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Best Addiction Counselors in South Lake Tahoe, CA (2026)

25 addiction counselors ranked by RP ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →

The short answer

  1. 1

    Best overall in South Lake Tahoe: Vitality Carson City (Residential), RP Score 70/100; 2.9★ from 17 Google reviews; open 7 days a week.

  2. 19

    Most-reviewed: BHG Reno Treatment Center, 80 Google reviews at 4.6★, the most of 25 ranked; ranked #19.

Rankings can't be bought. Psychologists can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank

25 South Lake Tahoe addiction counselors are ranked here by RP Score, from eight published factors. 11 open Saturdays and 7 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.1★ across 25 rated practices.

Top 10 addiction counselors in South Lake Tahoe at a glance

Ranked by the RP Score from public listing data, not by treatment outcomes; Sponsored placements are shown separately and never change rank.

Top 10 addiction counselors in South Lake Tahoe at a glance
RankBusinessRP ScoreGoogle ratingBased inHoursBest for
1Vitality Carson City (Residential)702.9★ (17)Carson City, 21 mi awaySat · Sun · EveningsOverall
2Battle Born Counseling Center635.0★ (12)Carson City, 20 mi awayEvenings—
3Northern Nevada Teen Challenge593.3★ (23)Sparks, 50 mi awaySat · Sun · Evenings—
4Marshall CARES585.0★ (35)Placerville, 46 mi away——
5New Dawn Treatment Center - Reno Addiction Treatment573.9★ (16)Reno, 39 mi awaySat · Sun · Evenings—
6Renewed Focus Drug Rehabilitation Kings Beach, CA574.1★ (7)Truckee, 21 mi awaySat · Sun · Evenings—
7The Life Change Center564.2★ (43)Sparks, 44 mi away——
8Silver State Mental Health564.8★ (52)Reno, 39 mi awaySat · Sun · Evenings—
9Bristlecone Family Resources553.1★ (30)Reno, 42 mi away——
10Aegis Treatment Centers | Placerville554.1★ (9)Placerville, 50 mi awaySat—

The 25 best addiction counselors in South Lake Tahoe, ranked

Ordered by RP Score, a 0–100 score from eight published factors. Paid placement never changes the order.

Ranked by the RP Score from public listing data, not by treatment outcomes; Sponsored placements are shown separately and never change rank.

  2. #2 Battle Born Counseling Center

    Based in Carson City, 20 mi away

    63/100RP Score

    Ranked #2 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 5.0★ from 12 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 12 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon 10 AM–3 PM · Tue 10 AM–7 PM · Wed 10 AM–8:30 PM · Thu 9 AM–7 PM · Fri–Sun closed
    Address
    1802 N Carson St Ste 103, Carson City, NV 89701
    View profile for Battle Born Counseling Center(775) 350-4809

  4. #4 Marshall CARES

    Based in Placerville, 46 mi away

    58/100RP Score

    Ranked #4 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 5.0★ from 35 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 35 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    1045 Marshall Way, Placerville, CA 95667
    View profile for Marshall CARES(530) 621-7965

  5. #5 New Dawn Treatment Center - Reno Addiction Treatment

    Based in Reno, 39 mi away

    57/100RP Score

    Ranked #5 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 3.9★ from 16 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 3.9★ from 16 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon 9 AM–8:30 PM · Tue 9 AM–7:30 PM · Wed–Fri 9 AM–8:30 PM · Sat–Sun 12 AM–12 AM
    Address
    6490 S McCarran Blvd Bldg D2 Suite 41, Reno, NV 89509
    View profile for New Dawn Treatment Center - Reno Addiction Treatment(775) 204-4188

  7. #7 The Life Change Center

    Based in Sparks, 44 mi away

    56/100RP Score

    Ranked #7 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 4.2★ from 43 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.2★ from 43 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 6 AM–10:25 AM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    1755 Sullivan Ln, Sparks, NV 89431
    View profile for The Life Change Center(775) 355-7734

  8. #8 Silver State Mental Health

    Based in Reno, 39 mi away

    56/100RP Score

    Ranked #8 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.8★ from 52 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.8★ from 52 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sun 12 AM–12 AM
    Address
    5470 Kietzke Ln #300, Reno, NV 89511
    View profile for Silver State Mental Health(775) 710-3626

