72/100RP Score
Ranked #1 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Family counselor”, 3.7★ from 3 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Best Family Therapists in Boston, MA (2026)
195 family therapists ranked by RP ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →
The short answer
- 1
Best overall in Boston: Virginia Childs, LMHC, RP Score 72/100; 3.7★ from 3 Google reviews.
- 10
Most-reviewed: Thrive Boston Counseling and Psychotherapy, 171 Google reviews at 4.5★, the most of 195 ranked; ranked #10.
Rankings can't be bought. Psychologists can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank
195 Boston family therapists are ranked here by RP Score, from eight published factors. 79 open Saturdays and 33 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.7★ across 195 rated practices.
Top 10 family therapists in Boston 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 | Virginia Childs, LMHC | 72 | 3.7★ (3) | Cambridge, 3 mi away | — | Overall |
| 2 | Patricia Brady & Associates | 70 | 3.4★ (34) | Medford, 5 mi away | — | — |
| 3 | Emerge | 70 | 2.4★ (7) | Malden, 5 mi away | — | — |
| 4 | Parenting Journey | 67 | 5.0★ (4) | Somerville, 3 mi away | — | — |
| 5 | Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Boston | 67 | 4.8★ (129) | Boston | Sat · Sun · Evenings | — |
| 6 | Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Boston | 66 | 4.8★ (67) | Boston | Sat · Sun · Evenings | — |
| 7 | Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Boston | 65 | 4.5★ (111) | Boston | Sat · Sun · Evenings | — |
| 8 | Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry East Cambridge | 65 | 4.8★ (66) | Cambridge, 1 mi away | Sat · Sun · Evenings | — |
| 9 | Arise Consulting Service, Inc. | 64 | 4.8★ (16) | Waltham, 9 mi away | — | — |
| 10 | Thrive Boston Counseling and Psychotherapy | 64 | 4.5★ (171) | Cambridge, 3 mi away | Sat · Sun · Evenings | Most reviews |
The 195 best family therapists in Boston, 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 Medford, 5 mi away
70/100RP ScoreRanked #2 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Family counselor”, 3.4★ from 34 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
#3 Emerge
Based in Malden, 5 mi away
70/100RP ScoreRanked #3 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Family counselor”, 2.4★ from 7 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Somerville, 3 mi away
67/100RP ScoreRanked #4 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Family counselor”, 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Boston
67/100RP ScoreRanked #5 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.8★ from 129 Google reviews, based in Boston.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Boston
66/100RP ScoreRanked #6 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.8★ from 67 Google reviews, based in Boston.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Boston
65/100RP ScoreRanked #7 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.5★ from 111 Google reviews, based in Boston.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Cambridge, 1 mi away
65/100RP ScoreRanked #8 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.8★ from 66 Google reviews, 1 mi from Boston.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Waltham, 9 mi away
64/100RP ScoreRanked #9 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Family counselor”, 4.8★ from 16 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Cambridge, 3 mi away
64/100RP ScoreRanked #10 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.5★ from 171 Google reviews, 3 mi from Boston.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
#11 Kinder Mind
Based in Boston
63/100RP ScoreRanked #11 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.7★ from 15 Google reviews, based in Boston.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Brookline, 3 mi away
63/100RP ScoreRanked #12 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.7★ from 79 Google reviews, 3 mi from Boston.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Cambridge, 2 mi away
63/100RP ScoreRanked #13 because of its Google rating and proximity: 3.7★ from 6 Google reviews, 2 mi from Boston.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Somerville, 4 mi away
62/100RP ScoreRanked #14 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.8★ from 69 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Cambridge, 3 mi away
62/100RP ScoreRanked #15 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.1★ from 133 Google reviews, 3 mi from Boston.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Lynn, 9 mi away
62/100RP ScoreRanked #16 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Family counselor”, 3.4★ from 5 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Lynn, 10 mi away
61/100RP ScoreRanked #17 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 3.7★ from 3 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Brookline, 4 mi away
61/100RP ScoreRanked #18 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 68 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Boston
61/100RP ScoreRanked #19 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.2★ from 81 Google reviews, based in Boston.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Cambridge, 3 mi away
61/100RP ScoreRanked #20 because of its Google rating and proximity: 5.0★ from 6 Google reviews, 3 mi from Boston.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Boston
60/100RP ScoreRanked #21 because of its Google rating and proximity: 5.0★ from 73 Google reviews, based in Boston.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Newton, 7 mi away
60/100RP ScoreRanked #22 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.7★ from 80 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Medford, 3 mi away
60/100RP ScoreRanked #23 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.6★ from 9 Google reviews, 3 mi from Boston.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Boston
60/100RP ScoreRanked #24 because of its Google rating and proximity: 2.5★ from 21 Google reviews, based in Boston.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Watertown, 7 mi away
60/100RP ScoreRanked #25 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.5★ from 66 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Family 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 195 ranked family therapists here; the rest are on their profiles.
