70/100RP Score
Ranked #1 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Family counselor”, 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Best Family Therapists in Nipomo, CA (2026)
16 family therapists ranked by RP ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →
The short answer
- 1
Best overall in Nipomo: Tom La Chapelle Lmft, RP Score 70/100; 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews.
- 13
Most-reviewed: DeRose Therapy Group, 13 Google reviews at 4.7★, the most of 16 ranked; ranked #13.
Rankings can't be bought. Psychologists can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank
16 Nipomo family therapists are ranked here by RP Score, from eight published factors. 3 open Saturdays and 1 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 5.0★ across 16 rated practices.
Most of this list also appears on the Family therapists in Santa Maria ranking. See Family therapists in Santa Maria
Top 10 family therapists in Nipomo 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 | Tom La Chapelle Lmft | 70 | 5.0★ (4) | Arroyo Grande, 8 mi away | — | Overall |
| 2 | Shannon Aguirre, LMFT Marriage and Family Therapist | 63 | 5.0★ (5) | Santa Maria, 7 mi away | — | — |
| 3 | Katja Ahlstrom | 61 | 4.4★ (7) | San Luis Obispo, 20 mi away | — | — |
| 4 | New Beginnings Therapy | 58 | 5.0★ (5) | Arroyo Grande, 8 mi away | Sat · Sun · Evenings | — |
| 5 | Tidelands Counseling | 57 | 4.0★ (8) | San Luis Obispo, 20 mi away | Evenings | — |
| 6 | Gantt Lynda M PhD | 56 | 5.0★ (3) | Santa Maria, 7 mi away | — | — |
| 7 | Jennifer Shepard, LMFT, LPCC | 54 | 3.2★ (9) | Arroyo Grande, 9 mi away | Sat | — |
| 8 | Katty Richardson, Ph.D., LMFT, LPCC | 53 | 5.0★ (5) | Arroyo Grande, 9 mi away | Sat · Evenings | — |
| 9 | Peace and Purpose Therapy | 52 | 5.0★ (5) | Arroyo Grande, 8 mi away | — | — |
| 10 | Sacred Path Holistic Therapy | 48 | 5.0★ (3) | Arroyo Grande, 12 mi away | Evenings | — |
The 16 best family therapists in Nipomo, 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 Santa Maria, 7 mi away
63/100RP ScoreRanked #2 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in San Luis Obispo, 20 mi away
61/100RP ScoreRanked #3 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Family counselor”, 4.4★ from 7 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Arroyo Grande, 8 mi away
58/100RP ScoreRanked #4 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 San Luis Obispo, 20 mi away
57/100RP ScoreRanked #5 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Family counselor”, 4.0★ from 8 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Santa Maria, 7 mi away
56/100RP ScoreRanked #6 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Arroyo Grande, 9 mi away
54/100RP ScoreRanked #7 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 3.2★ from 9 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Arroyo Grande, 9 mi away
53/100RP ScoreRanked #8 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Arroyo Grande, 8 mi away
52/100RP ScoreRanked #9 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Arroyo Grande, 12 mi away
48/100RP ScoreRanked #10 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Santa Maria, 13 mi away
48/100RP ScoreRanked #11 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.4★ from 5 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in San Luis Obispo, 18 mi away
47/100RP ScoreRanked #12 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.5★ from 4 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychologist”.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in San Luis Obispo, 18 mi away
47/100RP ScoreRanked #13 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.7★ from 13 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in San Luis Obispo, 18 mi away
46/100RP ScoreRanked #14 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.3★ from 3 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in San Luis Obispo, 19 mi away
44/100RP ScoreRanked #15 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 8 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in San Luis Obispo, 19 mi away
43/100RP ScoreRanked #16 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
How we ranked Nipomo family therapists
We scored 16 Nipomo 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 Nipomo 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 Nipomo: frequently asked questions
Who is the best family therapist in Nipomo?
By RP Score, the highest-ranked family therapist in Nipomo, CA is Tom La Chapelle Lmft with an RP Score of 70/100. It has 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews. Shannon Aguirre, LMFT Marriage and Family Therapist (#2) and Katja Ahlstrom (#3) follow. We ranked 16 family therapists on eight factors, last updated November 9, 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 Nipomo work on weekends?
3 of 16 ranked family therapists post Saturday hours and 1 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are New Beginnings Therapy (#4), Jennifer Shepard, LMFT, LPCC (#7) and Katty Richardson, Ph.D., LMFT, LPCC (#8). Posted hours are office hours; many practices also offer evening or online sessions by appointment.
What Google rating do Nipomo family therapists have?
The median Google rating among 16 rated family therapists in Nipomo is 5.0★, with a median of 5 reviews. DeRose Therapy Group has the most, 13 reviews, and ranks #13. 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 Nipomo count in this ranking?
Yes, if they are within 20 mi of the Nipomo 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 Nipomo 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 Nipomo
- November 2026: RP Scores recalculated for 16 family therapists serving Nipomo.
More family therapists and Nipomo pages
Family therapists near Nipomo
- Family therapists in Santa Maria, CA9 ranked
- Family therapists in Arroyo Grande, CA15 ranked
- Family therapists in Grover Beach, CA15 ranked
- Family therapists in Orcutt, CA8 ranked
- Family therapists in San Luis Obispo, CA18 ranked
- Family therapists in Los Osos, CA18 ranked
- Family therapists in Morro Bay, CA13 ranked
- Family therapists in Atascadero, CA14 ranked
- Family therapists in Paso Robles, CA8 ranked
- Family therapists in Isla Vista, CA23 ranked
Other specialties in Nipomo
- Psychologists in Nipomo11 ranked
- Therapists and counselors in Nipomo34 ranked
- Couples therapists in Nipomo20 ranked
- Trauma and PTSD therapists in Nipomo7 ranked
- Psychiatrists in Nipomo17 ranked
- Clinical social workers in Nipomo6 ranked
- Addiction counselors in Nipomo15 ranked
- All psychologists in Nipomo