Can I see a therapist in a different California city over video?

A: Yes. California licenses are statewide: a therapist licensed by the BBS or Board of Psychology can treat any client located in California, from anywhere in California.¹ Your search radius is the state, not your zip code. The rule that matters is your location at session time — if you move to or travel out of state, your California therapist generally can't treat you there without meeting that state's rules.

Worked example: a Bakersfield client ($100–175 local market, thin availability) books a Sacramento telehealth therapist with same-week openings at $140. Distance cost: zero.

Do this: filter by telehealth first if your area is a shortage zone — [[N_TELE]] verified listings offer video sessions → filter the directory.

Source: 1. BBS telehealth guidance; B&P §2290.5 — bbs.ca.gov.