Ranked #1 in San Rafael
Based in Chinatown, 9 mi away
69/100RP Score
Ranked #1 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “EMDR psychotherapist”, 5.0★ from 31 Google reviews.
Best Trauma And PTSD Therapists in San Rafael, CA (2026)
36 trauma and PTSD therapists ranked by RP ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →
The short answer
- 1
Best overall in San Rafael: Leticia Vaca Williams, LCSW | The Urban Health Group | East Bay Area: Oakland, CA, RP Score 69/100; 5.0★ from 31 Google reviews.
- 7
Most-reviewed: Jessica Boyer, Medium and TRE (trauma release) Guide, 23 Google reviews at 5.0★, the most of 36 ranked after Leticia Vaca Williams, LCSW | The Urban Health Group | East Bay Area: Oakland, CA; ranked #7.
Rankings can't be bought. Psychologists can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank
36 San Rafael trauma and PTSD therapists are ranked here by RP Score, from eight published factors. 10 open Saturdays and 6 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 5.0★ across 36 rated practices.
Top 10 trauma and PTSD therapists in San Rafael 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 | Leticia Vaca Williams, LCSW | The Urban Health Group | East Bay Area: Oakland, CA | 69 | 5.0★ (31) | Chinatown, 9 mi away | — | Overall |
| 2 | Tiffany Paul, LCSW | 63 | 4.9★ (12) | Oakland, 18 mi away | Sat | — |
| 3 | The Holistic Counseling Center | 62 | 5.0★ (13) | San Anselmo, 2 mi away | Sat | — |
| 4 | Jim Christrup, LCSW | 60 | 5.0★ (4) | San Francisco, 16 mi away | — | — |
| 5 | Ashley Miller Therapy | 59 | 5.0★ (9) | San Rafael | — | — |
| 6 | Valerie Rosenfield, LCSW | 59 | 5.0★ (6) | Orinda, 20 mi away | Evenings | — |
| 7 | Jessica Boyer, Medium and TRE (trauma release) Guide | 59 | 5.0★ (23) | San Francisco, 17 mi away | Sat | Most reviews |
| 8 | Connecting Pathways Trauma and Marriage Therapy, INC. (EMDR, IFS, and Couples Counseling) | 58 | 5.0★ (11) | Benicia, 20 mi away | Sat · Sun · Evenings | — |
| 9 | Michelle Deely, MFT Therapy for Burned Out Moms | 58 | 5.0★ (11) | San Francisco, 16 mi away | Sat · Sun · Evenings | — |
| 10 | Marin Therapy Partners | 58 | 4.1★ (13) | San Anselmo, 2 mi away | — | — |
The 36 best trauma and PTSD therapists in San Rafael, 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.
Based in Oakland, 18 mi away
63/100RP ScoreRanked #2 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “EMDR psychotherapist”, 4.9★ from 12 Google reviews.
Based in San Anselmo, 2 mi away
62/100RP ScoreRanked #3 because of its Google rating and proximity: 5.0★ from 13 Google reviews, 2 mi from San Rafael.
Based in San Francisco, 16 mi away
60/100RP ScoreRanked #4 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “EMDR psychotherapist”, 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews.
Based in San Rafael
59/100RP ScoreRanked #5 because of its Google rating and proximity: 5.0★ from 9 Google reviews, based in San Rafael.
Based in Orinda, 20 mi away
59/100RP ScoreRanked #6 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “EMDR psychotherapist”, 5.0★ from 6 Google reviews.
Based in San Francisco, 17 mi away
59/100RP ScoreRanked #7 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 23 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.
Based in Benicia, 20 mi away
58/100RP ScoreRanked #8 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 11 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.
Based in San Francisco, 16 mi away
58/100RP ScoreRanked #9 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 11 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.
Based in San Anselmo, 2 mi away
58/100RP ScoreRanked #10 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.1★ from 13 Google reviews, 2 mi from San Rafael.
Based in Larkspur, 2 mi away
58/100RP ScoreRanked #11 because of its Google rating and proximity: 5.0★ from 6 Google reviews, 2 mi from San Rafael.
Based in San Francisco, 16 mi away
56/100RP ScoreRanked #12 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.8★ from 23 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.
Based in San Francisco, 13 mi away
56/100RP ScoreRanked #13 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 7 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.
Based in San Francisco, 14 mi away
55/100RP ScoreRanked #14 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.
Based in San Francisco, 14 mi away
55/100RP ScoreRanked #15 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychologist”.
Based in Berkeley, 16 mi away
55/100RP ScoreRanked #16 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.
Based in San Francisco, 14 mi away
54/100RP ScoreRanked #17 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychologist”.
Based in Berkeley, 16 mi away
54/100RP ScoreRanked #18 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.
Based in San Francisco, 15 mi away
54/100RP ScoreRanked #19 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.7★ from 13 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychologist”.
Based in Berkeley, 16 mi away
53/100RP ScoreRanked #20 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.4★ from 5 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.
Based in Oakland, 18 mi away
53/100RP ScoreRanked #21 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.
Based in San Francisco, 16 mi away
53/100RP ScoreRanked #22 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 3.0★ from 6 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”.
#23 Embodied EMDR
Based in Oakland, 18 mi away
52/100RP ScoreRanked #23 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.
Based in Berkeley, 17 mi away
52/100RP ScoreRanked #24 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.6★ from 9 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.
