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Best Couples Therapists in Walnut Creek, CA (2026)

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

The short answer

  1. 1

    Best overall in Walnut Creek: Di Rienzo Julia, RP Score 77/100; 4.4★ from 7 Google reviews.

  2. 42

    Most-reviewed: Caree Brown Psychotherapy, 70 Google reviews at 4.8★, the most of 144 ranked; ranked #42.

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

144 Walnut Creek couples therapists are ranked here by RP Score, from eight published factors. 42 open Saturdays and 26 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 5.0★ across 144 rated practices.

Top 10 couples therapists in Walnut Creek 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 Walnut Creek at a glance
RankBusinessRP ScoreGoogle ratingBased inHoursBest for
1Di Rienzo Julia774.4★ (7)Walnut Creek—Overall
2Institute of Mindful Therapy Inc.763.8★ (16)Walnut CreekSat · Sun · Evenings—
3My Mental Climb715.0★ (7)Walnut CreekEvenings—
4Walnut Creek Therapists - Matthew Rojo LMFT714.5★ (16)Walnut Creek——
5Cynthia Mansur, MFT714.8★ (44)Lafayette, 3 mi awayEvenings—
6Mahsa Lindeman, LMFT714.3★ (6)Walnut CreekEvenings—
7Aimee Ames Coaching705.0★ (5)Walnut Creek——
8Renewed Relationships Counseling Group705.0★ (17)Danville, 7 mi awaySat · Evenings—
9Teagan Darnell Therapy694.0★ (3)Walnut CreekEvenings—
10The Couples Center695.0★ (8)Berkeley, 10 mi awaySat · Sun · Evenings—

The 144 best couples therapists in Walnut Creek, 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 Walnut Creek

    Based in Walnut Creek

    77/100RP Score

    Ranked #1 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 4.4★ from 7 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.4★ from 7 Google reviews
    Address
    1460 Maria Ln #310, Walnut Creek, CA 94596
  2. Based in Walnut Creek

    71/100RP Score

    Ranked #3 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–7 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    1460 Maria Ln #300, Walnut Creek, CA 94596
  3. Based in Lafayette, 3 mi away

    71/100RP Score

    Ranked #5 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 4.8★ from 44 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.8★ from 44 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 11 AM–9 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    3468 Mount Diablo Blvd b301, Lafayette, CA 94549
  4. Based in Walnut Creek

    71/100RP Score

    Ranked #6 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 4.3★ from 6 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.3★ from 6 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–7 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    150 N Wiget Ln #208, Walnut Creek, CA 94598
  5. Based in Walnut Creek

    70/100RP Score

    Ranked #7 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 closed · Tue–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    2363 Boulevard Cir, Walnut Creek, CA 94595
  6. Based in Danville, 7 mi away

    70/100RP Score

    Ranked #8 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 5.0★ from 17 Google reviews.

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

    • 5.0★ from 17 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 8 AM–8 PM · Fri 8 AM–6 PM · Sat 9 AM–12 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    822 Hartz Way Ste 215, Danville, CA 94526
  7. Based in Walnut Creek

    69/100RP Score

    Ranked #9 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 4.0★ from 3 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.0★ from 3 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 11 AM–7 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    1931 San Miguel Dr #210, Walnut Creek, CA 94596
  8. Based in Berkeley, 10 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 8 Google reviews.

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

    • 5.0★ from 8 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–9 PM · Sat–Sun 9 AM–5 PM
    Address
    2930 Domingo Ave #1201, Berkeley, CA 94705
  9. Based in Berkeley, 11 mi away

    68/100RP Score

    Ranked #11 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 4.7★ from 12 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.7★ from 12 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sun 8 AM–10 PM
    Address
    1708 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94709
  10. Based in Berkeley, 11 mi away

    68/100RP Score

    Ranked #12 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 9 AM–10 PM · Sat–Sun 1 PM–5 PM
    Address
    3179 College Ave, Berkeley, CA 94705
  11. Based in Oakland, 11 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 9 Google reviews.

