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Best Couples Therapists in Rancho Penasquitos, CA (2026)

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

The short answer

  1. 1

    Best overall in Rancho Penasquitos: Renova San Diego - Carmel Mountain, RP Score 72/100; 4.0★ from 4 Google reviews.

  2. 2

    Most-reviewed: Closeness — Sex & Intimacy Coach, San Diego, 80 Google reviews at 4.9★, the most of 300 ranked; ranked #2.

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

300 Rancho Penasquitos couples therapists are ranked here by RP Score, from eight published factors. 156 open Saturdays and 26 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 5.0★ across 300 rated practices.

Top 10 couples therapists in Rancho Penasquitos 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 Rancho Penasquitos at a glance
RankBusinessRP ScoreGoogle ratingBased inHoursBest for
1Renova San Diego - Carmel Mountain724.0★ (4)San Diego, 3 mi away—Overall
2Closeness — Sex & Intimacy Coach, San Diego724.9★ (80)San Diego, 9 mi awaySat · SunMost reviews
3Victoria Rosario, LMFT713.0★ (6)San Diego, 5 mi away——
4Elizabeth Donahue-Marucheau, LCSW, BCD715.0★ (15)San Diego, 7 mi awaySat · Sun · Evenings—
5Gloria Lizarraga Mft715.0★ (3)Poway, 6 mi away——
6Halcyon Family Health705.0★ (12)San Diego, 5 mi awaySat · Evenings—
7San Diego Couples & Family Therapy704.7★ (52)San Diego, 7 mi awaySat · Evenings—
8Marriage Counseling Of San Diego705.0★ (14)Chula Vista, 9 mi awaySat · Sun · Evenings—
9Relationships Redefined- Nikki Nolet:Online Individual & Couples Therapy695.0★ (12)Encinitas, 9 mi away——
10Enamory695.0★ (19)San Diego, 7 mi awaySat · Evenings—

The 300 best couples therapists in Rancho Penasquitos, 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 Rancho Penasquitos

    Based in San Diego, 3 mi away

    72/100RP Score

    Ranked #1 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 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
    12396 World Trade Dr Suite 109, San Diego, CA 92128
  2. Based in San Diego, 9 mi away

    72/100RP Score

    Ranked #2 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 4.9★ from 80 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.9★ from 80 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 7 AM–4:30 PM · Sat–Sun 7 AM–3 PM
    Address
    4455 Murphy Canyon Rd Ste 100, San Diego, CA 92123
  3. Based in San Diego, 5 mi away

    71/100RP Score

    Ranked #3 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 3.0★ from 6 Google reviews.

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

    • 3.0★ from 6 Google reviews
    Address
    16935 W Bernardo Dr, San Diego, CA 92127
  4. Based in San Diego, 7 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 15 Google reviews.

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

    • 5.0★ from 15 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon 10 AM–3:30 PM · Tue 10 AM–4 PM · Wed–Thu 10 AM–3:30 PM · Fri 4 PM–7 PM · Sat 9 AM–4:30 PM · Sun 9 AM–12 PM
    Address
    5405 Morehouse Dr Suite 330, San Diego, CA 92121
  5. Based in Poway, 6 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 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews
    Address
    14261 Danielson St B, Poway, CA 92064
  6. Based in San Diego, 5 mi away

    70/100RP Score

    Ranked #6 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 9 AM–7 PM · Wed–Sat 9 AM–5 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    Process Servers call for service address, 10455 Pomerado Rd Bldg a, San Diego, CA 92131
  7. 69/100RP Score

    Ranked #9 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 5.0★ from 12 Google reviews.

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

    • 5.0★ from 12 Google reviews
    Address
    1155 Camino Del Mar Suite 207, Del Mar, CA 92014
  8. Based in San Diego, 7 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 19 Google reviews.

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

    • 5.0★ from 19 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–8 PM · Sat 10 AM–6 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    12625 High Bluff Dr #101, San Diego, CA 92130
  9. Based in San Diego, 4 mi away

    69/100RP Score

    Ranked #11 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 3.9★ from 14 Google reviews.

