Ranked #1 in San Diego
Based in La Mesa, 9 mi away
70/100RP Score
Ranked #1 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Social worker”, 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews.
Best Clinical Social Workers in San Diego, CA (2026)
58 clinical social workers ranked by RP ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →
The short answer
- 1
Best overall in San Diego: San Diego Neurofeedback: Linda Nerenberg, MS, LEP, BCN, RP Score 70/100; 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews; open Saturdays until 12 PM.
- 3
Most-reviewed: Perlman Wellness, 1,241 Google reviews at 4.9★, the most of 58 ranked; ranked #3.
Rankings can't be bought. Psychologists can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank
58 San Diego clinical social workers are ranked here by RP Score, from eight published factors. 25 open Saturdays and 8 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 5.0★ across 58 rated practices.
Top 10 clinical social workers in San Diego 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 | San Diego Neurofeedback: Linda Nerenberg, MS, LEP, BCN | 70 | 5.0★ (5) | La Mesa, 9 mi away | Sat | Overall |
| 2 | Elizabeth Donahue-Marucheau, LCSW, BCD | 68 | 5.0★ (15) | San Diego | Sat · Sun · Evenings | — |
| 3 | Perlman Wellness | 68 | 4.9★ (1,241) | San Diego | Sat · Sun · Evenings | Most reviews |
| 4 | Pacific Cove Psychotherapy- Kristin Doherty, LCSW | 64 | 5.0★ (4) | San Diego | Sun · Evenings | — |
| 5 | Good Talk Therapy - Lauren Spinelli, LCSW | 64 | 5.0★ (21) | San Diego | — | — |
| 6 | Jill Silverman, LCSW | 64 | 5.0★ (12) | San Diego | Evenings | — |
| 7 | Re-Imagine Therapy—Kate Smiley, LCSW | 64 | 5.0★ (15) | San Diego | Evenings | — |
| 8 | Ginny Gutman, LCSW Counseling Services | 64 | 5.0★ (19) | San Diego | Evenings | — |
| 9 | Burd Psychotherapy - Abigail Burd, LCSW, PMH-C | 63 | 5.0★ (4) | San Diego | Sat | — |
| 10 | Porta Verum Psychotherapy Services | 63 | 5.0★ (5) | San Diego | Sat · Sun · Evenings | — |
The 58 best clinical social workers in San Diego, 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 San Diego
68/100RP ScoreRanked #2 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 15 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”.
Based in San Diego
68/100RP ScoreRanked #3 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.9★ from 1,241 Google reviews, based in San Diego.
Based in San Diego
64/100RP ScoreRanked #4 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.
Based in San Diego
64/100RP ScoreRanked #5 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 21 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.
Based in San Diego
64/100RP ScoreRanked #6 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 12 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.
Based in San Diego
64/100RP ScoreRanked #7 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 15 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.
Based in San Diego
64/100RP ScoreRanked #8 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 19 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.
Based in San Diego
63/100RP ScoreRanked #9 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.
Based in San Diego
63/100RP ScoreRanked #10 because of its Google rating and proximity: 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews, based in San Diego.
Based in San Diego
63/100RP ScoreRanked #11 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.8★ from 13 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.
Based in San Diego
62/100RP ScoreRanked #12 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.7★ from 15 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.
Based in San Diego
62/100RP ScoreRanked #13 because of its Google rating and proximity: 5.0★ from 8 Google reviews, based in San Diego.
Based in Oceanside, 8 mi away
62/100RP ScoreRanked #14 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.
Based in San Diego
62/100RP ScoreRanked #15 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.
Based in San Diego
62/100RP ScoreRanked #16 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 6 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.
Based in San Diego
62/100RP ScoreRanked #17 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.
Based in San Diego
62/100RP ScoreRanked #18 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.
Based in Lemon Grove, 8 mi away
62/100RP ScoreRanked #19 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 3.9★ from 48 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”.
Based in Chula Vista, 8 mi away
62/100RP ScoreRanked #20 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.8★ from 55 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.