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

    • 5.0★ from 9 Google reviews
    Address
    5767 Broadway #101, Oakland, CA 94618
  12. Based in Oakland, 11 mi away

    66/100RP 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
    5625 College Ave, Oakland, CA 94618
  13. Based in Oakland, 11 mi away

    66/100RP Score

    Ranked #16 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 2.3★ from 3 Google reviews.

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

    • 2.3★ from 3 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sun 7 AM–10 PM
    Address
    5237 College Ave, Oakland, CA 94618
  14. Based in San Ramon, 13 mi away

    66/100RP Score

    Ranked #17 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 4.4★ from 7 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.4★ from 7 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 9 AM–7 PM · Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun 9 AM–4 PM
    Address
    9935 Alcosta Blvd, San Ramon, CA 94583
  15. 66/100RP Score

    Ranked #18 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 4.8★ from 8 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.8★ from 8 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 9:30 AM–9:30 PM · Wed 9 AM–9:30 PM · Thu 9:30 AM–3:30 PM · Fri 9 AM–1 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    425 El Pintado Rd Ste 150, Danville, CA 94526
  16. 66/100RP Score

    Ranked #20 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 9 AM–8 PM · Fri 9 AM–6 PM · Sat 10 AM–3 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    1460 Maria Ln Suite, 300, Walnut Creek, CA 94596
  17. Based in Oakland, 11 mi away

    65/100RP Score

    Ranked #21 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 5.0★ from 8 Google reviews.

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

    • 5.0★ from 8 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–9 PM · Sat closed · Sun 12 PM–5 PM
    Address
    4283 Piedmont Ave a2, Oakland, CA 94611
  18. Based in Danville, 6 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 5 Google reviews.

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

    • 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon 9 AM–5 PM · Tue 10 AM–4 PM · Wed 9 AM–5 PM · Thu–Fri 10 AM–4 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    425 El Pintado Rd #138, Danville, CA 94526
  19. Based in Oakland, 11 mi away

    64/100RP Score

    Ranked #23 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–Wed 9 AM–7 PM · Thu 9 AM–6 PM · Fri 9 AM–1 PM · Sat 10 AM–12 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    5655 College Ave Ste 315 E, Oakland, CA 94618
  20. 64/100RP Score

    Ranked #24 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.

    • 5.0★ from 16 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–6 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    1600 S Main St, Walnut Creek, CA 94596
  21. Based in Lafayette, 3 mi away

    64/100RP Score

    Ranked #25 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.9★ from 57 Google reviews, 3 mi from Walnut Creek.

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

    • 4.9★ from 57 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sun 8:30 AM–10 PM
    Address
    251 Lafayette Cir Ste 330, Lafayette, CA 94549

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

couples therapists in Walnut Creek, ranks 26 to 50
RankBusinessRP ScoreGoogle ratingDistance
26Epiphany Kaye Coaching634.3★ (11)14 mi
27Wendy E. Maron, MA633.0★ (4)14 mi
28Revive Health Therapy635.0★ (3)In Walnut Creek
29Kimi Avary, Relationship Coach625.0★ (21)16 mi
30Mcintyre Judith625.0★ (3)16 mi
31Joan A. Pezanoski, MFT- Oakland Couples Therapy625.0★ (5)12 mi
32Kathleen Sims Counseling Walnut Creek - Anxiety, Depression & Couples Therapy625.0★ (4)In Walnut Creek
33Dana Cole, LMFT625.0★ (6)10 mi
34Sinead Smyth LMFT623.7★ (3)14 mi
35Tavio Counseling & Wellness625.0★ (12)13 mi
36Natasa Nordman, LMFT625.0★ (4)11 mi
37The Relationship Doc624.0★ (4)10 mi
38Clarence Youngs625.0★ (3)16 mi
39Nina Shilling615.0★ (4)12 mi
40Judye Hess PHD615.0★ (4)12 mi
41DOT Center615.0★ (6)13 mi
42Caree Brown Psychotherapy614.8★ (70)In Walnut Creek
43Central County Adult Mental Health Services612.7★ (21)5 mi
44Lisa Kaplan MFT614.0★ (7)11 mi
45Tessa Barrows, LMFT, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist615.0★ (14)4 mi
46Sierra Voss602.0★ (4)17 mi
47James V Moore PhD605.0★ (3)In Walnut Creek
48Connecting Pathways Trauma and Marriage Therapy, INC. (EMDR, IFS, and Couples Counseling)595.0★ (11)13 mi
49Dorothy Moore, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner595.0★ (24)In Walnut Creek
50Sarah Wagner, MFT MBA595.0★ (4)14 mi

