Therapists in California, Let’s Talk About Leave of Absence Paperwork
Written by: Mari Novoa, M.S., AMFT
What Therapists Need to Know About EDD
Alright, therapists, we need to talk about something I see pop up all the time in private therapist groups. But first, let me say that I’m not a lawyer, so take this as informed guidance, not legal advice. If it were, we would meet in person, and I would charge you by the hour.
Someone asks, “Can I complete the paperwork for my client who wants to go on a leave of absence?”
Every time, there are various responses, and not all of them are accurate. Some say, “Yes, I have filled it out!” Others say, “No, never!” and, somewhere in between, people are typing “following” in the comments so they can see what is said. So let’s clear it up, therapist to therapist. I say this as someone who lives in both worlds: HR and mental health.
Here’s the truth.
If you are a master’s-level clinician in California, meaning an AMFT, LMFT, APCC, LPCC, ASW, or LCSW, the California Employment Development Department (EDD) does not accept disability or leave paperwork from you. This matters because that’s usually who pays your client while they’re not working. And let’s be honest, probably how they’ll pay you, too.
So yes, you read that correctly. Even when your client truly needs time off, and your clinical reasoning is sound, the state still does not recognize master’s-level clinicians as authorized certifiers. But before you roll your eyes, be thankful! The paperwork takes time and back-and-forth. Yes, you can technically charge your client a fee for completing it, but if it takes you 30 minutes to an hour, I can assure you it will not come close to your session rate. Most doctors charge around $30 to $50 for that service, but it is common for an office administrator to complete the forms, while the doctor mainly signs. Yes, I know you would not be doing it for the money. I get it. But still…
Back to the topic. I learned this not only as a therapist but from my HR background. I’ve managed employee leaves, reviewed disability claims, and seen this play out too many times. Here is what usually happens:
The EDD only accepts certifications from certain licensed medical providers, typically MDs, psychiatrists, and psychologists (PhD or PsyD).
Some employers may accept documentation from a therapist to support an internal leave of absence, especially if they have their own policies. However, most employers align their requirements with the state’s EDD guidelines and will only approve claims certified by those same medical professionals.
If a client’s employer offers disability benefits such as short-term disability (STD) or long-term disability (LTD) through an insurance carrier, those carriers also tend to follow EDD standards.
When a therapist completes the form anyway, the California EDD claim often gets delayed or denied, leaving the client frustrated and behind in receiving an income.
When the Workplace Itself Is the Problem
Sometimes, a client may say they want to go on leave because their work environment is affecting their mental health. If the issue is directly related to their job, such as harassment, discrimination, unsafe conditions, or a hostile environment, it may fall under workers’ compensation rather than disability leave.
Workers’ comp is a separate system, and therapists cannot file or certify those claims either. The client would need to report the concern to their employer, who would then provide information on how to start the process. As a side note, for workers’ comp claims, an assessment is typically conducted to confirm that at least 51% of the client’s psychological condition is work-related before benefits can be approved.
So What Should We Do Instead?
Here’s what I would do:
Ask about their employer’s policy. Encourage the client to review their employer’s leave-of-absence (LOA) policy first. Every organization handles leaves differently, and this helps set realistic expectations.
Ask if they plan to apply for EDD disability benefits. If the answer is yes, explain that you cannot complete that paperwork and that it needs to come from an authorized provider, such as their doctor, psychiatrist, or psychologist.
If the answer is no, and they are only requesting unpaid time off from their employer (not state disability), you might be able to complete the employer’s internal paperwork to support their leave if the employer happens not to be aligned with EDD.
Validate the client’s experience. If work stress or burnout is affecting their mental health, acknowledge it and discuss what they need.
Collaborate with their medical provider. Encourage them to talk to their primary care doctor or psychiatrist about completing the paperwork. You can offer supporting notes if appropriate.
Educate kindly. Most clients have no idea the state has these rules. Explaining it clearly builds trust.
Protect your license and your sanity. Setting boundaries does not make you cold. It makes you responsible.
I know it is frustrating. You are doing real, important clinical work, yet the system still says, “Sorry, not qualified.” It’s one of those system gaps that reminds me how far we still have to go in understanding mental health care. But next time you see this question come up in your therapist group, you can confidently share:
“In California, EDD does not accept disability paperwork from MFTs, LCSWs, or LPCCs. Only MDs, PsyDs, and PhDs can certify it. Some employers may make exceptions, but most follow EDD standards.”
You will be saving your colleague and their client a lot of time and frustration. You can stop reading here, but if you want to save yourself an internet search spiral, keep going.
Resources for California Therapists
1. California EDD: Medical Provider Information
Visit the EDD Disability Insurance Claim Process Page to see which professionals are authorized to certify disability claims.
2. Understanding Leave Talk
EDD Disability (SDI): State-run income replacement program for employees unable to work due to a medical condition, certified by approved providers.
Short-Term Disability (STD) / Long-Term Disability (LTD): Employer or insurance-based programs that often follow EDD’s rules and require the same level of medical certification.
Workers’ Compensation: For injuries or illnesses caused directly by work. Clients must report this through their employer and cannot have it certified by a therapist. Read more here.
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and reflects my personal experience managing leave of absence programs in California, not legal advice.