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Best Clinical Social Workers in Lake Forest, IL (2026)

257 clinical social workers ranked by RP ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →

The short answer

  1. 1

    Best overall in Lake Forest: Cutting Edge Counseling of the North Shore, RP Score 73/100; 4.8★ from 17 Google reviews; open 7 days a week.

  2. 19

    Most-reviewed: Compass Health Center, 198 Google reviews at 4.1★, the most of 257 ranked; ranked #19.

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

257 Lake Forest clinical social workers are ranked here by RP Score, from eight published factors. 144 open Saturdays and 71 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.8★ across 257 rated practices.

Top 10 clinical social workers in Lake Forest 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 clinical social workers in Lake Forest at a glance
RankBusinessRP ScoreGoogle ratingBased inHoursBest for
1Cutting Edge Counseling of the North Shore734.8★ (17)Northbrook, 8 mi awaySat · Sun · EveningsOverall
2Marta Mayes LSW, CADC695.0★ (10)Libertyville, 8 mi awaySat—
3Playful Healing Center684.0★ (4)Des Plaines, 16 mi away——
4Marlee Hasson LCSW & Associates673.7★ (3)Park Ridge, 15 mi away——
5Trikina Banks672.3★ (3)Arlington Heights, 15 mi away——
6Cathy J Drucker, LCSW - Anxiety, Depression Therapy654.6★ (11)Buffalo Grove, 6 mi awaySat · Sun · Evenings—
7Counseling Solutions654.0★ (8)Chicago, 22 mi away——
8Tony Pacione, LCSW655.0★ (3)Park Ridge, 18 mi awaySat · Evenings—
9Center For Grief Recovery645.0★ (4)Chicago, 20 mi awaySat · Evenings—
10Ann Fleming, LCSW643.0★ (4)Kenosha, 22 mi away——

The 257 best clinical social workers in Lake Forest, 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.

  2. #2 Marta Mayes LSW, CADC

    Based in Libertyville, 8 mi away

    69/100RP Score

    Ranked #2 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Social worker”, 5.0★ from 10 Google reviews.

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

    • 5.0★ from 10 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Wed 10 AM–4 PM · Thu 10 AM–4:30 PM · Fri–Sat 10 AM–4 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    900 Technology Way, Libertyville, IL 60048
    View profile for Marta Mayes LSW, CADC(224) 432-4251

  3. #3 Playful Healing Center

    Based in Des Plaines, 16 mi away

    68/100RP Score

    Ranked #3 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Social worker”, 4.0★ from 4 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.0★ from 4 Google reviews
    Address
    1430 Thacker St #4, Des Plaines, IL 60016
    View profile for Playful Healing Center(847) 699-8905

  5. #5 Trikina Banks

    Based in Arlington Heights, 15 mi away

    67/100RP Score

    Ranked #5 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Social worker”, 2.3★ from 3 Google reviews.

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

    • 2.3★ from 3 Google reviews
    Address
    901 W Kirchhoff Rd, Arlington Heights, IL 600052361
    View profile for Trikina Banks(847) 618-0190

  7. #7 Counseling Solutions

    Based in Chicago, 22 mi away

    65/100RP Score

    Ranked #7 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Social worker”, 4.0★ from 8 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.0★ from 8 Google reviews
    Address
    4256 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL 60613
    View profile for Counseling Solutions(773) 271-1400

  8. #8 Tony Pacione, LCSW

    Based in Park Ridge, 18 mi away

    65/100RP Score

    Ranked #8 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Social worker”, 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews.

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

    • 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 9 AM–9 PM · Wed 9 AM–6 PM · Thu 9 AM–9 PM · Fri 9 AM–6 PM · Sat 9 AM–4 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    2 W Talcott Rd, Park Ridge, IL 60068
    View profile for Tony Pacione, LCSW(847) 830-1290

  9. #9 Center For Grief Recovery

    Based in Chicago, 20 mi away

    64/100RP Score

    Ranked #9 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Social worker”, 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews.

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

    • 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–7 PM · Sat 8 AM–3 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    1263 W Loyola Ave, Chicago, IL 60626
    View profile for Center For Grief Recovery(773) 274-4600

  10. #10 Ann Fleming, LCSW

    Based in Kenosha, 22 mi away

    64/100RP Score

    Ranked #10 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Social worker”, 3.0★ from 4 Google reviews.

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

    • 3.0★ from 4 Google reviews
    Address
    6127 Green Bay Rd #200, Kenosha, WI 53142
    View profile for Ann Fleming, LCSW(262) 654-8366

  15. #15 Julie Hanson LCSW

    Based in Palatine, 14 mi away

    62/100RP Score

    Ranked #15 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Social worker”, 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews.

