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Best Child And Teen Therapists in Ladera Ranch, CA (2026)

67 child and teen therapists ranked by RP ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →

The short answer

  1. 1

    Best overall in Ladera Ranch: Kristin Bachman PhD, RP Score 70/100; 3.4★ from 5 Google reviews.

  2. 16

    Most-reviewed: Brainpower Wellness Institute, 386 Google reviews at 4.9★, the most of 67 ranked; ranked #16.

Rankings can't be bought. Psychologists can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank

67 Ladera Ranch child and teen therapists are ranked here by RP Score, from eight published factors. 27 open Saturdays and 16 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.7★ across 67 rated practices.

Top 10 child and teen therapists in Ladera Ranch 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.

Top 10 child and teen therapists in Ladera Ranch at a glance
RankBusinessRP ScoreGoogle ratingBased inHoursBest for
1Kristin Bachman PhD703.4★ (5)Laguna Niguel, 6 mi away—Overall
2Adolescent Mental Health | Teen IOP674.9★ (16)Laguna Hills, 6 mi awaySat · Sun · Evenings—
3Seneca Family of Agencies - Lake Forest Mental Health Clinic654.3★ (3)Lake Forest, 5 mi away——
4Dr. Patricia Gisbert635.0★ (3)Tustin, 16 mi away——
5Cognitive Diagnostic Associates635.0★ (5)Newport Beach, 15 mi awaySat—
6Walk Intuit - San Juan Capistrano595.0★ (11)San Juan Capistrano, 5 mi awaySat · Sun—
7SoCal Adolescent Wellness Lake Forest585.0★ (13)Lake Forest, 6 mi awayEvenings—
8Galindo Miriam582.3★ (3)Costa Mesa, 16 mi away——
9Hillside Horizon | Teen Residential Treatment574.7★ (99)Costa Mesa, 17 mi awaySat · Sun · Evenings—
10Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Irvine574.6★ (62)Irvine, 12 mi awaySat · Sun · Evenings—

The 67 best child and teen therapists in Ladera Ranch, 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.

  1. Ranked #1 in Ladera Ranch

    Based in Laguna Niguel, 6 mi away

    70/100RP Score

    Ranked #1 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Child psychologist”, 3.4★ from 5 Google reviews.

    Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.

    • 3.4★ from 5 Google reviews
    Address
    30011 Ivy Glenn Dr #216, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
  2. 65/100RP Score

    Ranked #3 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Child psychologist”, 4.3★ from 3 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.3★ from 3 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    22942 El Toro Rd, Lake Forest, CA 92630
  3. Based in Tustin, 16 mi away

    63/100RP Score

    Ranked #4 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Child psychologist”, 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews.

    Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews
    Address
    17772 Irvine Blvd #103, Tustin, CA 92780
  4. Based in Costa Mesa, 16 mi away

    58/100RP Score

    Ranked #8 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Child psychologist”, 2.3★ from 3 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 2.3★ from 3 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    151 Kalmus Dr Ste 160, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
  5. Based in Placentia, 25 mi away

    56/100RP Score

    Ranked #11 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Child psychologist”, 3.8★ from 4 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 3.8★ from 4 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–7 PM · Sat 8 AM–7 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    101 S Kraemer Blvd, Placentia, CA 92870
  6. Based in Orange, 20 mi away

    56/100RP Score

    Ranked #12 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Child psychologist”, 3.7★ from 3 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 3.7★ from 3 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 7:30 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    Centrum North, 1120 W La Veta Ave Ste 830, Orange, CA 92868
  7. Based in Mission Viejo, 2 mi away

    55/100RP Score

    Ranked #13 because of its Google rating and proximity: 5.0★ from 10 Google reviews, 2 mi from Ladera Ranch.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 10 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 8 AM–5 PM · Wed 9 AM–5 PM · Thu–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    27401 Los Altos Ste 120, Mission Viejo, CA 92691
  8. Based in Mission Viejo, 2 mi away

    55/100RP Score

    Ranked #14 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.8★ from 10 Google reviews, 2 mi from Ladera Ranch.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.8★ from 10 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 8 AM–5 PM · Wed 9 AM–5 PM · Thu–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    27401 Los Altos Ste 120, Mission Viejo, CA 92691
  9. Based in Mission Viejo, 2 mi away

    55/100RP Score

    Ranked #15 because of its Google rating and proximity: 3.9★ from 15 Google reviews, 2 mi from Ladera Ranch.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 3.9★ from 15 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 9 AM–8 PM · Fri 9 AM–6 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    26440 La Alameda Ste 370, Mission Viejo, CA 92691
  10. Based in Orange, 20 mi away

