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 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Best Family Therapists in Lake Forest, IL (2026)
149 family therapists ranked by RP ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →
The short answer
- 1
Best overall in Lake Forest: John Kamilis, LCPC, CEAP, RP Score 68/100; 5.0★ from 12 Google reviews.
- 5
Most-reviewed: LifeStance Therapists & Psychiatrists Vernon Hills, 100 Google reviews at 4.8★, the most of 149 ranked; ranked #5.
Rankings can't be bought. Psychologists can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank
149 Lake Forest family therapists are ranked here by RP Score, from eight published factors. 102 open Saturdays and 64 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.7★ across 149 rated practices.
Top 10 family therapists in Lake Forest 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 | John Kamilis, LCPC, CEAP | 68 | 5.0★ (12) | Gurnee, 10 mi away | — | Overall |
| 2 | Cherry Hill Counseling | 68 | 4.2★ (5) | Vernon Hills, 6 mi away | Sat · Evenings | — |
| 3 | Family Resilience Group | 66 | 4.1★ (7) | Arlington Heights, 11 mi away | — | — |
| 4 | Skylight Counseling Center | 64 | 5.0★ (12) | Evanston, 16 mi away | Sat · Sun · Evenings | — |
| 5 | LifeStance Therapists & Psychiatrists Vernon Hills | 62 | 4.8★ (100) | Vernon Hills, 6 mi away | Sat · Sun · Evenings | Most reviews |
| 6 | Insight Family Therapy | 61 | 5.0★ (4) | Skokie, 14 mi away | Sat · Evenings | — |
| 7 | Love Light Christian Counseling | 61 | 3.7★ (3) | Beach Park, 14 mi away | Sat · Evenings | — |
| 8 | Ellie Mental Health | 61 | 4.9★ (18) | Buffalo Grove, 5 mi away | Sat · Sun · Evenings | — |
| 9 | Rose Family Therapy | 61 | 5.0★ (3) | Northbrook, 9 mi away | Sat · Sun · Evenings | — |
| 10 | Bridge Youth & Family Services | 60 | 3.4★ (13) | Palatine, 16 mi away | Sat · Evenings | — |
The 149 best family therapists in Lake Forest, 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 Vernon Hills, 6 mi away
68/100RP ScoreRanked #2 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 Arlington Heights, 11 mi away
66/100RP ScoreRanked #3 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 Evanston, 16 mi away
64/100RP ScoreRanked #4 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.
Based in Vernon Hills, 6 mi away
62/100RP ScoreRanked #5 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.8★ from 100 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Skokie, 14 mi away
61/100RP ScoreRanked #6 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 Beach Park, 14 mi away
61/100RP ScoreRanked #7 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Family counselor”, 3.7★ from 3 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Buffalo Grove, 5 mi away
61/100RP ScoreRanked #8 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.9★ from 18 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Northbrook, 9 mi away
61/100RP ScoreRanked #9 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 Palatine, 16 mi away
60/100RP ScoreRanked #10 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 Vernon Hills, 6 mi away
59/100RP ScoreRanked #11 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.6★ from 16 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Buffalo Grove, 7 mi away
58/100RP ScoreRanked #12 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 13 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Libertyville, 6 mi away
58/100RP ScoreRanked #13 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 8 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Wellness center”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Deerfield, 5 mi away
58/100RP ScoreRanked #14 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.3★ from 56 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
#15 Therapy Etc.
Based in Buffalo Grove, 9 mi away
58/100RP ScoreRanked #15 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.9★ from 31 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Vernon Hills, 6 mi away
58/100RP ScoreRanked #16 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Northbrook, 8 mi away
57/100RP ScoreRanked #17 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.8★ from 17 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Social worker”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Vernon Hills, 6 mi away
57/100RP ScoreRanked #18 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Vernon Hills, 6 mi away
57/100RP ScoreRanked #19 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Vernon Hills, 6 mi away
57/100RP ScoreRanked #20 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Arlington Heights, 11 mi away
57/100RP ScoreRanked #21 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.6★ from 9 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Gurnee, 10 mi away
57/100RP ScoreRanked #22 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.4★ from 63 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Skokie, 15 mi away
57/100RP ScoreRanked #23 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 Northbrook, 8 mi away
56/100RP ScoreRanked #24 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Northbrook, 8 mi away
56/100RP ScoreRanked #25 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 3.5★ from 11 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”.
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 149 ranked family therapists here; the rest are on their profiles.
Also serving Lake Forest
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 Lake Forest family therapists
We scored 149 Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest: frequently asked questions
Who is the best family therapist in Lake Forest?
By RP Score, the highest-ranked family therapist in Lake Forest, IL is John Kamilis, LCPC, CEAP with an RP Score of 68/100. It has 5.0★ from 12 Google reviews. Cherry Hill Counseling (#2) and Family Resilience Group (#3) follow. We ranked 149 family therapists on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.
How many family therapists are there in Lake Forest?
RankedPsychologists ranks 149 family therapists serving Lake Forest, IL. 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 Lake Forest work on weekends?
102 of 149 ranked family therapists post Saturday hours and 64 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Cherry Hill Counseling (#2), Skylight Counseling Center (#4) and LifeStance Therapists & Psychiatrists Vernon Hills (#5). Posted hours are office hours; many practices also offer evening or online sessions by appointment.
What Google rating do Lake Forest family therapists have?
The median Google rating among 149 rated family therapists in Lake Forest is 4.7★, with a median of 9 reviews. LifeStance Therapists & Psychiatrists Vernon Hills has the most, 100 reviews, and ranks #5. 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 Lake Forest count in this ranking?
Yes, if they are within 20 mi of the Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest
- November 2026: RP Scores recalculated for 149 family therapists serving Lake Forest.
- November 2026: 1 duplicate listing merged.
More family therapists and Lake Forest pages
Family therapists near Lake Forest
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Other specialties in Lake Forest
- Psychologists in Lake Forest234 ranked
- Therapists and counselors in Lake Forest346 ranked
- Child and teen therapists in Lake Forest136 ranked
- Couples therapists in Lake Forest144 ranked
- Neuropsychologists in Lake Forest50 ranked
- Psychological testing practices in Lake Forest6 ranked
- Anxiety and OCD therapists in Lake Forest13 ranked
- Trauma and PTSD therapists in Lake Forest25 ranked
- Eating disorder therapists in Lake Forest43 ranked
- Psychiatrists in Lake Forest630 ranked
- Clinical social workers in Lake Forest257 ranked
- Addiction counselors in Lake Forest281 ranked
- ABA therapy providers in Lake Forest159 ranked
- All psychologists in Lake Forest