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Best Psychologists in San Clemente, CA (2026)

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

The short answer

  1. 1

    Best overall in San Clemente: Dr. Susan Pazak, RP Score 73/100; 4.9★ from 51 Google reviews; open 7 days a week.

  2. 33

    Most-reviewed: Curry Psychology Group, 1,498 Google reviews at 5.0★, the most of 78 ranked; ranked #33.

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

78 San Clemente psychologists are ranked here by RP Score, from eight published factors. 18 open Saturdays and 13 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.8★ across 78 rated practices.

Top 10 psychologists in San Clemente 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 San Clemente at a glance
RankBusinessRP ScoreGoogle ratingBased inHoursBest for
1Dr. Susan Pazak734.9★ (51)Laguna Niguel, 11 mi awaySat · Sun · EveningsOverall
2Dr. Nate Psych Psychological Corporation725.0★ (5)San ClementeEvenings—
3Unger Arlene K PhD713.7★ (6)Dana Point, 6 mi away——
4San Clemente Psychological Services704.0★ (4)San ClementeEvenings—
5Piper Walsh, Ph.D. Orange County Counseling704.0★ (4)San ClementeEvenings—
6Rockman Marriage and Family Counseling - Dr. Steve Rockman, PhD.705.0★ (11)Laguna Niguel, 9 mi awaySat · Sun · Evenings—
7Ocean Ridge Treatment & Recovery695.0★ (105)San ClementeSat · Sun · Evenings—
8Dr. Sandra Konja, Psy.D., PMH-C: The Mommy Psychologist | New Beginnings Coaching685.0★ (5)Casa de Oro-Mount Helix, 10 mi away——
9Harris Stephen J PhD685.0★ (4)Mission Viejo, 10 mi away——
10Dr Kramer683.7★ (3)Dana Point, 6 mi awayEvenings—

The 78 best psychologists in San Clemente, 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 San Clemente

    Based in Laguna Niguel, 11 mi away

    73/100RP Score

    Ranked #1 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 4.9★ from 51 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.9★ from 51 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sun 12 AM–12 AM
    Address
    23807 Aliso Creek Rd Ste 100, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
  2. Based in Dana Point, 6 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
    34145 Pacific Coast Hwy #821, Dana Point, CA 92629
  3. Based in San Clemente

    70/100RP Score

    Ranked #4 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 4.0★ from 4 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.0★ from 4 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon 8 AM–7 PM · Tue 8 AM–8 PM · Wed 1 PM–8 PM · Thu 8 AM–8 PM · Fri 12 PM–6 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    629 Camino De Los Mares Ste 207, San Clemente, CA 92673
  4. 70/100RP Score

    Ranked #6 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 5.0★ from 11 Google reviews.

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

    • 5.0★ from 11 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 11 AM–8 PM · Sat–Sun 12 PM–4 PM
    Address
    30011 Ivy Glenn Dr #107, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
  5. Based in Mission Viejo, 10 mi away

    68/100RP Score

    Ranked #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.

    • 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews
    Address
    26461 Crown Valley Pkwy Ste 100, Mission Viejo, CA 92691
  6. Based in Dana Point, 6 mi away

    68/100RP Score

    Ranked #10 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.

    • 3.7★ from 3 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon 12 AM–12 AM · Tue–Wed 9 AM–3 PM · Thu–Sun closed
  7. Based in Laguna Niguel, 9 mi away

    68/100RP Score

    Ranked #11 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Child psychologist”, 3.4★ from 5 Google reviews.

