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25+
Years of Experience

About Mark Spurlock, MFT

Mark Spurlock, MFT (License No. MFC 45318) is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California with over 25 years of experience helping couples and families rediscover hope and connection. As the author of The 4 Quadrants of Saving Your Marriage: A Christian Guide (releasing September 2025), Mark blends clinical expertise, Christian faith, and practical tools to guide couples through crisis to lasting love. His signature 4 Point Relationship Skills Quadrant empowers couples with, Emotional Mastery, Healthy Agreements, Healthy Communication and Relational Radar. while his innovative Emotional Mapping technique helps clients identify and overcome trauma, anger, and resentment triggers.
Previously based in Orange County and then San Diego, where he was rated #1 on Yelp for Marriage and Family Therapy for seven consecutive years, Mark now serves clients statewide from Northern California
As an Executive Leader of Spurlock Medical Corporation, he also continues to provide innovate mental health care through Accolade and Rula Health in California.
His San Diego practice earned a 5.0/5 rating on Health Grades and Sharecare, with clients praising his compassionate insightful approach. “Mark’s insight and calm presence saved our marriage,” one client shared. Read more reviews here.
Mark’s impact extends beyond therapy and coaching. For over 14 years, he led court-approved domestic violence groups, treating thousands, and founded the Substance Abuse Committee for the San Diego Domestic Violence Council. In 2005, he led the charge in leading and developing the county-wide domestic violence and substance abuse treatment programs still in use in San Diego today. His early work with vulnerable children and foster families, including statewide training for social workers, reflects his heart for healing. A graduate of California State University, Fullerton in Orange County he was the President of Counseling Student Association as well as an assistant to the Dean of Human Development and Community Service as well as assistant to the Dean of California School of Professional Psychology, Alhambra (Now Alliant University in the Los Angeles Region)
Through his book and California tele-health or out of state coaching Mark invites you to begin the process of healing your marriage or broken heart. Pre-order The 4 Quadrants of Saving Your Marriage or schedule a session to start your journey today. MS
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Client Feedback & Reviews.

I have been under the care of the Marriage & Family Therapist for almost a year. His office is fairly private so the likelihood of you running into your gossipy neighbor in the vicinity of his building is pretty slim! Not that I am ashamed to be in therapy... couldn't we all use a little guidance now and then?! :-)Mark strikes the balance between casual and professional which really serves the patient in that they feel free from judgment within the confines of his office... and he listens, really listens, to his patients. He remains cool and COLLECTED, even in the most extreme circumstances (trust me on this one). He is a Christian, but serves all denominations (and without proselytizing on those of us that aren't so faithful). Mark is incredible patient and insightful. He has us find ways and techniques that can be applied at home. He is unbiased and truly has a subjective mind. My husband and I grew in completely different cultures and Mark has found ways and techniques to help us understand each other’s point of view better. Hence continuing to grow stronger rather than apart. Mark truly cares about his patients and you will get better with his guidance. I would give him the stars if I could.
Malia O. San Juan Capistrano, CA
Therapist is amazing! He sets been Mark therapist for over two years now. Believe me, I have tried several therapists and what sets Mark apart is that he actually listens and treats me like an individual, not just an illness. He truly cares about his patients and has always been there for me. Even when things got really bad, he was just a phone call away. He is always willing to work with my schedule if I need to change an appointment time. He is a Christian and Mark even prays for me at the end of every session if I want him to. When I leave his office, I feel as though a huge weight was lifted off of my shoulders and see the things in a different perspective and renewed vigor. He has honestly brought me out of horrible despair and helped me find my way back to sanity and even joy. I will always be grateful to Mark for the hours of steadfast support and endless boxes of tissues. When I was first referred to him, I saw him twice a week and I cried so much every time that I almost always left with eyelashes! He never placated me, he was never pitied me. It was hard work to face my own short falls, but I am happier and healthier than I have ever been in my life! THANK YOU MARK!! I will never forget you!