  9. #9 Bristlecone Family Resources

    Based in Reno, 42 mi away

    55/100RP Score

    Ranked #9 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 3.1★ from 30 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 3.1★ from 30 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    704 Mill St, Reno, NV 89502
    View profile for Bristlecone Family Resources(775) 954-1400

  11. #11 STEP2

    Based in Reno, 45 mi away

    54/100RP Score

    Ranked #11 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 3.4★ from 16 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 3.4★ from 16 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    3700 Safe Harbour Pl, Reno, NV 89512
    View profile for STEP2(775) 787-9411

  12. #12 Recovery In Action

    Based in Diamond Springs, 48 mi away

    54/100RP Score

    Ranked #12 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 4.1★ from 10 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.1★ from 10 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    484 Pleasant Valley Rd, Diamond Springs, CA 95619
    View profile for Recovery In Action(530) 344-7633

  14. #14 Empowerment Center

    Based in Reno, 38 mi away

    51/100RP Score

    Ranked #14 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.7★ from 62 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.

    Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.

    • 4.7★ from 62 Google reviews
    Address
    7400 S Virginia St, Reno, NV 89511
    View profile for Empowerment Center(775) 853-5441

  16. #16 Solutions Counseling Center

    Based in Sparks, 43 mi away

    49/100RP Score

    Ranked #16 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.6★ from 31 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.6★ from 31 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon 1 PM–8 PM · Tue closed · Wed 11 AM–8 PM · Thu 1 PM–8 PM · Fri closed · Sat 9:30 AM–5 PM · Sun 8 AM–5 PM
    Address
    420 S Rock Blvd, Sparks, NV 89431
    View profile for Solutions Counseling Center(775) 358-1123

  17. #17 Ridge House

    Based in Reno, 42 mi away

    49/100RP Score

    Ranked #17 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 3.8★ from 22 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Non-profit organization”.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 3.8★ from 22 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–8 PM · Sat–Sun 10 AM–8 PM
    Address
    900 W 1st St #200, Reno, NV 89503
    View profile for Ridge House(775) 322-8941

  18. #18 The Stacie Mathewson Behavioral Health & Addiction Institute

    Based in Reno, 42 mi away

    47/100RP Score

    Ranked #18 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 2.8★ from 26 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 2.8★ from 26 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 7 AM–6 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    85 Kirman Ave Suite 200 Suite 200, Reno, NV 89502
    View profile for The Stacie Mathewson Behavioral Health & Addiction Institute(775) 982-2862

  19. #19 BHG Reno Treatment Center

    Based in Reno, 40 mi away

    46/100RP Score

    Ranked #19 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.6★ from 80 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.6★ from 80 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 5 AM–12:30 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    160 Hubbard Wy Ste A, Reno, NV 89502
    View profile for BHG Reno Treatment Center(775) 829-4472

  20. #20 Rural Nevada Counseling

    Based in Carson City, 35 mi away

    46/100RP Score

    Ranked #20 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.4★ from 21 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.4★ from 21 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    801 Overland Loop Ste 201, Dayton, NV 89403
    View profile for Rural Nevada Counseling(775) 241-2758

  21. #21 Silver State Counseling and Therapy

    Based in Sparks, 45 mi away

    45/100RP Score

    Ranked #21 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 3.8★ from 35 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 3.8★ from 35 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 8 AM–7 PM · Wed 7 AM–7 PM · Thu–Fri 8 AM–7 PM · Sat 7 AM–7 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    2125 Green Vista Dr #106, Sparks, NV 89431
    View profile for Silver State Counseling and Therapy(775) 622-8890

  22. #22 Sai Mental Health

    Based in Reno, 39 mi away

    45/100RP Score

    Ranked #22 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 3.9★ from 49 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 3.9★ from 49 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 8 AM–6 PM · Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    5325 Reno Corporate Dr #100, Reno, NV 89511
    View profile for Sai Mental Health(775) 800-1136

  25. #25 Progress House, Inc.

