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Best Therapists And Counselors in Dana Point, CA (2026)

321 therapists and counselors ranked by RP ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →

The short answer

  1. 1

    Best overall in Dana Point: Alter Behavioral Health, RP Score 81/100; 4.8★ from 151 Google reviews; open 7 days a week.

  2. 18

    Most-reviewed: Casa Recovery, 203 Google reviews at 4.7★, the most of 321 ranked; ranked #18.

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

321 Dana Point therapists and counselors are ranked here by RP Score, from eight published factors. 142 open Saturdays and 96 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 5.0★ across 321 rated practices.

Top 10 therapists and counselors in Dana Point 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 therapists and counselors in Dana Point at a glance
RankBusinessRP ScoreGoogle ratingBased inHoursBest for
1Alter Behavioral Health814.8★ (151)Dana PointSat · Sun · EveningsOverall
2Alter Behavioral Health - Dana Point814.8★ (76)Dana PointSat · Sun · Evenings—
3Laguna Shores Recovery814.9★ (55)Dana PointSat · Sun · Evenings—
4AMFM Mental Health Treatment794.7★ (10)Dana PointSat · Sun · Evenings—
5California Care Recovery Mental Health Residential794.8★ (75)San Juan Capistrano, 2 mi awaySat · Sun · Evenings—
6Ocean Ridge Treatment & Recovery795.0★ (105)San Clemente, 3 mi awaySat · Sun · Evenings—
7Alter Behavioral Health - Women's Facility - Orange County794.4★ (7)Dana PointSat · Sun · Evenings—
8Alter Behavioral Health - San Juan Capistrano785.0★ (32)San Juan Capistrano, 2 mi awaySat · Sun · Evenings—
9Alter Behavioral Health - Capo Beach785.0★ (39)San Juan Capistrano, 3 mi awaySat · Sun · Evenings—
10Eleven 11 Recovery774.8★ (44)San Clemente, 3 mi awaySat · Sun · Evenings—

The 321 best therapists and counselors in Dana Point, 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 Dana Point

    #1 Alter Behavioral Health

    Based in Dana Point

    81/100RP Score

    Ranked #1 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health service”, 4.8★ from 151 Google reviews.

    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
    View profile for Alter Behavioral Health(866) 497-2736

  3. #3 Laguna Shores Recovery

    Based in Dana Point

    81/100RP Score

    Ranked #3 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”, 4.9★ from 55 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.9★ from 55 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sun 12 AM–12 AM
    Address
    24662 El Camino Capistrano, Dana Point, CA 92629
    View profile for Laguna Shores Recovery(949) 740-0559

  10. #10 Eleven 11 Recovery

    Based in San Clemente, 3 mi away

    77/100RP Score

    Ranked #10 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health service”, 4.8★ from 44 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.8★ from 44 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sun 12 AM–12 AM
    Address
    647 Camino De Los Mares #221, San Clemente, CA 92673
    View profile for Eleven 11 Recovery(949) 209-2719

  12. #12 South Orange County Wellness

    Based in San Juan Capistrano, 3 mi away

    77/100RP Score

    Ranked #12 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”, 5.0★ from 32 Google reviews.

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

    • 5.0★ from 32 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sun 12 AM–12 AM
    Address
    27123 Calle Arroyo #2121, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
    View profile for South Orange County Wellness(949) 849-4501

  13. #13 Able2Change Mental Health & Depression Treatment Center

    Based in San Juan Capistrano, 4 mi away

    76/100RP Score

    Ranked #13 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health service”, 5.0★ from 21 Google reviews.

    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
    View profile for Able2Change Mental Health & Depression Treatment Center(949) 994-4377

  14. #14 AMFM Mental Health Treatment

    Based in San Juan Capistrano, 2 mi away

    76/100RP Score

    Ranked #14 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health service”, 4.2★ from 5 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.2★ from 5 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sun 12 AM–12 AM
    Address
    26972 Via Banderas, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
    View profile for AMFM Mental Health Treatment(949) 617-0975

  15. #15 Hope By the Sea

    Based in San Juan Capistrano, 2 mi away

    76/100RP Score

    Ranked #15 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”, 3.9★ from 139 Google reviews.

