Skip to content

Best Trauma And PTSD Therapists in Laguna Woods, CA (2026)

58 trauma and PTSD therapists ranked by RP ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →

The short answer

  1. 1

    Best overall in Laguna Woods: Erin Madden Therapy, Inc., RP Score 73/100; 5.0★ from 8 Google reviews; open 7 days a week.

  2. 22

    Most-reviewed: S.A.G.E. Holistic Health & Wellness Center, 50 Google reviews at 4.9★, the most of 58 ranked; ranked #22.

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

58 Laguna Woods trauma and PTSD therapists are ranked here by RP Score, from eight published factors. 30 open Saturdays and 15 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 5.0★ across 58 rated practices.

Top 10 trauma and PTSD therapists in Laguna Woods 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 trauma and PTSD therapists in Laguna Woods at a glance
RankBusinessRP ScoreGoogle ratingBased inHoursBest for
1Erin Madden Therapy, Inc.735.0★ (8)Newport Beach, 9 mi awaySat · Sun · EveningsOverall
2Wes Imayanagita, LCSW704.4★ (7)Mission Viejo, 3 mi away——
3Open-Hearted Therapy | Trauma Therapy Irvine, CA655.0★ (7)Irvine, 4 mi awaySat · Evenings—
4Inpatient Mental Health Finder-San Clemente Depression PTSD Anxiety Call Center645.0★ (7)San Clemente, 14 mi awaySat · Sun · Evenings—
5Niloufar Nekou, LMFT, EMDR CERTIFIED644.4★ (7)Mission Viejo, 4 mi awaySat · Evenings—
6South Orange County Wellness645.0★ (32)San Juan Capistrano, 9 mi awaySat · Sun · Evenings—
7Trauma Therapy CA644.3★ (4)Irvine, 4 mi awaySun · Evenings—
8Dr Sara C644.8★ (46)Newport Beach, 9 mi awaySat · Sun · Evenings—
9Tannaz Alagheband, LCSW, EMDR Therapist625.0★ (7)Irvine, 9 mi awaySat · Evenings—
10Grief & Trauma Healing Network, LLC625.0★ (41)Orange, 14 mi away——

The 58 best trauma and PTSD therapists in Laguna Woods, 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 Laguna Woods

    Based in Newport Beach, 9 mi away

    73/100RP Score

    Ranked #1 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “EMDR psychotherapist”, 5.0★ from 8 Google reviews.

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

    • 5.0★ from 8 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sun 8 AM–9 PM
    Address
    1101 Dove St #255, Newport Beach, CA 92660
  2. Based in Mission Viejo, 3 mi away

    70/100RP Score

    Ranked #2 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “EMDR psychotherapist”, 4.4★ from 7 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.4★ from 7 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 9 AM–5 PM · Fri–Sun closed
    Address
    25950 Acero Suite 360, Mission Viejo, CA 92691
  3. 65/100RP Score

    Ranked #3 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 7 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.

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

    • 5.0★ from 7 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon 9 AM–5 PM · Tue–Fri 9 AM–7 PM · Sat 9 AM–2 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    7545 Irvine Center Dr Ste 200, Irvine, CA 92618
  4. 64/100RP Score

    Ranked #4 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 7 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.

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

    • 5.0★ from 7 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sun 12 AM–12 AM
    Address
    501 N El Camino Real Ste 200, San Clemente, CA 92672
  5. Based in Mission Viejo, 4 mi away

    64/100RP Score

    Ranked #5 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.4★ from 7 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.

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

    • 4.4★ from 7 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon 11 AM–7 PM · Tue–Fri 11 AM–8 PM · Sat 9 AM–1 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    27201 Puerta Real, Mission Viejo, CA 92691
  6. Based in San Juan Capistrano, 9 mi away

    64/100RP Score

    Ranked #6 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 32 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”.

    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
  7. Based in Irvine, 4 mi away

    64/100RP Score

    Ranked #7 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.3★ from 4 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychologist”.

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

    • 4.3★ from 4 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 10 AM–8 PM · Wed–Thu 9 AM–5 PM · Fri 9 AM–7 PM · Sat closed · Sun 10 AM–2 PM
    Address
    200 Technology Dr Ste L, Irvine, CA 92618
  8. Based in Newport Beach, 9 mi away

    64/100RP Score

    Ranked #8 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.8★ from 46 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.

