74/100RP 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 West Carson, CA (2026)
374 psychologists ranked by RP ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →
The short answer
- 1
Best overall in West Carson: Stephen Makuch, MFT, RP Score 74/100; 4.5★ from 21 Google reviews.
- 12
Most-reviewed: Maxwell Valerie PHD, 25 Google reviews at 4.7★, the most of 374 ranked; ranked #12.
Rankings can't be bought. Psychologists can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank
374 West Carson psychologists are ranked here by RP Score, from eight published factors. 121 open Saturdays and 71 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.7★ across 374 rated practices.
Most of this list also appears on the Psychologists in Torrance ranking. See Psychologists in Torrance
Top 10 psychologists in West 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 | 74 | 4.5★ (21) | Torrance, 3 mi away | — | Overall |
| 2 | Clear Skies Psychology | 72 | 1.0★ (3) | Torrance, 3 mi away | Sat · Sun · Evenings | — |
| 3 | Psych Lab Psychology Center | 72 | 5.0★ (12) | Long Beach, 6 mi away | Sat · Sun · Evenings | — |
| 4 | Anthony J. Aloia, Ph.D. Psychology Corporation | 71 | 2.6★ (5) | Torrance, 3 mi away | — | — |
| 5 | Nourit H. Korzennik, PH | 71 | 3.0★ (4) | Torrance, 3 mi away | — | — |
| 6 | Dr. Nora Taylor, Clinical Psychologist | 71 | 5.0★ (5) | Redondo Beach, 5 mi away | Sat · Sun · Evenings | — |
| 7 | Dr. Dominique Benavidez | 71 | 1.7★ (3) | Torrance, 4 mi away | — | — |
| 8 | Asteri Behavioral Treatment Center | 70 | 4.5★ (16) | Gardena, 3 mi away | Sat | — |
| 9 | Brittany Dafesh | 70 | 4.2★ (5) | Redondo Beach, 5 mi away | — | — |
| 10 | Thomas Carouso, MFT | 70 | 5.0★ (3) | Redondo Beach, 5 mi away | — | — |
The 374 best psychologists in West 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 Torrance, 3 mi away
72/100RP ScoreRanked #2 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 Long Beach, 6 mi away
72/100RP ScoreRanked #3 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 Torrance, 3 mi away
71/100RP ScoreRanked #4 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, 3 mi away
71/100RP ScoreRanked #5 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, 5 mi away
71/100RP ScoreRanked #6 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 Torrance, 4 mi away
71/100RP ScoreRanked #7 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.
Based in Gardena, 3 mi away
70/100RP ScoreRanked #8 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 Redondo Beach, 5 mi away
70/100RP ScoreRanked #9 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, 5 mi away
70/100RP ScoreRanked #10 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 Gardena, 3 mi away
70/100RP ScoreRanked #11 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 Manhattan Beach, 8 mi away
70/100RP ScoreRanked #12 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 El Segundo, 9 mi away
70/100RP ScoreRanked #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.
Based in Hermosa Beach, 7 mi away
70/100RP ScoreRanked #14 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 Torrance, 4 mi away
70/100RP ScoreRanked #15 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.
Based in Hermosa Beach, 7 mi away
70/100RP ScoreRanked #16 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 #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.
Based in Manhattan Beach, 6 mi away
70/100RP ScoreRanked #18 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 #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 Torrance, 4 mi away
70/100RP ScoreRanked #20 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 Palos Verdes Estates, 6 mi away
70/100RP ScoreRanked #21 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 Hermosa Beach, 7 mi away
70/100RP ScoreRanked #22 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 Manhattan Beach, 8 mi away
69/100RP ScoreRanked #23 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 Long Beach, 6 mi away
69/100RP ScoreRanked #24 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 Torrance, 2 mi away
69/100RP ScoreRanked #25 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.
How we ranked West Carson psychologists
We scored 374 West 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 West 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 West Carson: frequently asked questions
Who is the best psychologist in West Carson?
By RP Score, the highest-ranked psychologist in West Carson, CA is Stephen Makuch, MFT with an RP Score of 74/100. It has 4.5★ from 21 Google reviews. Clear Skies Psychology (#2) and Psych Lab Psychology Center (#3) follow. We ranked 374 psychologists on eight factors, last updated November 9, 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 West Carson work on weekends?
121 of 374 ranked psychologists post Saturday hours and 71 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Clear Skies Psychology (#2), Psych Lab Psychology Center (#3) and Dr. Nora Taylor, Clinical Psychologist (#6). Posted hours are office hours; many practices also offer evening or online sessions by appointment.
What Google rating do West Carson psychologists have?
The median Google rating among 374 rated psychologists in West Carson is 4.7★, with a median of 7 reviews. Maxwell Valerie PHD has the most, 25 reviews, and ranks #12. 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 West Carson count in this ranking?
Yes, if they are within 20 mi of the West 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 West 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 West Carson
- November 2026: RP Scores recalculated for 374 psychologists serving West Carson.
- November 2026: 1 duplicate listing merged.
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