72/100RP Score
Ranked #1 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Family counselor”, 4.9★ from 68 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Best Family Therapists in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA (2026)
189 family therapists ranked by RP ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →
The short answer
- 1
Best overall in Rancho Santa Margarita: Irvine Christian Counseling, RP Score 72/100; 4.9★ from 68 Google reviews; open 7 days a week.
- 34
Most-reviewed: Hyland & Associates Counseling Services, 69 Google reviews at 4.9★, the most of 189 ranked; ranked #34.
Rankings can't be bought. Psychologists can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank
189 Rancho Santa Margarita family therapists are ranked here by RP Score, from eight published factors. 77 open Saturdays and 33 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.9★ across 189 rated practices.
Top 10 family therapists in Rancho Santa Margarita 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 | Irvine Christian Counseling | 72 | 4.9★ (68) | Irvine, 10 mi away | Sat · Sun · Evenings | Overall |
| 2 | Elham Ehteshami-Hunt, MFT | 70 | 5.0★ (4) | Mission Viejo, 6 mi away | — | — |
| 3 | Parenting With Patty Emotion & Well-being Coach | 70 | 5.0★ (9) | Mission Viejo, 5 mi away | Sat | — |
| 4 | Kim Quickel Ms Mfcc | 67 | 4.3★ (10) | Laguna Niguel, 10 mi away | — | — |
| 5 | Carol R. Hughes, Ph.D., L.M.F.T | 67 | 5.0★ (3) | Laguna Niguel, 10 mi away | — | — |
| 6 | NEWPORT BEACH CHRISTIAN COUNSELING | 66 | 5.0★ (54) | Newport Beach, 17 mi away | Sat · Sun | — |
| 7 | Boundaries | 66 | 3.3★ (3) | San Juan Capistrano, 11 mi away | — | — |
| 8 | Mark Brandes Biblical Counsel | 65 | 4.4★ (13) | Mission Viejo, 6 mi away | — | — |
| 9 | Irvine Family Counseling | 64 | 5.0★ (41) | Irvine, 9 mi away | Sat · Sun · Evenings | — |
| 10 | Secure Visitation | 64 | 5.0★ (7) | Newport Beach, 16 mi away | Sat · Sun · Evenings | — |
The 189 best family therapists in Rancho Santa Margarita, 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 Mission Viejo, 6 mi away
70/100RP ScoreRanked #2 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.
Based in Mission Viejo, 5 mi away
70/100RP ScoreRanked #3 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Family counselor”, 5.0★ from 9 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Laguna Niguel, 10 mi away
67/100RP ScoreRanked #4 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Family counselor”, 4.3★ from 10 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Laguna Niguel, 10 mi away
67/100RP ScoreRanked #5 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Family counselor”, 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Newport Beach, 17 mi away
66/100RP ScoreRanked #6 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Family counselor”, 5.0★ from 54 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
#7 Boundaries
Based in San Juan Capistrano, 11 mi away
66/100RP ScoreRanked #7 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Family counselor”, 3.3★ from 3 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Mission Viejo, 6 mi away
65/100RP ScoreRanked #8 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Family counselor”, 4.4★ from 13 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Irvine, 9 mi away
64/100RP ScoreRanked #9 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 41 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Newport Beach, 16 mi away
64/100RP ScoreRanked #10 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.
#11 Aligned Families
Based in Irvine, 8 mi away
64/100RP ScoreRanked #11 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Family counselor”, 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Santa Ana, 16 mi away
64/100RP ScoreRanked #12 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Family counselor”, 4.7★ from 14 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Tustin, 15 mi away
63/100RP ScoreRanked #13 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Family counselor”, 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Newport Beach, 15 mi away
62/100RP ScoreRanked #14 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Family counselor”, 5.0★ from 10 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in San Clemente, 15 mi away
62/100RP ScoreRanked #15 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.
Based in Laguna Hills, 8 mi away
62/100RP ScoreRanked #16 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
#17 Kaufman Richard
Based in Santa Ana, 15 mi away
61/100RP ScoreRanked #17 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Family counselor”, 2.0★ from 4 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Laguna Niguel, 10 mi away
61/100RP ScoreRanked #18 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 11 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychologist”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Fountain Valley, 19 mi away
60/100RP ScoreRanked #19 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 Mission Viejo, 7 mi away
60/100RP ScoreRanked #20 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 3.0★ from 4 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
#21 Russell Diana
Based in Orange, 17 mi away
60/100RP ScoreRanked #21 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.
