legal requirements—while honoring your story, autonomy, and humanity throughout the process.
How Certificate of Merit Assessments Work
In legal claims filed under California Code of Civil Procedure § 340.1, survivors typically need two Certificates of Merit: one from their attorney, and one from a licensed mental health professional who is not involved in their treatment. Here’s what to expect from our process:
A one-time interview with a licensed California clinician
A professional, independent review of your history and narrative
A legally compliant declaration submitted directly to your attorney
No obligation to engage in therapy—this is a non-treatment assessment
Full adherence to legal requirements
The more light we shine on child sexual abuse, the less shadows there are for abusers to hide in!
—Sarah (survivor of childhood sexual abuse)
Meet Our Certificate of Merit Providers
Our clinicians have supported individual survivors and class-action cases, and they are trained to complete legally valid Certificate of Merit assessments with clarity and compassion.
Ariel Landrum, LMFT
CA, KS, NV, FL, CO, OR, UT & ID
Jessica Medina, LMFT
CA, AZ & WI
Stacey Inal, LMFT
CA & FL
FAQs About Certificate of Merit Assessments
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No. This is a one-time legal evaluation—not a therapeutic relationship. You will not be diagnosed or treated.
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That’s completely okay. This assessment must be done by someone other than your treating provider, but your therapy can continue as usual.
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We provide the Certificate directly to your attorney, who manages all legal filing. Nothing is sent to the court without your legal team’s direction.
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Yes! We have experience working on both individual and class-action cases. Please reach out to our Clinical Director for coordination.