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

    • 4.8★ from 46 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sun 12 AM–12 AM
    Address
    4100 Newport Pl, Newport Beach, CA 92660
  9. 62/100RP Score

    Ranked #11 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 8 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.

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

    • 5.0★ from 8 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 10 AM–6 PM · Fri–Sun closed
    Address
    6 Venture #350, Irvine, CA 92618
  10. Based in Yorba Linda, 18 mi away

    61/100RP Score

    Ranked #12 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “EMDR psychotherapist”, 4.8★ from 6 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.8★ from 6 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–7:30 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    20279 Clear River Ln, Yorba Linda, CA 92886
  11. 61/100RP Score

    Ranked #13 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 17 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.

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

    • 5.0★ from 17 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–8 PM · Sat 8 AM–3 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    1651 E 4th St Ste 211, Santa Ana, CA 92701
  12. 61/100RP Score

    Ranked #14 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.6★ from 34 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”.

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

    • 4.6★ from 34 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sun 12 AM–12 AM
    Address
    2790 Harbor Blvd #310, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
  13. Based in Irvine, 9 mi away

    61/100RP Score

    Ranked #15 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 23 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.

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

    • 5.0★ from 23 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–8 PM · Sat 9 AM–1 PM · Sun 10 AM–1 PM
    Address
    19712 MacArthur Blvd Ste 110, Irvine, CA 92612
  14. 61/100RP Score

    Ranked #16 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 6 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.

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

    • 5.0★ from 6 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon 9 AM–6 PM · Tue 10 AM–7 PM · Wed closed · Thu 10 AM–7 PM · Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    26431 Crown Valley Pkwy #260, Mission Viejo, CA 92691
  15. Based in Laguna Beach, 6 mi away

    61/100RP Score

    Ranked #19 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Wellness center”.

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

    • 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon 8 AM–4 PM · Tue 8 AM–8 PM · Wed 9 AM–8 PM · Thu–Fri 8 AM–8 PM · Sat 9 AM–3 PM · Sun 10 AM–5 PM
    Address
    The Wellness Commons, 654 N Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
  16. 60/100RP Score

    Ranked #20 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.0★ from 4 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.

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

    • 4.0★ from 4 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon closed · Tue–Thu 9 AM–5 PM · Fri 9 AM–7 PM · Sat 9 AM–1 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    1000 Quail St #187, Newport Beach, CA 92660
  17. Based in Mission Viejo, 5 mi away

    60/100RP Score

    Ranked #21 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.

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

    • 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon closed · Tue 5 PM–7:15 PM · Wed 10:15 AM–6:30 PM · Thu 5 PM–7:15 PM · Fri–Sun closed
    Address
    26300 La Alameda #280, Mission Viejo, CA 92691
  18. 59/100RP Score

    Ranked #23 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.

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

    • 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 9 AM–7 PM · Fri 9 AM–6 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    5020 Campus Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660
  19. Based in Laguna Hills, 1 mi away

    59/100RP Score

    Ranked #24 because of its Google rating and proximity: 5.0★ from 8 Google reviews, 1 mi from Laguna Woods.

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

    • 5.0★ from 8 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–6 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    23046 Avenida De La Carlota, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
  20. Based in San Clemente, 11 mi away

    58/100RP Score

    Ranked #25 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 12 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.

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

    • 5.0★ from 12 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sun 8:30 AM–5:30 PM
    Address
    3551 Camino Mira Costa # K, San Clemente, CA 92672

Trauma and PTSD therapists 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 58 ranked trauma and PTSD therapists here; the rest are on their profiles.