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

    • 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon 3 PM–7 PM · Tue–Thu 1 PM–7 PM · Fri–Sun closed
    Address
    1 E Northwest Hwy Unit 212, Palatine, IL 60067
    View profile for Julie Hanson LCSW(224) 689-1397

  16. #16 Lauren Raphael LCSW

    Based in Northbrook, 8 mi away

    61/100RP Score

    Ranked #16 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 38 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.

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

    • 5.0★ from 38 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 9 AM–7 PM · Fri 10 AM–6 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    1535 Lake Cook Rd #111, Northbrook, IL 60062
    View profile for Lauren Raphael LCSW(312) 953-1471

  17. #17 Pape and Associates

    Based in Wheaton, 31 mi away

    61/100RP Score

    Ranked #17 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Social worker”, 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
    618 S West St, Wheaton, IL 60187
    View profile for Pape and Associates

  19. #19 Compass Health Center

    Based in Northbrook, 8 mi away

    60/100RP Score

    Ranked #19 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.1★ from 198 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.

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

    • 4.1★ from 198 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 7:30 AM–9 PM · Sat–Sun 8:30 AM–8 PM
    Address
    60 Revere Dr Ste 100, Northbrook, IL 60062
    View profile for Compass Health Center(877) 492-0171

  21. #21 Patricia Nolan LCSW

    Based in Wilmette, 14 mi away

    60/100RP Score

    Ranked #21 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 12 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.

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

    • 5.0★ from 12 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sat 9 AM–6 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    400 Vine St, Wilmette, IL 60091
    View profile for Patricia Nolan LCSW(773) 983-8143

  22. #22 Megan Murray Verdun, LCSW | Wholehearted Therapy PLLC

    Based in Palatine, 14 mi away

    60/100RP Score

    Ranked #22 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 11 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.

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

    • 5.0★ from 11 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon 9 AM–6:30 PM · Tue 9 AM–7:30 PM · Wed 9 AM–6:30 PM · Thu 9 AM–7:30 PM · Fri 9 AM–5:30 PM · Sat 9 AM–12:30 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    1 E Northwest Hwy Unit 212, Palatine, IL 60067
    View profile for Megan Murray Verdun, LCSW | Wholehearted Therapy PLLC(708) 232-3273

  23. #23 Yolanda Frantzich, Counselor

    Based in Vernon Hills, 6 mi away

    60/100RP Score

    Ranked #23 because of its Google rating and proximity: 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews, 6 mi from Lake Forest.

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

    • 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 8 AM–8 PM · Wed 9 AM–5 PM · Thu–Fri 8 AM–8 PM · Sat–Sun 8 AM–7 PM
    Address
    175 E Hawthorn Pkwy Ste 235, Vernon Hills, IL 60061
    View profile for Yolanda Frantzich, Counselor(847) 865-4125

  25. #25 Madeline Berry, Counselor

    Based in Vernon Hills, 6 mi away

    59/100RP Score

    Ranked #25 because of its Google rating and proximity: 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews, 6 mi from Lake Forest.

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

    • 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–8 PM · Sat–Sun 8 AM–7 PM
    Address
    175 E Hawthorn Pkwy Ste 235, Vernon Hills, IL 60061
    View profile for Madeline Berry, Counselor(888) 428-7890

Clinical social workers 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 257 ranked clinical social workers here; the rest are on their profiles.

clinical social workers in Lake Forest, ranks 26 to 50
RankBusinessRP ScoreGoogle ratingDistance
26Elizabeth Casaclang-Melo, Counselor595.0★ (4)6 mi
27Vimi Gupta, LCSW594.9★ (10)28 mi
28Marianne Newman, MSW, LCSW595.0★ (3)12 mi
29Top Tier Counseling & Consulting, Ltd594.3★ (6)7 mi
30Deborah L. Conley, Ltd593.5★ (20)35 mi
31Barbara Spaulding, LCSW, Anxiety Coach, Telehealth595.0★ (6)14 mi
32Palen John M Ph.D., LCSW592.7★ (7)14 mi
33Michael J Francis, LCSW593.3★ (3)15 mi
34Veronica Pena, Counselor595.0★ (4)8 mi
35Solutions Therapy LCSW595.0★ (3)14 mi
36Mason Kelly585.0★ (5)38 mi
37Nancy Eschbach, LCSW and Associates, PLLC585.0★ (3)15 mi
38Pure Health Center Arlington Heights585.0★ (5)11 mi
39Kellen M. Smith, Counselor585.0★ (4)10 mi
40Heather Farina, Counselor584.2★ (5)10 mi
41Amie C. Eipers, LCSW572.3★ (3)37 mi
42Susan Love LCSW575.0★ (5)10 mi
43Hopeful Therapy575.0★ (6)6 mi
44Eden Behavioral Health - Child Therapy Palatine575.0★ (7)14 mi
45Counseling Speaks574.5★ (31)17 mi
46Therapy Health Clinic: Tony D. Wilson, LCSW574.3★ (6)26 mi
47Craig Mead LCSW575.0★ (5)27 mi
48Jennifer Marsh574.0★ (4)7 mi
49Barrington Behavioral Health & Wellness565.0★ (5)14 mi
50Lighthouse Emotional Wellness Center - Arlington Heights Illinois564.7★ (30)12 mi

Also serving Lake Forest

20 more clinical social workers within 40 mi that we can't rank yet: too few reviews, or a specialty we couldn't confirm. Listed A to Z.

