Skip to content

Best Psychologists in San Marcos, TX (2026)

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

The short answer

  1. 1

    Best overall in San Marcos: Claudia J. Kotin, PHD, RP Score 75/100; 3.9★ from 7 Google reviews.

  2. 7

    Most-reviewed: LifeStance Therapists & Psychiatrists San Marcos, 365 Google reviews at 4.4★, the most of 22 ranked; ranked #7.

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

22 San Marcos psychologists are ranked here by RP Score, from eight published factors. 4 open Saturdays and 2 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.5★ across 22 rated practices.

Top 10 psychologists in San Marcos 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 Marcos at a glance
RankBusinessRP ScoreGoogle ratingBased inHoursBest for
1Claudia J. Kotin, PHD753.9★ (7)San Marcos—Overall
2Kotin Psychology704.0★ (16)San Marcos——
3Lonestar Mental Health674.5★ (61)San MarcosSat · Sun · Evenings—
4Natalie Cerda, MD645.0★ (17)Buda, 15 mi away——
5Psychological Associates of Central Texas624.4★ (7)San MarcosEvenings—
6Capital Area Psychological & Evaluation Services604.3★ (7)Buda, 15 mi awaySat—
7LifeStance Therapists & Psychiatrists San Marcos594.4★ (365)San Marcos—Most reviews
8Yi Zhang, Psychiatrist594.7★ (61)San Marcos——
9Sussana Howard, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner584.7★ (51)San Marcos——
10Jamie Lewis, PhD, PLLC585.0★ (4)Buda, 15 mi awayEvenings—

The 22 best psychologists in San Marcos, 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 Marcos

    #1 Claudia J. Kotin, PHD

    Based in San Marcos

    75/100RP Score

    Ranked #1 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 3.9★ from 7 Google reviews.

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

    • 3.9★ from 7 Google reviews
    Address
    2106 Quail Run Dr, San Marcos, TX 78666
    View profile for Claudia J. Kotin, PHD(512) 392-8106

  2. #2 Kotin Psychology

    Based in San Marcos

    70/100RP Score

    Ranked #2 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 4.0★ from 16 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.0★ from 16 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–6 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    2106 Quail Run Dr, San Marcos, TX 78666
    View profile for Kotin Psychology(512) 392-8106

  4. #4 Natalie Cerda, MD

    Based in Buda, 15 mi away

    64/100RP Score

    Ranked #4 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Child psychologist”, 5.0★ from 17 Google reviews.

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

    • 5.0★ from 17 Google reviews
    Address
    5235 Overpass Rd #100, Buda, TX 78610
    View profile for Natalie Cerda, MD(512) 324-0098

  6. #6 Capital Area Psychological & Evaluation Services

    Based in Buda, 15 mi away

    60/100RP Score

    Ranked #6 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 4.3★ from 7 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.3★ from 7 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 8:30 AM–6 PM · Fri–Sat 9 AM–3 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    645 Ranch to Market Rd 967 Bldg. 1 Suite 106, Buda, TX 78610
    View profile for Capital Area Psychological & Evaluation Services(512) 222-8339

  8. #8 Yi Zhang, Psychiatrist

    Based in San Marcos

    59/100RP Score

    Ranked #8 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.7★ from 61 Google reviews, based in San Marcos.

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

    • 4.7★ from 61 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    151 Stagecoach Trail Suite 220, San Marcos, TX 78666
    View profile for Yi Zhang, Psychiatrist(737) 277-4221

  10. #10 Jamie Lewis, PhD, PLLC

    Based in Buda, 15 mi away

    58/100RP Score

    Ranked #10 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Child 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–Thu 9 AM–7 PM · Fri 9 AM–6 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    125 Rose St Suite 206, Buda, TX 78610
    View profile for Jamie Lewis, PhD, PLLC(737) 231-1789

  12. #12 Barry Mills, Psychiatrist

    Based in San Marcos

    57/100RP Score

    Ranked #12 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.2★ from 24 Google reviews, based in San Marcos.

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

    • 4.2★ from 24 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    151 Stagecoach Trail Suite 220, San Marcos, TX 78666
    View profile for Barry Mills, Psychiatrist(737) 277-4221

  13. #13 Juli Acuna, Counselor

    Based in San Marcos

    56/100RP Score

    Ranked #13 because of its Google rating and proximity: 5.0★ from 7 Google reviews, based in San Marcos.

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

    • 5.0★ from 7 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    151 Stagecoach Trail Ste 220, San Marcos, TX 78666
    View profile for Juli Acuna, Counselor(737) 277-4221

  16. #16 New Braunfels Counseling Center

    Based in New Braunfels, 14 mi away

    52/100RP Score

    Ranked #16 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.6★ from 137 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.

