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Best Family Therapists in Waukegan, IL (2026)

86 family therapists ranked by RP ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →

The short answer

  1. 1

    Best overall in Waukegan: John Kamilis, LCPC, CEAP, RP Score 71/100; 5.0★ from 12 Google reviews.

  2. 6

    Most-reviewed: LifeStance Therapists & Psychiatrists Vernon Hills, 100 Google reviews at 4.8★, the most of 86 ranked; ranked #6.

Rankings can't be bought. Psychologists can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank

86 Waukegan family therapists are ranked here by RP Score, from eight published factors. 47 open Saturdays and 28 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.7★ across 86 rated practices.

Top 10 family therapists in Waukegan 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.

Top 10 family therapists in Waukegan at a glance
RankBusinessRP ScoreGoogle ratingBased inHoursBest for
1John Kamilis, LCPC, CEAP715.0★ (12)Gurnee, 5 mi away—Overall
2Love Light Christian Counseling663.7★ (3)Beach Park, 7 mi awaySat · Evenings—
3Cherry Hill Counseling644.2★ (5)Vernon Hills, 10 mi awaySat · Evenings—
4LifeStance Therapists & Psychiatrists Gurnee604.4★ (63)Gurnee, 5 mi awaySat · Sun · Evenings—
5Family Resilience Group594.1★ (7)Arlington Heights, 17 mi away——
6LifeStance Therapists & Psychiatrists Vernon Hills584.8★ (100)Vernon Hills, 10 mi awaySat · Sun · EveningsMost reviews
7Kenosha Office-Children's Wisconsin573.1★ (7)Kenosha, 13 mi away——
8Kellen M. Smith, Counselor575.0★ (4)Gurnee, 5 mi awaySat · Sun · Evenings—
9Heather Farina, Counselor574.2★ (5)Gurnee, 5 mi awaySat · Sun · Evenings—
10Family First Center Of Lake County574.6★ (23)Waukegan——

The 86 best family therapists in Waukegan, 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.

  1. Ranked #1 in Waukegan

    Based in Gurnee, 5 mi away

    71/100RP 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.

    • 5.0★ from 12 Google reviews
    Address
    1790 Nations Dr Ste 214, Gurnee, IL 60031
  2. Based in Vernon Hills, 10 mi away

    64/100RP Score

    Ranked #3 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.

    • 4.2★ from 5 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–8 PM · Sat 9 AM–5 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    977 Lakeview Pkwy Ste 150, Vernon Hills, IL 60061
  3. 60/100RP Score

    Ranked #4 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.

    • 4.4★ from 63 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 8 AM–8 PM · Wed 9 AM–5 PM · Thu–Fri 8 AM–8 PM · Sat–Sun 8 AM–7 PM
    Address
    1790 Nations Dr Ste 214, Gurnee, IL 60031
  4. Based in Arlington Heights, 17 mi away

    59/100RP Score

    Ranked #5 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.

    • 4.1★ from 7 Google reviews
    Address
    3285 N Arlington Heights Rd Unit 201, Arlington Heights, IL 60004
  5. Based in Vernon Hills, 10 mi away

    58/100RP Score

    Ranked #6 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.

    • 4.8★ from 100 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 8 AM–8 PM · Wed 9 AM–5 PM · Thu–Fri 8 AM–8 PM · Sat–Sun 8 AM–7 PM
    Address
    175 E Hawthorn Pkwy Ste 235, Vernon Hills, IL 60061
  6. Based in Gurnee, 5 mi away

    57/100RP Score

    Ranked #8 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.

    • 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 8 AM–8 PM · Wed 9 AM–5 PM · Thu–Fri 8 AM–8 PM · Sat–Sun 8 AM–7 PM
    Address
    1790 Nations Dr Ste 214, Gurnee, IL 60031
  7. Based in Gurnee, 5 mi away

    57/100RP Score

    Ranked #9 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.2★ from 5 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.2★ from 5 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 8 AM–8 PM · Wed 9 AM–5 PM · Thu–Fri 8 AM–8 PM · Sat–Sun 8 AM–7 PM
    Address
    1790 Nations Dr Ste 214, Gurnee, IL 60031
  8. Based in Libertyville, 8 mi away

    56/100RP Score

    Ranked #11 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.