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

    • 3.4★ from 5 Google reviews
    Address
    30011 Ivy Glenn Dr #216, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
  8. Based in Mission Viejo, 10 mi away

    68/100RP Score

    Ranked #12 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 4.3★ from 6 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.3★ from 6 Google reviews
    Address
    27201 Puerta Real #300, Mission Viejo, CA 92691
  9. Based in Mission Viejo, 10 mi away

    67/100RP Score

    Ranked #13 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
    26451 Crown Valley Pkwy Ste 100, Mission Viejo, CA 92691
  10. Based in Mission Viejo, 10 mi away

    67/100RP Score

    Ranked #14 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
    26300 La Alameda #280, Mission Viejo, CA 92691
  11. Based in Aliso Viejo, 11 mi away

    66/100RP Score

    Ranked #16 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 4.8★ from 86 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.8★ from 86 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 9 AM–5 PM · Fri 9 AM–4 PM · Sat 9 AM–1 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    24541 Pacific Park Dr #220, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
  12. Based in Mission Viejo, 12 mi away

    66/100RP Score

    Ranked #17 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
    27001 La Paz Rd #254, Mission Viejo, CA 92691
  13. Based in Laguna Hills, 12 mi away

    66/100RP Score

    Ranked #18 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 3.5★ from 8 Google reviews.

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

    • 3.5★ from 8 Google reviews
    Address
    25431 Cabot Rd #111, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
  14. Based in Laguna Hills, 13 mi away

    64/100RP Score

    Ranked #19 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 2.3★ from 3 Google reviews.

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

    • 2.3★ from 3 Google reviews
    Address
    25201 Paseo De Alicia #118, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
  15. Based in Dana Point, 5 mi away

    64/100RP Score

    Ranked #20 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.8★ from 151 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.

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

    • 4.8★ from 151 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sun 12 AM–12 AM
    Address
    34270 Pacific Coast Hwy 3rd Floor, Dana Point, CA 92629
  16. Based in Rancho Santa Margarita, 14 mi away

    64/100RP Score

    Ranked #21 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 4.0★ from 15 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.0★ from 15 Google reviews
    Address
    30211 Avenida de las Banderas #200, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
  17. Based in Mission Viejo, 10 mi away

    63/100RP Score

    Ranked #22 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 8 AM–5 PM · Tue 8 AM–7 PM · Wed 8 AM–8 PM · Thu–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    26441 Crown Valley Pkwy #101, Mission Viejo, CA 92691
  18. Based in San Juan Capistrano, 6 mi away

    63/100RP Score

    Ranked #23 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 21 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.

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

    • 5.0★ from 21 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sun 12 AM–12 AM
    Address
    31501 Rancho Viejo Rd Ste 505, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
  19. Based in Laguna Niguel, 8 mi away

    62/100RP Score

    Ranked #24 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 2.3★ from 6 Google reviews.

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

    • 2.3★ from 6 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 10 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    5 Firenze St, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
  20. Based in Laguna Niguel, 9 mi away

    62/100RP 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–Tue closed · Wed 9 AM–5 PM · Thu–Sun closed
    Address
    30100 Crown Valley Pkwy #17c, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

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

psychologists in San Clemente, ranks 26 to 50
RankBusinessRP ScoreGoogle ratingDistance
26Saddleback Pulmonary Associates (SPA) ~ George K. Shahinian, M.D.623.2★ (25)9 mi
27Cor Psychological Services623.7★ (3)15 mi
28Richard A. Shulman, Ph.D.615.0★ (6)12 mi
29Michael Elliott and Associates614.4★ (7)13 mi
30Dr. Mitch Keil | Keil Psych Group | Clinical Psychologist615.0★ (67)20 mi
31Colleen Daniel, Psy.D.603.7★ (12)12 mi
32Crossroads Institute for Psychotherapy and Assessment - Orange County604.0★ (6)13 mi
33Curry Psychology Group605.0★ (1,498)20 mi
34Nehzat Farnoody Ph.d604.0★ (25)19 mi
35Fern Therapy Group, Dr. Andreas Marwick605.0★ (4)14 mi
36Peterson Keith MD602.8★ (9)18 mi
37Walk Intuit - San Juan Capistrano605.0★ (11)6 mi
38Trauma Therapy CA594.3★ (4)18 mi
39Dr. Dean Leav, Psy.D., Q.M.E.593.7★ (3)20 mi
40Katherine Shachar, Ph..D.,593.3★ (4)20 mi
41Seneca Family of Agencies - Lake Forest Mental Health Clinic594.3★ (3)15 mi
42Clare Albright PsyD595.0★ (8)15 mi
43CarePossible585.0★ (3)10 mi
44The Relation Foundation585.0★ (3)15 mi
45Cherilyn E. Davidson Cibelli, PHD584.0★ (8)14 mi
46Gregory Berry, MFT, PsyD583.0★ (4)10 mi
47Balanced Growth Counseling585.0★ (10)In San Clemente
48Ocean Ridge Treatment & Recovery Laguna Hills575.0★ (21)13 mi
49Adolescent Mental Health | Teen IOP554.9★ (16)15 mi
50Amy Duckwall, PsyD555.0★ (3)12 mi