Unranked clinical social workers serving Lake Forest
BusinessGoogle ratingDistance
Alexis Golden, Counselor5.0★ (2)8 mi
Alice Virgil, PhD, LCSWIn Lake Forest
Anna Lobanova, Counselor3.0★ (2)8 mi
Associates In Therapy and AssessmentIn Lake Forest
Counseling SpeaksIn Lake Forest
Danielle Anderson , Counselor5.0★ (2)8 mi
Denise R. Eaves, LCSW5.0★ (2)8 mi
Jennifer Raines, Counselor5.0★ (2)6 mi
Julie A. Pettinato, LCSW5.0★ (2)8 mi
Laura Novak, LCSW5.0★ (2)8 mi
Margaret Stohner, Counselor5.0★ (2)6 mi
Mary Waldon, PhD, LCSW5.0★ (1)In Lake Forest
Melanie Amin, Counselor5.0★ (2)8 mi
Paper Crane CounselingIn Lake Forest
Peter Truell, Counselor5.0★ (2)6 mi
Rahshonda Kirkwood, Counselor5.0★ (2)8 mi
Samantha Ayla Maria Sadler, Counselor5.0★ (2)8 mi
Shari Jacobson, LCSW5.0★ (1)In Lake Forest
Youth & Family Counseling4.0★ (2)6 mi
Zoya Mirza, Counselor5.0★ (2)5 mi

How we ranked Lake Forest clinical social workers

We scored 257 Lake Forest clinical social workers 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 Lake Forest 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 clinical social worker

  1. Check the license with the state or provincial board that issued it; most boards publish a free online lookup.
  2. Make sure clinical social work is a regular part of their work, and ask what approach they use and why.
  3. Check the license with the state social work board or provincial college that issued it.
  4. 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.
  5. Check practical fit: in-person or online sessions, evening times, and how soon they have an opening.
  6. After a few sessions, ask yourself whether you feel heard. Changing to a different provider is common and fine.

Questions to ask a clinical social worker

  • 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 clinical social work?
  • Which license do you hold, and in which state or province?
  • 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.

Clinical social workers in Lake Forest: frequently asked questions

Who is the best clinical social worker in Lake Forest?

By RP Score, the highest-ranked clinical social worker in Lake Forest, IL is Cutting Edge Counseling of the North Shore with an RP Score of 73/100. It has 4.8★ from 17 Google reviews. It is open 7 days a week. Marta Mayes LSW, CADC (#2) and Playful Healing Center (#3) follow. We ranked 257 clinical social workers on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.

How many clinical social workers are there in Lake Forest?

RankedPsychologists ranks 257 clinical social workers serving Lake Forest, IL. Another 20 within 40 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 clinical social workers in Lake Forest work on weekends?

144 of 257 ranked clinical social workers post Saturday hours and 71 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Cutting Edge Counseling of the North Shore (#1), Marta Mayes LSW, CADC (#2) and Cathy J Drucker, LCSW - Anxiety, Depression Therapy (#6). Posted hours are office hours; many practices also offer evening or online sessions by appointment.

What Google rating do Lake Forest clinical social workers have?

The median Google rating among 257 rated clinical social workers in Lake Forest is 4.8★, with a median of 7 reviews. Compass Health Center has the most, 198 reviews, and ranks #19. We adjust ratings for review count, so a few five-star reviews cannot top the list.

How does RankedPsychologists rank clinical social workers?

Each clinical social worker 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 clinical social workers outside Lake Forest count in this ranking?

Yes, if they are within 40 mi of the Lake Forest city center, our service radius for clinical social workers. 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 clinical social workers 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 clinical social workers in Lake Forest ranked?

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

Can a social worker provide therapy?

Yes, when licensed for it. In the US a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW, or LICSW in some states) holds a master’s degree in social work, has completed supervised clinical practice and passed a licensing exam. In Canada, registered social workers are regulated by provincial colleges. They provide talk therapy for many of the same concerns as counselors and psychologists.

Can I see a clinical social worker 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 Lake Forest

  1. November 2026: RP Scores recalculated for 257 clinical social workers serving Lake Forest.
  2. November 2026: 1 duplicate listing merged.

More clinical social workers and Lake Forest pages