68/100RP Score
Ranked #1 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Family counselor”, 5.0★ from 12 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Best Family Therapists in Des Plaines, IL (2026)
398 family therapists ranked by RP ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →
The short answer
- 1
Best overall in Des Plaines: Skylight Counseling Center, RP Score 68/100; 5.0★ from 12 Google reviews; open 7 days a week.
- 18
Most-reviewed: LifeStance Therapists & Psychiatrists Park Ridge, 73 Google reviews at 4.4★, the most of 398 ranked; ranked #18.
Rankings can't be bought. Psychologists can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank
398 Des Plaines family therapists are ranked here by RP Score, from eight published factors. 283 open Saturdays and 160 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.7★ across 398 rated practices.
Top 10 family therapists in Des Plaines 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 | Skylight Counseling Center | 68 | 5.0★ (12) | Evanston, 10 mi away | Sat · Sun · Evenings | Overall |
| 2 | Family Resilience Group | 68 | 4.1★ (7) | Arlington Heights, 9 mi away | — | — |
| 3 | Insight Family Therapy | 67 | 5.0★ (4) | Skokie, 7 mi away | Sat · Evenings | — |
| 4 | Dandelion Therapeutic Art Center | 66 | 4.2★ (10) | Chicago, 12 mi away | Sat · Sun · Evenings | — |
| 5 | Bridge Youth & Family Services | 64 | 3.4★ (13) | Palatine, 10 mi away | Sat · Evenings | — |
| 6 | Fables Counseling, Education, and Consulting | 64 | 5.0★ (7) | Chicago, 12 mi away | Sat · Evenings | — |
| 7 | My Husband is My Best Friend | 63 | 3.3★ (6) | Chicago, 18 mi away | Sat · Sun · Evenings | — |
| 8 | Solway Psychology | 63 | 4.1★ (9) | Chicago, 12 mi away | Sat · Evenings | — |
| 9 | Empowering Options | 63 | 2.3★ (3) | Chicago, 12 mi away | — | — |
| 10 | New Prairie Counseling Center | 63 | 5.0★ (4) | Elmhurst, 12 mi away | Evenings | — |
The 398 best family therapists in Des Plaines, 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 Arlington Heights, 9 mi away
68/100RP ScoreRanked #2 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Family counselor”, 4.1★ from 7 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Skokie, 7 mi away
67/100RP ScoreRanked #3 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 Chicago, 12 mi away
66/100RP ScoreRanked #4 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Family counselor”, 4.2★ from 10 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Palatine, 10 mi away
64/100RP ScoreRanked #5 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Family counselor”, 3.4★ from 13 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Chicago, 12 mi away
64/100RP ScoreRanked #6 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Family counselor”, 5.0★ from 7 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Chicago, 18 mi away
63/100RP ScoreRanked #7 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Family counselor”, 3.3★ from 6 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Chicago, 12 mi away
63/100RP ScoreRanked #8 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Family counselor”, 4.1★ from 9 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Chicago, 12 mi away
63/100RP ScoreRanked #9 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Family counselor”, 2.3★ from 3 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Elmhurst, 12 mi away
63/100RP ScoreRanked #10 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 Chicago, 11 mi away
63/100RP ScoreRanked #11 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Family counselor”, 3.0★ from 4 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Skokie, 7 mi away
63/100RP ScoreRanked #12 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Family counselor”, 2.7★ from 7 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Wheaton, 17 mi away
62/100RP ScoreRanked #13 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Family counselor”, 5.0★ from 6 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Chicago, 4 mi away
62/100RP ScoreRanked #14 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.7★ from 64 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Chicago, 9 mi away
62/100RP ScoreRanked #15 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Family counselor”, 3.5★ from 6 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Park Ridge, 3 mi away
62/100RP ScoreRanked #16 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.5★ from 31 Google reviews, 3 mi from Des Plaines.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Skokie, 7 mi away
62/100RP ScoreRanked #17 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 3.8★ from 6 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Park Ridge, 4 mi away
62/100RP ScoreRanked #18 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.4★ from 73 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Park Ridge, 4 mi away
61/100RP ScoreRanked #19 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.8★ from 22 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Wheaton, 16 mi away
61/100RP ScoreRanked #20 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Family counselor”, 3.7★ from 6 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Hoffman Estates, 13 mi away
61/100RP ScoreRanked #21 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Family counselor”, 5.0★ from 25 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Park Ridge, 4 mi away
61/100RP ScoreRanked #22 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.7★ from 15 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Vernon Hills, 15 mi away
61/100RP ScoreRanked #23 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Family counselor”, 4.2★ from 5 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Northbrook, 9 mi away
60/100RP ScoreRanked #24 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Park Ridge, 4 mi away
60/100RP ScoreRanked #25 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.9★ from 8 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.
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 398 ranked family therapists here; the rest are on their profiles.
Also serving Des Plaines
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.
How we ranked Des Plaines family therapists
We scored 398 Des Plaines 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 Des Plaines 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 Des Plaines: frequently asked questions
Who is the best family therapist in Des Plaines?
By RP Score, the highest-ranked family therapist in Des Plaines, IL is Skylight Counseling Center with an RP Score of 68/100. It has 5.0★ from 12 Google reviews. It is open 7 days a week. Family Resilience Group (#2) and Insight Family Therapy (#3) follow. We ranked 398 family therapists on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.
How many family therapists are there in Des Plaines?
RankedPsychologists ranks 398 family therapists serving Des Plaines, IL. 1 of them is based in Des Plaines; 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 Des Plaines work on weekends?
283 of 398 ranked family therapists post Saturday hours and 160 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Skylight Counseling Center (#1), Insight Family Therapy (#3) and Dandelion Therapeutic Art Center (#4). Posted hours are office hours; many practices also offer evening or online sessions by appointment.
What Google rating do Des Plaines family therapists have?
The median Google rating among 398 rated family therapists in Des Plaines is 4.7★, with a median of 9 reviews. LifeStance Therapists & Psychiatrists Park Ridge has the most, 73 reviews, and ranks #18. 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 Des Plaines count in this ranking?
Yes, if they are within 20 mi of the Des Plaines 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 Des Plaines 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 Des Plaines
- November 2026: RP Scores recalculated for 398 family therapists serving Des Plaines.
- November 2026: 1 duplicate listing merged.
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- Anxiety and OCD therapists in Des Plaines27 ranked
- Trauma and PTSD therapists in Des Plaines62 ranked
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