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Best Clinical Social Workers in San Juan Capistrano, CA (2026)

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

The short answer

  1. 1

    Best overall in San Juan Capistrano: Lynnette M. Wilhardt, LCSW, RP Score 66/100; 3.7★ from 3 Google reviews.

  2. 5

    Most-reviewed: Inland Psychiatric Medical Group Lake Forest, 216 Google reviews at 4.8★, the most of 112 ranked; ranked #5.

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

112 San Juan Capistrano clinical social workers are ranked here by RP Score, from eight published factors. 33 open Saturdays and 10 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 5.0★ across 112 rated practices.

Top 10 clinical social workers in San Juan Capistrano 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 San Juan Capistrano at a glance
RankBusinessRP ScoreGoogle ratingBased inHoursBest for
1Lynnette M. Wilhardt, LCSW663.7★ (3)Costa Mesa, 17 mi away—Overall
2Lorraine Ibold, LCSW653.0★ (4)Santa Ana, 20 mi away——
3Katie Mann, LCSW624.4★ (7)San Clemente, 5 mi awaySat—
4Brain Repair Therapy Services625.0★ (12)San Clemente, 3 mi awaySat · Sun—
5Inland Psychiatric Medical Group Lake Forest604.8★ (216)Lake Forest, 9 mi awaySatMost reviews
6Elisa Lima593.7★ (3)Long Beach, 33 mi away——
7Tannaz Alagheband, LCSW, EMDR Therapist595.0★ (7)Irvine, 16 mi awaySat · Evenings—
8Cultivate Wellness Within - Lauren Fox, LCSW, PMH-C | Postpartum Therapist Palm Desert584.2★ (5)Cathedral City, 6 mi away——
9Arthur Montes, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Inc.585.0★ (10)Tustin, 19 mi awaySat · Evenings—
10Wes Imayanagita, LCSW574.4★ (7)Mission Viejo, 8 mi away——

The 112 best clinical social workers in San Juan Capistrano, 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 San Juan Capistrano

    Based in Costa Mesa, 17 mi away

    66/100RP Score

    Ranked #1 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Social worker”, 3.7★ from 3 Google reviews.

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

    • 3.7★ from 3 Google reviews
    Address
    151 Kalmus Dr # B220, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
  2. Based in Santa Ana, 20 mi away

    65/100RP Score

    Ranked #2 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
    505 N Tustin Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92705
  3. Based in San Clemente, 5 mi away

    62/100RP Score

    Ranked #3 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.4★ from 7 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.

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

    • 4.4★ from 7 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 8 AM–6 PM · Fri 8 AM–2 PM · Sat 9 AM–2 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    116 W El Portal Ste 101, San Clemente, CA 92672
  4. Based in Long Beach, 33 mi away

    59/100RP Score

    Ranked #6 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Social worker”, 3.7★ from 3 Google reviews.

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

    • 3.7★ from 3 Google reviews
    Address
    5500 E Atherton St #227B, Long Beach, CA 90815
  5. 58/100RP Score

    Ranked #8 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.2★ from 5 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.

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

    • 4.2★ from 5 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
  6. Based in Mission Viejo, 8 mi away

    57/100RP Score

    Ranked #10 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.4★ from 7 Google reviews, listed on Google as “EMDR psychotherapist”.

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

    • 4.4★ from 7 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 9 AM–5 PM · Fri–Sun closed
    Address
    25950 Acero Suite 360, Mission Viejo, CA 92691
  7. Based in Orange, 21 mi away

    57/100RP Score

    Ranked #11 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.

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

    • 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu closed · Fri 8:30 AM–2 PM · Sat 9 AM–5 PM · Sun 11 AM–5 PM
    Address
    8518 E Deershire Ct, Orange, CA 92869
  8. 56/100RP Score

    Ranked #14 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–Thu 10 AM–6 PM · Fri–Sun closed
    Address
    6 Venture #350, Irvine, CA 92618
  9. Based in Huntington Beach, 24 mi away

    56/100RP Score

    Ranked #15 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 16 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.