Also serving Boston
20 more family therapists within 20 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 |
|---|---|---|
| And Still We Rise, LLC | 4.2★ (10) | In Boston |
| APEX Behavioral Consulting | 3.0★ (8) | In Boston |
| Back Bay Mental Health | 4.6★ (31) | In Boston |
| Blue Gems ABA in Boston MA | 4.7★ (44) | In Boston |
| Boston Center for Health Psychology and Biofeedback | 5.0★ (6) | In Boston |
| Boston Child Study Center | 3.9★ (7) | In Boston |
| Boston Evening Therapy Associates, LLC | 4.8★ (58) | In Boston |
| CounselingUNLMTD | 5.0★ (7) | In Boston |
| Grow Therapy | 1.5★ (8) | In Boston |
| Joy Mental Fitness | 5.0★ (13) | In Boston |
| Kinsey & Associates | 4.6★ (10) | In Boston |
| Luminous Vitality Behavioral Health | 5.0★ (20) | In Boston |
| Monarch Mental Health LLC | 4.6★ (68) | In Boston |
| Naya Clinics | 4.7★ (14) | In Boston |
| OptiMindHealth | 3.8★ (17) | In Boston |
| Papakyrikos Therapy & Performance | 5.0★ (27) | In Boston |
| Psychiatry at Boston Medical Center | 2.7★ (21) | In Boston |
| Self Love Therapy LLC | 5.0★ (9) | In Boston |
| The Leggett Group, LLC | 2.0★ (10) | In Boston |
| Trust Therapeutics, LLC | 4.0★ (16) | In Boston |
How we ranked Boston family therapists
We scored 195 Boston family 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.
| Factor | Weight | Computed from | In Boston 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 family therapist
- Check the license with the state or provincial board that issued it; most boards publish a free online lookup.
- Make sure family therapy is a regular part of their work, and ask what approach they use and why.
- Marriage and family therapists (LMFT) are trained to work with families as a whole; psychologists and counselors may also offer family sessions, so ask about their training.
- 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 family 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 family therapy?
- Who would you want to attend the first session?
- 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.
Family therapists in Boston: frequently asked questions
Who is the best family therapist in Boston?
By RP Score, the highest-ranked family therapist in Boston, MA is Virginia Childs, LMHC with an RP Score of 72/100. It has 3.7★ from 3 Google reviews. Patricia Brady & Associates (#2) and Emerge (#3) follow. We ranked 195 family therapists on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.
How many family therapists are there in Boston?
RankedPsychologists ranks 195 family therapists serving Boston, MA. 18 of them are based in Boston; 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 family therapists in Boston work on weekends?
79 of 195 ranked family therapists post Saturday hours and 33 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Boston (#5), Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Boston (#6) and Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Boston (#7). Posted hours are office hours; many practices also offer evening or online sessions by appointment.
What Google rating do Boston family therapists have?
The median Google rating among 195 rated family therapists in Boston is 4.7★, with a median of 13 reviews. Thrive Boston Counseling and Psychotherapy has the most, 171 reviews, and ranks #10. We adjust ratings for review count, so a few five-star reviews cannot top the list.
How does RankedPsychologists rank family therapists?
Each family 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 family therapists outside Boston count in this ranking?
Yes, if they are within 20 mi of the Boston city center, our service radius for family 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 family 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 family therapists in Boston ranked?
Each practice gets an RP Score from 0 to 100 from 8 published factors, including its Google rating, how clearly it focuses on family therapy and how close it is. Sponsored placements are shown separately and never change rank. The score does not measure treatment outcomes.
Who attends family therapy?
It depends on the concern. Sessions may include the whole household, a parent and one child, or adult family members. Ask the practice how it decides who comes and whether it also sees people individually.
Can I see a family 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 Boston
- November 2026: RP Scores recalculated for 195 family therapists serving Boston.
More family therapists and Boston pages
Family therapists near Boston
- Family therapists in South Boston, MA196 ranked
- Family therapists in Cambridge, MA213 ranked
- Family therapists in Chelsea, MA194 ranked
- Family therapists in Somerville, MA215 ranked
- Family therapists in Everett, MA208 ranked
- Family therapists in Brookline, MA202 ranked
- Family therapists in Winthrop, MA171 ranked
- Family therapists in Revere, MA188 ranked
- Family therapists in Jamaica Plain, MA192 ranked
- Family therapists in Malden, MA211 ranked
Other specialties in Boston
- Psychologists in Boston294 ranked
- Therapists and counselors in Boston703 ranked
- Child and teen therapists in Boston135 ranked
- Couples therapists in Boston198 ranked
- Neuropsychologists in Boston34 ranked
- Psychological testing practices in Boston11 ranked
- Trauma and PTSD therapists in Boston17 ranked
- Eating disorder therapists in Boston24 ranked
- Psychiatrists in Boston586 ranked
- Clinical social workers in Boston106 ranked
- Addiction counselors in Boston281 ranked
- ABA therapy providers in Boston62 ranked
- All psychologists in Boston