trauma and PTSD therapists in Laguna Woods, ranks 26 to 50
RankBusinessRP ScoreGoogle ratingDistance
26Maria Malo, LMFT- EMDR, Trauma, Anxiety, Depression and Grief Therapy585.0★ (3)9 mi
27Forbes Individual and Family Therapy, Inc.584.9★ (39)9 mi
28I Am Home Holistic Wellness | Integrative Trauma & Chronic Pain Care | Somatic Hypnotherapy, Bodywork & Physical Therapy585.0★ (32)11 mi
29Bellator Psychological & Consultants Corporation - Mission Viejo Psychologists585.0★ (17)3 mi
30Soul Restoration Project584.7★ (12)12 mi
31Jenna Barnes Therapy585.0★ (11)2 mi
32Premier Family Counseling575.0★ (10)9 mi
33Nido Individual and Family Therapy574.9★ (14)10 mi
34The Couples Therapy & Reunification Counseling-Newport Beach574.9★ (9)9 mi
35Empowered through EMDR Psychotherapy Patricia Bianca Torres LMFT565.0★ (5)21 mi
36Ana Guzman, LMFT565.0★ (11)10 mi
37Paul Reardon MD565.0★ (4)9 mi
38Rising Tide Mental Wellness564.4★ (5)9 mi
39Embark Behavioral Health555.0★ (24)9 mi
40Ana Yansi Guzman, LMFT. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #53110555.0★ (3)10 mi
41Inner Sanctuary Therapy555.0★ (18)9 mi
42Solutions Counseling & Family Therapy545.0★ (6)8 mi
43Czarina De Jesus, LMFT | Psychotherapist545.0★ (11)9 mi
44Moxie Family Therapy- Tustin Office534.6★ (11)11 mi
45Inner Solstice Therapy535.0★ (5)9 mi
46Moment of Clarity534.9★ (34)17 mi
47Clint Christie Counseling535.0★ (3)9 mi
48Travis Buchanan, LMFT, LAADC525.0★ (4)11 mi
49Todd Creager LCSW, LMFT525.0★ (16)17 mi
50Sano Counseling Center Long Beach505.0★ (17)25 mi

How we ranked Laguna Woods trauma and PTSD therapists

We scored 58 Laguna Woods trauma and PTSD therapists 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 Laguna Woods 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 trauma and PTSD therapist

  1. Check the license with the state or provincial board that issued it; most boards publish a free online lookup.
  2. Make sure trauma and PTSD therapy is a regular part of their work, and ask what approach they use and why.
  3. Ask about their training in a named trauma therapy (CPT, PE or EMDR) and whether they hold a certification in 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 trauma and PTSD therapist

  • Are you accepting new clients, and how soon could I start?
  • Which license do you hold, and in which state or province?
  • How much of your work is trauma and PTSD therapy?
  • Which trauma therapy do you use, and how many sessions does it usually take?
  • 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.

Trauma and PTSD therapists in Laguna Woods: frequently asked questions

Who is the best trauma and PTSD therapist in Laguna Woods?

By RP Score, the highest-ranked trauma and PTSD therapist in Laguna Woods, CA is Erin Madden Therapy, Inc. with an RP Score of 73/100. It has 5.0★ from 8 Google reviews. It is open 7 days a week. Wes Imayanagita, LCSW (#2) and Open-Hearted Therapy | Trauma Therapy Irvine, CA (#3) follow. We ranked 58 trauma and PTSD therapists on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.

How many trauma and PTSD therapists are there in Laguna Woods?

RankedPsychologists ranks 58 trauma and PTSD therapists serving Laguna Woods, CA. Another 20 within 25 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 trauma and PTSD therapists in Laguna Woods work on weekends?

30 of 58 ranked trauma and PTSD therapists post Saturday hours and 15 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Erin Madden Therapy, Inc. (#1), Open-Hearted Therapy | Trauma Therapy Irvine, CA (#3) and Inpatient Mental Health Finder-San Clemente Depression PTSD Anxiety Call Center (#4). Posted hours are office hours; many practices also offer evening or online sessions by appointment.

What Google rating do Laguna Woods trauma and PTSD therapists have?

The median Google rating among 58 rated trauma and PTSD therapists in Laguna Woods is 5.0★, with a median of 8 reviews. S.A.G.E. Holistic Health & Wellness Center has the most, 50 reviews, and ranks #22. We adjust ratings for review count, so a few five-star reviews cannot top the list.

How does RankedPsychologists rank trauma and PTSD therapists?

Each trauma and PTSD 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 trauma and PTSD therapists outside Laguna Woods count in this ranking?

Yes, if they are within 25 mi of the Laguna Woods city center, our service radius for trauma and PTSD therapists. 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 trauma and PTSD therapists 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 trauma and PTSD therapists in Laguna Woods ranked?

Each practice gets an RP Score from 0 to 100 from 8 published factors, including its Google rating, how clearly it focuses on trauma and PTSD therapy and how close it is. Sponsored placements are shown separately and never change rank. The score does not measure treatment outcomes.

What therapies are used for trauma and PTSD?

Trauma-focused therapies include cognitive processing therapy (CPT), prolonged exposure (PE) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). Ask which one a therapist uses and what training they completed in it.

Can I see a trauma and PTSD 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 Laguna Woods

  1. November 2026: RP Scores recalculated for 58 trauma and PTSD therapists serving Laguna Woods.