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Best Psychologists in Rancho Penasquitos, CA (2026)

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

The short answer

  1. 1

    Best overall in Rancho Penasquitos: Dr. Heather Johnson, RP Score 72/100; 4.1★ from 13 Google reviews.

  2. 16

    Most-reviewed: The Green Room Psychological Services, 159 Google reviews at 4.9★, the most of 320 ranked; ranked #16.

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

320 Rancho Penasquitos psychologists are ranked here by RP Score, from eight published factors. 131 open Saturdays and 31 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.8★ across 320 rated practices.

Top 10 psychologists in Rancho Penasquitos 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 Rancho Penasquitos at a glance
RankBusinessRP ScoreGoogle ratingBased inHoursBest for
1Dr. Heather Johnson724.1★ (13)San Diego, 4 mi away—Overall
2Valantine Bill725.0★ (3)San Diego, 4 mi away——
3Dr. Alan Lincoln713.7★ (6)San Diego, 4 mi away——
4Houston Charlotte C715.0★ (3)San Diego, 5 mi away——
5Kenneth S. Buhr, PhD715.0★ (4)San Diego, 5 mi away——
6Stephen M. White, Psy. D.713.7★ (3)San Diego, 4 mi away——
7Dr. Dana Carson Lopez, Psy.D.703.7★ (3)San Diego, 5 mi away——
8Lisa A. Davidson, PHD703.4★ (36)Poway, 4 mi away——
9Pacific Integrative Therapy694.2★ (10)San Diego, 7 mi awaySat · Sun—
10Iren Fellegvari, Psy.D Whole Person Psychotherapy695.0★ (5)San Diego, 7 mi away——

The 320 best psychologists in Rancho Penasquitos, 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 Rancho Penasquitos

    Based in San Diego, 4 mi away

    72/100RP Score

    Ranked #1 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 4.1★ from 13 Google reviews.

    Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.

    • 4.1★ from 13 Google reviews
    Address
    9815 Carroll Canyon Rd, San Diego, CA 92131
  2. Based in San Diego, 4 mi away

    72/100RP Score

    Ranked #2 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
    10717 Camino Ruiz #243, San Diego, CA 92126
  3. Based in San Diego, 4 mi away

    71/100RP Score

    Ranked #3 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 3.7★ from 6 Google reviews.

    Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.

    • 3.7★ from 6 Google reviews
    Address
    10065 Old Grove Rd #200, San Diego, CA 92131
  4. Based in San Diego, 5 mi away

    71/100RP Score

    Ranked #4 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews.

    Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews
    Address
    9663 Tierra Grande St Unit 104, San Diego, CA 92126
  5. Based in San Diego, 5 mi away

    71/100RP Score

    Ranked #5 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
    16935 W Bernardo Dr #121, San Diego, CA 92127
  6. Based in San Diego, 4 mi away

    71/100RP Score

    Ranked #6 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.

    • 3.7★ from 3 Google reviews
    Address
    16496 Bernardo Center Dr #307, San Diego, CA 92128
  7. Based in Poway, 4 mi away

    70/100RP Score

    Ranked #8 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 3.4★ from 36 Google reviews.

    Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.

    • 3.4★ from 36 Google reviews
    Address
    15525 Pomerado Rd Ste C7, Poway, CA 92064
  8. Based in San Diego, 7 mi away

    69/100RP Score

    Ranked #9 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
  9. 69/100RP Score

    Ranked #11 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
  10. Based in San Diego, 7 mi away

    69/100RP Score

    Ranked #12 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
    5230 Carroll Canyon Rd #100, San Diego, CA 92121
  11. #13 PCSD

    Based in San Diego, 5 mi away

    68/100RP Score

    Ranked #13 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 2.9★ from 11 Google reviews.

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

    • 2.9★ from 11 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri closed · Sat–Sun 9 AM–5 PM
    Address
    11770 Bernardo Plaza Ct #370, San Diego, CA 92128
  12. Based in San Diego, 7 mi away

    68/100RP Score

    Ranked #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.

    • 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews
    Address
    12636 High Bluff Dr #400, San Diego, CA 92130
  13. 68/100RP Score

    Ranked #15 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.

    • 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon 12 PM–5 PM · Tue 11 AM–5 PM · Wed 12 PM–5:30 PM · Thu–Sun closed
    Address
    14249 Rancho Santa Fe Farms Rd #3101, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92091
  14. Based in San Diego, 5 mi away

    67/100RP Score

    Ranked #17 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 closed · Tue–Fri 10 AM–6 PM · Sat 11 AM–4 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    16935 W Bernardo Dr, San Diego, CA 92127
  15. Based in San Diego, 7 mi away

    67/100RP Score

    Ranked #20 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.

