Read Before You Book a Massage in Los Angeles: How to Make Sure Your Therapist Is Legally Certified in California

Most people choose a massage therapist based on referrals, reviews, Instagram aesthetics, reddit or Yelp ratings. But in Los Angeles, not every massage provider you see online is actually certified to practice.

People talk about where to get a massage. Almost no one talks about how to choose someone legally certified to touch your body.

Massage therapy is a regulated health profession in California. State law recognizes Certified Massage Therapists as health-care providers — meaning they must meet established standards of education, ethics, and background screening.

This is different from how people usually think about massage. In everyday conversation, “massage” is associated with relaxation, spa environments, pampering, or stress relief. But under California law, when someone is manipulating soft tissue for compensation, they are practicing massage therapy — which means they must be CAMTC certified (or licensed under a recognized local authority).

So while the word “massage” can sound casual, **massage therapy is a regulated health profession**, and the person providing it is legally expected to meet professional standards.

So before you book your next massage, it’s essential to know whether your therapist is legitimately certified. Because two therapists can look exactly the same online — same reviews, same ambiance, same vibe — but only one may be trained, vetted, and legally approved to touch your body.

Why This Distinction Matters — Especially in Los Angeles, CA

Los Angeles has every type of massage environment — luxury spas, influencer-branded wellness studios, hotel spas, sports recovery labs, holistic clinics, neighborhood spots, and independent therapists. The variety is incredible — but the regulation is not always visible.

Two places can look equally professional.The experience can feel equally soothing.The reviews can sound equally glowing.

But only one may be operating with a legally certified therapist.

And that difference matters — not just for the experience, but for your safety, outcomes, and the integrity of your care.

Choosing a CAMTC Certified Massage Therapist ensures:

✔ Formal education & hands-on clinical training

✔ Background screening & ethical standards

✔ Safe, intentional, nervous-system-aware touch

✔ Legal recognition as a healthcare provider in California

✔ Accountability, professionalism, and continuity of care

Step 1 — Verify Massage Certification Through CAMTC

The California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) is the official licensing and certification authority for massage therapists in California.

This lookup system allows the public to confirm whether a therapist’s certification is:

• Active

• Expired

• Suspended

• Revoked

How to Verify a Massage Therapist’s Certification

• Go to: https://www.camtc.org/

• Click Verify Certification Icon

• Enter the therapist’s:

  • First Name + Last Name, or

  • CAMTC Certificate Number

• Review their certification status and location.

Example — Verifying My Certification

Search:

• First Name: Jesse

• Last Name: Anoraj

• CAMTC ID: 77236

You will see:

• Status: Active / Certified

• Type: CMT

• Location: Los Angeles, West hollywood

Important to Know

California law requires Certified Massage Therapists to display their certification document at their practice location.If a therapist cannot show their certification → Do not book.

California requires certified massage therapists to display their CAMTC certification at their place of practice. This is what an authentic certification document looks like

### Video Walkthrough: How to Verify a CAMTC Certified Massage Therapist Los Angeles

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Step 2 — Understand the Difference Between CAMTC, ABMP, and Healthgrades

Organization	What It Is	What It Provides	What It Does Not Do
CAMTC	State Certification Authority	Verifies legal certification status	Marketing or discovery listings
ABMP	Professional membership organization	Code of ethics, liability insurance, continuing education	Does not issue or confirm certification
Healthgrades	Public provider directory	Reviews & visibility	Does not verify certification

It’s perfectly fine to use ABMP or Healthgrades to discover massage therapists, but only CAMTC can confirm whether a therapist is legally certified to practice in California.

My own practice, Artisan Neuromuscular & Sports Massage Therapy, is listed among the top results in the Healthgrades Los Angeles massage therapy directory, which reflects profile completeness and professional trust — however, even with directory visibility, CAMTC remains the only official authority for confirming active certification.

Understanding Professional Massage Language Matters

The language used to describe massage environments can reflect whether a space is therapeutic and professional.

The term “massage parlor” is widely associated with illicit or non-therapeutic businesses in North America and does not represent licensed therapeutic care.

Similarly, the terms masseur and masseuse are outdated and are not commonly used by professional therapists in the United States.

Professional Terms to Use Instead

• Massage Therapist / Certified Massage Therapist (CMT)

• Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT)

• Massage Therapy Practice

• Massage Studio

• Massage Clinic

• Massage Therapy Center

• Massage Establishment

• Spa (in wellness settings)

Using accurate professional language supports clarity, safety, respectful and public trust.

What You Can Expect from a Certified Massage Therapist

• A private and respectful intake process

• Clear communication and informed consent

• A clean, professional treatment environment

• Techniques based on education, anatomy, and purposeful intent

• A session tailored to your goals, comfort, and capacity

Professional therapeutic massage is not random or routine — it is responsive, skillful, and intentional.

About the Author

Jesse Anoraj, CMT, is a Certified Massage Therapist and the founder of Artisan Neuromuscular & Sports Massage Therapy in West Hollywood, Los Angeles. He has been a member in good standing with the Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP) since 2018. Jesse specializes in neuromuscular therapy, sports massage, and pain-focused therapeutic bodywork grounded in evidence-informed practice. His work is dedicated to helping people in Los Angeles feel better, move better, and build resilience through skilled, consistent, and client-centered care.