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BEST RATED COSTA MESA, CA MARRIAGE COUNSELORS

3 Best Marriage Counselors in Costa Mesa, CA

Expert-recommended Top 3 Marriage Counseling in Costa Mesa, California. All of our marriage counselors actually face a rigorous 50-Point Inspection, which includes customer reviews, history, complaints, ratings, satisfaction, trust, cost and general excellence. You deserve only the best!

Dr. Ava Kate Oleson, MFT - NEXT STEPS COUNSELING FOR WOMEN - Costa Mesa, CA Marriage Counselors - Doctor Portrait Image
Dr. Ava Kate Oleson, MFT - NEXT STEPS COUNSELING FOR WOMEN - Costa Mesa, CA Marriage Counselors - Interior Image
3+ YEARS IN TBR
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DR. AVA KATE OLESON, MFT

(4.9 Score)
NEXT STEPS COUNSELING FOR WOMEN
1700 Adams Avenue, #214,
Costa Mesa, CA 92626 Directions

Since 1994

Specialty:

✓Depression ✓Anxiety ✓Trauma and PTSD ✓Adoption ✓Coping Skills ✓Divorce ✓Codependency ✓Family Conflict ✓Grief and Life Transitions ✓Mood Disorders ✓Parenting ✓Relationship Issues ✓Sexual Abuse ✓Spirituality

" Dr. Ava Kate Oleson is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in therapy for women. She is the founder of Next Steps Counseling for Women. She earned her Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fuller Theological Seminary's Graduate School of Psychology and later completed a Doctor of Education in Leadership from Evangel University, where her doctoral research focused on the psychological and characterological competencies essential for sustained impact among professional, goal-oriented women in the 21st century. With over 25 years of experience, she has dedicated her career to mental health and leadership development for women. Dr. Oleson offers online therapy sessions, providing flexibility for clients.

2026 Highlights: Dr. Ava Kate Oleson's therapeutic approach is collaborative and strengths-based, aiming to empower clients by exploring personal goals, recognizing inherent strengths, and developing tools for personal growth. "

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License #128136

Price:

Individual Sessions $250

Contact:

(417) 597-2339

Wed: 2pm - 6pm
Thu: 11am - 8pm
Fri: 10am - 4pm
Sat-Tue: Closed

TBR® Inspection Report:

Sue Shepard, MFT - Costa Mesa, CA Marriage Counselors - Doctor Portrait Image
Sue Shepard, MFT - Costa Mesa, CA Marriage Counselors - Interior Image
Sue Shepard, MFT - Costa Mesa, CA Marriage Counselors - Clinic Logo
9+ YEARS IN TBR
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SUE SHEPARD, MFT

(4.8 Score)
2900 Bristol Street, Suite G-201,
Costa Mesa, CA 92626 Directions

Since 1998

Specialty:

✓Individual ✓Pre-marital Counseling and Marriage Counseling ✓Personal ✓Couples and Relationship Therapy ✓Depression ✓Unhappiness ✓Dissatisfaction ✓Anxiety ✓Panic Attacks ✓Grief ✓Bereavement ✓Divorce ✓Women's ✓Work and Career Issues ✓Coping With Difficult Life Changes ✓Self-esteem ✓Perfectionism ✓Anger ✓Stress Management ✓Conflict Resolution ✓Sexual Abuse

" Sue Shepard completed her education with a Master's in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University in 1998, followed by a 14-year career as a Business Analyst at IBM. She taught for 14 years in Coastline Community College's Acquired Brain Injury Program and is a member of the California Association of Marriage & Family Therapists (CAMFT). Sue's therapy sessions often include Izzi, her friendly rescue dog, who provides a calming presence for clients during appointments. She accepts payment methods such as American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, Mastercard, Visa, and Zelle.

2026 Highlights: Sue Shepard is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over two decades of experience, offering in-person therapy services. Her practice focuses on helping individuals and couples navigate a variety of emotional and relational challenges. "

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License #LMFT37470

Price:

Individual Sessions $180
Couple Sessions $180

Contact:

(714) 751-0888 (714) 489-5862

Mon-Thu: 10am - 8pm
Fri-Sun: Closed

TBR® Inspection Report:

Mark Howerton, LMFT - Costa Mesa, CA Marriage Counselors - Doctor Portrait Image
Mark Howerton, LMFT - Costa Mesa, CA Marriage Counselors - Exterior Image
Mark Howerton, LMFT - Costa Mesa, CA Marriage Counselors - Clinic Logo
7+ YEARS IN TBR
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MARK HOWERTON, LMFT

(4.8 Score)
3001 Red Hill Avenue, Building 1, Suite #211,
Costa Mesa, CA 92626 Directions

Since 2000

Specialty:

✓Anxiety ✓Addiction ✓ADHD ✓Relationship Issues ✓Depression ✓Adoption ✓Divorce ✓Life Transitions ✓Marital and Premarital ✓Grief and Trauma ✓Men's Issues ✓Narcissistic Personality (NPD) ✓Parenting ✓Self-Esteem ✓Spirituality ✓Personal Growth ✓Parenting Challenges ✓Life Stage Transitions

" Mark Howerton has over 20 years of experience in counseling, specializing in areas such as ADHD, anxiety, marital and premarital issues, life transitions, and parenting challenges. Mark Howerton is a highly skilled and respected Marriage and Family Therapist with over fifteen years of counseling experience. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Cincinnati Christian University and a Master of Science in Counseling from California State University, Fullerton. Mark empowers clients to find solutions and guides them along a safe path of self-discovery. He also offers a complimentary 15-minute consultation to his patients. He accepts payment methods such as American Express, Cash, Check, Health Savings Account, Mastercard, PayPal, Venmo, Visa, and Zelle.

