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. Until the directory has enough confirmed listings, use the statewide rule to widen your search beyond your city and ask whether the therapist can meet while you are physically in California.

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