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Best Couples Therapists in Laguna Niguel, CA (2026)

189 couples therapists ranked by RP ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →

The short answer

  1. 1

    Best overall in Laguna Niguel: Luisa Contreras, Marriage & Sex Therapist, RP Score 74/100; 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews; open 7 days a week.

  2. 17

    Most-reviewed: Dr. Shirin Nooravi, 213 Google reviews at 4.9★, the most of 189 ranked; ranked #17.

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

189 Laguna Niguel couples therapists are ranked here by RP Score, from eight published factors. 71 open Saturdays and 25 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 5.0★ across 189 rated practices.

Top 10 couples therapists in Laguna Niguel 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 couples therapists in Laguna Niguel at a glance
RankBusinessRP ScoreGoogle ratingBased inHoursBest for
1Luisa Contreras, Marriage & Sex Therapist745.0★ (4)San Juan Capistrano, 3 mi awaySat · Sun · EveningsOverall
2Gregory Berry, MFT, PsyD723.0★ (4)Mission Viejo, 4 mi away——
3Marriage by God715.0★ (15)Laguna Niguel——
4Irvine Family Counseling715.0★ (41)Irvine, 10 mi awaySat · Sun · Evenings—
5Richard M. Vogel, MFT715.0★ (3)Laguna Hills, 7 mi awaySat · Sun · Evenings—
6Kimberly Brassett,LMFT703.7★ (6)Lake Forest, 7 mi away——
7Therapy in Faith695.0★ (7)Costa Mesa, 9 mi awaySat · Sun—
8Laguna Nigel Counseling:Roxanne S. Cherry, PHD691.3★ (3)Laguna NiguelEvenings—
9Rockman Marriage and Family Counseling - Dr. Steve Rockman, PhD.695.0★ (11)Laguna NiguelSat · Sun · Evenings—
10Meggan Bunce, LMFT Couples Therapy695.0★ (6)San Juan Capistrano, 3 mi awayEvenings—

The 189 best couples therapists in Laguna Niguel, 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 Laguna Niguel

    Based in San Juan Capistrano, 3 mi away

    74/100RP Score

    Ranked #1 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 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 8 AM–8 PM · Sat 8 AM–5 PM · Sun 9 AM–5 PM
    Address
    31726 Rancho Viejo Rd #204, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
  2. Based in Mission Viejo, 4 mi away

    72/100RP Score

    Ranked #2 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 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
    27405 Puerta Real #150, Mission Viejo, CA 92691
  3. Based in Laguna Niguel

    71/100RP Score

    Ranked #3 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 5.0★ from 15 Google reviews.

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

    • 5.0★ from 15 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    37 Ashburton Pl, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
  4. Based in Irvine, 10 mi away

    71/100RP Score

    Ranked #4 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 5.0★ from 41 Google reviews.

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

    • 5.0★ from 41 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–8 PM · Sat–Sun 8 AM–12 PM
    Address
    15615 Alton Pkwy Ste 200, Irvine, CA 92618
  5. Based in Laguna Hills, 7 mi away

    71/100RP Score

    Ranked #5 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews.

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

    • 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon 11 PM–12 AM · Tue 12 AM–7 PM · Wed–Sun 11 AM–7 PM
    Address
    Site, 23547 Moulton Pkwy #209, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
  6. Based in Lake Forest, 7 mi away

    70/100RP Score

    Ranked #6 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 3.7★ from 6 Google reviews.

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

    • 3.7★ from 6 Google reviews
    Address
    23832 Rockfield Blvd Ste 120, Lake Forest, CA 92630
  7. Based in Costa Mesa, 9 mi away

    69/100RP Score

    Ranked #7 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 5.0★ from 7 Google reviews.

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

    • 5.0★ from 7 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun 10 AM–3 PM
  8. 69/100RP Score

    Ranked #9 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 11 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychologist”.

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

    • 5.0★ from 11 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 11 AM–8 PM · Sat–Sun 12 PM–4 PM
    Address
    30011 Ivy Glenn Dr #107, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
  9. Based in San Juan Capistrano, 3 mi away

    69/100RP Score

    Ranked #10 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 5.0★ from 6 Google reviews.

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

    • 5.0★ from 6 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 9 AM–7 PM · Fri 9 AM–4 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    30290 Rancho Viejo Rd #105, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
  10. Based in Mission Viejo, 8 mi away

    69/100RP Score

    Ranked #11 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 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
    Mission Viejo, CA 92692
  11. Based in Laguna Niguel

    68/100RP Score

    Ranked #12 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.9★ from 51 Google reviews, based in Laguna Niguel.

