Skip to content

Best Couples Therapists in San Marcos, TX (2026)

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

The short answer

  1. 1

    Best overall in San Marcos: Jennifer Jones, Counseling & Consulting, RP Score 70/100; 4.3★ from 12 Google reviews.

  2. 5

    Most-reviewed: LifeStance Therapists & Psychiatrists San Marcos, 365 Google reviews at 4.4★, the most of 38 ranked; ranked #5.

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

38 San Marcos couples therapists are ranked here by RP Score, from eight published factors. 3 open Saturdays and 2 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.7★ across 38 rated practices.

Top 10 couples therapists 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.

Top 10 couples therapists in San Marcos at a glance
RankBusinessRP ScoreGoogle ratingBased inHoursBest for
1Jennifer Jones, Counseling & Consulting704.3★ (12)San Marcos—Overall
2Zully Paulin, Counselor694.4★ (5)San Marcos——
3Kathie N Cleveland615.0★ (5)San Marcos——
4Cedar Creek Associates603.4★ (12)San Marcos——
5LifeStance Therapists & Psychiatrists San Marcos594.4★ (365)San Marcos—Most reviews
6Mallori Hernandez, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner595.0★ (35)San Marcos——
7Yi Zhang, Psychiatrist594.7★ (61)San Marcos——
8Sussana Howard, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner594.7★ (51)San Marcos——
9Brandy Gomez, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner584.7★ (34)San Marcos——
10Bright Light Marriage and Family Therapy585.0★ (43)Kyle, 13 mi awaySat · Evenings—

The 38 best couples therapists 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.

  2. #2 Zully Paulin, Counselor

    Based in San Marcos

    69/100RP Score

    Ranked #2 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–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    151 Stagecoach Trail Suite 220, San Marcos, TX 78666
    View profile for Zully Paulin, Counselor(737) 277-4221

  3. #3 Kathie N Cleveland

    Based in San Marcos

    61/100RP Score

    Ranked #3 because of its Google rating and proximity: 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews, based in San Marcos.

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

    • 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews
    Address
    829 N LBJ Dr #210, San Marcos, TX 78666
    View profile for Kathie N Cleveland(512) 353-3103

  7. #7 Yi Zhang, Psychiatrist

    Based in San Marcos

    59/100RP Score

    Ranked #7 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.7★ from 61 Google reviews, based in San Marcos.

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

    • 4.7★ from 61 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    151 Stagecoach Trail Suite 220, San Marcos, TX 78666
    View profile for Yi Zhang, Psychiatrist(737) 277-4221

  10. #10 Bright Light Marriage and Family Therapy

    Based in Kyle, 13 mi away

    58/100RP Score

    Ranked #10 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 43 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.

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

    • 5.0★ from 43 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Wed 9 AM–8 PM · Thu–Fri 9 AM–7 PM · Sat 9 AM–3 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    6757 Ranch to Market Rd 3237 Ste B, Driftwood, TX 78619
    View profile for Bright Light Marriage and Family Therapy(956) 249-7930

  14. #14 Lynne Pierce, Counselor

    Based in San Marcos

    57/100RP Score

    Ranked #14 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.9★ from 13 Google reviews, based in San Marcos.

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

    • 4.9★ from 13 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    151 Stagecoach Trail Suite 220, San Marcos, TX 78666
    View profile for Lynne Pierce, Counselor(737) 277-4221

  17. #17 Barry Mills, Psychiatrist

    Based in San Marcos

    57/100RP Score

    Ranked #17 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.2★ from 24 Google reviews, based in San Marcos.

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

    • 4.2★ from 24 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    151 Stagecoach Trail Suite 220, San Marcos, TX 78666
    View profile for Barry Mills, Psychiatrist(737) 277-4221

  18. #18 Kotin Psychology

    Based in San Marcos

    57/100RP Score

    Ranked #18 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.0★ from 16 Google reviews, based in San Marcos.

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

    • 4.0★ from 16 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–6 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    2106 Quail Run Dr, San Marcos, TX 78666
    View profile for Kotin Psychology(512) 392-8106

  19. #19 Juli Acuna, Counselor

    Based in San Marcos

    57/100RP Score

    Ranked #19 because of its Google rating and proximity: 5.0★ from 7 Google reviews, based in San Marcos.

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

    • 5.0★ from 7 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    151 Stagecoach Trail Ste 220, San Marcos, TX 78666
    View profile for Juli Acuna, Counselor(737) 277-4221

  22. #22 Betsey Johnson, Counselor

    Based in San Marcos

    56/100RP Score

    Ranked #22 because of its Google rating and proximity: 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews, based in San Marcos.

