Granted, many teens are difficult to deal with but when you look at things from their point of view you may understand them better. Their hormonal issues, physical changes, and peer pressure make life a struggle. Depression and anxiety are common at this age and there are many counselors in South Lake Tahoe who can help.

This resort town is famous for its great weather, nightlife, and natural beauty. However, when you are a teen who is constantly trying to deal with mixed up feelings and surging hormones, it is hard to enjoy any of this. Speaking to a South Lake Tahoe counselor may be the best thing to do right now. 

This is Manisha Chulani's avatar and link to their profile

Manisha Chulani

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, South Lake Tahoe
Counselor License Type(s): MS, LMFT, PPS
Stress, AnxietyGriefParenting issuesSelf esteem
4 years of experience

Hi, My name is Manisha and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based out of California. My style of counseling is empathetic, non-judgmental, and patient. I feel our lives have patterns starting from childhood and I hope to uncover some of those patterns in your life. Also, we tend to live in a very fast past world and with a lot of images of how we should be. I try to help you uncover your true essence and for you to gain self compassion and love. It is to help you gain that secure sense of self. As a teenager, I used to like to go online and chat and I feel that virtual communication helps sometimes create that sense of safety which maybe harder when your meeting someone face to face and your anxiety might kick in. I utilize many modalities but I feel in a virtual platform, empathy, cognitive behavioral therapy, guided meditations, and solution focused is most applicable.

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Earl Liotti

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, South Lake Tahoe
Counselor License Type(s): LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGrief
9 years of experience

I am a marriage and family therapist with over nine years of experience working in psychotherapy. I have experience in many areas of mental health treatment with most of my experience being in treating addiction, trauma, (including PTSD and related problems), anxiety, depression, major life changes, veterans issues, and grief. I have specific training and experience working with emotional and physical trauma. My style is non-judgemental and empathetic; I consider myself very compassionate. My approach is to meet you within the experience you are having; whatever it is to you, that is where we start. I use different counseling methods depending on the situation and need, with cognitive-behavioral, reality, rational-emotive, and guided imagery as the most often used. The decision to seek therapy can be coupled with mixed feelings; I have not forgotten that as I have been there myself. If you are feeling the desire to make a change in your life, I would like to help. Let's talk about it.

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Dr. Kristi Hottenstein

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, South Lake Tahoe
Counselor License Type(s): LPC,NCC,Ph.D.
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
20 years of experience

Whether you’re experiencing difficult times or new adventures, I’m here to help. I have been a licensed professional counselor in the state of Michigan since 2009. I am the practitioner/owner of Compass Counseling & Coaching, PLLC, a member of the Michigan Mental Health Counselors Association and was appointed to their board in 2021. I have a doctorate in higher education administration from the University of Toledo, a masters in Counseling from the University of La Verne and a bachelors in Sociology from Alma College. I provide counseling for individuals, couples, and teens, as well as provide college selection coaching. I have a very holistic approach to counseling because no two people are the same. I see each client as an individual requiring their own unique approach. I use a variety of counseling techniques, encouraging self-awareness and the acceptance of one’s own responsibilities in their personal journey. I believe the more we know ourselves, the better we can respond to situations.

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Anne Holding

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, South Lake Tahoe
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am a warm and caring but direct Therapist who believes in human potential. I am licensed in California and previously worked for County Behavioral Health with children, teens and adults. I am certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as well as Applied Behavior Analysis. My current areas of focus are in helping clients with past trauma and abuse; including ways they can improve their self-esteem, anxiety, and self-efficacy. I also enjoy helping couples improve their communication skills. I believe there is a strong body/mind connection and I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling, balanced and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Elana Lesse

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, South Lake Tahoe
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCoping with life changesADHD
6 years of experience

Welcome! I'm so glad you took the step toward seeking therapy as a tool for support. I'm glad you're here. I'm Elana Lesse, a licensed professional clinical counselor in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I am passionate about helping clients to achieve positive change, mental wellbeing, and fullness of life. Whether you are experiencing new or ongoing challenges, my job is to provide a safe, compassionate, non-judgmental space for you to talk, process, and problem solve. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. I also have experience working with concentration, memory and focus (adhd). I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Gia Castiglia Schwarzer

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, South Lake Tahoe
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefParenting issuesSelf esteem
7 years of experience

I am a California licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship and parenting issues. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you already have many of the strengths that will assist you in overcoming the challenges in your life. I obtained my undergraduate degrees, a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology and Political Science from U.C. Irvine and I earned my Master of Arts (M.A.) in Psychology from Chapman University in Orange, CA. After getting my license and working in the field of psychotherapy, I took time off to have a family before returning to counseling. I have worked in private practice and in schools. I am also dually certified in Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) as both a Mental Health Practitioner and an Equine Specialist. My therapeutic approach is based in working with the client to help guide them in finding, within themselves, the solutions that best meet their needs. As mentioned above, I believe you are the expert on you and uncovering solutions that you will most naturally and comfortably use is the goal. Becoming aware of and tapping into those hidden resources and then connecting them to your life situations will be part of our work together. I do use some Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy as well as Interpersonal Therapy resources to assist in recognizing and uncovering solutions. Taking that first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and shows your willingness to tackle some areas of your life that just aren't working the way you would like. I am proud of you for getting started!