Based in San Pablo, 12 mi away
52/100RP ScoreRanked #25 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 7 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.
All 36 trauma and PTSD therapists
#1 to #25 are shown in full above. Here are #26 to #36, in RP Score order; each links to its profile.
| Rank | Business | RP Score | Google rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 | Mary Fleisch, LCSW | EMDR Intensives | 51 | 5.0★ (6) | 19 mi |
| 27 | Trauma & Stress Recovery Center | 51 | 3.0★ (4) | 18 mi |
| 28 | RhythmLife Psychotherapy | 50 | 5.0★ (7) | 14 mi |
| 29 | Tranquil Harbor Trauma Therapy | 50 | 5.0★ (4) | 20 mi |
| 30 | Spiral Up Therapy - Asian and South Asian Therapist in California | 49 | 5.0★ (4) | 14 mi |
| 31 | Chris Hershey-Van Horn, LCSW | 49 | 5.0★ (11) | 16 mi |
| 32 | Karina Barretto, LPCC | Blue Tansy Therapy | 49 | 5.0★ (5) | 15 mi |
| 33 | Dawn Angel Averitt - Somatic Experiencing -Trauma Specialist | 49 | 5.0★ (14) | 24 mi |
| 34 | Denise Galt Psychotherapy in Petaluma, Calif., LCSW, EMDR, Imago | 48 | 4.7★ (3) | 21 mi |
| 35 | Loyal Blue Counseling | 48 | 4.4★ (13) | 24 mi |
| 36 | Angela Luna Expressive Arts Therapist | 44 | 5.0★ (3) | 23 mi |
Also serving San Rafael
20 more trauma and PTSD therapists within 25 mi that we can't rank yet: too few reviews, or a specialty we couldn't confirm. Listed A to Z.
How we ranked San Rafael trauma and PTSD therapists
We scored 36 San Rafael 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.
| Factor | Weight | Computed from | In San Rafael 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 trauma and PTSD therapist
- Check the license with the state or provincial board that issued it; most boards publish a free online lookup.
- Make sure trauma and PTSD therapy is a regular part of their work, and ask what approach they use and why.
- Ask about their training in a named trauma therapy (CPT, PE or EMDR) and whether they hold a certification in 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 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 San Rafael: frequently asked questions
Who is the best trauma and PTSD therapist in San Rafael?
By RP Score, the highest-ranked trauma and PTSD therapist in San Rafael, CA is Leticia Vaca Williams, LCSW | The Urban Health Group | East Bay Area: Oakland, CA with an RP Score of 69/100. It has 5.0★ from 31 Google reviews. Tiffany Paul, LCSW (#2) and The Holistic Counseling Center (#3) follow. We ranked 36 trauma and PTSD therapists on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.
How many trauma and PTSD therapists are there in San Rafael?
RankedPsychologists ranks 36 trauma and PTSD therapists serving San Rafael, CA. 1 of them is based in San Rafael; the rest serve it from nearby towns. 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 San Rafael work on weekends?
10 of 36 ranked trauma and PTSD therapists post Saturday hours and 6 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Tiffany Paul, LCSW (#2), The Holistic Counseling Center (#3) and Jessica Boyer, Medium and TRE (trauma release) Guide (#7). Posted hours are office hours; many practices also offer evening or online sessions by appointment.
What Google rating do San Rafael trauma and PTSD therapists have?
The median Google rating among 36 rated trauma and PTSD therapists in San Rafael is 5.0★, with a median of 6 reviews. Leticia Vaca Williams, LCSW | The Urban Health Group | East Bay Area: Oakland, CA has the most, 31 reviews, and ranks #1. 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 San Rafael count in this ranking?
Yes, if they are within 25 mi of the San Rafael 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 San Rafael 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 San Rafael
- November 2026: RP Scores recalculated for 36 trauma and PTSD therapists serving San Rafael.
More trauma and PTSD therapists and San Rafael pages
Trauma and PTSD therapists near San Rafael
- Trauma and PTSD therapists in San Anselmo, CA34 ranked
- Trauma and PTSD therapists in Larkspur, CA37 ranked
- Trauma and PTSD therapists in Mill Valley, CA36 ranked
- Trauma and PTSD therapists in Tamalpais-Homestead Valley, CA38 ranked
- Trauma and PTSD therapists in Novato, CA26 ranked
- Trauma and PTSD therapists in San Pablo, CA44 ranked
- Trauma and PTSD therapists in Richmond, CA46 ranked
- Trauma and PTSD therapists in El Cerrito, CA47 ranked
- Trauma and PTSD therapists in Pinole, CA44 ranked
- Trauma and PTSD therapists in El Sobrante, CA44 ranked
Other specialties in San Rafael
- Psychologists in San Rafael157 ranked
- Therapists and counselors in San Rafael332 ranked
- Child and teen therapists in San Rafael48 ranked
- Couples therapists in San Rafael178 ranked
- Family therapists in San Rafael114 ranked
- Neuropsychologists in San Rafael16 ranked
- Psychological testing practices in San Rafael5 ranked
- Anxiety and OCD therapists in San Rafael5 ranked
- Eating disorder therapists in San Rafael22 ranked
- Psychiatrists in San Rafael215 ranked
- Clinical social workers in San Rafael70 ranked
- Addiction counselors in San Rafael86 ranked
- ABA therapy providers in San Rafael28 ranked
- All psychologists in San Rafael