81/100RP Score
Ranked #1 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health service”, 4.8★ from 120 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Best Therapists And Counselors in Lake Forest, CA (2026)
742 therapists and counselors ranked by RP ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →
The short answer
- 1
Best overall in Lake Forest: SoCal Empowered, RP Score 81/100; 4.8★ from 120 Google reviews; open 7 days a week.
- 38
Most-reviewed: Enhance Health Group- Mental Health Treatment, 465 Google reviews at 4.9★, the most of 742 ranked; ranked #38.
Rankings can't be bought. Psychologists can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank
742 Lake Forest therapists and counselors are ranked here by RP Score, from eight published factors. 320 open Saturdays and 209 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.9★ across 742 rated practices.
Top 10 therapists and counselors in Lake Forest 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 | SoCal Empowered | 81 | 4.8★ (120) | Lake Forest | Sat · Sun · Evenings | Overall |
| 2 | Next Step Intervention | 80 | 5.0★ (34) | Lake Forest | Sat · Sun · Evenings | — |
| 3 | Still Water Wellness Group | 80 | 5.0★ (29) | Lake Forest | Sat · Sun · Evenings | — |
| 4 | Voyager Recovery Center | 80 | 5.0★ (22) | Lake Forest | Sat · Sun · Evenings | — |
| 5 | Zoe Behavioral Health | 78 | 4.8★ (137) | Lake Forest | Sat · Sun | — |
| 6 | OC Revive Mental Health Treatment | 78 | 4.1★ (14) | Lake Forest | Sat · Sun · Evenings | — |
| 7 | BrightPath Mental Health | 78 | 4.2★ (5) | Lake Forest | Sat · Sun · Evenings | — |
| 8 | Compassion Recovery Centers - IOP and PHP Programs in California | 78 | 4.9★ (63) | Laguna Hills, 3 mi away | Sat · Sun · Evenings | — |
| 9 | Nu Dai Wellness | 77 | 5.0★ (76) | Mission Viejo, 4 mi away | Sat · Sun · Evenings | — |
| 10 | Adolescent Mental Health | Teen IOP | 77 | 4.9★ (16) | Laguna Hills, 2 mi away | Sat · Sun · Evenings | — |
The 742 best therapists and counselors in Lake Forest, 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 Lake Forest
80/100RP ScoreRanked #2 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health service”, 5.0★ from 34 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Lake Forest
80/100RP ScoreRanked #3 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”, 5.0★ from 29 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Lake Forest
80/100RP ScoreRanked #4 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health service”, 5.0★ from 22 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Lake Forest
78/100RP ScoreRanked #5 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health service”, 4.8★ from 137 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Lake Forest
78/100RP ScoreRanked #6 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health service”, 4.1★ from 14 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Lake Forest
78/100RP ScoreRanked #7 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.
Based in Laguna Hills, 3 mi away
78/100RP ScoreRanked #8 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health service”, 4.9★ from 63 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Mission Viejo, 4 mi away
77/100RP ScoreRanked #9 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health service”, 5.0★ from 76 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Laguna Hills, 2 mi away
77/100RP ScoreRanked #10 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health service”, 4.9★ from 16 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Laguna Hills, 3 mi away
77/100RP ScoreRanked #11 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Counselor”, 5.0★ from 21 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Mission Viejo, 3 mi away
77/100RP ScoreRanked #12 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”, 4.5★ from 37 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Laguna Hills, 3 mi away
76/100RP ScoreRanked #13 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health service”, 5.0★ from 12 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Lake Forest
76/100RP ScoreRanked #14 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”, 4.8★ from 216 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Irvine, 2 mi away
76/100RP ScoreRanked #15 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”, 4.9★ from 37 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Lake Forest
75/100RP ScoreRanked #16 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 3.7★ from 6 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Irvine, 3 mi away
75/100RP ScoreRanked #17 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”, 5.0★ from 6 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Mission Viejo, 3 mi away
75/100RP ScoreRanked #18 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health service”, 3.7★ from 7 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Lake Forest
75/100RP ScoreRanked #19 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”, 2.6★ from 5 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Coto De Caza, 4 mi away
75/100RP ScoreRanked #20 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 Lake Forest
74/100RP ScoreRanked #21 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health service”, 5.0★ from 19 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Mission Viejo, 5 mi away
74/100RP ScoreRanked #22 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health service”, 4.7★ from 29 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Irvine, 4 mi away
74/100RP ScoreRanked #23 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”, 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Rancho Santa Margarita, 5 mi away
74/100RP ScoreRanked #24 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health service”, 5.0★ from 9 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Irvine, 4 mi away
74/100RP ScoreRanked #25 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 5.0★ from 41 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
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 742 ranked therapists and counselors here; the rest are on their profiles.
