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Best Therapists And Counselors in Lake Forest, IL (2026)

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

The short answer

  1. 1

    Best overall in Lake Forest: Forest Bluff Counseling, RP Score 76/100; 4.6★ from 19 Google reviews; open 7 days a week.

  2. 31

    Most-reviewed: Compass Health Center, 198 Google reviews at 4.1★, the most of 346 ranked; ranked #31.

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

346 Lake Forest therapists and counselors are ranked here by RP Score, from eight published factors. 200 open Saturdays and 102 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.6★ across 346 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.

Top 10 therapists and counselors in Lake Forest at a glance
RankBusinessRP ScoreGoogle ratingBased inHoursBest for
1Forest Bluff Counseling764.6★ (19)Lake ForestSat · Sun · EveningsOverall
2Changing Phases743.0★ (6)Lake ForestSat · Sun · Evenings—
3The Forest Lounge Medical Center734.6★ (26)Lake ForestSat—
4Abigail Natenshon Eating Disorder Psychotherapist725.0★ (5)Arlington Heights, 3 mi awaySat · Sun · Evenings—
5LifeStance Therapists & Psychiatrists Vernon Hills724.8★ (100)Vernon Hills, 6 mi awaySat · Sun · Evenings—
6360° Wellness & Coaching LLC723.3★ (9)Lake ForestSat · Evenings—
7Ellie Mental Health724.9★ (18)Buffalo Grove, 5 mi awaySat · Sun · Evenings—
8Bayside Care Center724.2★ (5)Waukegan, 6 mi awaySat · Sun · Evenings—
9The Aspire Group713.8★ (13)Deerfield, 6 mi awaySat · Sun · Evenings—
10Nulife Behavioral Health: Addiction and Mental Health Treatment In Illinois714.7★ (55)Buffalo Grove, 9 mi awaySat · Sun · Evenings—

The 346 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.

Scores below: based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected. Hatched segments mark factors we don't have yet.

  2. #2 Changing Phases

    Based in Lake Forest

    74/100RP Score

    Ranked #2 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Counselor”, 3.0★ from 6 Google reviews.

    • 3.0★ from 6 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sun 7 AM–10 PM
    Address
    100 Saunders Rd Suite 150, Lake Forest, IL 60045
    View profile for Changing Phases(224) 421-6235

  7. #7 Ellie Mental Health

    Based in Buffalo Grove, 5 mi away

    72/100RP Score

    Ranked #7 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health service”, 4.9★ from 18 Google reviews.

    • 4.9★ from 18 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–8 PM · Sat 9 AM–12 PM · Sun 9 AM–5 PM
    Address
    2215 Lakeside Dr, Bannockburn, IL 60015
    View profile for Ellie Mental Health(224) 268-0026

  8. #8 Bayside Care Center

    Based in Waukegan, 6 mi away

    72/100RP Score

    Ranked #8 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”, 4.2★ from 5 Google reviews.

    • 4.2★ from 5 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sun 12 AM–12 AM
    Address
    1100 S Lewis Ave, Waukegan, IL 60085
    View profile for Bayside Care Center(847) 244-8196

  9. #9 The Aspire Group

    Based in Deerfield, 6 mi away

    71/100RP Score

    Ranked #9 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Counselor”, 3.8★ from 13 Google reviews.

    • 3.8★ from 13 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sun 12 AM–12 AM
    Address
    1320 Carol Ln, Deerfield, IL 60015
    View profile for The Aspire Group(847) 945-0913

  12. #12 LumiClinics

    Based in Northbrook, 8 mi away

    70/100RP Score

    Ranked #12 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”, 5.0★ from 108 Google reviews.

    • 5.0★ from 108 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 11 AM–7 PM · Sat–Sun 12 PM–5 PM
    Address
    614 Academy Dr, Northbrook, IL 60062
    View profile for LumiClinics(847) 769-4500

  15. #15 Pringlow Healthcare

    Based in Wheeling, 7 mi away

    70/100RP Score

    Ranked #15 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health service”, 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews.

    • 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sun 12 AM–12 AM
    Address
    250 Parkway Dr Ste 150, Lincolnshire, IL 60069
    View profile for Pringlow Healthcare(773) 405-6284

  16. #16 Abbott House LLC

    Based in Highland Park, 5 mi away

    70/100RP Score

    Ranked #16 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health service”, 4.2★ from 19 Google reviews.

    • 4.2★ from 19 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sun 8 AM–9 PM
    Address
    405 Central Ave, Highland Park, IL 60035
    View profile for Abbott House LLC(847) 432-6080

  23. #23 Ammirati Counseling Group

    Based in Deerfield, 5 mi away

    69/100RP Score

    Ranked #23 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Counselor”, 4.3★ from 56 Google reviews.

    • 4.3★ from 56 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 9 AM–9 PM · Fri 9 AM–8 PM · Sat 9 AM–7 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    2211B Lakeside Dr, Deerfield, IL 60015
    View profile for Ammirati Counseling Group(847) 217-9381

  25. #25 Simply Bee

    Based in Vernon Hills, 6 mi away

    69/100RP Score

    Ranked #25 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”, 4.1★ from 14 Google reviews.

