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Best Psychologists in Encinitas, CA (2026)

237 psychologists ranked by RP ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →

The short answer

  1. 1

    Best overall in Encinitas: American Brain Stimulation Clinic: Rustin Berlow, MD, RP Score 76/100; 4.6★ from 19 Google reviews; open 7 days a week.

  2. 19

    Most-reviewed: Dream Sleep Centre, 134 Google reviews at 4.9★, the most of 237 ranked; ranked #19.

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

237 Encinitas psychologists are ranked here by RP Score, from eight published factors. 93 open Saturdays and 21 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.8★ across 237 rated practices.

Top 10 psychologists in Encinitas 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 psychologists in Encinitas at a glance
RankBusinessRP ScoreGoogle ratingBased inHoursBest for
1American Brain Stimulation Clinic: Rustin Berlow, MD764.6★ (19)EncinitasSat · Sun · EveningsOverall
2Dr. Courtney Higgins, Psychologist754.4★ (7)Encinitas——
3Education Psychological Services Inc.755.0★ (20)EncinitasSat · Sun—
4Nature and Nurture Therapy755.0★ (3)EncinitasSat · Sun · Evenings—
5Love & Alvarez Psychology Inc755.0★ (3)Encinitas——
6Coastal Therapy Group755.0★ (27)EncinitasSat · Evenings—
7Del Sol Therapeutic Center743.3★ (3)Encinitas——
8Dess William J743.0★ (4)Encinitas——
9Emily Wu, Psychologist735.0★ (6)EncinitasSat · Evenings—
10Victoria Steese, Counselor725.0★ (3)EncinitasSat · Evenings—

The 237 best psychologists in Encinitas, 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 Encinitas

    Based in Encinitas

    76/100RP Score

    Ranked #1 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 4.6★ from 19 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.6★ from 19 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon 9:30 AM–5 PM · Tue 9:30 AM–6:30 PM · Wed 9:30 AM–7 PM · Thu 9:30 AM–6:30 PM · Fri 9:30 AM–5 PM · Sat 9:30 AM–4 PM · Sun 10 AM–2:30 PM
    Address
    1104 Camino Del Mar #10, Del Mar, CA 92014
  2. Based in Encinitas

    75/100RP Score

    Ranked #4 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.

    • 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–8 PM · Sat–Sun 7 AM–5 PM
    Address
    169 Saxony Rd #114, Encinitas, CA 92024
  3. Based in Encinitas

    75/100RP Score

    Ranked #6 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 5.0★ from 27 Google reviews.

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

    • 5.0★ from 27 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–8 PM · Sat 8 AM–5 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    169 Saxony Rd #211, Encinitas, CA 92024
  4. Based in Encinitas

    74/100RP Score

    Ranked #8 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.

    • 3.0★ from 4 Google reviews
    Address
    741 Garden View Ct #211, Encinitas, CA 92024
  5. Based in Encinitas

    73/100RP Score

    Ranked #9 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 5.0★ from 6 Google reviews.

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

    • 5.0★ from 6 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 8:30 AM–8 PM · Wed 9 AM–5 PM · Thu 8:30 AM–8 PM · Fri 8:30 AM–6 PM · Sat 8 AM–4 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    351 Santa Fe Dr Ste 200, Encinitas, CA 92024
  6. Based in Encinitas

    72/100RP Score

    Ranked #10 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.

    • 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 8:30 AM–8 PM · Wed 9 AM–5 PM · Thu 8:30 AM–8 PM · Fri 8:30 AM–6 PM · Sat 8 AM–4 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    351 Santa Fe Dr Ste 200, Encinitas, CA 92024
  7. Based in Encinitas

    72/100RP Score

    Ranked #12 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 4.5★ from 6 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.5★ from 6 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8:15 AM–5 PM · Sat 10 AM–4 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    169 Saxony Rd #205, Encinitas, CA 92024
  8. Based in Encinitas

    72/100RP Score

    Ranked #13 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.

    • 3.3★ from 3 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 8:30 AM–8 PM · Wed 9 AM–5 PM · Thu 8:30 AM–8 PM · Fri 8:30 AM–6 PM · Sat 8 AM–4 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    351 Santa Fe Dr Ste 200, Encinitas, CA 92024
  9. Based in Encinitas

    72/100RP Score

    Ranked #14 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 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 9 AM–5 PM · Sat 9 AM–12 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    1011 Devonshire Dr # B, Encinitas, CA 92024
  10. Based in Encinitas

    71/100RP Score

    Ranked #15 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 4.5★ from 6 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.5★ from 6 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon closed · Tue 9:30 AM–7 PM · Wed–Thu 12 PM–8 PM · Fri closed · Sat 9 AM–2 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    609 S Vulcan Ave #101, Encinitas, CA 92024
  11. Based in San Diego, 7 mi away

    70/100RP Score

    Ranked #18 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.

    • 4.2★ from 10 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–6 PM · Sat–Sun 8 AM–9 PM
    Address
    12625 High Bluff Dr #103, San Diego, CA 92130
  12. Based in Solana Beach, 6 mi away

    69/100RP Score

    Ranked #19 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 4.9★ from 134 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.9★ from 134 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–6 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    1349 Camino Del Mar Ste F, Del Mar, CA 92014
  13. Based in San Diego, 7 mi away

    69/100RP Score

    Ranked #20 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.

    • 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews
    Address
    12636 High Bluff Dr #400, San Diego, CA 92130
  14. Based in Encinitas

    69/100RP Score

    Ranked #21 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.

