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Best Therapists And Counselors in Palo Alto, CA (2026)

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

The short answer

  1. 1

    Best overall in Palo Alto: Women's Therapy Institute, RP Score 74/100; 4.5★ from 12 Google reviews.

  2. 16

    Most-reviewed: Integrative Behavioral Health & Medicine, 70 Google reviews at 4.6★, the most of 333 ranked; ranked #16.

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

333 Palo Alto therapists and counselors are ranked here by RP Score, from eight published factors. 96 open Saturdays and 49 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.6★ across 333 rated practices.

Top 10 therapists and counselors in Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto at a glance
RankBusinessRP ScoreGoogle ratingBased inHoursBest for
1Women's Therapy Institute744.5★ (12)Palo Alto—Overall
2Samantha Moshiri, LMFT, Eating Disorder Therapist745.0★ (4)Palo Alto——
3Real World Psychotherapy, Laurie Phuong Ertley, LMFT744.3★ (6)Palo Alto——
4Mary Ellen Lemieux, JD, LCSW735.0★ (3)Palo Alto——
5Free At Last Community732.8★ (11)East Palo Alto, 2 mi awaySat · Sun · Evenings—
6Jeffrey Gielow733.7★ (3)Palo AltoSat · Sun · Evenings—
7Elena Makarova, M.A., M.F.T.734.0★ (4)Palo Alto——
8Fox Penny734.0★ (4)Palo Alto——
9Peninsula Behavioral Health733.2★ (9)Palo Alto——
10Stanford University Child and Adolescent Psychiatry733.1★ (8)Palo Alto——

The 333 best therapists and counselors in Palo Alto, 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 Palo Alto

    #1 Women's Therapy Institute

    Based in Palo Alto

    74/100RP Score

    Ranked #1 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”, 4.5★ from 12 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.5★ from 12 Google reviews
    Address
    2100 Geng Rd Ste 210, Palo Alto, CA 94303
    View profile for Women's Therapy Institute(650) 272-0388

  5. #5 Free At Last Community

    Based in East Palo Alto, 2 mi away

    73/100RP Score

    Ranked #5 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Counselor”, 2.8★ from 11 Google reviews.

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

    • 2.8★ from 11 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sun 12 AM–12 AM
    Address
    1796 Bay Rd, East Palo Alto, CA 94303
    View profile for Free At Last Community(650) 462-6999

  6. #6 Jeffrey Gielow

    Based in Palo Alto

    73/100RP Score

    Ranked #6 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 3.7★ from 3 Google reviews.

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

    • 3.7★ from 3 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sun 9 AM–8 PM
    Address
    Palo Alto Square, Palo Alto, CA 94303
    View profile for Jeffrey Gielow(650) 429-8336

  8. #8 Fox Penny

    Based in Palo Alto

    73/100RP Score

    Ranked #8 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 4.0★ from 4 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.0★ from 4 Google reviews
    Address
    1810 Birch St, Palo Alto, CA 94306
    View profile for Fox Penny(650) 327-7408

  12. #12 Women's Psychotherapy & Counseling - Menlo Park - Stefani Largent, MA, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist - In-Office & Online Therapy

    Based in Menlo Park, 2 mi away

    72/100RP Score

    Ranked #12 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”, 5.0★ from 6 Google reviews.

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

    • 5.0★ from 6 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 7 AM–9 PM · Sat–Sun 7:30 AM–8 PM
    Address
    701 Menlo Ave, Menlo Park, CA 94025
    View profile for Women's Psychotherapy & Counseling - Menlo Park - Stefani Largent, MA, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist - In-Office & Online Therapy(415) 842-1755

  13. #13 One Medical Primary Care Clinic - Palo Alto - Evergreen Park

    Based in Palo Alto

    72/100RP Score

    Ranked #13 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”, 4.0★ from 28 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.0★ from 28 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 8 AM–9 PM · Fri 8 AM–4 PM · Sat 8 AM–9 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    2515 El Camino Real Ste 201, Palo Alto, CA 94306
    View profile for One Medical Primary Care Clinic - Palo Alto - Evergreen Park(888) 663-6331