    55/100RP Score

    Ranked #16 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.9★ from 386 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.9★ from 386 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–9 PM · Sat–Sun 9 AM–6 PM
    Address
    2230 W Chapman Ave #212, Orange, CA 92868
  11. Based in Mission Viejo, 2 mi away

    55/100RP Score

    Ranked #17 because of its Google rating and proximity: 5.0★ from 6 Google reviews, 2 mi from Ladera Ranch.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 6 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–6 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    27001 La Paz Rd #403, Mission Viejo, CA 92691
  12. Based in Tustin, 16 mi away

    54/100RP Score

    Ranked #18 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 6 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 6 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–7 PM · Sat 8 AM–3 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    515 E 1st St Ste F, Tustin, CA 92780
  13. Based in Laguna Hills, 6 mi away

    54/100RP Score

    Ranked #19 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 3.7★ from 3 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 3.7★ from 3 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sat 8 AM–8 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    23181 La Cadena Dr #101, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
  14. Based in Anaheim, 21 mi away

    54/100RP Score

    Ranked #20 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Child psychologist”, 2.3★ from 3 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 2.3★ from 3 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    100 S Imperial Hwy, Anaheim, CA 92807
  15. Based in Newport Beach, 14 mi away

    54/100RP Score

    Ranked #21 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 67 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychologist”.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 67 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sat 9 AM–6 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    260 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660
  16. 53/100RP Score

    Ranked #22 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.1★ from 8 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.1★ from 8 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 10 AM–6 PM · Sat 10 AM–2 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    1122 Bristol St Ste 100, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
  17. Based in Newport Beach, 15 mi away

    53/100RP Score

    Ranked #24 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 7 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Family counselor”.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 7 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sun 8 AM–8 PM
    Address
    3857 Birch St Ste 276, Newport Beach, CA 92660
  18. Based in Laguna Hills, 6 mi away

    52/100RP Score

    Ranked #25 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 8 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 8 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–6 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    23046 Avenida De La Carlota, Laguna Hills, CA 92653

Child and teen therapists ranked #26 to #50

#1 to #25 are shown in full above. Here are #26 to #50, in RP Score order; each links to its profile. We publish the top 50 of 67 ranked child and teen therapists here; the rest are on their profiles.

child and teen therapists in Ladera Ranch, ranks 26 to 50
RankBusinessRP ScoreGoogle ratingDistance
26Cherilyn E. Davidson Cibelli, PHD524.0★ (8)4 mi
27Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Huntington Beach514.7★ (109)22 mi
28San Clemente Psychological Services504.0★ (4)8 mi
29Dr. Robert Puff, Ph.D.505.0★ (95)16 mi
30Newport Academy503.9★ (22)19 mi
31Joy Dance Play Therapy504.0★ (4)16 mi
32Spectrum Psychiatry504.7★ (7)9 mi
33Newport Academy - Teen & Adolescent Treatment505.0★ (3)18 mi
34Hillside Horizon | Teen Residential Treatment505.0★ (5)23 mi
35Newport Academy503.2★ (5)18 mi
36Stepping Stones Family Counseling505.0★ (4)15 mi
37Bauer Properties495.0★ (6)20 mi
38In Touch Parenting495.0★ (5)16 mi
39Newport Academy492.4★ (8)19 mi
40SoCal Adolescent Wellness484.8★ (23)23 mi
41OC NeuroDx: Neurodivergent Diagnostic Center485.0★ (13)14 mi
42Newport Academy - Teen & Adolescent Treatment482.6★ (45)18 mi
43In Touch Individual & Family Counseling475.0★ (19)16 mi
44TASKids473.5★ (24)17 mi
45Compass Educational Psychology475.0★ (3)16 mi
46Taylormade Counseling and Consulting - Dr. Matthew Taylor474.3★ (6)23 mi
47Moxie Family Therapy- Tustin Office474.6★ (11)16 mi
48Psykhe Center Inc.465.0★ (6)15 mi
49La Vida Counseling Center464.0★ (4)20 mi
50Dr. Shahin Carrigan, MFT464.2★ (10)15 mi

Also serving Ladera Ranch

20 more child and teen therapists within 25 mi that we can't rank yet: too few reviews, or a specialty we couldn't confirm. Listed A to Z.