Based in San Diego
61/100RP ScoreRanked #21 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.
Based in Poway, 17 mi away
59/100RP ScoreRanked #22 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 16 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.
Based in San Diego
59/100RP ScoreRanked #23 because of its Google rating and proximity: 2.9★ from 15 Google reviews, based in San Diego.
Based in San Diego
58/100RP ScoreRanked #24 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.6★ from 22 Google reviews, based in San Diego.
Based in San Diego
58/100RP ScoreRanked #25 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.9★ from 11 Google reviews, based in San Diego.
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 58 ranked clinical social workers here; the rest are on their profiles.
Also serving San Diego
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.
| Business | Google rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Bonita Therapy & Consulting | 4.0★ (2) | In San Diego |
| C. Allen Ruyle, LCSW | 5.0★ (2) | In San Diego |
| Danielle Nelson, LCSW | In San Diego | |
| Donna Marie Gold, LCSW | 3.0★ (2) | In San Diego |
| Gemma Bernes, Counselor | 5.0★ (2) | In San Diego |
| Jan Rakoff, LCSW | 5.0★ (1) | In San Diego |
| Jen Lescher Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Inc. | 5.0★ (1) | In San Diego |
| Jennifer Moynihan | 5.0★ (1) | In San Diego |
| Jennifer Torio, LCSW | 5.0★ (1) | In San Diego |
| Karen L Ritter Lcsw | 5.0★ (1) | In San Diego |
| Karly Bastrire, Psychologist | 5.0★ (1) | In San Diego |
| Lexi Molloy, LCSW | In San Diego | |
| Margaret Miller, LCSW | In San Diego | |
| Patricia Fiamengo, Counselor | 5.0★ (2) | In San Diego |
| Reinicke Counseling Associates | 5.0★ (2) | In San Diego |
| Sherry Cook, Counselor | 5.0★ (1) | In San Diego |
| Shirley Babior LCSW, LMFT | 5.0★ (2) | In San Diego |
| Smith Stephanie A | In San Diego | |
| Wholehearted Child & Family Therapy | 5.0★ (2) | In San Diego |
| Within Sight Inc | 5.0★ (1) | In San Diego |
How we ranked San Diego clinical social workers
We scored 58 San Diego 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 13, 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 Diego 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 clinical social worker
- Check the license with the state or provincial board that issued it; most boards publish a free online lookup.
- Make sure clinical social work is a regular part of their work, and ask what approach they use and why.
- Check the license with the state social work board or provincial college that issued it.
- 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 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 San Diego: frequently asked questions
Who is the best clinical social worker in San Diego?
By RP Score, the highest-ranked clinical social worker in San Diego, CA is San Diego Neurofeedback: Linda Nerenberg, MS, LEP, BCN with an RP Score of 70/100. It has 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews. It is open Saturdays until 12 PM. Elizabeth Donahue-Marucheau, LCSW, BCD (#2) and Perlman Wellness (#3) follow. We ranked 58 clinical social workers on eight factors, last updated November 13, 2026.
How many clinical social workers are there in San Diego?
RankedPsychologists ranks 58 clinical social workers serving San Diego, CA. 26 of them are based in San Diego; the rest serve it from nearby towns. 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 San Diego work on weekends?
25 of 58 ranked clinical social workers post Saturday hours and 8 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are San Diego Neurofeedback: Linda Nerenberg, MS, LEP, BCN (#1), Elizabeth Donahue-Marucheau, LCSW, BCD (#2) and Perlman Wellness (#3). Posted hours are office hours; many practices also offer evening or online sessions by appointment.
What Google rating do San Diego clinical social workers have?
The median Google rating among 58 rated clinical social workers in San Diego is 5.0★, with a median of 5 reviews. Perlman Wellness has the most, 1,241 reviews, and ranks #3. 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 San Diego count in this ranking?
Yes, if they are within 40 mi of the San Diego 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 San Diego 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 San Diego
- November 2026: RP Scores recalculated for 58 clinical social workers serving San Diego.
More clinical social workers and San Diego pages
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