Consumer Information on Telehealth from the Board of Behavioral Sciences

The Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) would like to make the following recommendations to California consumers who choose to seek therapy or counseling via telehealth. Telehealth is the delivery of health care services, including mental health services, via telephone, internet, or other electronic means. Individuals who provide psychotherapy or counseling, either in person, by telephone, or over the Internet, to a client located in California, must be licensed in California. Licensure affords the Board authority to take action against a licensee engaged in unprofessional conduct.

Licensing requirements vary by state. If you are traveling to another state and wish to engage in psychotherapy or counseling via telehealth, with your California-licensed therapist while you are away, your therapist needs to check with the state you are in to see if this is permitted.

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