In California, therapists who are transgender or non-binary and have changed their name after registering or becoming licensed, do not allow the clinicians to remove their previous names (aka deadnames) from license lookups. The CA Board of Psychology (BOP) and the CA Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS), under the jurisdiction of the CA Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA), are not allowing transgender and non-binary therapists to remove their deadnames from licensing name lookups, thus, putting them at a safety risk. Transgender and non-binary therapists deserve safety! 

Imagine transitioning and then being threatened, harassed, or verbally abused by potential clients, clients' families, or clients because DCA refuses to remove your deadname from license lookups. Even after that name no longer exists anywhere else - not on your birth certificate, passport, or any other legal documentation. We have provided DCA with alternatives to protect both the clinicians' and consumer rights, yet they have not yet taken any action.

Alternatives exist to utilize modern technology resources and BOP administrative resources to protect the public while also acknowledging the safety of transgender and non-binary clinicians so as to not be deadnamed. The CA BOP has provided name change protections for victims of stalking. Interestingly enough, they refused to provide additional details to protect the stalking victim.

Equal protection of anti-discrimination laws, safety and acknowledgment of human decency, and the application of DCA policies are necessary for transgender and non-binary clinicians. 

Please sign this petition to indicate your support for changing the current BOP, BBS, and DCA practices of deadnaming transgender and non-binary mental health clinicians in California!