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

    • 4.6★ from 137 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat 9 AM–3 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    790 Generations Dr Ste 410, New Braunfels, TX 78130
    View profile for New Braunfels Counseling Center(830) 625-0599

  18. #18 Psychiatry of SA

    Based in New Braunfels, 13 mi away

    47/100RP Score

    Ranked #18 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.7★ from 18 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”.

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

    • 4.7★ from 18 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    741 Generations Dr suite 210, New Braunfels, TX 78130
    View profile for Psychiatry of SA(210) 742-6551

  19. #19 Family Care Center Therapy & Psychiatry - New Braunfels

    Based in New Braunfels, 17 mi away

    47/100RP Score

    Ranked #19 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.7★ from 210 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.

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

    • 4.7★ from 210 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    640 N Walnut Ave Ste 1208, New Braunfels, TX 78130
    View profile for Family Care Center Therapy & Psychiatry - New Braunfels(830) 310-7338

  20. #20 Ellie Mental Health

    Based in New Braunfels, 18 mi away

    46/100RP Score

    Ranked #20 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 2.5★ from 16 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.

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

    • 2.5★ from 16 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–6 PM · Sat–Sun 10 AM–3 PM
    Address
    3016 Independence Dr Ste 105, New Braunfels, TX 78132
    View profile for Ellie Mental Health(830) 402-5890

  21. #21 Mindcolor Autism - ABA Therapy

    Based in Buda, 14 mi away

    46/100RP Score

    Ranked #21 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 6 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Applied behavior analysis therapist”.

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

    • 5.0★ from 6 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–6 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    1728 Farm to Market 1626 Ste 200, Buda, TX 78610
    View profile for Mindcolor Autism - ABA Therapy(833) 646-3222

  22. #22 Inmindout Emotional Wellness Center, LLC - New Braunfels

    Based in New Braunfels, 17 mi away

    44/100RP Score

    Ranked #22 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.2★ from 90 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.

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

    • 4.2★ from 90 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    645 N Walnut Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130
    View profile for Inmindout Emotional Wellness Center, LLC - New Braunfels(830) 730-6090

Also serving San Marcos

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 Marcos
BusinessGoogle ratingDistance
Arielle Valentine, Counselor4.6★ (11)In San Marcos
Calm Minds Child Therapy, PLLC5.0★ (1)In San Marcos
Cedar Creek Associates3.4★ (12)In San Marcos
Dr. Kimberly Garrison, Licensed Psychologist5.0★ (2)In San Marcos
Hiatus Wellness5.0★ (3)In San Marcos
Hill Country MHDD Centers - Scheib Mental Health Clinic4.1★ (68)In San Marcos
Jennifer Hernandez, Counselor5.0★ (3)In San Marcos
John P Houston3.7★ (3)In San Marcos
Jordan Robertson Therapy4.2★ (5)In San Marcos
Kristin Thompson, Counselor5.0★ (11)In San Marcos
Lynne Pierce, Counselor4.9★ (13)In San Marcos
Michele Frances Purvin, LCSW-S, LCDC, LLC & Associates5.0★ (10)In San Marcos
Paul R. Whitelock M.D. & Associates4.0★ (4)In San Marcos
Psych Dimensions, Inc.5.0★ (8)In San Marcos
Ruth Covin-Weeks, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner5.0★ (2)In San Marcos
San Marcos Psychotherapy Services5.0★ (1)In San Marcos
Stephanie Banasau, Counselor4.8★ (5)In San Marcos
Steven Sharp, Psychiatrist4.6★ (13)In San Marcos
Therapy San Marcos5.0★ (6)In San Marcos
William P. Howard, PHD3.0★ (2)In San Marcos

How we ranked San Marcos psychologists

We scored 22 San Marcos 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 Marcos 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 Marcos: frequently asked questions

Who is the best psychologist in San Marcos?

By RP Score, the highest-ranked psychologist in San Marcos, TX is Claudia J. Kotin, PHD with an RP Score of 75/100. It has 3.9★ from 7 Google reviews. Kotin Psychology (#2) and Lonestar Mental Health (#3) follow. We ranked 22 psychologists on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.

How many psychologists are there in San Marcos?

RankedPsychologists ranks 22 psychologists serving San Marcos, TX. 12 of them are based in San Marcos; 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 Marcos work on weekends?

4 of 22 ranked psychologists post Saturday hours and 2 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Lonestar Mental Health (#3), Capital Area Psychological & Evaluation Services (#6) and New Braunfels Counseling Center (#16). Posted hours are office hours; many practices also offer evening or online sessions by appointment.

What Google rating do San Marcos psychologists have?

The median Google rating among 22 rated psychologists in San Marcos is 4.5★, with a median of 18 reviews. LifeStance Therapists & Psychiatrists San Marcos has the most, 365 reviews, and ranks #7. 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 Marcos count in this ranking?

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

  1. November 2026: RP Scores recalculated for 22 psychologists serving San Marcos.

More psychologists and San Marcos pages