Also serving Lake Forest
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Alliance Psychiatric Group | 4.8★ (83) | In Lake Forest |
| AMFM Mental Health Treatment | 5.0★ (2) | In Lake Forest |
| AMFM Mental Health Treatment | 5.0★ (1) | In Lake Forest |
| Balanced Living | 5.0★ (1) | In Lake Forest |
| Brancato Debra M | 5.0★ (1) | In Lake Forest |
| Bridgman Psychological Services | 5.0★ (2) | In Lake Forest |
| Farhad Nikoo DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC | 5.0★ (50) | In Lake Forest |
| Kendra Klassen, Psy.D. | 5.0★ (1) | In Lake Forest |
| Miguel E. Gallardo, Psy.D. | 5.0★ (2) | In Lake Forest |
| Mosai Therapy | 5.0★ (2) | In Lake Forest |
| Neuro Wellness Spa | Psychiatrists in Lake Forest | 5.0★ (27) | In Lake Forest |
| OC Revive | 4.7★ (176) | In Lake Forest |
| Paulette Clark Counseling | 5.0★ (1) | In Lake Forest |
| Rahma Center Counseling | 5.0★ (2) | In Lake Forest |
| Seek Recovery | 4.7★ (21) | In Lake Forest |
| Solandis Mental Health | 5.0★ (2) | In Lake Forest |
| South County Psychological, Inc. | 5.0★ (1) | In Lake Forest |
| South County Psychotherapy Associates | 5.0★ (1) | In Lake Forest |
| Tiffany R. Agra, MS, LMFT | 5.0★ (1) | In Lake Forest |
| Triumph Healthcare IOP | 5.0★ (1) | In Lake Forest |
How we ranked Lake Forest therapists and counselors
We scored 742 Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest: frequently asked questions
Who is the best therapist in Lake Forest?
By RP Score, the highest-ranked therapist in Lake Forest, CA is SoCal Empowered with an RP Score of 81/100. It has 4.8★ from 120 Google reviews. It is open 7 days a week. Next Step Intervention (#2) and Still Water Wellness Group (#3) follow. We ranked 742 therapists and counselors on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.
How many therapists and counselors are there in Lake Forest?
RankedPsychologists ranks 742 therapists and counselors serving Lake Forest, CA. 18 of them are based in Lake Forest; 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 Lake Forest work on weekends?
320 of 742 ranked therapists and counselors post Saturday hours and 209 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are SoCal Empowered (#1), Next Step Intervention (#2) and Still Water Wellness Group (#3). Posted hours are office hours; many practices also offer evening or online sessions by appointment.
What Google rating do Lake Forest therapists and counselors have?
The median Google rating among 742 rated therapists and counselors in Lake Forest is 4.9★, with a median of 9 reviews. Enhance Health Group- Mental Health Treatment has the most, 465 reviews, and ranks #38. 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 Lake Forest count in this ranking?
Yes, if they are within 15 mi of the Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest
- November 2026: RP Scores recalculated for 742 therapists and counselors serving Lake Forest.
More therapists and counselors and Lake Forest pages
Therapists and counselors near Lake Forest
- Therapists and counselors in Laguna Hills, CA743 ranked
- Therapists and counselors in Foothill Ranch, CA728 ranked
- Therapists and counselors in Laguna Woods, CA748 ranked
- Therapists and counselors in Mission Viejo, CA665 ranked
- Therapists and counselors in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA448 ranked
- Therapists and counselors in Aliso Viejo, CA680 ranked
- Therapists and counselors in Ladera Ranch, CA475 ranked
- Therapists and counselors in Coto De Caza, CA317 ranked
- Therapists and counselors in Irvine, CA853 ranked
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Other specialties in Lake Forest
- Psychologists in Lake Forest259 ranked
- Child and teen therapists in Lake Forest87 ranked
- Couples therapists in Lake Forest241 ranked
- Family therapists in Lake Forest206 ranked
- Neuropsychologists in Lake Forest26 ranked
- Anxiety and OCD therapists in Lake Forest15 ranked
- Trauma and PTSD therapists in Lake Forest57 ranked
- Eating disorder therapists in Lake Forest38 ranked
- Psychiatrists in Lake Forest562 ranked
- Clinical social workers in Lake Forest130 ranked
- Addiction counselors in Lake Forest462 ranked
- ABA therapy providers in Lake Forest98 ranked
- All psychologists in Lake Forest