67/100RP Score
Ranked #1 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Best Clinical Social Workers in San Marcos, CA (2026)
71 clinical social workers ranked by RP ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →
The short answer
- 1
Best overall in San Marcos: Chara Ward, LCSW Therapist, RP Score 67/100; 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews.
- 22
Most-reviewed: Perlman Wellness, 1,241 Google reviews at 4.9★, the most of 71 ranked; ranked #22.
Rankings can't be bought. Psychologists can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank
71 San Marcos 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 71 rated practices.
Top 10 clinical social workers 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 | Chara Ward, LCSW Therapist | 67 | 5.0★ (3) | San Marcos | — | Overall |
| 2 | Edward J. McShane, LCSW | 65 | 3.4★ (8) | Escondido, 5 mi away | Sat · Sun | — |
| 3 | Jasmine Perez, LCSW | 64 | 5.0★ (17) | Escondido, 5 mi away | Sat · Evenings | — |
| 4 | Dr. Teri Mental Health Therapy, LCSW, Inc. | Dr. Teri Psychotherapy | 63 | 4.7★ (27) | San Marcos | — | — |
| 5 | Marcella Santamaria, LCSW-Individual, Family and Couple Therapist | 63 | 4.5★ (8) | Oceanside, 10 mi away | — | — |
| 6 | Kelly Kaitson, Psychotherapy, LCSW | 62 | 5.0★ (8) | San Marcos | — | — |
| 7 | San Diego Neurofeedback: Linda Nerenberg, MS, LEP, BCN | 62 | 5.0★ (5) | La Mesa, 28 mi away | Sat | — |
| 8 | Jennifer Semmes LCSW -Individual, Couples & Family Therapy | 61 | 2.3★ (3) | Carlsbad, 11 mi away | — | — |
| 9 | Kaitlyn Nelson, LCSW: Somatic Psychotherapy | 61 | 4.2★ (5) | San Marcos | — | — |
| 10 | Elizabeth Donahue-Marucheau, LCSW, BCD | 61 | 5.0★ (15) | San Diego, 17 mi away | Sat · Sun · Evenings | — |
The 71 best clinical social workers 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.
Based in Escondido, 5 mi away
65/100RP ScoreRanked #2 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 3.4★ from 8 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Escondido, 5 mi away
64/100RP ScoreRanked #3 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 17 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in San Marcos
63/100RP ScoreRanked #4 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.7★ from 27 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Oceanside, 10 mi away
63/100RP ScoreRanked #5 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.5★ from 8 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in San Marcos
62/100RP ScoreRanked #6 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.
Based in La Mesa, 28 mi away
62/100RP ScoreRanked #7 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Social worker”, 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Carlsbad, 11 mi away
61/100RP ScoreRanked #8 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 2.3★ from 3 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Family counselor”.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in San Marcos
61/100RP ScoreRanked #9 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.2★ from 5 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in San Diego, 17 mi away
61/100RP ScoreRanked #10 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 15 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in San Marcos
61/100RP ScoreRanked #11 because of its Google rating and proximity: 5.0★ from 14 Google reviews, based in San Marcos.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in San Marcos
61/100RP ScoreRanked #12 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Poway, 15 mi away
60/100RP ScoreRanked #13 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 16 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Carlsbad, 11 mi away
59/100RP ScoreRanked #14 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 10 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in San Marcos
59/100RP ScoreRanked #15 because of its Google rating and proximity: 3.6★ from 5 Google reviews, based in San Marcos.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Carlsbad, 7 mi away
59/100RP ScoreRanked #16 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Encinitas, 9 mi away
58/100RP ScoreRanked #17 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews, listed on Google as “EMDR psychotherapist”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in San Diego, 14 mi away
58/100RP ScoreRanked #18 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 15 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in San Diego, 15 mi away
58/100RP ScoreRanked #19 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in San Diego, 14 mi away
57/100RP ScoreRanked #20 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 12 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Carlsbad, 9 mi away
57/100RP ScoreRanked #21 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
#22 Perlman Wellness
Based in San Diego, 27 mi away
57/100RP ScoreRanked #22 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.9★ from 1,241 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Carlsbad, 11 mi away
57/100RP ScoreRanked #23 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Carlsbad, 11 mi away
57/100RP ScoreRanked #24 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Oceanside, 10 mi away
56/100RP ScoreRanked #25 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
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 71 ranked clinical social workers here; the rest are on their profiles.
Also serving San Marcos
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 |
|---|---|---|
| C. Allen Ruyle, LCSW | 5.0★ (2) | 26 mi |
| Charity Hernandez, Counselor | 5.0★ (2) | 10 mi |
| Claudia Hergesheimer, LCSW | 3.0★ (2) | 9 mi |
| Danielle Nicole Burns, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Incorporated | In San Marcos | |
| Donna Marie Gold, LCSW | 3.0★ (2) | 12 mi |
| Gemma Bernes, Counselor | 5.0★ (2) | 26 mi |
| Lauren Morton, LCSW | 5.0★ (2) | 6 mi |
| Marguerite Widener | In San Marcos | |
| Nina A. Stark, Psy.D, LCSW | 3.0★ (2) | 19 mi |
| Pamela Berkinsky, LCSW | 5.0★ (2) | 9 mi |
| Pamela Sachs, Counselor | In San Marcos | |
| Patricia Fiamengo, Counselor | 5.0★ (2) | 22 mi |
| Sherman Mark A | 3.0★ (2) | 10 mi |
| Stephanie Frigo, Counselor | 5.0★ (2) | 10 mi |
| Tanya Dorocak, Counselor | In San Marcos | |
| Therapeutic and Wellness Solution Center | In San Marcos | |
| Therapy Margie Caruso, LCSW | In San Marcos | |
| Victoria Belmonte, Counselor | 5.0★ (2) | 10 mi |
| Vivian Fabian, Counselor | 5.0★ (2) | 23 mi |
| Wholehearted Child & Family Therapy | 5.0★ (2) | 14 mi |
How we ranked San Marcos clinical social workers
We scored 71 San Marcos 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.
| 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 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 Marcos: frequently asked questions
Who is the best clinical social worker in San Marcos?
By RP Score, the highest-ranked clinical social worker in San Marcos, CA is Chara Ward, LCSW Therapist with an RP Score of 67/100. It has 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews. Edward J. McShane, LCSW (#2) and Jasmine Perez, LCSW (#3) follow. We ranked 71 clinical social workers on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.
How many clinical social workers are there in San Marcos?
RankedPsychologists ranks 71 clinical social workers serving San Marcos, CA. 7 of them are based in San Marcos; 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 Marcos work on weekends?
33 of 71 ranked clinical social workers post Saturday hours and 10 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Edward J. McShane, LCSW (#2), Jasmine Perez, LCSW (#3) and San Diego Neurofeedback: Linda Nerenberg, MS, LEP, BCN (#7). Posted hours are office hours; many practices also offer evening or online sessions by appointment.
What Google rating do San Marcos clinical social workers have?
The median Google rating among 71 rated clinical social workers in San Marcos is 5.0★, with a median of 5 reviews. Perlman Wellness has the most, 1,241 reviews, and ranks #22. 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 Marcos count in this ranking?
Yes, if they are within 40 mi of the San Marcos 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 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 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 Marcos
- November 2026: RP Scores recalculated for 71 clinical social workers serving San Marcos.
More clinical social workers and San Marcos pages
Clinical social workers near San Marcos
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- Clinical social workers in Oceanside, CA77 ranked
- Clinical social workers in Rancho Penasquitos, CA62 ranked
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Other specialties in San Marcos
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- 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
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- All psychologists in San Marcos