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

    • 3.9★ from 139 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sun 12 AM–12 AM
    Address
    33171 Paseo Cerveza, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
    View profile for Hope By the Sea(866) 971-3209

  16. #16 First Light Recovery

    Based in San Juan Capistrano, 4 mi away

    76/100RP Score

    Ranked #16 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”, 4.5★ from 72 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.5★ from 72 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sun 12 AM–12 AM
    Address
    31211 Casa Grande Dr, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
    View profile for First Light Recovery(949) 676-7692

  17. #17 Storyline Mental Health

    Based in San Juan Capistrano, 3 mi away

    76/100RP Score

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

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

    • 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sun 12 AM–12 AM
    Address
    31961 Calle Reynalda, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
    View profile for Storyline Mental Health(844) 668-4156

  18. #18 Casa Recovery

    Based in San Juan Capistrano, 3 mi away

    75/100RP Score

    Ranked #18 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health service”, 4.7★ from 203 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.7★ from 203 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sun 6 AM–8 PM
    Address
    31877 Del Obispo St #104, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
    View profile for Casa Recovery(866) 904-1145

  19. #19 Covenant Hills Treatment Center

    Based in San Juan Capistrano, 3 mi away

    75/100RP Score

    Ranked #19 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Counselor”, 4.7★ from 80 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.7★ from 80 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 6 AM–6 PM · Sat 6 AM–3 PM · Sun 6 AM–2 PM
    Address
    32236 Paseo Adelanto G, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
    View profile for Covenant Hills Treatment Center(800) 662-2873

  20. #20 Capo Canyon Recovery

    Based in San Juan Capistrano, 3 mi away

    75/100RP Score

    Ranked #20 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”, 5.0★ from 45 Google reviews.

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

    • 5.0★ from 45 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sun 6 AM–8 PM
    Address
    31877 Del Obispo St Ste 103a, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
    View profile for Capo Canyon Recovery(866) 503-1941

  22. #22 Graywood Wellness

    Based in San Juan Capistrano, 4 mi away

    75/100RP Score

    Ranked #22 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”, 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews.

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

    • 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sun 12 AM–12 AM
    Address
    30950 Rancho Viejo Rd #100, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
    View profile for Graywood Wellness(949) 710-5909

  24. #24 AMFM Mental Health Treatment

    Based in San Juan Capistrano, 4 mi away

    74/100RP Score

    Ranked #24 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health service”, 4.2★ from 147 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.2★ from 147 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sun 12 AM–12 AM
    Address
    30310 Rancho Viejo Rd, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
    View profile for AMFM Mental Health Treatment(949) 541-9407

  25. #25 Mission Connection

    Based in San Juan Capistrano, 4 mi away

    74/100RP Score

    Ranked #25 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health service”, 4.4★ from 16 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.4★ from 16 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sun 12 AM–12 AM
    Address
    30300 Rancho Viejo Rd Ste A, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
    View profile for Mission Connection(855) 970-2320

Therapists and counselors 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 321 ranked therapists and counselors here; the rest are on their profiles.

therapists and counselors in Dana Point, ranks 26 to 50
RankBusinessRP ScoreGoogle ratingDistance
26Crystal Cove Recovery744.9★ (133)7 mi
27Cecília Mussen745.0★ (23)3 mi
28First Light Recovery744.6★ (5)4 mi
29Brain Repair Therapy Services745.0★ (12)3 mi
30AMFM Mental Health Treatment744.5★ (6)5 mi
31Inpatient Mental Health Finder-San Clemente Depression PTSD Anxiety Call Center735.0★ (7)5 mi
32Walk Intuit - San Juan Capistrano735.0★ (11)3 mi
33Laguna Shores Mental Health734.5★ (8)5 mi
34Mission Prep Teen Treatment733.0★ (15)4 mi
35AMFM Mental Health Treatment723.7★ (3)6 mi
36Nu Dai Wellness725.0★ (76)9 mi
37Luisa Contreras, Marriage & Sex Therapist725.0★ (4)4 mi
38CarePossible725.0★ (3)6 mi
39Boundaries723.3★ (3)3 mi
40Hightide mental health725.0★ (10)7 mi
41Rick McCarthy, MFT724.8★ (4)4 mi
42Clarity Center for Mental Wellness713.8★ (6)6 mi
43Exist Centers (PHP & IOP Programs)714.6★ (14)7 mi
44AlterCareLine714.5★ (19)In Dana Point
45Healing with Bri715.0★ (41)3 mi
46Kim Quickel Ms Mfcc714.3★ (10)4 mi
47Laura's House712.4★ (7)3 mi
48Carol R. Hughes, Ph.D., L.M.F.T715.0★ (3)4 mi
49Alter Behavioral Health - Mission Viejo714.7★ (29)9 mi
50Resilient Heart Therapy715.0★ (9)6 mi