Unranked child and teen therapists serving Ladera Ranch
BusinessGoogle ratingDistance
ACT Family Counseling - Huntington Beach3.0★ (2)22 mi
Alicia Hutton, Counselor4.5★ (2)2 mi
Allyson Bushnell, Counselor5.0★ (2)13 mi
Dr. Kevin M. Kinback, MD2.7★ (9)In Ladera Ranch
Dr. Lyndsay Elliott5.0★ (2)15 mi
Dr. Melissa Huy5.0★ (2)23 mi
Empower U Bilingual EMDR Therapy5.0★ (7)In Ladera Ranch
Growing Minds Assessments5.0★ (2)24 mi
Healing Hearts Play Therapy5.0★ (2)16 mi
Mariel Abisaab, Counselor5.0★ (2)19 mi
Martin J. Eaton, PhD3.0★ (2)15 mi
Orange County Hypnosis Center5.0★ (2)9 mi
Orange County Therapy & CoachingIn Ladera Ranch
PCIT Institute Of Southern California5.0★ (2)15 mi
Rosanne Zapp, Psychologist5.0★ (2)2 mi
Starleaf Psychological Services5.0★ (2)15 mi
Stepping Stones Family Counseling5.0★ (2)20 mi
Susan Anguiano, Marriage and Family Therapist5.0★ (2)25 mi
Teen Therapy OC5.0★ (2)4 mi
The Child and Family Connection3.0★ (2)7 mi

How we ranked Ladera Ranch child and teen therapists

We scored 67 Ladera Ranch child and teen therapists 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.

Read the full method: formula, sources and exclusions

RP Score factors and weights
FactorWeightComputed fromIn Ladera Ranch data
Reputation25%Google star rating, adjusted for how many reviews back itMeasured
Review volume5%Number of Google reviews, compared with the most-reviewed practice on the listMeasured
Recency5%Share of Google reviews from the last 12 monthsNot yet collected
Availability10%Weekly open hours, Saturday, Sunday, and round-the-clock or same-day availabilityMeasured
Specialty focus25%How clearly the practice does this specialty (its Google category and name)Measured
Proximity15%Based in the city scores highest, less the farther away it isMeasured
Claimed profile10%The practice has claimed its Ranked Psychologists profile (free or paid earn the same)Measured
Partnered5%The practice links to Ranked Psychologists from its own website with our badge, checked periodicallyMeasured

How to choose a child and teen therapist

  1. Check the license with the state or provincial board that issued it; most boards publish a free online lookup.
  2. Make sure child and adolescent therapy is a regular part of their work, and ask what approach they use and why.
  3. Ask how much of the work is with the child alone and how much includes parents or caregivers.
  4. For ADHD, learning or autism assessments, ask who does the testing and whether a written report is included.
  5. 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.
  6. Check practical fit: in-person or online sessions, evening times, and how soon they have an opening.
  7. After a few sessions, ask yourself whether you feel heard. Changing to a different provider is common and fine.

Questions to ask a child and teen therapist

  • 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 child and adolescent therapy?
  • How do you involve parents, and what do you keep confidential?
  • 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.

Child and teen therapists in Ladera Ranch: frequently asked questions

Who is the best child and teen therapist in Ladera Ranch?

By RP Score, the highest-ranked child and teen therapist in Ladera Ranch, CA is Kristin Bachman PhD with an RP Score of 70/100. It has 3.4★ from 5 Google reviews. Adolescent Mental Health | Teen IOP (#2) and Seneca Family of Agencies - Lake Forest Mental Health Clinic (#3) follow. We ranked 67 child and teen therapists on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.

How many child and teen therapists are there in Ladera Ranch?

RankedPsychologists ranks 67 child and teen therapists serving Ladera Ranch, CA. Another 20 within 25 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 child and teen therapists in Ladera Ranch work on weekends?

27 of 67 ranked child and teen therapists post Saturday hours and 16 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Adolescent Mental Health | Teen IOP (#2), Cognitive Diagnostic Associates (#5) and Walk Intuit - San Juan Capistrano (#6). Posted hours are office hours; many practices also offer evening or online sessions by appointment.

What Google rating do Ladera Ranch child and teen therapists have?

The median Google rating among 67 rated child and teen therapists in Ladera Ranch is 4.7★, with a median of 8 reviews. Brainpower Wellness Institute has the most, 386 reviews, and ranks #16. We adjust ratings for review count, so a few five-star reviews cannot top the list.

How does RankedPsychologists rank child and teen therapists?

Each child and teen therapist 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 child and teen therapists outside Ladera Ranch count in this ranking?

Yes, if they are within 25 mi of the Ladera Ranch city center, our service radius for child and teen therapists. 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 child and teen therapists 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 child and teen therapists in Ladera Ranch ranked?

Each practice gets an RP Score from 0 to 100 from 8 published factors, including its Google rating, how clearly it focuses on child and adolescent therapy and how close it is. Sponsored placements are shown separately and never change rank. The score does not measure treatment outcomes.

Can a teenager start therapy without a parent?

It depends on where you live. The age at which a young person can agree to outpatient mental health care on their own differs between states and provinces. Ask the practice how it handles consent and what it shares with parents.

Can I see a child and teen therapist 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 Ladera Ranch

  1. November 2026: RP Scores recalculated for 67 child and teen therapists serving Ladera Ranch.