    • 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon 9 AM–5 PM · Tue–Thu 9 AM–6 PM · Fri–Sun closed
    Address
    171 Saxony Rd Unit 214, Encinitas, CA 92024
  15. Based in Carlsbad, 10 mi away

    67/100RP Score

    Ranked #23 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 4.9★ from 29 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.9★ from 29 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–8 PM · Sat 8 AM–5 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    2564 State St Ste B, Carlsbad, CA 92008
  16. Based in Carlsbad, 9 mi away

    67/100RP Score

    Ranked #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.

    • 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews
    Address
    2945 Harding St Ste 203-B, Carlsbad, CA 92008

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 237 ranked psychologists here; the rest are on their profiles.

psychologists in Encinitas, ranks 26 to 50
RankBusinessRP ScoreGoogle ratingDistance
26James A. Bondell, PHD663.8★ (4)10 mi
27Christine Calix, Psychologist665.0★ (4)8 mi
28Dr. Nancy Shah665.0★ (3)3 mi
29Iren Fellegvari, Psy.D Whole Person Psychotherapy655.0★ (5)12 mi
30Laurie E. Berenson, PSYD655.0★ (3)11 mi
31Brave Heart Child & Family Counseling Inc655.0★ (19)7 mi
32Giglio John A653.7★ (3)11 mi
33San Diego Kids First654.6★ (21)7 mi
34Center for Mental Wellness654.9★ (9)7 mi
35Pizitz Todd PhD653.3★ (4)11 mi
36Dr. Judy Phillips, Ph.D.655.0★ (3)12 mi
37Dr. Denise Gonzales651.7★ (3)10 mi
38Natacha Akshoomoff, Ph.D.655.0★ (3)7 mi
39Margaret M. Chisholm, PHD651.0★ (3)10 mi
40Eric David, Counselor644.6★ (9)10 mi
41Jennifer Schere Ph D Motherhood Counseling645.0★ (6)7 mi
42Maxim Behavioral Health Carlsbad, CA645.0★ (4)6 mi
43Kenneth S. Buhr, PhD645.0★ (4)12 mi
44Colette Lord, PhD EMDR Therapist645.0★ (4)6 mi
45Valantine Bill645.0★ (3)12 mi
46The Village Lighthouse644.8★ (19)9 mi
47The Child Psychology Center645.0★ (22)9 mi
48Lucidity Sleep Psychiatry642.0★ (8)11 mi
49Psychogenix Corp644.1★ (40)7 mi
50Coastal Therapy Group645.0★ (25)10 mi

Also serving Encinitas

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.

Unranked psychologists serving Encinitas
BusinessGoogle ratingDistance
AToN Center4.9★ (68)In Encinitas
BOLD Health Medical Group3.9★ (35)In Encinitas
Damluji Namir MD3.9★ (7)In Encinitas
Driftwood Therapy Collective | Psychotherapy in Encinitas, CA5.0★ (30)In Encinitas
EDReferral.com5.0★ (10)In Encinitas
Elizabeth 'Betsy' Hegardt, LMFT5.0★ (8)In Encinitas
ĒMA Therapy5.0★ (10)In Encinitas
Family Connections Therapy, Inc.3.5★ (16)In Encinitas
Good Therapy San Diego- Encinitas4.8★ (44)In Encinitas
Grayson Wallen Professional Counseling5.0★ (34)In Encinitas
Healing Hearts Counseling4.9★ (135)In Encinitas
Integrative Couples Therapy4.6★ (11)In Encinitas
Lightfully Behavioral Health4.3★ (6)In Encinitas
Nourished Wellness Group4.6★ (8)In Encinitas
Ocean Air Counseling5.0★ (7)In Encinitas
Paula Shaw Counseling5.0★ (18)In Encinitas
Psychiatric Wellness Center5.0★ (20)In Encinitas
Seaworthy Therapy5.0★ (6)In Encinitas
Steven T. Griggs, Ph.D.3.2★ (9)In Encinitas
The Relationship Counselors4.1★ (9)In Encinitas

How we ranked Encinitas psychologists

We scored 237 Encinitas 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.

Read the full method: formula, sources and exclusions

RP Score factors and weights
FactorWeightComputed fromIn Encinitas 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 psychologist

  1. Check the license with the state or provincial board that issued it; most boards publish a free online lookup.
  2. Make sure they regularly work with clients who have your concern, and ask what approach they use and why.
  3. If you may need testing as well as therapy (for example for ADHD or memory concerns), ask whether the practice does assessments itself.
  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 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 Encinitas: frequently asked questions

Who is the best psychologist in Encinitas?

By RP Score, the highest-ranked psychologist in Encinitas, CA is American Brain Stimulation Clinic: Rustin Berlow, MD with an RP Score of 76/100. It has 4.6★ from 19 Google reviews. It is open 7 days a week. Dr. Courtney Higgins, Psychologist (#2) and Education Psychological Services Inc. (#3) follow. We ranked 237 psychologists on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.

How many psychologists are there in Encinitas?

RankedPsychologists ranks 237 psychologists serving Encinitas, CA. 17 of them are based in Encinitas; 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 Encinitas work on weekends?

93 of 237 ranked psychologists post Saturday hours and 21 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are American Brain Stimulation Clinic: Rustin Berlow, MD (#1), Education Psychological Services Inc. (#3) and Nature and Nurture Therapy (#4). Posted hours are office hours; many practices also offer evening or online sessions by appointment.

What Google rating do Encinitas psychologists have?

The median Google rating among 237 rated psychologists in Encinitas is 4.8★, with a median of 9 reviews. Dream Sleep Centre has the most, 134 reviews, and ranks #19. 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 Encinitas count in this ranking?

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

  1. November 2026: RP Scores recalculated for 237 psychologists serving Encinitas.
  2. November 2026: 2 duplicate listings merged.