2026 Highlights: Mark Howerton is known for his warm, compassionate approach and humanistic therapeutic style, aiming to help clients become the healthiest and happiest versions of themselves. "

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License #46047

Price:

Individual Sessions $220
Couple Sessions $220

Contact:

(949) 933-6275 (949) 401-9248

Open 24 Hours

TBR® Inspection Report:

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DR. AVA KATE OLESON, MFT REVIEWS

Ava has been a tremendous encourager and influence in my life. She helped me navigate through some very challenging times with a balance of empathy, understanding and constructive input. I would highly recommend anyone to connect with Ava if you need a caring, listening ear and someone to inspire you to see your best self — then take action to work towards reaching your healthiest/happiest/highest potential as God intends for all of us. Ava is a dynamic leader, professional counselor and truly a person with a heart of gold!.

Dr. Ava Kate is highly respected in the counseling field. When referring out women, she is our first choice! Her educational background and professional training has not only prepared her for this career, but has allowed her to excel in it. She is easy to talk to, caring, and her gentle demeanor and approach fosters a sense of safety and security. She has so much to offer including individual therapy, groups, workshops, etc. If you’re on the fence about therapy, reach out to her now! You won’t regret it.

Conversations with Ava consistently leave me feeling encouraged, challenged, and motivated. Ava, is an incredible listener. Ava's commitment to serve others is evident. She generously shares her wealth of knowledge, expertise, and life experience with a sense of sincere compassion. I always wish for more time with Ava. I recommend Ava's Next Steps Counseling for Women wholeheartedly.

These reviews are provided for information purposes and to help you make informed decisions.

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SUE SHEPARD, MFT REVIEWS

My partner and I went to see Sue when we were in crisis. She met with us within a few days at a convenient time. She was consistently compassionate. She has a kind and directive manner and focuses on solutions. After the crisis subsided, we stayed working with her for a year addressing other needs to navigate around future crises. Our family has tools we use daily, and we are continually grateful to Sue and the help she gave us.

Excellent therapist. I was so glad that I went and saw Sue. I had heard a lot of good feedback from some friends & finally decided to make the call. I am so grateful that I did. Sue Shepard is a great therapist. I highly recommend her to anyone who is serious about "doing the work" and "getting the results". I found her to be honest, direct and motivated. I am very pleased with my choice.

MARK HOWERTON, LMFT REVIEWS

I have had the pleasure of confiding in Mark Howerton for many years. Mark is not only extremely professional and knowledgeable, but he also possesses an amazing bedside manner, which for me has resulted in substantial personal reflection and growth. In addition, Mark exudes positivity and is uniquely gifted with discernment. Whether I'm tackling issues of work, relationships, or just personal development, Mark provides me with clarity of thought and reignites my passion for growth. You would be hard-pressed to find anyone more qualified to assist, equip, and motivate you in dealing with life's challenges.

Mark came and spoke to the moms and tots a few weeks ago Mom & Tot OC in Irvine. All of the moms and I agreed he was the speaker we have had so far! He explained the benefits of finding time for yourself (without feeling guilty) and how to balance your life. He shared tips on keeping the spark alive in your marriage and planning media free nights. Mark is down to earth and the second you meet him, you feel like you have known him for years! He is very relatable! I highly recommend him.

Mark Howerton helped walk me through some of the darkest times in my life. I highly recommend Mark to anyone seeking a wise, listening ear. He provides simple, easy-to-implement strategies to help you become the best version of yourself.

TBR® Inspection Score Report

DR. AVA KATE OLESON, MFT Total Inspection Points: 117/120
Acknowledgments: 9
Business Images: 9
Complete Info: 9
Contact Info: 10
License: 10
Current Evaluation: 10
Exact Services: 10
Experience: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Review Analysis: 10
Reviews Accuracy of : 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

SUE SHEPARD, MFT Total Inspection Points: 116/120
Business Hours: 8
Business Images: 9
Complete Info: 9
Contact Info: 10
License: 10
Current Evaluation: 10
Exact Services: 10
Experience: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Review Analysis: 10
Reviews Accuracy of : 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

MARK HOWERTON, LMFT Total Inspection Points: 115/120
Acknowledgments: 9
Business Images: 9
Complete Info: 9
Current Evaluation: 9
Reviews Study: 9
Contact Info: 10
License: 10
Exact Services: 10
Experience: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Reviews Accuracy of : 10