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Best Therapists And Counselors in Lakeland, FL (2026)

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

The short answer

  1. 1

    Best overall in Lakeland: The Lakes Behavioral Health, RP Score 79/100; 5.0★ from 16 Google reviews; open 7 days a week.

  2. 6

    Most-reviewed: LifeStance Therapists & Psychiatrists Lakeland, 491 Google reviews at 4.6★, the most of 149 ranked; ranked #6.

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

149 Lakeland therapists and counselors are ranked here by RP Score, from eight published factors. 52 open Saturdays and 21 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.9★ across 149 rated practices.

Top 10 therapists and counselors in Lakeland 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 Lakeland at a glance
RankBusinessRP ScoreGoogle ratingBased inHoursBest for
1The Lakes Behavioral Health795.0★ (16)LakelandSat · Sun · EveningsOverall
2Piece Of Zen784.9★ (35)Lakeland——
3Peace River Center Substance Use Treatment784.9★ (30)Lakeland——
4Hull & Associates PA774.0★ (4)LakelandSat · Sun—
5Lotus Therapy775.0★ (27)LakelandSat · Sun · Evenings—
6LifeStance Therapists & Psychiatrists Lakeland764.6★ (491)LakelandSatMost reviews
7Peace River Center Lakeland Crisis Campus763.3★ (86)LakelandSat · Sun · Evenings—
8Wallace Mental Health & Addiction Cnslg765.0★ (10)LakelandSat · Sun—
9Holladay Child Development Services, LLC755.0★ (6)Lakeland——
10Norma Vaillette MA LMHC754.5★ (8)Lakeland——

The 149 best therapists and counselors in Lakeland, 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 Lakeland

    Based in Lakeland

    79/100RP Score

    Ranked #1 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”, 5.0★ from 16 Google reviews.

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

    • 5.0★ from 16 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sun 12 AM–12 AM
    Address
    420 W Magnolia St, Lakeland, FL 33815
  2. Based in Lakeland

    78/100RP Score

    Ranked #2 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health service”, 4.9★ from 35 Google reviews.

    Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.

    • 4.9★ from 35 Google reviews
    Address
    936 E Parker St #19, Lakeland, FL 33801
  3. Based in Lakeland

    77/100RP Score

    Ranked #4 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Counselor”, 4.0★ from 4 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.0★ from 4 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun 12 AM–12 AM
    Address
    6700 Florida Ave S Ste 29, Lakeland, FL 33813
  4. Based in Lakeland

    77/100RP Score

    Ranked #5 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 5.0★ from 27 Google reviews.

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

    • 5.0★ from 27 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sun 9:30 AM–9 PM
    Address
    255 N Kentucky Ave #203, Lakeland, FL 33801
  5. 76/100RP Score

    Ranked #6 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”, 4.6★ from 491 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.6★ from 491 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 8:30 AM–5 PM · Wed 9 AM–5 PM · Thu 8:30 AM–5 PM · Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat 9 AM–1 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    930 Alicia Rd, Lakeland, FL 33801
  6. 76/100RP Score

    Ranked #8 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health service”, 5.0★ from 10 Google reviews.

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

    • 5.0★ from 10 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon 8 AM–6 PM · Tue 8 AM–5 PM · Wed closed · Thu–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat 8 AM–5 PM · Sun 9 AM–7 PM
    Address
    5120 Florida Ave S Ste 318, Lakeland, FL 33813
  7. Based in Lakeland

    75/100RP Score

    Ranked #11 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”, 4.1★ from 30 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.1★ from 30 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 5:30 AM–2 PM · Sat–Sun 6:30 AM–10 AM
    Address
    348 W Highland Dr, Lakeland, FL 33813
  8. 75/100RP Score

    Ranked #12 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Counselor”, 4.8★ from 76 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.8★ from 76 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 8:30 AM–5 PM · Wed 9 AM–5 PM · Thu 8:30 AM–5 PM · Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat 9 AM–1 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    930 Alicia Rd, Lakeland, FL 33801
  9. Based in Lakeland

    75/100RP Score

    Ranked #14 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health service”, 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews.

    Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews
  10. Based in Lakeland

    75/100RP Score

    Ranked #15 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health service”, 5.0★ from 33 Google reviews.

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

    • 5.0★ from 33 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 7 AM–9 PM · Sat 7 AM–8 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    314 N Kentucky Ave, Lakeland, FL 33801
  11. Based in Lakeland

    75/100RP Score

    Ranked #16 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health service”, 4.9★ from 36 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.9★ from 36 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 7:30 AM–6:30 PM · Sat 8 AM–2 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    160 Fitzgerald Rd SUITE 3, Lakeland, FL 33813
  12. Based in Lakeland

    75/100RP Score

    Ranked #17 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Counselor”, 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews.

    Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews
    Address
    4404 Florida Ave S, Lakeland, FL 33813
  13. 75/100RP Score

    Ranked #20 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”, 4.3★ from 316 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.3★ from 316 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 7:30 AM–6 PM · Fri 7:30 AM–4 PM · Sat 7:30 AM–11:30 AM · Sun closed
    Address
    1835 Gilmore Ave, Lakeland, FL 33805
  14. Based in Lakeland

    74/100RP Score

    Ranked #23 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”, 4.9★ from 124 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.9★ from 124 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 7 AM–7 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    5147 S Lakeland Dr Ste 1, Lakeland, FL 33813
  15. Based in Lakeland

    74/100RP Score

    Ranked #24 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”, 5.0★ from 22 Google reviews.

