78/100RP Score
Ranked #1 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 5.0★ from 50 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Best Psychiatrists in Lake Forest, CA (2026)
562 psychiatrists ranked by RP ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →
The short answer
- 1
Best overall in Lake Forest: Farhad Nikoo DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC, RP Score 78/100; 5.0★ from 50 Google reviews.
- 38
Most-reviewed: Harbor Psychiatry & Mental Health, 1,038 Google reviews at 4.6★, the most of 562 ranked; ranked #38.
Rankings can't be bought. Psychologists can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank
562 Lake Forest psychiatrists are ranked here by RP Score, from eight published factors. 145 open Saturdays and 76 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.6★ across 562 rated practices.
Top 10 psychiatrists 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 | Farhad Nikoo DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC | 78 | 5.0★ (50) | Lake Forest | — | Overall |
| 2 | Integrative Healthcare Alliance | 76 | 4.8★ (71) | Newport Beach, 11 mi away | Sat · Sun · Evenings | — |
| 3 | Brainpower Wellness Institute | 74 | 4.9★ (386) | Orange, 15 mi away | Sat · Sun · Evenings | — |
| 4 | Nicolas Phielipp | 73 | 4.9★ (28) | Irvine, 9 mi away | — | — |
| 5 | Schwied, Ellis M., MD | 73 | 2.3★ (3) | Mission Viejo, 3 mi away | — | — |
| 6 | Delia Lupsa, MD | Kaiser Permanente | 73 | 5.0★ (3) | Aliso Viejo, 5 mi away | — | — |
| 7 | Brainpower Wellness Institute - Corona California | 72 | 4.9★ (151) | Corona, 17 mi away | Sat · Sun · Evenings | — |
| 8 | Oak Health Center | 72 | 4.9★ (209) | Laguna Hills, 3 mi away | — | — |
| 9 | Franz Bettina MD | 72 | 5.0★ (3) | Aliso Viejo, 7 mi away | — | — |
| 10 | Neuro Wellness Spa | Psychiatrists in Lake Forest | 72 | 5.0★ (27) | Lake Forest | Evenings | — |
The 562 best psychiatrists 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 Newport Beach, 11 mi away
76/100RP ScoreRanked #2 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 4.8★ from 71 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Orange, 15 mi away
74/100RP ScoreRanked #3 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 4.9★ from 386 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Irvine, 9 mi away
73/100RP ScoreRanked #4 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 4.9★ from 28 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Mission Viejo, 3 mi away
73/100RP ScoreRanked #5 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 2.3★ from 3 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Aliso Viejo, 5 mi away
73/100RP ScoreRanked #6 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Corona, 17 mi away
72/100RP ScoreRanked #7 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 4.9★ from 151 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Laguna Hills, 3 mi away
72/100RP ScoreRanked #8 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 4.9★ from 209 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Aliso Viejo, 7 mi away
72/100RP ScoreRanked #9 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Lake Forest
72/100RP ScoreRanked #10 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 5.0★ from 27 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Lake Forest
72/100RP ScoreRanked #11 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 4.8★ from 83 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
#12 Chau Ton-That Do
Based in Aliso Viejo, 7 mi away
72/100RP ScoreRanked #12 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 3.8★ from 4 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
#13 MENTE SANA
Based in Newport Beach, 10 mi away
72/100RP ScoreRanked #13 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 5.0★ from 7 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Irvine, 5 mi away
71/100RP ScoreRanked #14 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 5.0★ from 10 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Mission Viejo, 5 mi away
71/100RP ScoreRanked #15 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 5.0★ from 97 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Mission Viejo, 6 mi away
71/100RP ScoreRanked #16 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 4.7★ from 14 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Irvine, 10 mi away
71/100RP ScoreRanked #17 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Laguna Niguel, 9 mi away
71/100RP ScoreRanked #18 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 3.0★ from 3 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
#19 Lane Lewis S MD
Based in Dana Point, 11 mi away
71/100RP ScoreRanked #19 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 4.3★ from 12 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
#20 Sosin David E
Based in Tustin, 10 mi away
71/100RP ScoreRanked #20 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Irvine, 4 mi away
70/100RP ScoreRanked #21 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 3.7★ from 3 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
#22 Dan R. Tzuang MD
Based in Newport Beach, 10 mi away
70/100RP ScoreRanked #22 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Child psychiatrist”, 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
#23 Hanna Ehab G MD
Based in Tustin, 11 mi away
70/100RP ScoreRanked #23 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 4.3★ from 8 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Yorba Linda, 19 mi away
70/100RP ScoreRanked #24 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 4.9★ from 57 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Corona, 17 mi away
70/100RP ScoreRanked #25 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 4.4★ from 107 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Psychiatrists 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 562 ranked psychiatrists here; the rest are on their profiles.