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Patrick Fernandez-Hernaiz

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, South Lake Tahoe
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience including 9 years of complementary work experience in the mental health industry working in the criminal justice system, high-acuity psychiatric units, applied behavioral analysis, geriatrics, and substance abuse settings. I commit to current and future clients by providing the highest level of service I can and have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & self-esteem issues. I believe that you are the expert on your story and have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming whatever challenges you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy takes courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Gregory Pelczar

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, South Lake Tahoe
GriefParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
16 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with grief and loss, parenting issues, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

This is Stephen Mardell's avatar and link to their profile

Stephen Mardell

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, South Lake Tahoe
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

This is Staci Greenaway's avatar and link to their profile

Staci Greenaway

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, South Lake Tahoe
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

How to find a therapist for counseling in South Lake Tahoe

Finding the best therapist close by in South Lake Tahoe can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services with therapists in South Lake Tahoe that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in South Lake Tahoe. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of support of this kind with BetterHelp therapists can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in South Lake Tahoe, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses for therapists. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained able to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the South Lake Tahoe region and in the state of California. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

A mental health counselor working through their own in-person therapy practice in South Lake Tahoe or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A South Lake Tahoe therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. Verified providers and therapists can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater South Lake Tahoe area offering:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search keep in mind what support you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of South Lake Tahoe, elsewhere in El Dorado, or in the greater state of California. Get matched with one of the therapists working on the BetterHelp platform today.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about therapists and mental health services

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the South Lake Tahoe area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed South Lake Tahoe therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US with most therapists is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in South Lake Tahoe due to a higher cost of living, and a limited number of therapists taking new clients. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in South Lake Tahoe may not take health insurance, some in the state of California may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With a BetterHelp therapist throughout the state of California you can expect significantly more affordable options, with therapists sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks). 

How is a licensed therapist on this South Lake Tahoe online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in South Lake Tahoe, California working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. Therapists have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, therapists here all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from South Lake Tahoe psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.

How does working with a professional counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians and therapists treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in South Lake Tahoe above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. Get matched today.

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?

BetterHelp's verified therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.

Our therapists specialties on BetterHelp include:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy - This is provided by professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
  • Behavior therapy - Behavior therapy techniques are used to help clients modify harmful behaviors and develop healthier habits, often through the guidance of a professional counselor.
  • EMDR therapy - EMDR therapists assist clients in processing traumatic memories to alleviate emotional distress and improve overall well-being, utilizing the expertise of a professional counselor.
  • Talk therapy - Clients explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
  • Depression - This counseling is designed to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
  • Anxiety disorders - Sessions for anxiety disorders, offer strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
  • Stress - Tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
  • Eating disorders - Professionals experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
  • Grief - Support and guidance are offered to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
  • Attachment therapy - Therapists use this to help clients understand and improve their emotional bonds and relationships, often with the assistance of a counselor.
  • Relationships - Therapists work with clients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their connections with others, often using the skills of a counselor.
  • Children, adolescents, and teens - Therapists specializing in youth therapy address the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens, often involving a counselor in the process.
  • Addiction (substance abuse) - Therapists offer counseling for addiction, helping clients overcome substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery, often under the guidance of a counselor.
  • Divorce - Therapists support individuals through the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage, often working with a psychologist to provide comprehensive care.
  • Trauma or PTSD - Therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms, frequently collaborating with a psychologist.
  • Bipolar disorder - Therapists provide counseling to manage the mood swings and challenges associated with bipolar disorder, often in consultation with a psychologist.
  • Psychodynamic treatment - Therapists use psychodynamic treatment to explore unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior, often guided by psychologists.
  • Career counseling - Therapists assist clients in making informed decisions about their professional paths and resolving work-related issues, often with the help of psychologists.
  • Alcohol use disorders - Therapists offer specialized counseling to help clients manage and overcome alcohol use disorders, frequently under the supervision of psychologists.
  • OCD - Therapists provide strategies and support to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, often via psychotherapy.
  • ADHD - Therapists offer counseling to help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall functioning, often via psychotherapy.
  • Mood disorders - Therapists work with clients to stabilize and improve mood through various therapeutic approaches, frequently in psychotherapy.
  • Sex addiction
  • Complex trauma
  • Life transitions

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a South Lake Tahoe provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide with licensed therapists. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family in South Lake Tahoe?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a South Lake Tahoe therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors and therapists are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

Therapists in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of South Lake Tahoe therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.

Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A South Lake Tahoe therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words with a psychotherapist.

With a lot of people in CA, therapists may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles or therapists above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 96150 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site where you can schedule a session based on your and the therapist's schedule. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a South Lake Tahoe counselor?

Before seeing your South Lake Tahoe therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, you can let our therapists know if you have any concerns or feel unsure about what to talk about. South Lake Tahoe therapists here may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions while offering mental health services. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist for therapy if I feel fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what it might entail. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or specific condition. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback. A South Lake Tahoe licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find with a South Lake Tahoe counselor can be dependent on your process.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles that a counselor can help with.

Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist worth it?

Therapy with a licensed counselor is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health therapist has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in South Lake Tahoe, California can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.

South Lake Tahoe has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online sessions to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions during telehealth appointments?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform for South Lake Tahoe, California

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of South Lake Tahoe therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out to customer service through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of South Lake Tahoe.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in South Lake Tahoe:

96150, 96151, 96152, 96154, 96156, 96157, 96158

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