    Based in Placerville, 46 mi away

    41/100RP Score

    Ranked #25 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.5★ from 11 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.5★ from 11 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–4:30 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    2844 Coloma St, Placerville, CA 95667
    View profile for Progress House, Inc.(530) 626-9240

Also serving South Lake Tahoe

7 more addiction counselors within 50 mi that we can't rank yet: too few reviews, or a specialty we couldn't confirm. Listed A to Z.

Unranked addiction counselors serving South Lake Tahoe
BusinessGoogle ratingDistance
Charter Recovery5.0★ (2)42 mi
Clark Wellness30 mi
HBH Mental Health Care & Treatment ServicesIn South Lake Tahoe
Miller Counseling5.0★ (1)20 mi
Red Hawk Counseling42 mi
Reno Gamblers Anonymous4.5★ (2)43 mi
Reno Stronger5.0★ (1)43 mi

How we ranked South Lake Tahoe addiction counselors

We scored 25 South Lake Tahoe addiction counselors on eight factors, weighted as shown. A practice is ranked when its specialty is confirmed and it has 3 or more Google reviews or a claimed profile. A practice with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency. Other unknown factors are left out, not counted as zero. Scores last refreshed November 9, 2026.

Paid placement never changes a rank or score. Sponsored businesses are paid, labelled, limited to 3 and shown above the ranking, outside it.

Read the full method: formula, sources and exclusions

RP Score factors and weights
FactorWeightComputed fromIn South Lake Tahoe data
Reputation25%Google star rating, adjusted for how many reviews back itMeasured
Review volume5%Number of Google reviews, compared with the most-reviewed practice on the listMeasured
Recency5%Share of Google reviews from the last 12 monthsNot yet collected
Availability10%Weekly open hours, Saturday, Sunday, and round-the-clock or same-day availabilityMeasured
Specialty focus25%How clearly the practice does this specialty (its Google category and name)Measured
Proximity15%Based in the city scores highest, less the farther away it isMeasured
Claimed profile10%The practice has claimed its Ranked Psychologists profile (free or paid earn the same)Measured
Partnered5%The practice links to Ranked Psychologists from its own website with our badge, checked periodicallyMeasured

How to choose an addiction counselor

  1. Check the license with the state or provincial board that issued it; most boards publish a free online lookup.
  2. Make sure addiction counseling is a regular part of their work, and ask what approach they use and why.
  3. Ask which credential the counselor holds (for example a state addiction counselor certification, LPC or LCSW).
  4. Ask whether they work with a physician if medication for addiction treatment is part of your plan.
  5. Ask about fees, insurance and the cancellation policy before the first session. In the US, if you are uninsured or paying yourself, you can ask for a good faith estimate of expected charges.
  6. Check practical fit: in-person or online sessions, evening times, and how soon they have an opening.
  7. After a few sessions, ask yourself whether you feel heard. Changing to a different provider is common and fine.

Questions to ask an addiction counselor

  • Are you accepting new clients, and how soon could I start?
  • Which license do you hold, and in which state or province?
  • How much of your work is addiction counseling?
  • Do you offer individual sessions, groups or an intensive outpatient program?
  • What do you charge per session, and do you take my insurance or provide a superbill?
  • Do you offer online sessions?
  • What is your cancellation policy?
  • What do you keep confidential, and when would you have to share information?

Terms explained

PhD / PsyD
Doctoral degrees in psychology. A PhD usually has a stronger research focus, a PsyD a stronger clinical focus; both can lead to a psychologist license.
Licensed psychologist
A person licensed by a state or provincial psychology board to practice psychology. The title is protected by law.
Psychological associate
In some states and provinces, a master’s-level practitioner licensed or registered by the psychology board, often with supervision requirements.
LPC / LMHC / LCPC
US licenses for professional or mental health counselors (the name differs by state). They provide counseling and therapy.
LCSW
Licensed clinical social worker: a master’s-level social worker licensed to provide therapy.
LMFT
Licensed marriage and family therapist: licensed to treat individuals, couples and families with a focus on relationships.
RP / RCC
Registered psychotherapist (Ontario) and registered clinical counsellor (British Columbia): Canadian titles for licensed therapy providers.
PSYPACT
An interstate agreement that lets psychologists licensed in a member state provide telepsychology to clients in other member states once they hold the required authorization.
Telehealth
Sessions held by secure video or phone instead of in person. The provider generally needs to be licensed where the client is located.
CBT
Cognitive behavioral therapy: a structured talk therapy that works on the links between thoughts, feelings and behavior.
DBT
Dialectical behavior therapy: a form of CBT that teaches skills for managing intense emotions and relationships.
ERP
Exposure and response prevention: a form of CBT used for OCD.