Carmen B.San Diego, CA
My family and I have been seeing Mark for therapy for over four years. He helped me through my divorce and to heal the scars left by years of being married to a verbally and emotionally abusive spouse. I have an autistic son, and another with very serious anger issues over the divorce. Mark takes time at understanding us. If you really want to get better and have a healthy, happy mind, Mark is the therapist for you. He does not "cure" you, he will give you the tools (and the desire) to heal your mind and guide you in the right directions. Mark is also not about how long he can keep you "on the hook" until your insurance runs out", he really is one of the few therapists who can recognize the need for mental health. When he feels you are ready, he will cut back on your visits (if you want to) to like a father pushing his kid on a bike for the first time, he will push you and run along side you until you ride off on your own. In hindsight, Mark saved my life and helped me provide a stable quality life for my children, who are still under 12. I will always be grateful to Mark for the hours of steadfast support and endless boxes of tissues. When I was first referred to him, I saw him twice a week and I cried so much every time that I almost always left with eyelashes! He never placated me, he was never pitied me. It was hard work to face my own short falls, but I am happier and healthier than I have ever been in my life! THANK YOU MARK!! I will never forget you!
Kim P. San Diego, CA
We started seeing Mark when I caught my son shoplifting. We have continued with him over the past four years. He has been a tremendous help to us and our son. He is insightful and kind in his questions and feedback. My son has been very comfortable with him and really considers Mark a friend he can talk to. I cannot praise him enough for the guidance he has given me and my family.
Rochelle N.La Mesa, CA
If they taught a class on Fatherhood 101 Mark Spurlock would be the teacher. When my two teenage sons started deviating from my plan for them (nobody told me this would happen, duh) he was an invaluable source of guidance and sanity. Both sons have had their share of struggles and through Mark's guidance and counseling they have both managed to get back on track EVERY time I've met with Mark I have left feeling better about my situation. There may not be a book available on how to be a good parent but there is Mark Spurlock. My family is blessed to have him as a therapist.
John B.La Mesa, CA
I have been searching for "the right counselor" for a couple of years. Lots of trial and error with the insurance approved therapists. I decided that I would check Yelp for a therapist so I could read reviews from other people who had already been to see the person. Marks reviews were great so I called my insurance company to see if he was approved and he wasn't! I called Mark's office and he got back to me right away and scheduled an appointment. This was several months ago and I have seen him once a week since then. I have a chronic illness and suffer from my depression and anxiety. Mark helped me with pretty much every department in my life from my parenting, my professional life, my marriage, to my general health and wellness. I am a very visual person so I really enjoy when Mark brings out his white board and starts drawing out his explanations. He is also very personable and professional, I can let it all out and not worry like I am sitting down to chat with a friend except this friend can tell you that Mark has a passion for his work and he is always learning and trying to better himself and his practice. The office is located on the 2nd floor of a medical/office building right off the 163Freeway. There is plenty of free parking. The office is very inviting and comfortable. Mark is also very resourceful as the patient and I suffer from PTSD. It such a relief that I have finally found someone that I click with that is making a positive difference in my life. I am so thankful!! 5 stars experience all the way!
Laurie L. San Diego, CA
It's important in life to take professional advice, coaching, and mentorship in order to constantly improve and become a better version of ourselves for the people around us. We can't all know everything, right? Mark is incredible intelligent and a great coach when it comes to helping you understand the models of communication and how to put those models into action in everyday life. I've referred at least 3-4 individuals and couples for his coaching, and will continue to go to him for regular check-ins and check-ups to make sure I stay on track with my communication skills.
Bridget B. San Diego, CA
Mark is an excellent counselor. My husband had seen a few other therapists in the past, none of whom truly seemed to have a solution. They would just sit there, listen and wait for the hour to be over. Mark not only actively listens and follows up with questions to get to the core issue; he also provides solutions that can be applied at home. He is unbiased and truly has a subjective mind. My husband and I grew in completely different cultures and Mark has found ways and techniques to help us understand each other’s point of view better. Hence continuing to grow stronger rather than apart. Mark truly cares about his patients and you will get better with his guidance.
Lisa F.San Diego, CA
Mark's the best. My boyfriend and I were having a hard time and were thinking about ending our 10 plus yr relationship. We are now getting married and we owe a lot of that to Mark. Thank you!
Roxanne SSan Diego, CA
Mark is great. His specifics are very straightforward and effective, and don’t generally rely on much detail about people’s motivations, just great advice for healthy communication!