    • 5.0★ from 4 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
    11515 El Camino Real Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92130
  16. Based in Solana Beach, 9 mi away

    66/100RP Score

    Ranked #21 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
  17. Based in Encinitas, 12 mi away

    66/100RP Score

    Ranked #24 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
  18. Based in San Diego, 4 mi away

    66/100RP Score

    Ranked #25 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–7:30 PM · Tue 9 AM–8 PM · Wed 9 AM–6 PM · Thu 9 AM–5 PM · Fri 9 AM–6 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    9666 Businesspark Ave, San Diego, CA 92131

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

psychologists in Rancho Penasquitos, ranks 26 to 50
RankBusinessRP ScoreGoogle ratingDistance
26Wellness Therapy of San Diego664.2★ (5)4 mi
27Jonathan Kramer, PhD / Psychologist664.8★ (16)9 mi
28Neda Khodaparast, PsyD, QME655.0★ (22)11 mi
29Education Psychological Services Inc.655.0★ (20)12 mi
30Coastal Therapy Group655.0★ (27)12 mi
31Kirsten Molina, Counselor655.0★ (7)10 mi
32Dr. John Lee Evans, PhD655.0★ (3)5 mi
33West Neurobehavioral Services- Neuropsychological and Psychological Evaluations654.0★ (8)5 mi
34Robin Pekin, Counselor654.4★ (8)10 mi
35Karyn Donado, Counselor654.8★ (5)10 mi
36Dr. Courtney Higgins, Psychologist654.4★ (7)12 mi
37David Debus, Psychologist655.0★ (4)10 mi
38Learning Development Services655.0★ (4)12 mi
39Love & Alvarez Psychology Inc655.0★ (3)11 mi
40Brave Heart Child & Family Counseling Inc655.0★ (19)7 mi
41Dess William J653.0★ (4)11 mi
42San Diego Kids First644.6★ (21)7 mi
43Center for Mental Wellness644.9★ (9)7 mi
44Ina von Ber, PhD644.2★ (10)12 mi
45Natacha Akshoomoff, Ph.D.645.0★ (3)7 mi
46Rady Children's Outpatient Psychiatry643.0★ (19)11 mi
47Louella Ladia, Psychiatrist643.1★ (27)4 mi
48Richard Benfante, Counselor644.8★ (27)13 mi
49Emily Wu, Psychologist645.0★ (6)11 mi
50Dr. Melissa E. Munoz | Psychologist645.0★ (15)15 mi

Also serving Rancho Penasquitos

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 Rancho Penasquitos
BusinessGoogle ratingDistance
Advanced Neurobehavioral Health5.0★ (2)3 mi
April Minjarez, Ph.D., LMFT3.5★ (2)5 mi
Avazian Karyn L4.0★ (2)5 mi
Banafsheh Pezeshk, PsyD3.0★ (2)4 mi
Brilliant Start Wellness5.0★ (2)4 mi
David L Christopher Marriage Counseling San Diego3.0★ (2)4 mi
Dr. Leon Altamirano, PSY.D5.0★ (2)4 mi
Dr. Scholl PsychologyIn Rancho Penasquitos
Dr. Tracy Wutzke3.0★ (2)4 mi
Dr. Yamilka Urquiza Mendoza3.0★ (2)4 mi
FitMind Counseling/Coaching for Performance in Work/LifeIn Rancho Penasquitos
FitMind Mindset Counseling and CoachingIn Rancho Penasquitos
Hygge PsychIn Rancho Penasquitos
Jennifer Konzen, PsyD5.0★ (2)1 mi
Minder Memory Center4.7★ (252)In Rancho Penasquitos
Nakhshab Cyrus3.0★ (2)5 mi
North City Psychological Group3.0★ (2)5 mi
Piece of Mind Neuropsychology Inc.3.0★ (2)3 mi
Robert Geffner, PHD4.0★ (2)4 mi
Stevens Mark W1.5★ (2)5 mi

How we ranked Rancho Penasquitos psychologists

We scored 320 Rancho Penasquitos 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 Rancho Penasquitos 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 Rancho Penasquitos: frequently asked questions

Who is the best psychologist in Rancho Penasquitos?

By RP Score, the highest-ranked psychologist in Rancho Penasquitos, CA is Dr. Heather Johnson with an RP Score of 72/100. It has 4.1★ from 13 Google reviews. Valantine Bill (#2) and Dr. Alan Lincoln (#3) follow. We ranked 320 psychologists on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.

How many psychologists are there in Rancho Penasquitos?

RankedPsychologists ranks 320 psychologists serving Rancho Penasquitos, CA. 2 of them are based in Rancho Penasquitos; 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 Rancho Penasquitos work on weekends?

131 of 320 ranked psychologists post Saturday hours and 31 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Pacific Integrative Therapy (#9), American Brain Stimulation Clinic: Rustin Berlow, MD (#11) and PCSD (#13). Posted hours are office hours; many practices also offer evening or online sessions by appointment.

What Google rating do Rancho Penasquitos psychologists have?

The median Google rating among 320 rated psychologists in Rancho Penasquitos is 4.8★, with a median of 8 reviews. The Green Room Psychological Services has the most, 159 reviews, and ranks #16. 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 Rancho Penasquitos count in this ranking?

Yes, if they are within 20 mi of the Rancho Penasquitos 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 Rancho Penasquitos 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 Rancho Penasquitos

  1. November 2026: RP Scores recalculated for 320 psychologists serving Rancho Penasquitos.
  2. November 2026: 2 duplicate listings merged.