Based in Lake Elsinore, 17 mi away
60/100RP ScoreRanked #22 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 Costa Mesa, 18 mi away
60/100RP ScoreRanked #23 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Family counselor”, 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Santa Ana, 15 mi away
60/100RP ScoreRanked #24 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Family counselor”, 2.6★ from 5 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Mission Viejo, 6 mi away
60/100RP ScoreRanked #25 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 1.0★ from 4 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychologist”.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability 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 189 ranked family therapists here; the rest are on their profiles.
Also serving Rancho Santa Margarita
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Allison A. Holtkamp, PsyD | 4.0★ (15) | In Rancho Santa Margarita |
| Barbara A. Fisher, PHD | 3.0★ (1) | In Rancho Santa Margarita |
| Barbra Mcdowell | 5.0★ (1) | In Rancho Santa Margarita |
| Dawson Counseling Center | In Rancho Santa Margarita | |
| De Priest Karen | 3.0★ (2) | 4 mi |
| Denise Gass, MFT | 3.0★ (2) | 4 mi |
| Discover Counseling Center, Inc. | In Rancho Santa Margarita | |
| Dr. Alex Ghobadi, Psychiatrist | 5.0★ (10) | In Rancho Santa Margarita |
| Dr. Shiva Ghaed | In Rancho Santa Margarita | |
| Family Iq | In Rancho Santa Margarita | |
| Full Brain Family Therapy | In Rancho Santa Margarita | |
| Journey for Life | 5.0★ (33) | In Rancho Santa Margarita |
| Kendra Devor, PsyD | In Rancho Santa Margarita | |
| Patricia M Cruz LMFT | In Rancho Santa Margarita | |
| Patricia Zielinski, LMFT, EMDR Therapist | 5.0★ (1) | In Rancho Santa Margarita |
| Pillars Counseling | 5.0★ (2) | 6 mi |
| Rainbow Kids Achievement Center | 4.3★ (16) | In Rancho Santa Margarita |
| Rejuve Counseling | 5.0★ (21) | In Rancho Santa Margarita |
| Rippy Karen E PhD | 5.0★ (1) | In Rancho Santa Margarita |
| Stephen Pratt, LMFT | In Rancho Santa Margarita |
How we ranked Rancho Santa Margarita family therapists
We scored 189 Rancho Santa Margarita 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 Rancho Santa Margarita 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 Rancho Santa Margarita: frequently asked questions
Who is the best family therapist in Rancho Santa Margarita?
By RP Score, the highest-ranked family therapist in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA is Irvine Christian Counseling with an RP Score of 72/100. It has 4.9★ from 68 Google reviews. It is open 7 days a week. Elham Ehteshami-Hunt, MFT (#2) and Parenting With Patty Emotion & Well-being Coach (#3) follow. We ranked 189 family therapists on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.
How many family therapists are there in Rancho Santa Margarita?
RankedPsychologists ranks 189 family therapists serving Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. 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 Rancho Santa Margarita work on weekends?
77 of 189 ranked family therapists post Saturday hours and 33 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Irvine Christian Counseling (#1), Parenting With Patty Emotion & Well-being Coach (#3) and NEWPORT BEACH CHRISTIAN COUNSELING (#6). Posted hours are office hours; many practices also offer evening or online sessions by appointment.
What Google rating do Rancho Santa Margarita family therapists have?
The median Google rating among 189 rated family therapists in Rancho Santa Margarita is 4.9★, with a median of 7 reviews. Hyland & Associates Counseling Services has the most, 69 reviews, and ranks #34. 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 Rancho Santa Margarita count in this ranking?
Yes, if they are within 20 mi of the Rancho Santa Margarita 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 Rancho Santa Margarita 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 Rancho Santa Margarita
- November 2026: RP Scores recalculated for 189 family therapists serving Rancho Santa Margarita.
More family therapists and Rancho Santa Margarita pages
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- All psychologists in Rancho Santa Margarita