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

    • 3.9★ from 14 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon closed · Tue–Thu 11 AM–8 PM · Fri 11 AM–7:30 PM · Sat 11 AM–6 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    16496 Bernardo Center Dr, San Diego, CA 92128
  10. Based in San Diego, 5 mi away

    68/100RP Score

    Ranked #13 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 closed · Wed–Fri 11:30 AM–6:30 PM · Sat 11:30 AM–5 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    11440 W Bernardo Ct #200, San Diego, CA 92127
  11. Based in La Jolla, 9 mi away

    67/100RP Score

    Ranked #14 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
    3252 Holiday Ct #106, La Jolla, CA 92037
  12. Based in Escondido, 10 mi away

    67/100RP Score

    Ranked #15 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
    474 W Vermont Ave, Escondido, CA 920256584
  13. Based in La Jolla, 12 mi away

    66/100RP Score

    Ranked #16 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–Thu 8 AM–8:30 PM · Fri 8 AM–6:30 PM · Sat–Sun 9 AM–3 PM
    Address
    7946 Ivanhoe Ave #304, La Jolla, CA 92037
  14. Based in San Diego, 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 80 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.9★ from 80 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–9 PM · Sat 9 AM–4 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    3333 Camino del Rio S Unit 215, San Diego, CA 92108
  15. Based in San Diego, 5 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 5 Google reviews.

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

    • 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 10 AM–7 PM · Fri 10 AM–3 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    11405 W Bernardo Ct, San Diego, CA 92127
  16. Based in Escondido, 11 mi away

    66/100RP Score

    Ranked #19 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
    135 E 3rd Ave, Escondido, CA 92025
  17. Based in La Jolla, 11 mi away

    65/100RP Score

    Ranked #20 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 4.8★ from 17 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.8★ from 17 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 10 AM–7 PM · Sat 9 AM–5 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    2255 Avenida De La Playa #4A, La Jolla, CA 92037
  18. Based in San Diego, 15 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 25 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.8★ from 25 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–8 PM · Sat 8 AM–2 PM · Sun 8 AM–5 PM
    Address
    2251 San Diego Ave Ste B - 150, San Diego, CA 92110
  19. Based in Encinitas, 11 mi away

    65/100RP Score

    Ranked #22 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 5.0★ from 34 Google reviews.

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

    • 5.0★ from 34 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Wed closed · Thu–Sat 9 AM–5 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    662 Encinitas Blvd #248, Encinitas, CA 92024
  20. Based in Encinitas, 12 mi away

    64/100RP Score

    Ranked #23 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
    130 W E St, Encinitas, CA 92024
  21. Based in Encinitas, 8 mi away

    64/100RP Score

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

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

    • 5.0★ from 24 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 11 AM–6 PM · Fri–Sun closed
    Address
    STE 300, 445 Marine View Ave, Del Mar, CA 92014
  22. Based in San Diego, 16 mi away

    64/100RP Score

    Ranked #25 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 4.2★ from 46 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.2★ from 46 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–8 PM · Sat–Sun 9 AM–6 PM
    Address
    2729 Fourth Ave Ste 2, San Diego, CA 92103

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

couples therapists in Rancho Penasquitos, ranks 26 to 50
RankBusinessRP ScoreGoogle ratingDistance
26Lambert Couples Therapy644.9★ (12)7 mi
27David Peters, MFT645.0★ (3)13 mi
28Dr. Cassidy & Co | Therapy for Parents & Postpartum Support645.0★ (27)18 mi
29Fawcett Psychology, Inc.635.0★ (4)14 mi
30Dr. Mark Gregory Karris635.0★ (14)14 mi
31Chappell Therapy635.0★ (4)13 mi
32Saranne Wilson, LMFT634.0★ (4)14 mi
33Couple Connection San Diego625.0★ (10)11 mi
34Elizabeth Harden621.0★ (3)14 mi
35Ian M. Cotton, MFT623.0★ (4)14 mi
36Pederson Marriage and Family Therapy625.0★ (3)15 mi
37Tami Chelew Therapy623.7★ (3)9 mi
38New Growth Counseling in Carlsbad624.6★ (18)19 mi
39Kirby Wohlander, M.S.W., L.C.S.W., Psychotherapist and Couples Counselor624.9★ (8)3 mi
40Integrative Couples Therapy614.6★ (11)11 mi
41Lori Underwood Therapy615.0★ (38)13 mi
42Waves of Therapy615.0★ (7)11 mi
43Dana McNeil Counseling and Therapy615.0★ (6)16 mi
44Spiritual Therapy Center615.0★ (7)16 mi
45Restoration Therapy Center of SD615.0★ (4)16 mi
46Couples Workshops and Counseling Dr. Diana Weiss-Wisdom, Licensed Psychologist Psy#12476.615.0★ (4)In Rancho Penasquitos
47San Diego Christian Counseling604.9★ (78)7 mi
48Brinkmann Center - Miriam T. Brinkmann, PhD, MFT605.0★ (13)17 mi
49Cristina Trette, Couples Therapist605.0★ (4)11 mi
50James Staunton, MFT605.0★ (3)15 mi

