76/100RP Score
Ranked #1 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”, 3.9★ from 38 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Best Therapists And Counselors in California, MD (2026)
21 therapists and counselors ranked by RP ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →
The short answer
- 1
Best overall in California: Center for Children, RP Score 76/100; 3.9★ from 38 Google reviews.
- 15
Most-reviewed: Personalized Therapy LLC, 54 Google reviews at 4.5★, the most of 21 ranked; ranked #15.
Rankings can't be bought. Psychologists can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank
21 California therapists and counselors are ranked here by RP Score, from eight published factors. 7 open Saturdays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.3★ across 21 rated practices.
Top 10 therapists and counselors in California 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 | Center for Children | 76 | 3.9★ (38) | California | — | Overall |
| 2 | Blue Sails Counseling and Consulting, Inc. | 73 | 4.3★ (31) | California | Sat · Evenings | — |
| 3 | Pyramid Healthcare California Residential and Outpatient Treatment Center | 73 | 4.4★ (19) | California | Evenings | — |
| 4 | Empowered Connections | 72 | 4.6★ (9) | California | Sat · Evenings | — |
| 5 | HelpStar Behavioral Health | 70 | 5.0★ (4) | California | Sat · Evenings | — |
| 6 | Memscepter BHC | 70 | 3.0★ (8) | California | Sat | — |
| 7 | MEM Scepter Home and Behavioral Health Care, LLC | 70 | 3.4★ (5) | California | Sat | — |
| 8 | A New Hope Family Therapeutic Services, LLC | 69 | 3.3★ (4) | Lexington Park, 1 mi away | Sat · Evenings | — |
| 9 | Inner Peace Therapeutic Services, LLC | 68 | 3.9★ (22) | Lexington Park, 1 mi away | Evenings | — |
| 10 | Serenity Place, LLC | 68 | 3.9★ (7) | California | — | — |
The 21 best therapists and counselors in California, 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 California
73/100RP ScoreRanked #2 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”, 4.3★ from 31 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in California
73/100RP ScoreRanked #3 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health service”, 4.4★ from 19 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in California
72/100RP ScoreRanked #4 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”, 4.6★ from 9 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in California
70/100RP ScoreRanked #5 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”, 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in California
70/100RP ScoreRanked #6 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”, 3.0★ from 8 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in California
70/100RP ScoreRanked #7 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health service”, 3.4★ from 5 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Lexington Park, 1 mi away
69/100RP ScoreRanked #8 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”, 3.3★ from 4 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Lexington Park, 1 mi away
68/100RP ScoreRanked #9 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health service”, 3.9★ from 22 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in California
68/100RP ScoreRanked #10 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health service”, 3.9★ from 7 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
#11 Outlook Recovery
Based in Lexington Park, 4 mi away
68/100RP ScoreRanked #11 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health service”, 4.4★ from 22 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in California
67/100RP ScoreRanked #12 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Counselor”, 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
#13 Vesta, Inc.
Based in California
67/100RP ScoreRanked #13 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health service”, 3.9★ from 7 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in California
65/100RP ScoreRanked #14 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”, 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in California
64/100RP ScoreRanked #15 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.5★ from 54 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Occupational therapist”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Chesapeake Ranch Estates, 3 mi away
63/100RP ScoreRanked #16 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”, 2.6★ from 5 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
#17 Pathways
Based in Lexington Park, 3 mi away
63/100RP ScoreRanked #17 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health service”, 2.3★ from 42 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Lexington Park, 4 mi away
63/100RP ScoreRanked #18 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health service”, 3.4★ from 5 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Chesapeake Ranch Estates, 4 mi away
62/100RP ScoreRanked #19 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health service”, 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Chesapeake Ranch Estates, 6 mi away
61/100RP ScoreRanked #20 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”, 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
#21 Avondale Center
Based in Chesapeake Ranch Estates, 3 mi away
55/100RP ScoreRanked #21 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Cafe”.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Also serving California
20 more therapists and counselors within 15 mi that we can't rank yet: too few reviews, or a specialty we couldn't confirm. Listed A to Z.
