Therapists, counselors, and coaches hold a unique position of trust. They often work closely with children in one-on-one settings—sometimes alone, sometimes without supervision. Sadly, that trust is occasionally betrayed.
In California, abuse by mental health professionals or youth coaches is taken extremely seriously. State laws require prompt reporting and allow for civil and criminal penalties against abusers—and the institutions that shield them.
This guide explains what to do if a therapist or coach sexually abuses a child, your rights as a survivor or parent, and how to pursue justice through the legal system.
Can You Sue a Therapist or Coach for Child Sexual Abuse in California?
Yes. Under California law, survivors of child sexual abuse can file lawsuits against:
- Individual therapists or coaches
- The employer (e.g., school, clinic, gym, church)
- Professional licensing boards (if they failed to act on prior complaints)
- Third-party organizations (such as a therapy clinic or sports league)
Thanks to AB 218, survivors can sue:
- Until age 40, or
- Within 5 years of discovering the abuse’s psychological impact
Do Therapists Have a Legal Duty to Report Abuse in California?
Yes. Under California’s Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), therapists and counselors are mandated reporters.
They must report:
- Known or reasonably suspected abuse
- Reports made by a minor client (even if it happened in the past)
- Sexual, physical, emotional abuse, or neglect
⚠️ California Penal Code § 11166-11172:
- Failure to report suspected abuse is a misdemeanor
- Knowingly covering up abuse may lead to jail time and fines
Penal Code § 11172 also protects reporters from liability if the report was made in good faith.
What If the Therapist or Coach Is the Abuser?
If the professional is the abuser, and not the reporter, the victim or their parent should:
- Report the abuse to law enforcement
- File a complaint with the licensing or certifying agency
- Therapists: California Board of Behavioral Sciences or Board of Psychology
- Coaches: USA Gymnastics, SafeSport, CIF, or employer
- Consult an attorney experienced in child sex abuse litigation
These actions can trigger:
- Criminal charges
- License suspension or revocation
- Civil lawsuits for compensation
What If the Abuse Happened in the Past? Is It Still Reportable?
Yes. Therapists are required to report abuse disclosed by a minor client, even if it occurred years earlier—especially if the abuser still has access to children.
Mandated reporters do not need to investigate—they simply report to:
- Local law enforcement, OR
- Child Protective Services (CPS)
Therapists must not promise confidentiality when abuse is disclosed by a minor.
Is Emotional Abuse by a Therapist or Coach Reportable?
Yes, in certain cases. If emotional abuse leads to:
- Severe anxiety, suicidal thoughts, or trauma
- Persistent belittling, gaslighting, or coercion
- Isolation from support systems
…then it may be reportable and grounds for professional discipline or a lawsuit.
Therapists and coaches are prohibited from:
- Sexual relationships with clients or minors
- Threatening or manipulating children
- Exploiting their position of authority
What Are the 7 Exceptions to Therapist Confidentiality in California?
Therapists must break confidentiality to report:
- Suspected child abuse
- Elder abuse
- Threats of suicide
- Threats to harm others (duty to warn)
- Court orders
- Client is gravely disabled
- Danger to the public (e.g., contagious disease risk)
When a child reports sexual abuse, therapists are legally obligated to act, regardless of therapeutic confidentiality.
Who Else Is a Mandated Reporter in California?
- Teachers and school staff
- Medical professionals
- Social workers and clergy
- Childcare providers
- Law enforcement officers
- Athletic coaches (public or private organizations)
Mandated reporters must call CPS or police within 24 hours, followed by a written report within 36 hours.
Can Institutions Be Held Liable for Abuse by Their Employees?
Yes. Employers like therapy centers, clinics, schools, and sports organizations may be sued for:
- Negligent hiring or supervision
- Failure to act on complaints
- Covering up or enabling abuse
These institutions can face millions in damages, especially under California’s AB 218, which allows for treble (triple) damages if a cover-up is proven.
You Have the Right to Speak Up and Take Legal Action
Abuse by therapists and coaches is particularly damaging—it breaks trust and causes deep psychological wounds. But California law is on your side.
Whether the abuse happened recently or decades ago, survivors can:
- File police reports
- Trigger license revocations
- Sue abusers and the institutions that protected them
If you’re a parent, survivor, or advocate—report, document, and connect with legal counsel. Your courage could help protect other children from the same pain.