Also serving Walnut Creek

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 Walnut Creek
BusinessGoogle ratingDistance
Aaron J. Feldman, LMFT5.0★ (1)In Walnut Creek
Advanced Psychiatry Associates4.6★ (420)In Walnut Creek
Center for Modern Therapy5.0★ (13)In Walnut Creek
COPE Family Support4.0★ (52)In Walnut Creek
Danielle Hetrick, Counselor5.0★ (2)In Walnut Creek
Deborah Raphael, Psychiatrist5.0★ (2)In Walnut Creek
Dr. Rehana Raheem, Psy. D.5.0★ (2)In Walnut Creek
Empowered Mind Therapy Center4.6★ (25)In Walnut Creek
Jim Nirenstein PhD MFT5.0★ (2)In Walnut Creek
Joseph Bentz, M.A., MFT5.0★ (1)In Walnut Creek
Kaiser mental health and wellness2.0★ (3)In Walnut Creek
Linder Counseling5.0★ (1)In Walnut Creek
Little Dove Counseling5.0★ (18)In Walnut Creek
Lynda MacBeath, Psychiatrist5.0★ (8)In Walnut Creek
Miles Hedgpeth, Counselor3.5★ (2)In Walnut Creek
Remarkable Services3.0★ (4)In Walnut Creek
Shannon Rogers, LMFT I Walnut Creek Therapist5.0★ (6)In Walnut Creek
Silver Fern Child & Family Therapy, Inc.5.0★ (2)In Walnut Creek
The Couples Center5.0★ (2)In Walnut Creek
Valerie Hodgskiss, LMFT5.0★ (2)In Walnut Creek

How we ranked Walnut Creek couples therapists

We scored 144 Walnut Creek 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 Walnut Creek 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 Walnut Creek: frequently asked questions

Who is the best couples therapist in Walnut Creek?

By RP Score, the highest-ranked couples therapist in Walnut Creek, CA is Di Rienzo Julia with an RP Score of 77/100. It has 4.4★ from 7 Google reviews. Institute of Mindful Therapy Inc. (#2) and My Mental Climb (#3) follow. We ranked 144 couples therapists on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.

How many couples therapists are there in Walnut Creek?

RankedPsychologists ranks 144 couples therapists serving Walnut Creek, CA. 14 of them are based in Walnut Creek; 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 Walnut Creek work on weekends?

42 of 144 ranked couples therapists post Saturday hours and 26 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Institute of Mindful Therapy Inc. (#2), Renewed Relationships Counseling Group (#8) and The Couples Center (#10). Posted hours are office hours; many practices also offer evening or online sessions by appointment.

What Google rating do Walnut Creek couples therapists have?

The median Google rating among 144 rated couples therapists in Walnut Creek is 5.0★, with a median of 6 reviews. Caree Brown Psychotherapy has the most, 70 reviews, and ranks #42. 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 Walnut Creek count in this ranking?

Yes, if they are within 20 mi of the Walnut Creek 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 Walnut Creek 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 Walnut Creek

  1. November 2026: RP Scores recalculated for 144 couples therapists serving Walnut Creek.
  2. November 2026: 1 duplicate listing merged.