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Best Therapists And Counselors in South Lake Tahoe, CA (2026)

12 therapists and counselors ranked by RP ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →

The short answer

  1. 1

    Best overall in South Lake Tahoe: A Balanced Life: Individual, Family and Child Therapy, Inc., RP Score 76/100; 4.1★ from 14 Google reviews.

  2. 4

    Most-reviewed: HomePsych, 461 Google reviews at 4.6★, the most of 12 ranked; ranked #4.

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

12 South Lake Tahoe therapists and counselors are ranked here by RP Score, from eight published factors. 3 open Saturdays and 2 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.3★ across 12 rated practices.

Top 10 therapists and 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 therapists and counselors in South Lake Tahoe at a glance
RankBusinessRP ScoreGoogle ratingBased inHoursBest for
1A Balanced Life: Individual, Family and Child Therapy, Inc.764.1★ (14)South Lake Tahoe—Overall
2Brittlyn Foster Therapy725.0★ (7)Carson City, 4 mi away——
3Lynsey Scott, LCSW | Psychotherapy and Intuitive Spiritual Guidance705.0★ (8)Castro Valley, 5 mi away——
4HomePsych694.6★ (461)Redding, 5 mi awayEveningsMost reviews
5El Dorado County Mental Health682.2★ (10)South Lake Tahoe——
6Catherine Aisner, Ph.D603.4★ (10)South Lake Tahoe——
7Danielle Bennett Counseling603.7★ (3)Gardnerville Ranchos, 12 mi awaySat · Evenings—
8Wheeler-Events, LLC585.0★ (17)Arden-Arcade, 5 mi awaySat · Sun—
9Melissa M. Pumper, Psy.D., PMH-C - Psychologist Petaluma CA Therapist565.0★ (4)Petaluma, 5 mi away——
10Vista Rise Collective553.7★ (12)South Lake Tahoe——

The 12 best therapists and 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 Brittlyn Foster Therapy

    Based in Carson City, 4 mi away

    72/100RP Score

    Ranked #2 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Counselor”, 5.0★ from 7 Google reviews.

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

    • 5.0★ from 7 Google reviews
    Address
    256 Kingsbury Grade Rd Ste D, Stateline, NV 89449
    View profile for Brittlyn Foster Therapy(530) 208-0641

  4. #4 HomePsych

    Based in Redding, 5 mi away

    69/100RP Score

    Ranked #4 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health service”, 4.6★ from 461 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.6★ from 461 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 8 AM–6:30 PM · Fri 8 AM–4:30 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    View profile for HomePsych(530) 722-4942

  6. #6 Catherine Aisner, Ph.D

    Based in South Lake Tahoe

    60/100RP Score

    Ranked #6 because of its Google rating and proximity: 3.4★ from 10 Google reviews, based in South Lake Tahoe.

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

    • 3.4★ from 10 Google reviews
    Address
    2311 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
    View profile for Catherine Aisner, Ph.D(530) 416-6696

  7. #7 Danielle Bennett Counseling

    Based in Gardnerville Ranchos, 12 mi away

    60/100RP Score

    Ranked #7 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Counselor”, 3.7★ from 3 Google reviews.

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

    • 3.7★ from 3 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9:30 AM–8 PM · Sat 9 AM–5 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    1650 U.S. Hwy 395 N, Minden, NV 89423
    View profile for Danielle Bennett Counseling(725) 867-8551

  8. #8 Wheeler-Events, LLC

    Based in Arden-Arcade, 5 mi away

    58/100RP Score

    Ranked #8 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 17 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Wedding service”.

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

    • 5.0★ from 17 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sun 9 AM–5 PM
    View profile for Wheeler-Events, LLC(530) 207-0401

  10. #10 Vista Rise Collective

    Based in South Lake Tahoe

    55/100RP Score

    Ranked #10 because of its Google rating and proximity: 3.7★ from 12 Google reviews, based in South Lake Tahoe.

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

    • 3.7★ from 12 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 8 AM–4 PM · Wed closed · Thu–Fri 8 AM–4 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    2941 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
    View profile for Vista Rise Collective(530) 544-4444

  11. #11 Carson Valley Health Outpatient Behavioral Health Clinic

    Based in Gardnerville Ranchos, 14 mi away

    54/100RP Score

    Ranked #11 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”, 3.2★ from 9 Google reviews.

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

    • 3.2★ from 9 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    1107 U.S. Hwy 395 N, Gardnerville, NV 89410
    View profile for Carson Valley Health Outpatient Behavioral Health Clinic(775) 782-1630

Also serving South Lake Tahoe

20 more therapists and counselors within 15 mi that we can't rank yet: too few reviews, or a specialty we couldn't confirm. Listed A to Z.