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

    • 5.0★ from 16 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon 11 AM–9 PM · Tue 9 AM–6 PM · Wed 9 AM–5 PM · Thu closed · Fri 9 AM–6 PM · Sat 8 AM–1 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    16052 Beach Blvd #214, Huntington Beach, CA 92647
  10. Based in Laguna Hills, 9 mi away

    56/100RP Score

    Ranked #16 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 3.5★ from 8 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”.

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

    • 3.5★ from 8 Google reviews
    Address
    23173 La Cadena Dr, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
  11. Based in Huntington Beach, 23 mi away

    55/100RP Score

    Ranked #17 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.3★ from 4 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychologist”.

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

    • 4.3★ from 4 Google reviews
    Address
    18600 Main St #295, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
  12. Based in Chino Hills, 34 mi away

    55/100RP Score

    Ranked #18 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 13 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.

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

    • 5.0★ from 13 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sun 7 AM–6 PM
    Address
    14712 Pipeline Ave B, Chino Hills, CA 91709
  13. Based in Garden Grove, 24 mi away

    55/100RP Score

    Ranked #19 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.0★ from 4 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.

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

    • 4.0★ from 4 Google reviews
    Address
    12371 S Lewis St #103, Garden Grove, CA 92840
  14. 54/100RP Score

    Ranked #20 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 17 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.

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

    • 5.0★ from 17 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    23361 Madero Ste 210, Mission Viejo, CA 92691
  15. Based in Huntington Beach, 27 mi away

    54/100RP Score

    Ranked #21 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.9★ from 29 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”.

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

    • 4.9★ from 29 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sun 8 AM–8 PM
    Address
    15061 Springdale St #112, Huntington Beach, CA 92649
  16. Based in Mission Viejo, 4 mi away

    54/100RP Score

    Ranked #22 because of its Google rating and proximity: 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews, 4 mi from San Juan Capistrano.

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

    • 5.0★ from 3 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
  17. Based in Pomona, 39 mi away

    54/100RP Score

    Ranked #23 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Social worker”, 4.1★ from 9 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.1★ from 9 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    436 W 4th St Ste 220, Pomona, CA 91766
  18. Based in Laguna Beach, 4 mi away

    53/100RP Score

    Ranked #25 because of its Google rating and proximity: 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews, 4 mi from San Juan Capistrano.

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

    • 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 8:30 AM–6 PM · Wed–Thu 8:30 AM–5 PM · Fri–Sun closed
    Address
    32392 Coast Hwy #250, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

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

clinical social workers in San Juan Capistrano, ranks 26 to 50
RankBusinessRP ScoreGoogle ratingDistance
26LeAnne Pleasant, LCSW, Mindful Awareness Therapies535.0★ (3)16 mi
27Jillian Hynynen, LCSW, PMH-C | Nourish Mental Health535.0★ (5)20 mi
28Victoria Community Counseling, LCSWC534.5★ (8)29 mi
29Bauer Properties535.0★ (6)23 mi
30Mosaic Mental Health Group524.3★ (6)23 mi
31Novus Mindful Life Institute Family Counseling and Recovery524.8★ (20)29 mi
32Inner Wisdom Psychotherapy Associates, Inc524.0★ (8)18 mi
33Jessica Lu, LCSW, PMH-C525.0★ (5)23 mi
34MHA Laguna Hills Outpatient Services523.4★ (10)9 mi
35Melissa Fisher Goldman, LCSW Therapy525.0★ (10)26 mi
36Jennifer Semmes LCSW -Individual, Couples & Family Therapy522.3★ (3)30 mi
37Patricia Becerra, LCSW Consultation and Counseling Services515.0★ (4)31 mi
38Deborah Levine Counseling LCSW515.0★ (3)27 mi
39Chris McDuffie Counseling515.0★ (10)30 mi
40Linda Hardin LCSW514.7★ (3)30 mi
41Social Justice Healing Claudia Morales, LCSW, PPSC504.4★ (7)37 mi
42Chara Ward, LCSW Therapist495.0★ (3)37 mi
43Ms. Lillie Avetisyan Harvey, Counselor495.0★ (7)18 mi
44Athena Dao, Counselor495.0★ (6)18 mi
45Matthew Masolini, Counselor495.0★ (6)18 mi
46Spencer Silva, Counselor495.0★ (5)18 mi
47Steven Su, LCSW495.0★ (3)29 mi
48Tricia K. Buttkus, LCSW493.7★ (3)28 mi
49Smart Counseling and Mental Health Center482.3★ (3)31 mi
50Pamela Hollings, LCSW485.0★ (3)30 mi