Pei A.La Jolla, CA
Mark is the second therapist my husband and I saw, and our experience with him has been my exceedingly more valuable than with the first therapist. Starting with the very first session, my husband and I both walked away saying to each other, "Wow we learned something already?!" We’ve had 4-5 sessions since then and will likely continue every other week for a while longer. The communication tools Mark has developed for his clients are clearly a labor of love. A lot of the communication tools Mark has developed for his clients are clearly a labor of love. After just one session, the TDK runway and green light agreements became a regular part of our vernacular. You'll just have to see Mark yourself to learn what those terms mean! Helpful 4
Shannon K.Austin, TX
We were looking for faith based family counseling in San Diego...my wife found Mark. He's got us focused on the issues, giving us step by step instructions to identify our blind spots. We weren't necessarily on the verge of divorce...but the communication and understanding of each others needs were the focus going forward. We thank God for him! Helpful 1
Eric R.La Mesa, CA
Mark is the second therapist my husband and I saw, and our experience with him has been my exceedingly more valuable than with the first therapist. Starting with the very first session, my husband and I both walked away saying to each other, "Wow we learned something already?!" We’ve had 4-5 sessions since then and will likely continue every other week for a while longer. The communication tools Mark has developed for his clients are clearly a labor of love. A lot of the communication tools Mark has developed for his clients are clearly a labor of love. After just one session, the TDK runway and green light agreements became a regular part of our vernacular. You'll just have to see Mark yourself to learn what those terms mean! Helpful 4
Nick A.Claremont, San Diego, CA
THE most amazing coach for ALL relationship needs! Super friendly, attentive, works with you, and has an amazing way of listening to you and puts your needs first! Thanks for all your help!!!
Moris A. San Diego, CA
YES, he IS THAT good. Marriage counselor, easy, Mark is easy as it can possibly be. He is open, honest, direct, funny, compassionate, supportive and just plain good at what he does. My husband and I needed some help talking about difficult topics. Mark helped us. I can’t say enough good things.
Maureen S.Coronado, CA
Mark is an Amazing Therapist. I'm so happy my son has been Blessed. My son is high functioning autism. Mark helped work through some of his frustration. It's been our blessing to have met with Mark I have left feeling better about my situation. There may not be a book available on how to be a good parent but there is Mark Spurlock. My family is blessed to have him as a Therapist. Sincerely, MR & MRS. RALPH GARCIA
Mary Ann G.Chula Vista, CA
Mark has given my wife and I great tools to use on our marriage. Never once did he tell us we would be better off apart, which a lot of counselors do now a days. We were able to talk about anything with Mark if you are worrying about being judged or if you are in trouble or need help Mark is the one to go to. I highly recommend Mark if you are in any trouble or need help being a better spouse.
Jemar QNewark, CA
This review is long over-due as my husband and I have been seeing Mark. We recently celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary, a milestone I don't think we would reach 8 months ago, and I felt it important to together know how helpful Mark has been for our marriage and continues to be for our family. I discovered Mark by chance, here on Yelp, having separated with my husband just days earlier. Mark recognized the urgency of my situation and was able to see me within 24 hours. Mark listened as I told him the crisis my marriage and my family were in and was able to dissect the situation and give me the first piece of advice in order to save my marriage. Since the first meeting, my husband and I have transitioned from seeing Mark separately, to joint sessions and ultimately we reconciled and my husband's issues were less our marriage was concerned and give us tools for not only discussing those issues but also overcoming them once and for all. We continue to see Mark once a month for "maintenance" (at our request, not his) and I simply can't thank him enough for all he has done. Having been married for 20 years, my husband and I thought we knew the "secret" to a long marriage, however, seeing Mark opened our cycles and he gave us tools we never knew existed and we are now able to have HAPPY, mutually fulfilling marriage that sets a positive example for our 3 children.
Tiffany B.an Diego, CA
Mark taught my husband and I so much in our short time with him. He was welcoming and made both my husband and I feel comfortable and safe talking with him. We walked away with conflict resolution skills we use in any relationship and a better understanding of each other. We have been married 12 years and sometimes marriages just need an outside perspective and some new skills to work through things.
Brittany S. Jacksonville, NC