  14. #14 The Couples Institute

    Based in Menlo Park, 2 mi away

    71/100RP Score

    Ranked #14 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship 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 9 AM–6 PM · Tue 9 AM–8 PM · Wed 9 AM–9 PM · Thu 9 AM–8 PM · Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat 8 AM–12 PM · Sun 9 AM–12 PM
    Address
    445 Burgess Dr #150, Menlo Park, CA 94025
    View profile for The Couples Institute(650) 327-5915

  17. #17 TheraWin Health

    Based in Palo Alto

    71/100RP Score

    Ranked #17 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health service”, 4.0★ from 4 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.0★ from 4 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sat 10 AM–7 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    212-214 Homer Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301
    View profile for TheraWin Health(650) 209-0197

  19. #19 Silicon Valley Marriage Counseling , Azizeh Rezaiyan, LMFT

    Based in Menlo Park, 2 mi away

    70/100RP Score

    Ranked #19 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 4.5★ from 43 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.5★ from 43 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–6 PM · Sat 9 AM–1 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    1134 Crane St #218, Menlo Park, CA 94025
    View profile for Silicon Valley Marriage Counseling , Azizeh Rezaiyan, LMFT(650) 206-9973

  20. #20 Palo Alto Mind Body

    Based in Palo Alto

    70/100RP Score

    Ranked #20 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”, 4.7★ from 27 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.7★ from 27 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–7 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    206 California Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94306
    View profile for Palo Alto Mind Body(650) 681-2900

  21. #21 Abbey Neuropsychology Clinic

    Based in Palo Alto

    70/100RP Score

    Ranked #21 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”, 4.9★ from 18 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.9★ from 18 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 9 AM–7 PM · Fri 9 AM–6 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    366 California Ave #14, Palo Alto, CA 94306
    View profile for Abbey Neuropsychology Clinic(650) 614-0014

  22. #22 Acknowledge Alliance

    Based in Mountain View, 3 mi away

    69/100RP Score

    Ranked #22 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health service”, 3.7★ from 3 Google reviews.

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

    • 3.7★ from 3 Google reviews
    Address
    2483 Old Middlefield Way #201, Mountain View, CA 94043
    View profile for Acknowledge Alliance(650) 314-0180

  23. #23 South County Mental Health Center

    Based in Redwood City, 6 mi away

    69/100RP Score

    Ranked #23 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”, 2.7★ from 7 Google reviews.

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

    • 2.7★ from 7 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sun 12 AM–12 AM
    Address
    802 Brewster Ave, Redwood City, CA 94063
    View profile for South County Mental Health Center

  24. #24 KUA Wellness

    Based in Los Altos, 5 mi away

    69/100RP Score

    Ranked #24 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.

    • 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–8 PM · Sat 9 AM–5 PM · Sun 10 AM–4 PM
    Address
    197 1st St, Los Altos, CA 94022
    View profile for KUA Wellness(650) 383-5209

  25. #25 One Medical Primary Care Clinic - Palo Alto - Forest Ave

    Based in Palo Alto

    69/100RP Score

    Ranked #25 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”, 4.1★ from 56 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.1★ from 56 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 8 AM–5 PM · Wed 8 AM–4 PM · Thu–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    590 Forest Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301
    View profile for One Medical Primary Care Clinic - Palo Alto - Forest Ave(888) 663-6331