Also serving Rancho Penasquitos

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 Rancho Penasquitos
BusinessGoogle ratingDistance
Aries RoH Spiritual TransformativeIn Rancho Penasquitos
Cognitive Therapy and Training Center, Inc5.0★ (2)5 mi
David L Christopher Marriage Counseling San Diego3.0★ (2)4 mi
Dr. Tracy Wutzke3.0★ (2)4 mi
Dr. Yamilka Urquiza Mendoza3.0★ (2)4 mi
Feldenkrais Southern California Movement Institute / Donna Ray, MFT5.0★ (2)10 mi
Hold Me Tight Workshop5.0★ (2)4 mi
Jennifer Konzen, PsyD5.0★ (2)1 mi
Merylee Robbins, LMFTIn Rancho Penasquitos
Naomi Midura, Counselor5.0★ (2)7 mi
Paraclete Consulting & Counseling5.0★ (2)10 mi
Patricia Fiamengo, Counselor5.0★ (2)10 mi
Rachel Levinson Therapy5.0★ (2)4 mi
Rich Hycner, PhD5.0★ (2)9 mi
Samantha Lumula, LMFTIn Rancho Penasquitos
Scripps Marriage Therapy5.0★ (2)4 mi
Sharon Boivin, Psychologist4.0★ (2)10 mi
Sherry Reasbeck3.0★ (2)5 mi
The Center for Men's Excellence, Psychological Services5.0★ (2)6 mi
Zohreh Sadatrafiei3.0★ (2)9 mi

How we ranked Rancho Penasquitos couples therapists

We scored 300 Rancho Penasquitos 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 Rancho Penasquitos 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 Rancho Penasquitos: frequently asked questions

Who is the best couples therapist in Rancho Penasquitos?

By RP Score, the highest-ranked couples therapist in Rancho Penasquitos, CA is Renova San Diego - Carmel Mountain with an RP Score of 72/100. It has 4.0★ from 4 Google reviews. Closeness — Sex & Intimacy Coach, San Diego (#2) and Victoria Rosario, LMFT (#3) follow. We ranked 300 couples therapists on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.

How many couples therapists are there in Rancho Penasquitos?

RankedPsychologists ranks 300 couples therapists serving Rancho Penasquitos, CA. 1 of them is based in Rancho Penasquitos; 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 Rancho Penasquitos work on weekends?

156 of 300 ranked couples therapists post Saturday hours and 26 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Closeness — Sex & Intimacy Coach, San Diego (#2), Elizabeth Donahue-Marucheau, LCSW, BCD (#4) and Halcyon Family Health (#6). Posted hours are office hours; many practices also offer evening or online sessions by appointment.

What Google rating do Rancho Penasquitos couples therapists have?

The median Google rating among 300 rated couples therapists in Rancho Penasquitos is 5.0★, with a median of 8 reviews. Closeness — Sex & Intimacy Coach, San Diego has the most, 80 reviews, and ranks #2. 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 Rancho Penasquitos count in this ranking?

Yes, if they are within 20 mi of the Rancho Penasquitos 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 Rancho Penasquitos 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 Rancho Penasquitos

  1. November 2026: RP Scores recalculated for 300 couples therapists serving Rancho Penasquitos.