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

    • 4.9★ from 51 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sun 12 AM–12 AM
    Address
    23807 Aliso Creek Rd Ste 100, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
  12. Based in Costa Mesa, 14 mi away

    68/100RP Score

    Ranked #13 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 4.4★ from 5 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.4★ from 5 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sun 12 AM–12 AM
    Address
    3001 Red Hill Ave Building 1, Suite #211, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
  13. Based in Newport Beach, 13 mi away

    67/100RP Score

    Ranked #15 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 4.8★ from 21 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.8★ from 21 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–8 PM · Sat 8 AM–5 PM · Sun 9 AM–5 PM
    Address
    1451 Quail St Ste 211, Newport Beach, CA 92660
  14. Based in Lake Forest, 7 mi away

    67/100RP Score

    Ranked #16 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 3.7★ from 6 Google reviews.

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

    • 3.7★ from 6 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 9 AM–5 PM · Wed closed · Thu–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat 9 AM–3 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    23832 Rockfield Blvd Ste 120, Lake Forest, CA 92630
  15. Based in Newport Beach, 13 mi away

    66/100RP Score

    Ranked #17 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 4.9★ from 213 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.9★ from 213 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–6 PM · Sat 10 AM–5 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    4425 Jamboree Rd Ste 184, Newport Beach, CA 92660
  16. Based in Newport Beach, 11 mi away

    66/100RP Score

    Ranked #18 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 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
    366 San Miguel Dr #210, Newport Beach, CA 92660
  17. 66/100RP Score

    Ranked #19 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews.

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

    • 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 11 AM–8 PM · Sat–Sun 12 PM–6 PM
    Address
    4701 Von Karman Ave #328, Newport Beach, CA 92660
  18. Based in Laguna Woods, 6 mi away

    66/100RP Score

    Ranked #20 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 5.0★ from 12 Google reviews.

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

    • 5.0★ from 12 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 11 AM–6 PM · Wed closed · Thu–Fri 11 AM–6 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    Health and Wellness Center, 24351 Moulton Pkwy, Laguna Woods, CA 92637
  19. Based in Irvine, 9 mi away

    65/100RP Score

    Ranked #21 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 4.8★ from 80 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.8★ from 80 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    100 Spectrum Center Dr #900, Irvine, CA 92618
  20. Based in Newport Beach, 13 mi away

    65/100RP Score

    Ranked #22 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 4.2★ from 5 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.2★ from 5 Google reviews
    Address
    901 Dove St Ste 140, Newport Beach, CA 92660
  21. Based in Lake Forest, 9 mi away

    65/100RP Score

    Ranked #23 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 5.0★ from 9 Google reviews.

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

    • 5.0★ from 9 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon 8 AM–8:30 PM · Tue 9 AM–8:30 PM · Wed–Thu 8 AM–8:30 PM · Fri 9 AM–3 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    Online, Lake Forest, CA 92630
  22. 64/100RP Score

    Ranked #24 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews.

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

    • 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 10 AM–7 PM · Wed 12 PM–7 PM · Thu–Fri 10 AM–7 PM · Sat 10 AM–5 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    22 Acacia Tree Ln, Irvine, CA 92612
  23. Based in Newport Beach, 13 mi away

    64/100RP Score

    Ranked #25 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 3.4★ from 10 Google reviews.

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

    • 3.4★ from 10 Google reviews
    Address
    4440 Von Karman Ave Ste 201-202, Newport Beach, CA 92660

Couples 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 189 ranked couples therapists here; the rest are on their profiles.

couples therapists in Laguna Niguel, ranks 26 to 50
RankBusinessRP ScoreGoogle ratingDistance
26Newport Beach Marriage Counseling - Orange County Couples Center645.0★ (4)11 mi
27Darcy Greene644.2★ (5)7 mi
28Journey for Life645.0★ (33)10 mi
29Jim Swaniger MA, LMFT645.0★ (7)13 mi
30The Couples Therapy & Reunification Counseling-Newport Beach644.9★ (9)13 mi
31Antoinette Gupta, Antoinette634.3★ (3)13 mi
32Couples Therapist OC635.0★ (11)9 mi
33Soul Restoration Project634.7★ (12)18 mi
34Dr. Jeanne Michele635.0★ (5)9 mi
35Julie Maul Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist634.7★ (13)5 mi
36Jennifer Catabas, LMFT, LPCC634.6★ (10)16 mi
37St Clair Jessica622.9★ (13)13 mi
38Kyle Keffer Counseling623.7★ (9)10 mi
39Couple Care - Relationship Counseling Orange County625.0★ (3)18 mi
40Davis Denise E625.0★ (4)17 mi
41Mojdeh Amani, LMFT612.8★ (9)13 mi
42Jeremy Harvey, Marriage and Family Therapist612.3★ (3)11 mi
43Self Help Orange County615.0★ (54)19 mi
44Journeys Counseling614.3★ (6)16 mi
45Brian Whitley, LMFT605.0★ (3)13 mi
46Couple For Couples Counseling: Private Intensives, Retreats, & Workshops605.0★ (3)13 mi
47Janet Whitney Marriage Family Therapist605.0★ (8)13 mi
48Rosa Izquierdo602.9★ (15)16 mi
49Nancy's Counseling Corner604.6★ (22)14 mi
50Robert Z Belanger, MA LMFT604.0★ (5)13 mi