    • 5.0★ from 8 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–9 PM · Sat 9 AM–4 PM · Sun 9:30 AM–4 PM
    Address
    128 Newberry Ave, Libertyville, IL 60048
  9. Based in Gurnee, 3 mi away

    55/100RP Score

    Ranked #12 because of its Google rating and proximity: 2.8★ from 17 Google reviews, 3 mi from Waukegan.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 2.8★ from 17 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 9 AM–8 PM · Fri 9 AM–2:30 PM · Sat 7 AM–5 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    4212 Old Grand Ave Ste 102, Gurnee, IL 60031
  10. Based in Libertyville, 7 mi away

    55/100RP Score

    Ranked #13 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.4★ from 32 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.4★ from 32 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–8 PM · Sat 8 AM–4 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    1585 N Milwaukee Ave Ste 116, Libertyville, IL 60048
  11. 55/100RP Score

    Ranked #14 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.5★ from 26 Google reviews, 3 mi from Waukegan.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.5★ from 26 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon 9 AM–5 PM · Tue 8 AM–4 PM · Wed 9 AM–5 PM · Thu–Fri 8 AM–4 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    2031 Dugdale Rd, North Chicago, IL 60064
  12. Based in Gurnee, 5 mi away

    55/100RP Score

    Ranked #15 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 3.9★ from 7 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 3.9★ from 7 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–10 PM · Sat 8 AM–5 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    1790 Nations Dr Ste 208, Gurnee, IL 60031
  13. Based in Vernon Hills, 10 mi away

    55/100RP Score

    Ranked #16 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.

    • 4.6★ from 16 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 8 AM–8 PM · Wed 9 AM–5 PM · Thu–Fri 8 AM–8 PM · Sat–Sun 8 AM–7 PM
    Address
    175 E Hawthorn Pkwy Ste 235, Vernon Hills, IL 60061
  14. Based in Buffalo Grove, 11 mi away

    54/100RP Score

    Ranked #17 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.

    • 4.9★ from 18 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–8 PM · Sat 9 AM–12 PM · Sun 9 AM–5 PM
    Address
    2215 Lakeside Dr, Bannockburn, IL 60015
  15. Based in Northbrook, 16 mi away

    54/100RP Score

    Ranked #18 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.

    • 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 9 AM–9 PM · Fri 9 AM–7 PM · Sat–Sun 9 AM–5 PM
    Address
    666 Dundee Rd Ste 705, Northbrook, IL 60062
  16. Based in Vernon Hills, 10 mi away

    53/100RP Score

    Ranked #20 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.

    • 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 8 AM–8 PM · Wed 9 AM–5 PM · Thu–Fri 8 AM–8 PM · Sat–Sun 8 AM–7 PM
    Address
    175 E Hawthorn Pkwy Ste 235, Vernon Hills, IL 60061
  17. Based in Vernon Hills, 10 mi away

    53/100RP Score

    Ranked #21 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.

    • 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–8 PM · Sat–Sun 8 AM–7 PM
    Address
    175 E Hawthorn Pkwy Ste 235, Vernon Hills, IL 60061
  18. Based in Vernon Hills, 10 mi away

    53/100RP Score

    Ranked #22 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.

    • 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 8 AM–8 PM · Wed 9 AM–5 PM · Thu–Fri 8 AM–8 PM · Sat–Sun 8 AM–7 PM
    Address
    175 E Hawthorn Pkwy Ste 235, Vernon Hills, IL 60061
  19. Based in Vernon Hills, 10 mi away

    53/100RP Score

    Ranked #23 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.

    • 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 8 AM–8 PM · Wed 9 AM–5 PM · Thu–Fri 8 AM–8 PM · Sat–Sun 8 AM–7 PM
    Address
    175 E Hawthorn Pkwy Ste 235, Vernon Hills, IL 60061
  20. Based in Buffalo Grove, 13 mi away

    53/100RP Score

    Ranked #24 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.

    • 5.0★ from 13 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–9 PM · Sat–Sun 9 AM–1 PM
    Address
    1 Overlook Point Suite 148, Lincolnshire, IL 60069
  21. Based in Buffalo Grove, 15 mi away

    53/100RP Score

    Ranked #25 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.