Unranked therapists and counselors serving South Lake Tahoe
BusinessGoogle ratingDistance
Aimie Sutton Therapy5.0★ (2)In South Lake Tahoe
Bridges of the Mind Psychological Services5.0★ (1)In South Lake Tahoe
Chelsea C. Brierly, MAIn South Lake Tahoe
Eastern Sierra Counseling3.0★ (2)In South Lake Tahoe
Erin R Kelly Therapist5.0★ (1)In South Lake Tahoe
Good Kids PediatricIn South Lake Tahoe
Integrate TherapyIn South Lake Tahoe
lakeside therapyIn South Lake Tahoe
Laurie Gallagher LCSW counselingIn South Lake Tahoe
Lisa Olson CounselingIn South Lake Tahoe
Marta McLean, LMFTIn South Lake Tahoe
Matthew Wong, Psy.D.5.0★ (2)In South Lake Tahoe
Michel G. VanGordon, MA, LMFT3.0★ (2)In South Lake Tahoe
Mountain High Recovery CenterIn South Lake Tahoe
Nancy Huzicka Crebs5.0★ (1)In South Lake Tahoe
Nungary ViolaIn South Lake Tahoe
Ocean Ayurveda+Yoga5.0★ (1)In South Lake Tahoe
RJ Counseling5.0★ (2)In South Lake Tahoe
Tracy R. Protell, MD5.0★ (1)In South Lake Tahoe
Vitality Lake TahoeIn South Lake Tahoe

How we ranked South Lake Tahoe therapists and counselors

We scored 12 South Lake Tahoe therapists and 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 a therapist

  1. Check the license with the state or provincial board that issued it; most boards publish a free online lookup.
  2. Make sure they regularly work with clients who have your concern, and ask what approach they use and why.
  3. Check which license they hold (for example LPC, LCSW, LMFT or RP) and look it up with the board or college that issued it.
  4. 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.
  5. Check practical fit: in-person or online sessions, evening times, and how soon they have an opening.
  6. After a few sessions, ask yourself whether you feel heard. Changing to a different provider is common and fine.

Questions to ask a therapist

  • Are you accepting new clients, and how soon could I start?
  • Which license do you hold, and in which state or province?
  • How often do you work with concerns like mine?
  • Which license do you hold, and in which state or province?
  • 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.

Therapists and counselors in South Lake Tahoe: frequently asked questions

Who is the best therapist in South Lake Tahoe?

By RP Score, the highest-ranked therapist in South Lake Tahoe, CA is A Balanced Life: Individual, Family and Child Therapy, Inc. with an RP Score of 76/100. It has 4.1★ from 14 Google reviews. Brittlyn Foster Therapy (#2) and Lynsey Scott, LCSW | Psychotherapy and Intuitive Spiritual Guidance (#3) follow. We ranked 12 therapists and counselors on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.

How many therapists and counselors are there in South Lake Tahoe?

RankedPsychologists ranks 12 therapists and counselors serving South Lake Tahoe, CA. 4 of them are based in South Lake Tahoe; the rest serve it from nearby towns. Another 20 within 15 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 therapists and counselors in South Lake Tahoe work on weekends?

3 of 12 ranked therapists and counselors post Saturday hours and 2 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Danielle Bennett Counseling (#7), Wheeler-Events, LLC (#8) and Dr. Margaret Dixon, Psychologist (#12). Posted hours are office hours; many practices also offer evening or online sessions by appointment.

What Google rating do South Lake Tahoe therapists and counselors have?

The median Google rating among 12 rated therapists and counselors in South Lake Tahoe is 4.3★, with a median of 10 reviews. HomePsych has the most, 461 reviews, and ranks #4. We adjust ratings for review count, so a few five-star reviews cannot top the list.

How does RankedPsychologists rank therapists and counselors?

Each therapist 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 therapists and counselors outside South Lake Tahoe count in this ranking?

Yes, if they are within 15 mi of the South Lake Tahoe city center, our service radius for therapists and 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 therapists and 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 therapists and 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 therapy and counseling and how close it is. Sponsored placements are shown separately and never change rank. The score does not measure treatment outcomes.

Is a licensed counselor the same as a psychologist?

No. Licensed professional counselors, clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists and, in Ontario, registered psychotherapists hold their own licenses and answer to their own boards or colleges. They provide talk therapy for many of the same concerns; formal psychological testing is usually done by a psychologist.

Can I see a therapist 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 12 therapists and counselors serving South Lake Tahoe.
  2. November 2026: 1 duplicate listing merged.

More therapists and counselors and South Lake Tahoe pages