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

    • 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    151 Stagecoach Trail Suite 220, San Marcos, TX 78666
    View profile for Betsey Johnson, Counselor(737) 277-4221

  25. #25 Knowing Connection Therapy, Jessica Johnson, LMFT, LPC

    Based in New Braunfels, 17 mi away

    55/100RP Score

    Ranked #25 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 4.5★ from 4 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.5★ from 4 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 9 AM–5 PM · Fri 9 AM–3 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    457 Landa St Ste D, New Braunfels, TX 78130
    View profile for Knowing Connection Therapy, Jessica Johnson, LMFT, LPC(512) 643-3815

All 38 couples therapists

#1 to #25 are shown in full above. Here are #26 to #38, in RP Score order; each links to its profile.

couples therapists in San Marcos, ranks 26 to 38
RankBusinessRP ScoreGoogle ratingDistance
26Relational Family Therapy, PLLC554.0★ (4)17 mi
27New Braunfels Counseling Center524.6★ (137)14 mi
28South Austin Counseling483.9★ (10)15 mi
29Bloom family therapy and couples counseling475.0★ (8)18 mi
30Vikki Vanderhoeven, LMFT475.0★ (20)13 mi
31Family Care Center Therapy & Psychiatry - New Braunfels474.7★ (210)17 mi
32Christopher Hansen, LPC465.0★ (3)20 mi
33Cindy Hatcher LPC, LMFT - Revive Leadership445.0★ (17)17 mi
34New Ground Ministries445.0★ (7)16 mi
35Inmindout Emotional Wellness Center, LLC - New Braunfels444.2★ (90)17 mi
36RiverBend Counseling434.2★ (23)17 mi
37Heiser Counseling435.0★ (5)15 mi
38Delight Renken, LPCS434.4★ (19)18 mi

Also serving San Marcos

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 San Marcos
BusinessGoogle ratingDistance
Christine Brown, MFT5.0★ (1)In San Marcos
Counseling Center5.0★ (1)In San Marcos
Dawn Benjamin, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner5.0★ (1)In San Marcos
Expressive Hearts Counseling, PLLC5.0★ (1)In San Marcos
Grace Moon, Counselor5.0★ (1)In San Marcos
Hill Country MHDD Centers - Scheib Mental Health Clinic4.1★ (68)In San Marcos
Inmindout Emotional Wellness Centers, LLC - San Marcos4.0★ (18)In San Marcos
Jordan Robertson Therapy4.2★ (5)In San Marcos
Lindsay Templer, Counselor5.0★ (1)In San Marcos
Mary Katherine Kaiser MA, LPCS5.0★ (1)In San Marcos
Michele Frances Purvin, LCSW-S, LCDC, LLC & Associates5.0★ (10)In San Marcos
Nadja Hines, Counselor5.0★ (1)In San Marcos
Rachel Miller, Counselor5.0★ (1)In San Marcos
Ruth Covin-Weeks, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner5.0★ (2)In San Marcos
San Marcos Counseling, Laurie Musick LPC-S1.0★ (1)In San Marcos
San Marcos Psychotherapy Services5.0★ (1)In San Marcos
Springer Counseling5.0★ (1)In San Marcos
Steven Sharp, Psychiatrist4.6★ (13)In San Marcos
Therapy San Marcos5.0★ (6)In San Marcos
William P. Howard, PHD3.0★ (2)In San Marcos

How we ranked San Marcos couples therapists

We scored 38 San Marcos 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 San Marcos 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 San Marcos: frequently asked questions

Who is the best couples therapist in San Marcos?

By RP Score, the highest-ranked couples therapist in San Marcos, TX is Jennifer Jones, Counseling & Consulting with an RP Score of 70/100. It has 4.3★ from 12 Google reviews. Zully Paulin, Counselor (#2) and Kathie N Cleveland (#3) follow. We ranked 38 couples therapists on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.

How many couples therapists are there in San Marcos?

RankedPsychologists ranks 38 couples therapists serving San Marcos, TX. 23 of them are based in San Marcos; 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 San Marcos work on weekends?

3 of 38 ranked couples therapists post Saturday hours and 2 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays is Bright Light Marriage and Family Therapy (#10). Posted hours are office hours; many practices also offer evening or online sessions by appointment.

What Google rating do San Marcos couples therapists have?

The median Google rating among 38 rated couples therapists in San Marcos is 4.7★, with a median of 12 reviews. LifeStance Therapists & Psychiatrists San Marcos has the most, 365 reviews, and ranks #5. 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 San Marcos count in this ranking?

Yes, if they are within 20 mi of the San Marcos 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 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 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 San Marcos

  1. November 2026: RP Scores recalculated for 38 couples therapists serving San Marcos.

More couples therapists and San Marcos pages