73/100RP Score
Ranked #1 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 4.5★ from 21 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Best Psychologists in Carson, CA (2026)
382 psychologists ranked by RP ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →
The short answer
- 1
Best overall in Carson: Stephen Makuch, MFT, RP Score 73/100; 4.5★ from 21 Google reviews.
- 11
Most-reviewed: Maxwell Valerie PHD, 25 Google reviews at 4.7★, the most of 382 ranked; ranked #11.
Rankings can't be bought. Psychologists can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank
382 Carson psychologists are ranked here by RP Score, from eight published factors. 125 open Saturdays and 74 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.8★ across 382 rated practices.
Top 10 psychologists in Carson 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 | Stephen Makuch, MFT | 73 | 4.5★ (21) | Torrance, 4 mi away | — | Overall |
| 2 | Psych Lab Psychology Center | 72 | 5.0★ (12) | Long Beach, 5 mi away | Sat · Sun · Evenings | — |
| 3 | Asteri Behavioral Treatment Center | 71 | 4.5★ (16) | Gardena, 2 mi away | Sat | — |
| 4 | Clear Skies Psychology | 71 | 1.0★ (3) | Torrance, 4 mi away | Sat · Sun · Evenings | — |
| 5 | Anthony J. Aloia, Ph.D. Psychology Corporation | 71 | 2.6★ (5) | Torrance, 4 mi away | — | — |
| 6 | Nourit H. Korzennik, PH | 71 | 3.0★ (4) | Torrance, 4 mi away | — | — |
| 7 | Dr. Nora Taylor, Clinical Psychologist | 71 | 5.0★ (5) | Redondo Beach, 6 mi away | Sat · Sun · Evenings | — |
| 8 | IGCN Health Center | 71 | 4.6★ (10) | Gardena, 3 mi away | Sat | — |
| 9 | Trevor L. Monroe, PHD | 70 | 5.0★ (4) | Long Beach, 6 mi away | — | — |
| 10 | Edward Dunbar, EDD | 70 | 3.3★ (3) | El Segundo, 9 mi away | Sat · Sun · Evenings | — |
The 382 best psychologists in Carson, 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 Long Beach, 5 mi away
72/100RP ScoreRanked #2 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 5.0★ from 12 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Gardena, 2 mi away
71/100RP ScoreRanked #3 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Child psychologist”, 4.5★ from 16 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Torrance, 4 mi away
71/100RP ScoreRanked #4 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 1.0★ from 3 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Torrance, 4 mi away
71/100RP ScoreRanked #5 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 2.6★ from 5 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Torrance, 4 mi away
71/100RP ScoreRanked #6 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 3.0★ from 4 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Redondo Beach, 6 mi away
71/100RP ScoreRanked #7 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Gardena, 3 mi away
71/100RP ScoreRanked #8 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 4.6★ from 10 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Long Beach, 6 mi away
70/100RP ScoreRanked #9 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in El Segundo, 9 mi away
70/100RP ScoreRanked #10 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 3.3★ from 3 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Manhattan Beach, 8 mi away
70/100RP ScoreRanked #11 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 4.7★ from 25 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Torrance, 5 mi away
70/100RP ScoreRanked #12 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 1.7★ from 3 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
#13 Brittany Dafesh
Based in Redondo Beach, 6 mi away
70/100RP ScoreRanked #13 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 4.2★ from 5 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Redondo Beach, 6 mi away
70/100RP ScoreRanked #14 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Long Beach, 6 mi away
70/100RP ScoreRanked #15 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 3.7★ from 3 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Manhattan Beach, 6 mi away
70/100RP ScoreRanked #16 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 3.7★ from 3 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Hermosa Beach, 7 mi away
70/100RP ScoreRanked #17 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Carson
70/100RP ScoreRanked #18 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 5.0★ from 7 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Hermosa Beach, 7 mi away
70/100RP ScoreRanked #19 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Hermosa Beach, 7 mi away
70/100RP ScoreRanked #20 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 4.4★ from 12 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Long Beach, 6 mi away
70/100RP ScoreRanked #21 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 2.7★ from 3 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Manhattan Beach, 8 mi away
69/100RP ScoreRanked #22 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 4.4★ from 14 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Torrance, 4 mi away
69/100RP ScoreRanked #23 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 4.7★ from 3 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Hermosa Beach, 7 mi away
69/100RP ScoreRanked #24 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Torrance, 5 mi away
69/100RP ScoreRanked #25 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 4.2★ from 10 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Psychologists 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 382 ranked psychologists here; the rest are on their profiles.