Addiction counselors in South Lake Tahoe: frequently asked questions

Who is the best addiction counselor in South Lake Tahoe?

By RP Score, the highest-ranked addiction counselor in South Lake Tahoe, CA is Vitality Carson City (Residential) with an RP Score of 70/100. It has 2.9★ from 17 Google reviews. It is open 7 days a week. Battle Born Counseling Center (#2) and Northern Nevada Teen Challenge (#3) follow. We ranked 25 addiction counselors on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.

How many addiction counselors are there in South Lake Tahoe?

RankedPsychologists ranks 25 addiction counselors serving South Lake Tahoe, CA. Another 7 within 50 mi are listed but not ranked yet. Counts are as of November 2026.

What should I do if I need help right now?

In crisis or thinking about suicide? Call or text 988 (US and Canada), any time. In an emergency, call 911. This site cannot help in an emergency.

Which addiction counselors in South Lake Tahoe work on weekends?

11 of 25 ranked addiction counselors post Saturday hours and 7 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Vitality Carson City (Residential) (#1), Northern Nevada Teen Challenge (#3) and New Dawn Treatment Center - Reno Addiction Treatment (#5). Posted hours are office hours; many practices also offer evening or online sessions by appointment.

What Google rating do South Lake Tahoe addiction counselors have?

The median Google rating among 25 rated addiction counselors in South Lake Tahoe is 4.1★, with a median of 22 reviews. BHG Reno Treatment Center has the most, 80 reviews, and ranks #19. We adjust ratings for review count, so a few five-star reviews cannot top the list.

How does RankedPsychologists rank addiction counselors?

Each addiction counselor gets a 0–100 RP Score from eight published factors, led by reputation (25%), specialty focus (25%), proximity (15%) and availability (10%). A practice with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency; other factors we cannot measure are left out. Only practices with a confirmed specialty and 3 or more reviews, or a claimed profile, are ranked.

Do addiction counselors outside South Lake Tahoe count in this ranking?

Yes, if they are within 50 mi of the South Lake Tahoe city center, our service radius for addiction counselors. Each listing shows where the practice is based and how far away it is. Proximity is 15% of the RP Score, so a nearby practice gets a small edge.

Can addiction counselors pay to rank higher on RankedPsychologists?

No. The RP Score never reads payment status, and this ranking has 0 paid placements. Up to 3 Featured practices may appear above the list, labelled Sponsored and showing their honest rank.

How are addiction counselors in South Lake Tahoe ranked?

Each practice gets an RP Score from 0 to 100 from 8 published factors, including its Google rating, how clearly it focuses on addiction counseling and how close it is. Sponsored placements are shown separately and never change rank. The score does not measure treatment outcomes.

What is the difference between outpatient addiction counseling and rehab?

Outpatient counseling means regular sessions while you live at home and keep working; intensive outpatient programs meet several times a week. Residential rehab and medical detox happen in a facility. Withdrawal from alcohol and some drugs can be medically dangerous, so speak to a doctor before stopping if you drink or use heavily every day.

Can I see an addiction counselor online?

Often, yes. Licensing generally follows where you are during the session, so the provider needs to be licensed or authorized there. In the US, psychologists in PSYPACT member states can offer telepsychology to clients in other member states; counselors and social workers have their own rules. In Canada, ask whether the provider is registered in your province.

What if I need help right now?

Do not wait for a consultation. Call or text 988 (US and Canada) if you are in crisis or thinking about suicide, at any time. In an emergency, call 911.

Update log for South Lake Tahoe

  1. November 2026: RP Scores recalculated for 25 addiction counselors serving South Lake Tahoe.

More addiction counselors and South Lake Tahoe pages