Also serving San Clemente

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 San Clemente
BusinessGoogle ratingDistance
Ashley McKinnon Therapy5.0★ (6)In San Clemente
Brain Repair Therapy Services5.0★ (12)In San Clemente
Brandon Tatum, AMFT5.0★ (5)In San Clemente
Celynna Harnetiaux, LMFT & Associates at The Bloom Room5.0★ (6)In San Clemente
Coastal Connection5.0★ (4)In San Clemente
Holder Wellness5.0★ (4)In San Clemente
Inpatient Mental Health Finder-San Clemente Depression PTSD Anxiety Call Center5.0★ (7)In San Clemente
Katie Mann, LCSW4.4★ (7)In San Clemente
Kosins Mark S MD4.0★ (11)In San Clemente
life in the Spirit5.0★ (6)In San Clemente
Oc Couple & Family Therapy3.0★ (2)In San Clemente
Rachel Daggett, LMFT & Associates at The Bloom Room San Clemente5.0★ (11)In San Clemente
Rick McCarthy, MFT4.8★ (4)In San Clemente
SALT Counseling3.4★ (7)In San Clemente
Shala Shardil PMHNP-BC (Sholly Wellness)5.0★ (52)In San Clemente
South Bay Counseling3.7★ (3)In San Clemente
Testimony Life5.0★ (2)In San Clemente
The Bloom Room Therapy Group5.0★ (5)In San Clemente
The Holistic Counseling Center - San Clemente5.0★ (2)In San Clemente
Therapy By Molly5.0★ (2)In San Clemente

How we ranked San Clemente psychologists

We scored 78 San Clemente 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 San Clemente 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 San Clemente: frequently asked questions

Who is the best psychologist in San Clemente?

By RP Score, the highest-ranked psychologist in San Clemente, CA is Dr. Susan Pazak with an RP Score of 73/100. It has 4.9★ from 51 Google reviews. It is open 7 days a week. Dr. Nate Psych Psychological Corporation (#2) and Unger Arlene K PhD (#3) follow. We ranked 78 psychologists on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.

How many psychologists are there in San Clemente?

RankedPsychologists ranks 78 psychologists serving San Clemente, CA. 5 of them are based in San Clemente; 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 San Clemente work on weekends?

18 of 78 ranked psychologists post Saturday hours and 13 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Dr. Susan Pazak (#1), Rockman Marriage and Family Counseling - Dr. Steve Rockman, PhD. (#6) and Ocean Ridge Treatment & Recovery (#7). Posted hours are office hours; many practices also offer evening or online sessions by appointment.

What Google rating do San Clemente psychologists have?

The median Google rating among 78 rated psychologists in San Clemente is 4.8★, with a median of 8 reviews. Curry Psychology Group has the most, 1,498 reviews, and ranks #33. 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 San Clemente count in this ranking?

Yes, if they are within 20 mi of the San Clemente 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 San Clemente 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 San Clemente

  1. November 2026: RP Scores recalculated for 78 psychologists serving San Clemente.