| Business | Google rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Acknowledge, Restore, and Grow LLC | 1 mi | |
| Berns L Steven | 5.0★ (1) | 3 mi |
| Chesapeake South Therapeutic Group LLC | In California | |
| Clarity Place Counseling, LLC | 5.0★ (2) | In California |
| Counseling Services of Hollywood | 1.0★ (2) | In California |
| Deborah A. O'Donnell, PhD | 5.0★ (2) | In California |
| Dewbow Counseling LLC. | In California | |
| Discovery Harbor Counseling Center, LLC | 5.0★ (2) | 1 mi |
| Holly A. Norris, LCPC | In California | |
| Maryland Behavioral Health | 5.0★ (2) | 4 mi |
| Psychological Services Center LLC | 5.0★ (1) | In California |
| Restored Christian Counseling | 5.0★ (1) | In California |
| Rock Creek Foundation | 5.0★ (1) | 9 mi |
| S.J. Woodward Psychotherapy, LLC | 5.0★ (1) | In California |
| Sacred Pathways Holistic Therapy | 5.0★ (2) | 2 mi |
| Salt Psychotherapy | In California | |
| Southern Maryland Counseling | In California | |
| Suzanne J. Pelz, LCPC | 5.0★ (1) | In California |
| Sydney Armitage, Child, Adolescent, and Young Adult Therapist | 5.0★ (1) | 1 mi |
| The Faith Solution of the DMV | 1.0★ (1) | In California |
How we ranked California therapists and counselors
We scored 21 California therapists and counselors 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 California 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 therapist
- 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.
- Check which license they hold (for example LPC, LCSW, LMFT or RP) and look it up with the board or college that issued it.
- 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 therapist
- 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?
- Which license do you hold, and in which state or province?
- 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.
Therapists and counselors in California: frequently asked questions
Who is the best therapist in California?
By RP Score, the highest-ranked therapist in California, MD is Center for Children with an RP Score of 76/100. It has 3.9★ from 38 Google reviews. Blue Sails Counseling and Consulting, Inc. (#2) and Pyramid Healthcare California Residential and Outpatient Treatment Center (#3) follow. We ranked 21 therapists and counselors on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.
How many therapists and counselors are there in California?
RankedPsychologists ranks 21 therapists and counselors serving California, MD. 12 of them are based in California; the rest serve it from nearby towns. Another 20 within 15 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 therapists and counselors in California work on weekends?
7 of 21 ranked therapists and counselors post Saturday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Blue Sails Counseling and Consulting, Inc. (#2), Empowered Connections (#4) and HelpStar Behavioral Health (#5). Posted hours are office hours; many practices also offer evening or online sessions by appointment.
What Google rating do California therapists and counselors have?
The median Google rating among 21 rated therapists and counselors in California is 4.3★, with a median of 7 reviews. Personalized Therapy LLC has the most, 54 reviews, and ranks #15. We adjust ratings for review count, so a few five-star reviews cannot top the list.
How does RankedPsychologists rank therapists and counselors?
Each therapist 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 therapists and counselors outside California count in this ranking?
Yes, if they are within 15 mi of the California city center, our service radius for therapists and counselors. 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 therapists and counselors 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 therapists and counselors in California ranked?
Each practice gets an RP Score from 0 to 100 from 8 published factors, including its Google rating, how clearly it focuses on therapy and counseling and how close it is. Sponsored placements are shown separately and never change rank. The score does not measure treatment outcomes.
Is a licensed counselor the same as a psychologist?
No. Licensed professional counselors, clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists and, in Ontario, registered psychotherapists hold their own licenses and answer to their own boards or colleges. They provide talk therapy for many of the same concerns; formal psychological testing is usually done by a psychologist.
Can I see a therapist 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 California
- November 2026: RP Scores recalculated for 21 therapists and counselors serving California.
- November 2026: 2 duplicate listings merged.
More therapists and counselors and California pages
Therapists and counselors near California
- Therapists and counselors in Lexington Park, MD21 ranked
- Therapists and counselors in Chesapeake Ranch Estates, MD21 ranked
- Therapists and counselors in Cambridge, MD20 ranked
- Therapists and counselors in St. Charles, MD93 ranked
- Therapists and counselors in Saint Charles, MD91 ranked
- Therapists and counselors in Waldorf, MD150 ranked
- Therapists and counselors in Bennsville, MD164 ranked
- Therapists and counselors in Rosaryville, MD279 ranked
- Therapists and counselors in Accokeek, MD297 ranked
- Therapists and counselors in Clinton, MD520 ranked