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

    • 5.0★ from 22 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 8:30 AM–5 PM · Wed 9 AM–5 PM · Thu 8:30 AM–5 PM · Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat 9 AM–1 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    930 Alicia Rd, Lakeland, FL 33801
  16. Based in Lakeland

    74/100RP Score

    Ranked #25 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health service”, 3.7★ from 3 Google reviews.

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

    • 3.7★ from 3 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 3 PM–10 PM · Sat 9 AM–1 PM · Sun 8 AM–2 PM
    Address
    520 E Garden St, Lakeland, FL 33805

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

therapists and counselors in Lakeland, ranks 26 to 50
RankBusinessRP ScoreGoogle ratingDistance
26Kate Cohen-Posey, Counselor735.0★ (17)In Lakeland
27MinuteClinic at CVS733.2★ (69)In Lakeland
28Dorothy Hopkins LLC735.0★ (9)In Lakeland
29TOTAL COUNSELING - Lakeland, FL735.0★ (12)In Lakeland
30Cheryl Fellas, Counselor734.7★ (16)In Lakeland
31Serenity Counseling, Michael Trabulsy LMHC734.8★ (21)In Lakeland
32Shelva Alderman, Counselor734.6★ (14)In Lakeland
33John Dwyer, Counselor735.0★ (9)In Lakeland
34Holly Kegel, Counselor725.0★ (7)In Lakeland
35Cassidy Psychiatry724.8★ (59)In Lakeland
36Talking Helps Psychotherapy LLC725.0★ (5)In Lakeland
37The Garden Counseling725.0★ (59)In Lakeland
38Relationship Builders Counseling724.7★ (7)In Lakeland
39The Sabol Center, LLC724.6★ (10)In Lakeland
40Cyndi Roberts Morey715.0★ (5)In Lakeland
41Conquered Mental Therapy715.0★ (3)In Lakeland
42Family Life Counseling Center714.7★ (31)In Lakeland
43Centered in Self Counseling and Coaching Services, LLC715.0★ (4)In Lakeland
44Sheena Donley, M.A., LMHC713.0★ (3)In Lakeland
45Lakeland Art Therapy, PLLC715.0★ (32)In Lakeland
46Masterpiece Counseling LLC715.0★ (12)In Lakeland
47Hope & Relief Counseling, LLC715.0★ (4)In Lakeland
48Porter's Sound Counseling714.8★ (17)In Lakeland
49Star Psychology, LLC714.8★ (20)In Lakeland
50SILVER LINING COUNSELING714.8★ (18)In Lakeland

Also serving Lakeland

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 Lakeland
BusinessGoogle ratingDistance
ABA WAY5.0★ (2)In Lakeland
Bishoy Kolta, MD5.0★ (2)In Lakeland
Black Swan Counseling Services, LLC5.0★ (2)In Lakeland
Bonni S Bishop, Psy D5.0★ (3)In Lakeland
Curtis Cassidy5.0★ (7)In Lakeland
Davenport, Dr. Christopher V4.0★ (27)In Lakeland
Dr. Karen R. Teston, MD3.0★ (22)In Lakeland
Floret Counseling5.0★ (2)In Lakeland
Gardened Mind Therapy5.0★ (2)In Lakeland
HealthPro Pediatrics Lakeland4.2★ (10)In Lakeland
Kindelan McDanal & Associates4.5★ (33)In Lakeland
Michael L. Kieffer, PHD5.0★ (5)In Lakeland
Santana Psych Educational Services - Lakeland5.0★ (3)In Lakeland
Sunshine Autism - Lakeland ABA Therapy5.0★ (2)In Lakeland
Supreme Comprehensive Health Services, LLC5.0★ (2)In Lakeland
Thrive Counseling of Lakeland4.5★ (2)In Lakeland
Trinity Christian Counseling Services, LLC5.0★ (2)In Lakeland
Upside Psychiatry Dr. Elizabeth Gnagy5.0★ (4)In Lakeland
Vanguard Medical Care of Lakeland5.0★ (48)In Lakeland
Willow's Path Counseling5.0★ (2)In Lakeland

How we ranked Lakeland therapists and counselors

We scored 149 Lakeland 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 Lakeland 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 Lakeland: frequently asked questions

Who is the best therapist in Lakeland?

By RP Score, the highest-ranked therapist in Lakeland, FL is The Lakes Behavioral Health with an RP Score of 79/100. It has 5.0★ from 16 Google reviews. It is open 7 days a week. Piece Of Zen (#2) and Peace River Center Substance Use Treatment (#3) follow. We ranked 149 therapists and counselors on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.

How many therapists and counselors are there in Lakeland?

RankedPsychologists ranks 149 therapists and counselors serving Lakeland, FL. 50 of them are based in Lakeland; 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 Lakeland work on weekends?

52 of 149 ranked therapists and counselors post Saturday hours and 21 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are The Lakes Behavioral Health (#1), Hull & Associates PA (#4) and Lotus Therapy (#5). Posted hours are office hours; many practices also offer evening or online sessions by appointment.

What Google rating do Lakeland therapists and counselors have?

The median Google rating among 149 rated therapists and counselors in Lakeland is 4.9★, with a median of 11 reviews. LifeStance Therapists & Psychiatrists Lakeland has the most, 491 reviews, and ranks #6. 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 Lakeland count in this ranking?

Yes, if they are within 15 mi of the Lakeland 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 Lakeland 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 Lakeland

  1. November 2026: RP Scores recalculated for 149 therapists and counselors serving Lakeland.
  2. November 2026: 1 duplicate listing merged.