79/100RP Score
Ranked #1 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 4.1★ from 14 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Best Addiction Counselors in Atwater, CA (2026)
26 addiction counselors ranked by RP ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →
The short answer
- 1
Best overall in Atwater: The Rose Julia Riordan Tranquility Village, RP Score 79/100; 4.1★ from 14 Google reviews; open 7 days a week.
- 14
Most-reviewed: GPS Counseling Center for Addiction Treatment, 83 Google reviews at 5.0★, the most of 26 ranked; ranked #14.
Rankings can't be bought. Psychologists can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank
26 Atwater addiction counselors are ranked here by RP Score, from eight published factors. 11 open Saturdays and 6 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.3★ across 26 rated practices.
Top 10 addiction counselors in Atwater 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.
| Rank | Business | RP Score | Google rating | Based in | Hours | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Rose Julia Riordan Tranquility Village | 79 | 4.1★ (14) | Atwater | Sat · Sun · Evenings | Overall |
| 2 | Serenity Springs Recovery | 74 | 4.8★ (13) | Merced, 9 mi away | — | — |
| 3 | New Hope Recovery | 72 | 4.5★ (82) | Modesto, 30 mi away | Sat · Sun · Evenings | — |
| 4 | Aegis Treatment Centers | Merced | 71 | 4.1★ (33) | Merced, 7 mi away | Sat | — |
| 5 | Tranquility Village Treatment Sentre | 69 | 4.3★ (6) | Atwater | — | — |
| 6 | Turlock Recovery Services | 68 | 2.2★ (10) | Turlock, 17 mi away | — | — |
| 7 | Lifestyle Management | 65 | 2.9★ (32) | Merced, 7 mi away | — | — |
| 8 | Addiction Free Recovery Services | 63 | 4.9★ (47) | Modesto, 32 mi away | Sat · Sun · Evenings | — |
| 9 | Lifestyle Management Inc | 62 | 3.6★ (17) | Los Banos, 24 mi away | — | — |
| 10 | BreakThroughs Outpatient Treatment | 60 | 5.0★ (6) | Modesto, 29 mi away | Evenings | — |
The 26 best addiction counselors in Atwater, 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.
Based in Merced, 9 mi away
74/100RP ScoreRanked #2 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 4.8★ from 13 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Modesto, 30 mi away
72/100RP ScoreRanked #3 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 4.5★ from 82 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Merced, 7 mi away
71/100RP ScoreRanked #4 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 4.1★ from 33 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Atwater
69/100RP ScoreRanked #5 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 4.3★ from 6 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Turlock, 17 mi away
68/100RP ScoreRanked #6 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 2.2★ from 10 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Merced, 7 mi away
65/100RP ScoreRanked #7 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 2.9★ from 32 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Modesto, 32 mi away
63/100RP ScoreRanked #8 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.9★ from 47 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Los Banos, 24 mi away
62/100RP ScoreRanked #9 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Alcoholism treatment program”, 3.6★ from 17 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Modesto, 29 mi away
60/100RP ScoreRanked #10 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 5.0★ from 6 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Modesto, 30 mi away
60/100RP ScoreRanked #11 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 4.5★ from 8 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Modesto, 29 mi away
60/100RP ScoreRanked #12 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 3.0★ from 13 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Manteca, 48 mi away
58/100RP ScoreRanked #13 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 4.8★ from 64 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Modesto, 31 mi away
57/100RP ScoreRanked #14 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 83 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Modesto, 32 mi away
55/100RP ScoreRanked #15 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.1★ from 9 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Modesto, 31 mi away
54/100RP ScoreRanked #16 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 3.0★ from 3 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Turlock, 16 mi away
53/100RP ScoreRanked #17 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.8★ from 5 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Medical clinic”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Modesto, 30 mi away
52/100RP ScoreRanked #18 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.2★ from 59 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Los Banos, 24 mi away
52/100RP ScoreRanked #19 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 3.7★ from 24 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Lathrop, 49 mi away
51/100RP ScoreRanked #20 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 21 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Ceres, 25 mi away
51/100RP ScoreRanked #21 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.3★ from 12 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Ceres, 26 mi away
49/100RP ScoreRanked #22 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.1★ from 35 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Salida, 37 mi away
46/100RP ScoreRanked #23 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 12 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Manteca, 46 mi away
45/100RP ScoreRanked #24 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.5★ from 17 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Salida, 37 mi away
44/100RP ScoreRanked #25 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
All 26 addiction counselors
#1 to #25 are shown in full above. Here are #26 to #26, in RP Score order; each links to its profile.
| Rank | Business | RP Score | Google rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 | Madera County Behavioral Health | 44 | 3.6★ (17) | 41 mi |
Also serving Atwater
9 more addiction counselors within 50 mi that we can't rank yet: too few reviews, or a specialty we couldn't confirm. Listed A to Z.