Also serving Dana Point

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.

Unranked therapists and counselors serving Dana Point
BusinessGoogle ratingDistance
ADD & Life Possibilities CoachingIn Dana Point
Amanda Hart5.0★ (1)In Dana Point
AMFM Mental Health Treatment5.0★ (1)In Dana Point
ASPIREIn Dana Point
Beach Cities Psychological Clinic, Inc.In Dana Point
BTFL Behavioral Health Care & TreatmentIn Dana Point
Capo by The Sea4.6★ (49)In Dana Point
Dr. Eric M. Speare, MD3.9★ (7)In Dana Point
Dr. Lee N. Sandler, MD5.0★ (3)In Dana Point
Eric Nada Therapy5.0★ (1)In Dana Point
Gayle Hillyard, Individual, Marriage and Family Therapy, Prof. Corp5.0★ (2)In Dana Point
Hawk Counseling & Consulting5.0★ (2)In Dana Point
Jones Lana PhD5.0★ (1)In Dana Point
Ken Baum Mental Edge5.0★ (1)In Dana Point
Krysta Boyle LMFT, APCC5.0★ (2)In Dana Point
Lane Lewis S MD4.3★ (12)In Dana Point
Monarch Shores4.3★ (6)In Dana Point
SoCal Recovery4.8★ (22)In Dana Point
Suzanne Greene JD, MA, LMFT5.0★ (1)In Dana Point
Unger Arlene K PhD3.7★ (6)In Dana Point

How we ranked Dana Point therapists and counselors

We scored 321 Dana Point 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.

Read the full method: formula, sources and exclusions

RP Score factors and weights
FactorWeightComputed fromIn Dana Point 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 therapist

  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. Check which license they hold (for example LPC, LCSW, LMFT or RP) and look it up with the board or college that issued it.
  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 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 Dana Point: frequently asked questions

Who is the best therapist in Dana Point?

By RP Score, the highest-ranked therapist in Dana Point, CA is Alter Behavioral Health with an RP Score of 81/100. It has 4.8★ from 151 Google reviews. It is open 7 days a week. Alter Behavioral Health - Dana Point (#2) and Laguna Shores Recovery (#3) follow. We ranked 321 therapists and counselors on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.

How many therapists and counselors are there in Dana Point?

RankedPsychologists ranks 321 therapists and counselors serving Dana Point, CA. 7 of them are based in Dana Point; 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 Dana Point work on weekends?

142 of 321 ranked therapists and counselors post Saturday hours and 96 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Alter Behavioral Health (#1), Alter Behavioral Health - Dana Point (#2) and Laguna Shores Recovery (#3). Posted hours are office hours; many practices also offer evening or online sessions by appointment.

What Google rating do Dana Point therapists and counselors have?

The median Google rating among 321 rated therapists and counselors in Dana Point is 5.0★, with a median of 9 reviews. Casa Recovery has the most, 203 reviews, and ranks #18. 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 Dana Point count in this ranking?

Yes, if they are within 15 mi of the Dana Point 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 Dana Point 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 Dana Point

  1. November 2026: RP Scores recalculated for 321 therapists and counselors serving Dana Point.
  2. November 2026: 2 duplicate listings merged.

More therapists and counselors and Dana Point pages