Also serving Carson
20 more psychologists 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 |
|---|---|---|
| ADRP Intervention Services Inc | 4.4★ (14) | In Carson |
| Aiming Forward Counseling Services Inc. | 5.0★ (2) | In Carson |
| Better Days Integrated Programs | In Carson | |
| Branches South Bay | 4.6★ (18) | In Carson |
| Erika Lopez, LMFT | 5.0★ (1) | In Carson |
| Holliday's Helping Hands | 4.2★ (10) | In Carson |
| Humbly Elevated Therapy with Naomi Zelin | 5.0★ (6) | In Carson |
| Iris Cruet-Rubio, LMFT | 4.3★ (4) | In Carson |
| JBA Institute | 5.0★ (2) | In Carson |
| Los Bannons | In Carson | |
| Michael J. McAtee, LMFT | 5.0★ (3) | In Carson |
| Outpatient Psychiatry PLLC | In Carson | |
| Rob Feiner MS, LPCC, Psychotherapy | 5.0★ (5) | In Carson |
| Sol Family Counseling | 5.0★ (10) | In Carson |
| Stacy L. Reger, Ph.D. | 5.0★ (1) | In Carson |
| Star View Community Services | 5.0★ (2) | In Carson |
| Stillness Therapy | 5.0★ (4) | In Carson |
| Therapy with Jessie | 5.0★ (2) | In Carson |
| Therapy with Sabrina, Inc. - Sabrina Fish, LMFT | 5.0★ (6) | In Carson |
| Vanessa Pezo, LCSW -The Trauma Therapist | 5.0★ (3) | In Carson |
How we ranked Carson psychologists
We scored 382 Carson psychologists 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 Carson 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 psychologist
- Check the license with the state or provincial board that issued it; most boards publish a free online lookup.
- Make sure they regularly work with clients who have your concern, and ask what approach they use and why.
- If you may need testing as well as therapy (for example for ADHD or memory concerns), ask whether the practice does assessments itself.
- 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 psychologist
- Are you accepting new clients, and how soon could I start?
- Which license do you hold, and in which state or province?
- How often do you work with concerns like mine?
- Do you offer psychological testing, or therapy only?
- 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.
Psychologists in Carson: frequently asked questions
Who is the best psychologist in Carson?
By RP Score, the highest-ranked psychologist in Carson, CA is Stephen Makuch, MFT with an RP Score of 73/100. It has 4.5★ from 21 Google reviews. Psych Lab Psychology Center (#2) and Asteri Behavioral Treatment Center (#3) follow. We ranked 382 psychologists on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.
How many psychologists are there in Carson?
RankedPsychologists ranks 382 psychologists serving Carson, CA. 2 of them are based in Carson; 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 psychologists in Carson work on weekends?
125 of 382 ranked psychologists post Saturday hours and 74 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Psych Lab Psychology Center (#2), Asteri Behavioral Treatment Center (#3) and Clear Skies Psychology (#4). Posted hours are office hours; many practices also offer evening or online sessions by appointment.
What Google rating do Carson psychologists have?
The median Google rating among 382 rated psychologists in Carson is 4.8★, with a median of 7 reviews. Maxwell Valerie PHD has the most, 25 reviews, and ranks #11. We adjust ratings for review count, so a few five-star reviews cannot top the list.
How does RankedPsychologists rank psychologists?
Each psychologist 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 psychologists outside Carson count in this ranking?
Yes, if they are within 20 mi of the Carson city center, our service radius for psychologists. 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 psychologists 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 psychologists in Carson ranked?
Each practice gets an RP Score from 0 to 100 from 8 published factors, including its Google rating, how clearly it focuses on psychology 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 psychologist and a therapist?
“Psychologist” is a protected title: only people licensed by a state or provincial psychology board may use it. Most hold a doctorate (PhD or PsyD) and are trained in psychological testing as well as therapy. “Therapist” is a general word: licensed counselors, clinical social workers and marriage and family therapists also provide therapy under their own licenses.
Can I see a psychologist 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 Carson
- November 2026: RP Scores recalculated for 382 psychologists serving Carson.
- November 2026: 1 duplicate listing merged.
More psychologists and Carson pages
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- All psychologists in Carson