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

therapists and counselors in Palo Alto, ranks 26 to 50
RankBusinessRP ScoreGoogle ratingDistance
26Smiling Heart Wellness695.0★ (14)In Palo Alto
27Mindful Child & Family Therapy695.0★ (13)4 mi
28Caminar Family & Children Services685.0★ (5)In Palo Alto
29Children's Health Council684.0★ (7)In Palo Alto
30Brandy Vanderheiden MFT SEP685.0★ (3)5 mi
31Lucid Lane683.6★ (8)5 mi
32Krista Regedanz, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist685.0★ (4)In Palo Alto
33Vraie Therapy Group684.5★ (25)5 mi
34Ella Frantz, LCSW685.0★ (4)In Palo Alto
35Shaista Khan, MD Psychiatrist685.0★ (5)2 mi
36Momentum For Mental Health684.0★ (6)In Palo Alto
37Emily Wharton685.0★ (29)2 mi
38Karin Schlanger, MFT684.3★ (6)In Palo Alto
39allcove Palo Alto685.0★ (6)In Palo Alto
40Pacific Clinics684.3★ (7)5 mi
41Stanford Outpatient Psychiatry Clinic683.6★ (13)In Palo Alto
42Riva Mental Health675.0★ (13)5 mi
43Esther B. Clark Services at Children's Health Council673.7★ (29)In Palo Alto
44G. Claire Roberts, LCSW675.0★ (5)In Palo Alto
45Mindful Child & Family Therapy674.9★ (48)7 mi
46EMDR Empowerment | Heather Dinneen, LCSW675.0★ (6)4 mi
47One Life Counseling Center674.6★ (21)8 mi
48The Bodin Group672.8★ (11)In Palo Alto
49Sunol Hills at Fremont675.0★ (6)10 mi
50Yael Gonicman Marriage and Family Therapy Corp.665.0★ (5)2 mi

Also serving Palo Alto

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 Palo Alto
BusinessGoogle ratingDistance
Brief Therapy Center5.0★ (2)In Palo Alto
Chow Marian3.0★ (2)In Palo Alto
Dr . Bibi Das MD5.0★ (2)In Palo Alto
Dr. Chi Huang @ Education Neuropsychology Associates3.3★ (3)In Palo Alto
Dr. David L. Sitzer5.0★ (2)In Palo Alto
Dr. David S. Spiegel, MD3.7★ (6)In Palo Alto
Dr. Janet M. Spraggins, MD4.0★ (4)In Palo Alto
Dr. Matthew May5.0★ (4)In Palo Alto
Elevar Therapy - Steffany Torres, PhD5.0★ (2)In Palo Alto
Eric M. Miller, PhD2.7★ (3)In Palo Alto
Eval Gal-Oz Clinical5.0★ (4)In Palo Alto
Gale Hylton MD3.0★ (2)In Palo Alto
Graham Julie4.2★ (5)In Palo Alto
Leela Mental Health5.0★ (2)In Palo Alto
Maria L. Daehler, MD3.0★ (2)In Palo Alto
Menlo Park Integrative Psychiatry5.0★ (17)In Palo Alto
Nancy Read PhD1.0★ (2)In Palo Alto
Stanford Integrative Medicine Center4.0★ (13)In Palo Alto
Trust Mental Health5.0★ (2)In Palo Alto
Uzma Nakodary, M.D.4.5★ (17)In Palo Alto

How we ranked Palo Alto therapists and counselors

We scored 333 Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto: frequently asked questions

Who is the best therapist in Palo Alto?

By RP Score, the highest-ranked therapist in Palo Alto, CA is Women's Therapy Institute with an RP Score of 74/100. It has 4.5★ from 12 Google reviews. Samantha Moshiri, LMFT, Eating Disorder Therapist (#2) and Real World Psychotherapy, Laurie Phuong Ertley, LMFT (#3) follow. We ranked 333 therapists and counselors on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.

How many therapists and counselors are there in Palo Alto?

RankedPsychologists ranks 333 therapists and counselors serving Palo Alto, CA. 28 of them are based in Palo Alto; 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 Palo Alto work on weekends?

96 of 333 ranked therapists and counselors post Saturday hours and 49 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Free At Last Community (#5), Jeffrey Gielow (#6) and Women's Psychotherapy & Counseling - Menlo Park - Stefani Largent, MA, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist - In-Office & Online Therapy (#12). Posted hours are office hours; many practices also offer evening or online sessions by appointment.

What Google rating do Palo Alto therapists and counselors have?

The median Google rating among 333 rated therapists and counselors in Palo Alto is 4.6★, with a median of 7 reviews. Integrative Behavioral Health & Medicine has the most, 70 reviews, and ranks #16. 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 Palo Alto count in this ranking?

Yes, if they are within 15 mi of the Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto

  1. November 2026: RP Scores recalculated for 333 therapists and counselors serving Palo Alto.
  2. November 2026: 3 duplicate listings merged.

More therapists and counselors and Palo Alto pages