In looking for someone who knows the physiology of trauma, as evidenced by being able to explain it to me. .

If you want to evaluate the value of a degree, look at the admissions and graduation requirements of the degree. Universities distribute this information to prospective students. If you arent sure what a course desceiption means, get a sylabus and check out the textbook and readings. Its a good idea to sample at least one or two courses this way.

Caveat emptor.

Interview carefully. Ask one or two open ended questions on topics you have carerully researched. This is how you screen for over confidence/under competence, colloquially known as bullscripters.

Test. Stress the person you interview just a bit. Nothing is worse than a supposed helping professional who cant handle strong language or intense emotion. No one needs a therapist who meses caretaking.