Also serving Laguna Niguel

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

Unranked couples therapists serving Laguna Niguel
BusinessGoogle ratingDistance
Brian Thompson Therapy1.0★ (2)In Laguna Niguel
Burnett Darrell PHDIn Laguna Niguel
Carol R. Hughes, Ph.D., L.M.F.T5.0★ (3)In Laguna Niguel
Center For Family & ChildIn Laguna Niguel
Chernekoff Dennis5.0★ (1)In Laguna Niguel
Cohen Julie B PhD2.3★ (6)In Laguna Niguel
Donna Gugliotta, LMFTIn Laguna Niguel
Dr. Delagarza Health & WellnessIn Laguna Niguel
Dr. Sherry King PHD, MFTIn Laguna Niguel
Ellen Gecht, MFTIn Laguna Niguel
Griffin Michael T5.0★ (1)In Laguna Niguel
Holly Plummer5.0★ (1)In Laguna Niguel
Karen DePriest, LCSW5.0★ (1)In Laguna Niguel
Kim Quickel Ms Mfcc4.3★ (10)In Laguna Niguel
Kimberly Quickel1.0★ (1)In Laguna Niguel
McMackin Psychotherapy5.0★ (6)In Laguna Niguel
Mrs. Karen Schadrack5.0★ (1)In Laguna Niguel
Randy Moraitis, PhD OC Mental Health & Wellness5.0★ (7)In Laguna Niguel
Rejuve Counseling Laguna Niguel5.0★ (9)In Laguna Niguel
Rhonda A. Butters LMFT5.0★ (2)In Laguna Niguel

How we ranked Laguna Niguel couples therapists

We scored 189 Laguna Niguel couples 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.

Read the full method: formula, sources and exclusions

RP Score factors and weights
FactorWeightComputed fromIn Laguna Niguel 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 couples therapist

  1. Check the license with the state or provincial board that issued it; most boards publish a free online lookup.
  2. Make sure couples and marriage counseling is a regular part of their work, and ask what approach they use and why.
  3. Ask what training they have in couples work specifically (for example the Gottman Method or Emotionally Focused Therapy).
  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 couples 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 couples and marriage counseling?
  • Do you also see each partner on their own?
  • 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.

Couples therapists in Laguna Niguel: frequently asked questions

Who is the best couples therapist in Laguna Niguel?

By RP Score, the highest-ranked couples therapist in Laguna Niguel, CA is Luisa Contreras, Marriage & Sex Therapist with an RP Score of 74/100. It has 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews. It is open 7 days a week. Gregory Berry, MFT, PsyD (#2) and Marriage by God (#3) follow. We ranked 189 couples therapists on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.

How many couples therapists are there in Laguna Niguel?

RankedPsychologists ranks 189 couples therapists serving Laguna Niguel, CA. 4 of them are based in Laguna Niguel; the rest serve it from nearby towns. Another 20 within 20 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 couples therapists in Laguna Niguel work on weekends?

71 of 189 ranked couples therapists post Saturday hours and 25 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Luisa Contreras, Marriage & Sex Therapist (#1), Irvine Family Counseling (#4) and Richard M. Vogel, MFT (#5). Posted hours are office hours; many practices also offer evening or online sessions by appointment.

What Google rating do Laguna Niguel couples therapists have?

The median Google rating among 189 rated couples therapists in Laguna Niguel is 5.0★, with a median of 7 reviews. Dr. Shirin Nooravi has the most, 213 reviews, and ranks #17. We adjust ratings for review count, so a few five-star reviews cannot top the list.

How does RankedPsychologists rank couples therapists?

Each couples 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 couples therapists outside Laguna Niguel count in this ranking?

Yes, if they are within 20 mi of the Laguna Niguel city center, our service radius for couples 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 couples 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 couples therapists in Laguna Niguel ranked?

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

Do both partners need to come to couples therapy?

Most couples therapists prefer to see both partners, at least at first, but many will start with one. Ask how they handle individual sessions. If there is violence or fear in the relationship, tell the therapist privately; many do not offer joint sessions in that situation.

Can I see a couples 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 Laguna Niguel

  1. November 2026: RP Scores recalculated for 189 couples therapists serving Laguna Niguel.