Also serving San Juan Capistrano

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 San Juan Capistrano
BusinessGoogle ratingDistance
Allison Kleponis, Counselor5.0★ (2)22 mi
Balance & Bloom Counseling, Cynthia Nyberg, LCSW5.0★ (2)25 mi
Breanna Epps, LCSW5.0★ (1)In San Juan Capistrano
Brooke Caouette, LCSWIn San Juan Capistrano
Chalon Murphy, Counselor5.0★ (2)24 mi
Dr Carole Harris5.0★ (2)24 mi
Emily Majano, Counselor5.0★ (2)18 mi
Family Wellness Therapy: Monika W. Yen, LCSWIn San Juan Capistrano
Get Psyched Therapy & Coaching5.0★ (2)25 mi
Jeffrey B. Kullmann, LCSW5.0★ (2)23 mi
Jennifer Berger LCSW1.0★ (1)In San Juan Capistrano
Leslie A. Stone, Psy.D., LCSW5.0★ (2)19 mi
Maul Lesli A5.0★ (2)20 mi
Maura Loftus, LCSW5.0★ (2)19 mi
Megan Howes, Counselor5.0★ (2)24 mi
Sherman Mark A3.0★ (2)29 mi
Stephanie Flores, LCSW - Lighthouse Therapy5.0★ (2)19 mi
Stephanie Frigo, Counselor5.0★ (2)29 mi
Veronica Camacho LCSW5.0★ (2)10 mi
Victoria Belmonte, Counselor5.0★ (2)29 mi

How we ranked San Juan Capistrano clinical social workers

We scored 112 San Juan Capistrano 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 San Juan Capistrano 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 San Juan Capistrano: frequently asked questions

Who is the best clinical social worker in San Juan Capistrano?

By RP Score, the highest-ranked clinical social worker in San Juan Capistrano, CA is Lynnette M. Wilhardt, LCSW with an RP Score of 66/100. It has 3.7★ from 3 Google reviews. Lorraine Ibold, LCSW (#2) and Katie Mann, LCSW (#3) follow. We ranked 112 clinical social workers on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.

How many clinical social workers are there in San Juan Capistrano?

RankedPsychologists ranks 112 clinical social workers serving San Juan Capistrano, CA. 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 Juan Capistrano work on weekends?

33 of 112 ranked clinical social workers post Saturday hours and 10 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Katie Mann, LCSW (#3), Brain Repair Therapy Services (#4) and Inland Psychiatric Medical Group Lake Forest (#5). Posted hours are office hours; many practices also offer evening or online sessions by appointment.

What Google rating do San Juan Capistrano clinical social workers have?

The median Google rating among 112 rated clinical social workers in San Juan Capistrano is 5.0★, with a median of 6 reviews. Inland Psychiatric Medical Group Lake Forest has the most, 216 reviews, and ranks #5. 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 Juan Capistrano count in this ranking?

Yes, if they are within 40 mi of the San Juan Capistrano 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 Juan Capistrano 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 Juan Capistrano

  1. November 2026: RP Scores recalculated for 112 clinical social workers serving San Juan Capistrano.