Also serving Lake Forest
20 more psychiatrists within 40 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Access Mind Institute | 5.0★ (2) | 9 mi |
| Alicia Hutton, Counselor | 4.5★ (2) | 6 mi |
| Allyson Bushnell, Counselor | 5.0★ (2) | 7 mi |
| Angharad Ames, M.D. | 5.0★ (2) | 12 mi |
| California Prime Recovery | Southern California Addiction & Mental Health Network | 5.0★ (2) | 14 mi |
| Don De Francisco, MD, PhD | 3.0★ (2) | 10 mi |
| Dr. Gail Ross, MD | 1.0★ (2) | 3 mi |
| Dr. Gary D. Dylewski, DO | 5.0★ (2) | 14 mi |
| Dr. Irina Filip | 3.0★ (2) | 10 mi |
| Dr. Rose Marie Pitt | 3.0★ (2) | 11 mi |
| Eric Huy Nguyen, MD | Kaiser Permanente | 5.0★ (2) | 11 mi |
| Inner Balance Psychiatry and Wellness | 5.0★ (2) | 2 mi |
| Mariel Abisaab, Counselor | 5.0★ (2) | 16 mi |
| Okamoto Thomas H MD | 5.0★ (2) | 12 mi |
| Orange Coast Psychiatry | 5.0★ (2) | 10 mi |
| Rimal B. Bera, MD | 5.0★ (2) | 15 mi |
| Rosanne Zapp, Psychologist | 5.0★ (2) | 6 mi |
| Shivani Chopra, MD | 5.0★ (2) | 10 mi |
| Solene Psychiatry and Wellness | 5.0★ (2) | 2 mi |
| The Healthy Mind Center | 3.0★ (2) | 11 mi |
How we ranked Lake Forest psychiatrists
We scored 562 Lake Forest psychiatrists 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 psychiatrist
- Check the license with the state or provincial board that issued it; most boards publish a free online lookup.
- Make sure psychiatry is a regular part of their work, and ask what approach they use and why.
- Ask whether the practice offers therapy as well as medication management, or medication visits only.
- Check whether you need a referral from your family doctor; in Canada a referral is usually required for publicly covered psychiatric care.
- 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 psychiatrist
- 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 psychiatry?
- Do you offer therapy sessions, or medication management only?
- How soon is the first appointment, and how long are follow-up visits?
- 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.
Psychiatrists in Lake Forest: frequently asked questions
Who is the best psychiatrist in Lake Forest?
By RP Score, the highest-ranked psychiatrist in Lake Forest, CA is Farhad Nikoo DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC with an RP Score of 78/100. It has 5.0★ from 50 Google reviews. Integrative Healthcare Alliance (#2) and Brainpower Wellness Institute (#3) follow. We ranked 562 psychiatrists on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.
How many psychiatrists are there in Lake Forest?
RankedPsychologists ranks 562 psychiatrists serving Lake Forest, CA. 3 of them are based in Lake Forest; the rest serve it from nearby towns. Another 20 within 40 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 psychiatrists in Lake Forest work on weekends?
145 of 562 ranked psychiatrists post Saturday hours and 76 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Integrative Healthcare Alliance (#2), Brainpower Wellness Institute (#3) and Brainpower Wellness Institute - Corona California (#7). Posted hours are office hours; many practices also offer evening or online sessions by appointment.
What Google rating do Lake Forest psychiatrists have?
The median Google rating among 562 rated psychiatrists in Lake Forest is 4.6★, with a median of 13 reviews. Harbor Psychiatry & Mental Health has the most, 1,038 reviews, and ranks #38. We adjust ratings for review count, so a few five-star reviews cannot top the list.
How does RankedPsychologists rank psychiatrists?
Each psychiatrist 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 psychiatrists outside Lake Forest count in this ranking?
Yes, if they are within 40 mi of the Lake Forest city center, our service radius for psychiatrists. 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 psychiatrists 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 psychiatrists 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 psychiatry and how close it is. Sponsored placements are shown separately and never change rank. The score does not measure treatment outcomes.
What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who completed a residency in psychiatry and can prescribe medication. A psychologist usually holds a doctorate in psychology (PhD or PsyD), provides therapy and psychological testing, and in most places does not prescribe. Many people see both: a psychiatrist for medication and a psychologist or therapist for talk therapy.
Can I see a psychiatrist 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 562 psychiatrists serving Lake Forest.
- November 2026: 1 duplicate listing merged.
More psychiatrists and Lake Forest pages
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Other specialties in Lake Forest
- Psychologists in Lake Forest259 ranked
- Therapists and counselors in Lake Forest742 ranked
- Child and teen therapists in Lake Forest87 ranked
- Couples therapists in Lake Forest241 ranked
- Family therapists in Lake Forest206 ranked
- Neuropsychologists in Lake Forest26 ranked
- Anxiety and OCD therapists in Lake Forest15 ranked
- Trauma and PTSD therapists in Lake Forest57 ranked
- Eating disorder therapists in Lake Forest38 ranked
- Clinical social workers in Lake Forest130 ranked
- Addiction counselors in Lake Forest462 ranked
- ABA therapy providers in Lake Forest98 ranked
- All psychologists in Lake Forest