Ranked #1 in San Marcos
Based in Solana Beach, 12 mi away
66/100RP Score
Ranked #1 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Child psychologist”, 4.8★ from 16 Google reviews.
Best Child And Teen Therapists in San Marcos, CA (2026)
80 child and teen therapists ranked by RP ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →
The short answer
- 1
Best overall in San Marcos: Shannon Lerach, Ph.D., Inc., A Psychological Corporation, RP Score 66/100; 4.8★ from 16 Google reviews; open Saturdays until 8 PM.
- 24
Most-reviewed: Neighborhood Healthcare Escondido BH, 125 Google reviews at 4.1★, the most of 80 ranked; ranked #24.
Rankings can't be bought. Psychologists can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank
80 San Marcos child and teen therapists are ranked here by RP Score, from eight published factors. 44 open Saturdays and 3 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.9★ across 80 rated practices.
Top 10 child and teen therapists in San Marcos 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 | Shannon Lerach, Ph.D., Inc., A Psychological Corporation | 66 | 4.8★ (16) | Solana Beach, 12 mi away | Sat · Evenings | Overall |
| 2 | Pinnacle Counseling and Testing Center | 66 | 3.4★ (12) | Escondido, 5 mi away | — | — |
| 3 | Maxim Behavioral Health Carlsbad, CA | 65 | 5.0★ (4) | Carlsbad, 7 mi away | — | — |
| 4 | San Diego Kids First | 62 | 4.6★ (21) | San Diego, 14 mi away | — | — |
| 5 | Brave Heart Child & Family Counseling Inc | 62 | 5.0★ (19) | San Diego, 14 mi away | — | — |
| 6 | Jennifer Koch, Counselor | 61 | 4.9★ (19) | San Marcos | Sat | — |
| 7 | Janell Makaipo, Counselor | 60 | 4.4★ (20) | San Marcos | Sat | — |
| 8 | Melanie Dawson, Counselor | 60 | 5.0★ (11) | San Marcos | Sat | — |
| 9 | Samantha Shields, Counselor | 60 | 4.9★ (11) | San Marcos | Sat | — |
| 10 | Consuelo Woodland, Counselor | 60 | 4.6★ (11) | San Marcos | Sat | — |
The 80 best child and teen therapists in San Marcos, 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.
Scores below: based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected. Hatched segments mark factors we don't have yet.
Based in Escondido, 5 mi away
66/100RP ScoreRanked #2 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Child psychologist”, 3.4★ from 12 Google reviews.
Based in Carlsbad, 7 mi away
65/100RP ScoreRanked #3 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Child psychologist”, 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews.
Based in San Diego, 14 mi away
62/100RP ScoreRanked #4 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Child psychologist”, 4.6★ from 21 Google reviews.
Based in San Diego, 14 mi away
62/100RP ScoreRanked #5 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Child psychologist”, 5.0★ from 19 Google reviews.
Based in San Marcos
61/100RP ScoreRanked #6 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.9★ from 19 Google reviews, based in San Marcos.
Based in San Marcos
60/100RP ScoreRanked #7 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.4★ from 20 Google reviews, based in San Marcos.
Based in San Marcos
60/100RP ScoreRanked #8 because of its Google rating and proximity: 5.0★ from 11 Google reviews, based in San Marcos.
Based in San Marcos
60/100RP ScoreRanked #9 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.9★ from 11 Google reviews, based in San Marcos.
Based in San Marcos
60/100RP ScoreRanked #10 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.6★ from 11 Google reviews, based in San Marcos.
Based in San Marcos
60/100RP ScoreRanked #11 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.6★ from 10 Google reviews, based in San Marcos.
Based in San Marcos
59/100RP ScoreRanked #12 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.6★ from 9 Google reviews, based in San Marcos.
Based in San Marcos
59/100RP ScoreRanked #13 because of its Google rating and proximity: 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews, based in San Marcos.
Based in San Diego, 22 mi away
59/100RP ScoreRanked #14 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Child psychologist”, 5.0★ from 7 Google reviews.
Based in San Marcos
59/100RP ScoreRanked #15 because of its Google rating and proximity: 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews, based in San Marcos.