    • 4.1★ from 14 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 9 AM–9 PM · Fri–Sat 9 AM–5 PM · Sun 9 AM–9 PM
    Address
    175 E Hawthorn Pkwy Ste 325, Vernon Hills, IL 60061
    View profile for Simply Bee(224) 765-4900

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

therapists and counselors in Lake Forest, ranks 26 to 50
RankBusinessRP ScoreGoogle ratingDistance
26Aram Connection Counseling695.0★ (13)5 mi
27Yolanda Frantzich, Counselor695.0★ (5)6 mi
28Madeline Berry, Counselor685.0★ (4)6 mi
29Elizabeth Casaclang-Melo, Counselor685.0★ (4)6 mi
30Lake County Health Department - Crisis Care Program683.1★ (13)8 mi
31Compass Health Center684.1★ (198)8 mi
32Tribe Therapy685.0★ (4)6 mi
33Nicholas Marchand, Counselor685.0★ (3)6 mi
34Criminal Defense Law Office of Louis M. Pissios684.3★ (12)7 mi
35Top Tier Counseling & Consulting, Ltd684.3★ (6)7 mi
36Yorktown Health Vernon Hills Primary Care684.8★ (59)6 mi
37Paige Swan684.4★ (7)6 mi
38Hawthorn Health Center684.6★ (14)5 mi
39Integrated Family Behavioral Health & Counseling684.6★ (19)8 mi
40SunCloud Health Outpatient and Residential Treatment Center684.0★ (80)8 mi
41The Neuroscience Center - A Chicago Mental Health Clinic673.8★ (29)7 mi
42Therapy Etc.674.9★ (31)9 mi
43Silver Lining Behavioral Health, Home Care, Home Health674.7★ (13)8 mi
44Veronica Pena, Counselor675.0★ (4)8 mi
45Compassion in Action Counseling & Coaching674.4★ (7)5 mi
46Geode Health674.7★ (151)5 mi
47Independence Center675.0★ (4)7 mi
48Myndfl674.2★ (5)8 mi
49Lake Park Healthcare672.4★ (21)6 mi
50Ellie Mental Health674.4★ (32)7 mi

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.

Unranked therapists and counselors serving Lake Forest
BusinessGoogle ratingDistance
Aaron Weiner, PhD, ABPP4.7★ (12)In Lake Forest
Better Days Therapeutic Services5.0★ (1)In Lake Forest
Counseling SpeaksIn Lake Forest
Courage to Connect Mental Health - Lake Bluff5.0★ (2)In Lake Forest
David R. Hanson, PsyD5.0★ (1)In Lake Forest
Dr. Savage Psychological Services5.0★ (1)In Lake Forest
Dr. Susanne E. Richter5.0★ (3)In Lake Forest
Dr. Therese Sulentich, Psy.D.In Lake Forest
Family Counseling-Shula WenigIn Lake Forest
Lake Forest Wellness5.0★ (1)In Lake Forest
Mary Waldon, PhD, LCSW5.0★ (1)In Lake Forest
Mental Health Solutions PC: Ritchken Barbara MDIn Lake Forest
MiLi Counseling, PLLC5.0★ (2)In Lake Forest
Mindfully Well PLLC5.0★ (1)In Lake Forest
Nicholas Larkin Psychology5.0★ (2)In Lake Forest
Nix Baker Wellness and Therapy5.0★ (2)In Lake Forest
Parkside Psychological Services5.0★ (2)In Lake Forest
Reed Deborah A1.0★ (1)In Lake Forest
Shari Jacobson, LCSW5.0★ (1)In Lake Forest
Wellness Retreat Recovery CenterIn Lake Forest

How we ranked Lake Forest therapists and counselors

We scored 346 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.

Read the full method: formula, sources and exclusions

RP Score factors and weights
FactorWeightComputed fromIn Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest: frequently asked questions

Who is the best therapist in Lake Forest?

By RP Score, the highest-ranked therapist in Lake Forest, IL is Forest Bluff Counseling with an RP Score of 76/100. It has 4.6★ from 19 Google reviews. It is open 7 days a week. Changing Phases (#2) and The Forest Lounge Medical Center (#3) follow. We ranked 346 therapists and counselors on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.

How many therapists and counselors are there in Lake Forest?

RankedPsychologists ranks 346 therapists and counselors serving Lake Forest, IL. 5 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?

200 of 346 ranked therapists and counselors post Saturday hours and 102 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Forest Bluff Counseling (#1), Changing Phases (#2) and The Forest Lounge Medical Center (#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 346 rated therapists and counselors in Lake Forest is 4.6★, with a median of 8 reviews. Compass Health Center has the most, 198 reviews, and ranks #31. 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

  1. November 2026: RP Scores recalculated for 346 therapists and counselors serving Lake Forest.
  2. November 2026: 3 duplicate listings merged.

More therapists and counselors and Lake Forest pages