    • 4.9★ from 31 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–7 PM · Sat–Sun 9 AM–3 PM
    Address
    1137 McHenry Rd Ste 206, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089

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 86 ranked family therapists here; the rest are on their profiles.

Also serving Waukegan

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.

Unranked family therapists serving Waukegan
BusinessGoogle ratingDistance
Arden Shore Child and Family Services1.5★ (17)In Waukegan
Calming Solutions DUI , IDOT Evaluations and MENTAL HEALTH Services4.6★ (21)In Waukegan
Dr. Vernice WrightIn Waukegan
Independence Center5.0★ (4)In Waukegan
Inspired Elevations, PLLCIn Waukegan
IpdavIn Waukegan
Jessie Knoble, Counselor3.0★ (2)5 mi
Josselyn Waukegan3.5★ (15)In Waukegan
Julie A. Pettinato, LCSW5.0★ (2)In Waukegan
Kristina Kauth, Therapy Clinician5.0★ (2)5 mi
Lake County Health Department - Crisis Care Program3.1★ (13)In Waukegan
Lake County Health Department - Mental Health Group Home2.3★ (3)In Waukegan
Lake Park Healthcare2.4★ (21)In Waukegan
Linda Hochfeld,MA.LCPC. Ascent Counseling Services4.9★ (12)In Waukegan
NAMI Lake County Illinois3.8★ (4)In Waukegan
Nicasa Behavioral Health Services3.5★ (32)In Waukegan
Renacer Latino Inc3.8★ (17)In Waukegan
The Place for Children with Autism - Waukegan - Gurnee4.5★ (17)In Waukegan
Truth Youth & Family Services, LLCIn Waukegan
Wil Morhead CounselingIn Waukegan

How we ranked Waukegan family therapists

We scored 86 Waukegan 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.

Read the full method: formula, sources and exclusions

RP Score factors and weights
FactorWeightComputed fromIn Waukegan data
Reputation25%Google star rating, adjusted for how many reviews back itMeasured
Review volume5%Number of Google reviews, compared with the most-reviewed practice on the listMeasured
Recency5%Share of Google reviews from the last 12 monthsNot yet collected
Availability10%Weekly open hours, Saturday, Sunday, and round-the-clock or same-day availabilityMeasured
Specialty focus25%How clearly the practice does this specialty (its Google category and name)Measured
Proximity15%Based in the city scores highest, less the farther away it isMeasured
Claimed profile10%The practice has claimed its Ranked Psychologists profile (free or paid earn the same)Measured
Partnered5%The practice links to Ranked Psychologists from its own website with our badge, checked periodicallyMeasured

How to choose a family therapist

  1. Check the license with the state or provincial board that issued it; most boards publish a free online lookup.
  2. Make sure family therapy is a regular part of their work, and ask what approach they use and why.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Check practical fit: in-person or online sessions, evening times, and how soon they have an opening.
  6. 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 Waukegan: frequently asked questions

Who is the best family therapist in Waukegan?

By RP Score, the highest-ranked family therapist in Waukegan, IL is John Kamilis, LCPC, CEAP with an RP Score of 71/100. It has 5.0★ from 12 Google reviews. Love Light Christian Counseling (#2) and Cherry Hill Counseling (#3) follow. We ranked 86 family therapists on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.

How many family therapists are there in Waukegan?

RankedPsychologists ranks 86 family therapists serving Waukegan, IL. 1 of them is based in Waukegan; 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 Waukegan work on weekends?

47 of 86 ranked family therapists post Saturday hours and 28 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Love Light Christian Counseling (#2), Cherry Hill Counseling (#3) and LifeStance Therapists & Psychiatrists Gurnee (#4). Posted hours are office hours; many practices also offer evening or online sessions by appointment.

What Google rating do Waukegan family therapists have?

The median Google rating among 86 rated family therapists in Waukegan is 4.7★, with a median of 8 reviews. LifeStance Therapists & Psychiatrists Vernon Hills has the most, 100 reviews, and ranks #6. 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 Waukegan count in this ranking?

Yes, if they are within 20 mi of the Waukegan 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 Waukegan 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 Waukegan

  1. November 2026: RP Scores recalculated for 86 family therapists serving Waukegan.