Based in San Diego, 22 mi away
59/100RP ScoreRanked #16 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Child psychologist”, 4.4★ from 8 Google reviews.
Based in San Diego, 22 mi away
59/100RP ScoreRanked #17 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Child psychologist”, 4.8★ from 5 Google reviews.
Based in San Diego, 22 mi away
59/100RP ScoreRanked #18 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Child psychologist”, 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews.
Based in La Jolla, 19 mi away
58/100RP ScoreRanked #19 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Child psychologist”, 5.0★ from 8 Google reviews.
Based in San Diego, 22 mi away
57/100RP ScoreRanked #20 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Child psychologist”, 2.9★ from 15 Google reviews.
Based in Carlsbad, 11 mi away
57/100RP ScoreRanked #21 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 22 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychologist”.
Based in Vista, 4 mi away
56/100RP ScoreRanked #22 because of its Google rating and proximity: 5.0★ from 25 Google reviews, 4 mi from San Marcos.
#23 KMN Psych
Based in San Diego, 23 mi away
56/100RP ScoreRanked #23 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Child psychologist”, 4.8★ from 21 Google reviews.
Based in Escondido, 5 mi away
56/100RP ScoreRanked #24 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.1★ from 125 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.
Based in Encinitas, 9 mi away
56/100RP ScoreRanked #25 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 27 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychologist”.
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 80 ranked child and teen therapists here; the rest are on their profiles.
Also serving San Marcos
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.
How we ranked San Marcos child and teen therapists
We scored 80 San Marcos 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.
| Factor | Weight | Computed from | In San Marcos 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 a child and teen therapist
- Check the license with the state or provincial board that issued it; most boards publish a free online lookup.
- Make sure child and adolescent therapy is a regular part of their work, and ask what approach they use and why.
- Ask how much of the work is with the child alone and how much includes parents or caregivers.
- For ADHD, learning or autism assessments, ask who does the testing and whether a written report is included.
- 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 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 San Marcos: frequently asked questions
Who is the best child and teen therapist in San Marcos?
By RP Score, the highest-ranked child and teen therapist in San Marcos, CA is Shannon Lerach, Ph.D., Inc., A Psychological Corporation with an RP Score of 66/100. It has 4.8★ from 16 Google reviews. It is open Saturdays until 8 PM. Pinnacle Counseling and Testing Center (#2) and Maxim Behavioral Health Carlsbad, CA (#3) follow. We ranked 80 child and teen therapists on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.
How many child and teen therapists are there in San Marcos?
RankedPsychologists ranks 80 child and teen therapists serving San Marcos, CA. 9 of them are based in San Marcos; the rest serve it from nearby towns. 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 San Marcos work on weekends?
44 of 80 ranked child and teen therapists post Saturday hours and 3 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Shannon Lerach, Ph.D., Inc., A Psychological Corporation (#1), Jennifer Koch, Counselor (#6) and Janell Makaipo, Counselor (#7). Posted hours are office hours; many practices also offer evening or online sessions by appointment.
What Google rating do San Marcos child and teen therapists have?
The median Google rating among 80 rated child and teen therapists in San Marcos is 4.9★, with a median of 10 reviews. Neighborhood Healthcare Escondido BH has the most, 125 reviews, and ranks #24. 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 San Marcos count in this ranking?
Yes, if they are within 25 mi of the San Marcos 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 San Marcos 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 San Marcos
- November 2026: RP Scores recalculated for 80 child and teen therapists serving San Marcos.
More child and teen therapists and San Marcos pages
Child and teen therapists near San Marcos
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Other specialties in San Marcos
- Psychologists in San Marcos196 ranked
- Therapists and counselors in San Marcos402 ranked
- Couples therapists in San Marcos179 ranked
- Family therapists in San Marcos141 ranked
- Neuropsychologists in San Marcos7 ranked
- Psychological testing practices in San Marcos5 ranked
- Anxiety and OCD therapists in San Marcos5 ranked
- Trauma and PTSD therapists in San Marcos41 ranked
- Eating disorder therapists in San Marcos24 ranked
- Psychiatrists in San Marcos341 ranked
- Clinical social workers in San Marcos71 ranked
- Addiction counselors in San Marcos177 ranked
- ABA therapy providers in San Marcos46 ranked
- All psychologists in San Marcos