| Business | Google rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Aegis Treatment Centers | Los Banos | 24 mi | |
| Aegis Treatment Centers | Madera | 5.0★ (1) | 41 mi |
| BreakThroughs Merced | In Atwater | |
| De Nuevo Institute-Counseling Services | 3.0★ (2) | 32 mi |
| DTA Addiction Treatment - Behavioral Care & Advisory Group | 5.0★ (1) | In Atwater |
| Lynn Telford-Sahl, Certified Addiction Counselor – Modesto | 5.0★ (1) | 32 mi |
| Pete Duarte, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner | 5.0★ (2) | 37 mi |
| Promesa Behavioral Health | 8 mi | |
| RSE Helpline -Alcohol & Drug Addiction Treatment | 5.0★ (2) | 8 mi |
How we ranked Atwater addiction counselors
We scored 26 Atwater addiction 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.
| Factor | Weight | Computed from | In Atwater data |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reputation | 25% | Google star rating, adjusted for how many reviews back it | Measured |
| Review volume | 5% | Number of Google reviews, compared with the most-reviewed practice on the list | Measured |
| Recency | 5% | Share of Google reviews from the last 12 months | Not yet collected |
| Availability | 10% | Weekly open hours, Saturday, Sunday, and round-the-clock or same-day availability | Measured |
| Specialty focus | 25% | How clearly the practice does this specialty (its Google category and name) | Measured |
| Proximity | 15% | Based in the city scores highest, less the farther away it is | Measured |
| Claimed profile | 10% | The practice has claimed its Ranked Psychologists profile (free or paid earn the same) | Measured |
| Partnered | 5% | The practice links to Ranked Psychologists from its own website with our badge, checked periodically | Measured |
How to choose an addiction counselor
- Check the license with the state or provincial board that issued it; most boards publish a free online lookup.
- Make sure addiction counseling is a regular part of their work, and ask what approach they use and why.
- Ask which credential the counselor holds (for example a state addiction counselor certification, LPC or LCSW).
- Ask whether they work with a physician if medication for addiction treatment is part of your plan.
- 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.
- Check practical fit: in-person or online sessions, evening times, and how soon they have an opening.
- After a few sessions, ask yourself whether you feel heard. Changing to a different provider is common and fine.
Questions to ask an addiction counselor
- Are you accepting new clients, and how soon could I start?
- Which license do you hold, and in which state or province?
- How much of your work is addiction counseling?
- Do you offer individual sessions, groups or an intensive outpatient program?
- 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.
Addiction counselors in Atwater: frequently asked questions
Who is the best addiction counselor in Atwater?
By RP Score, the highest-ranked addiction counselor in Atwater, CA is The Rose Julia Riordan Tranquility Village with an RP Score of 79/100. It has 4.1★ from 14 Google reviews. It is open 7 days a week. Serenity Springs Recovery (#2) and New Hope Recovery (#3) follow. We ranked 26 addiction counselors on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.
How many addiction counselors are there in Atwater?
RankedPsychologists ranks 26 addiction counselors serving Atwater, CA. 2 of them are based in Atwater; the rest serve it from nearby towns. Another 9 within 50 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 addiction counselors in Atwater work on weekends?
11 of 26 ranked addiction counselors post Saturday hours and 6 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are The Rose Julia Riordan Tranquility Village (#1), New Hope Recovery (#3) and Aegis Treatment Centers | Merced (#4). Posted hours are office hours; many practices also offer evening or online sessions by appointment.
What Google rating do Atwater addiction counselors have?
The median Google rating among 26 rated addiction counselors in Atwater is 4.3★, with a median of 16 reviews. GPS Counseling Center for Addiction Treatment has the most, 83 reviews, and ranks #14. We adjust ratings for review count, so a few five-star reviews cannot top the list.
How does RankedPsychologists rank addiction counselors?
Each addiction counselor 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 addiction counselors outside Atwater count in this ranking?
Yes, if they are within 50 mi of the Atwater city center, our service radius for addiction 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 addiction 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 addiction counselors in Atwater ranked?
Each practice gets an RP Score from 0 to 100 from 8 published factors, including its Google rating, how clearly it focuses on addiction counseling and how close it is. Sponsored placements are shown separately and never change rank. The score does not measure treatment outcomes.
What is the difference between outpatient addiction counseling and rehab?
Outpatient counseling means regular sessions while you live at home and keep working; intensive outpatient programs meet several times a week. Residential rehab and medical detox happen in a facility. Withdrawal from alcohol and some drugs can be medically dangerous, so speak to a doctor before stopping if you drink or use heavily every day.
Can I see an addiction counselor 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 Atwater
- November 2026: RP Scores recalculated for 26 addiction counselors serving Atwater.
More addiction counselors and Atwater pages
Addiction counselors near Atwater
- Addiction counselors in Winton, CA26 ranked
- Addiction counselors in Livingston, CA31 ranked
- Addiction counselors in Merced, CA26 ranked
- Addiction counselors in Delhi, CA32 ranked
- Addiction counselors in Turlock, CA35 ranked
- Addiction counselors in Newman, CA45 ranked
- Addiction counselors in Los Banos, CA26 ranked
- Addiction counselors in Chowchilla, CA39 ranked
- Addiction counselors in Ceres, CA36 ranked
- Addiction counselors in Modesto, CA37 ranked