Autism Psychiatrists in Kern County, CA
Dr. Andrea Steele strives to help adults reach their unique potential. Dr. Steele understands the courage it takes to be vulnerable. Therefore, she works to ensure her patients feel comfortable in sharing what they experience.
Dr. Andrea Steele strives to help adults reach their unique potential. Dr. Steele understands the courage it takes to be vulnerable. Therefore, she works to ensure her patients feel comfortable in sharing what they experience.
As a faculty member of Kaweah Health Psychiatry Residency, I offer treatment approaches supported by current scientific evidence. Together, we will explore different options and devise a comprehensive and holistic plan built on trust and open communication. Our plan will be flexible based to your need and best interest as we understand the fluidity of life.
As a faculty member of Kaweah Health Psychiatry Residency, I offer treatment approaches supported by current scientific evidence. Together, we will explore different options and devise a comprehensive and holistic plan built on trust and open communication. Our plan will be flexible based to your need and best interest as we understand the fluidity of life.
Christine is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who brings a patient-centered approach to care. She specializes in mood disorders using a mind, body, and spirit approach, as well as evidence-based treatments. Christine discusses treatment options with her patients to ensure the best plan is developed to meet their needs. She believes that when patients work collaboratively with their clinicians, they can achieve their best mental health outcomes. Christine enjoys gardening and exploring different cultural cuisines.
Christine is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who brings a patient-centered approach to care. She specializes in mood disorders using a mind, body, and spirit approach, as well as evidence-based treatments. Christine discusses treatment options with her patients to ensure the best plan is developed to meet their needs. She believes that when patients work collaboratively with their clinicians, they can achieve their best mental health outcomes. Christine enjoys gardening and exploring different cultural cuisines.
Hello, I'm Elena Urbiztondo, a board-certified Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I specialize in treating a wide range of mental health disorders, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, sleep disorders, eating disorders, and emotional dysregulation. My approach is compassionate and integrative, combining medication management and psychotherapy, focusing on collaboration and tailored care to support your mental health and help you achieve a balanced, fulfilling life.
Hello, I'm Elena Urbiztondo, a board-certified Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I specialize in treating a wide range of mental health disorders, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, sleep disorders, eating disorders, and emotional dysregulation. My approach is compassionate and integrative, combining medication management and psychotherapy, focusing on collaboration and tailored care to support your mental health and help you achieve a balanced, fulfilling life.
I'm Dr. Alex Sahba, double board certified in general psychiatry and forensic psychiatry and trained at UCLA. I conduct legal / forensic / psychiatric evaluations for court, risk assessment (violence / sexual), diagnostic psychiatric evaluations, competency evaluations, drug & alcohol evaluations, fitness-for-duty evaluations, cognitive evaluations, immigration evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME) evaluations, and other types of psychiatric evaluations / assessments.
I'm Dr. Alex Sahba, double board certified in general psychiatry and forensic psychiatry and trained at UCLA. I conduct legal / forensic / psychiatric evaluations for court, risk assessment (violence / sexual), diagnostic psychiatric evaluations, competency evaluations, drug & alcohol evaluations, fitness-for-duty evaluations, cognitive evaluations, immigration evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME) evaluations, and other types of psychiatric evaluations / assessments.
Tara Valenzuela
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Dr. Tara Valenzuela DNP, PMHNP-BC, is a mental health enthusiast, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and a professor of psychiatric nursing. She treats mental health across the lifespan. All ages, all issues. Geriatric psychiatry, no person is too young or too old for high quality mental healthcare. Treatments are healing-centered, education-forward, and person-focused. This involves customized strategies for medication management and supportive therapy. She aligns with the idea that nursing is the facilitation of healing and works to provide intervention, education, and advocacy.
Dr. Tara Valenzuela DNP, PMHNP-BC, is a mental health enthusiast, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and a professor of psychiatric nursing. She treats mental health across the lifespan. All ages, all issues. Geriatric psychiatry, no person is too young or too old for high quality mental healthcare. Treatments are healing-centered, education-forward, and person-focused. This involves customized strategies for medication management and supportive therapy. She aligns with the idea that nursing is the facilitation of healing and works to provide intervention, education, and advocacy.
Pacific Mind Health approaches mental health using a variety of evidence-based treatments including medication, psychotherapy, telemedicine, Spravato and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). We are excited to offer Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS) - a revolutionary 3-minute procedure with equal or better efficacy to standard 40+ minute TMS protocols. We provide a thorough diagnostic evaluation to create a personalized treatment plan that will help guide you towards wellness. Please use this link for a free informational TMS session https://www.pacificmindhealth.com/tmsinfo.html
Pacific Mind Health approaches mental health using a variety of evidence-based treatments including medication, psychotherapy, telemedicine, Spravato and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). We are excited to offer Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS) - a revolutionary 3-minute procedure with equal or better efficacy to standard 40+ minute TMS protocols. We provide a thorough diagnostic evaluation to create a personalized treatment plan that will help guide you towards wellness. Please use this link for a free informational TMS session https://www.pacificmindhealth.com/tmsinfo.html
My name is Halee Fullerton. I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner that has worked in various settings. I specialize in medication management. I offer a personalized, holistic, evidence-based approach to the treatment of mental health and addiction disorders. My specific interests are treating depression, trauma/PTSD, anxiety, and addiction disorders in children/adolescents and young adults.
My name is Halee Fullerton. I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner that has worked in various settings. I specialize in medication management. I offer a personalized, holistic, evidence-based approach to the treatment of mental health and addiction disorders. My specific interests are treating depression, trauma/PTSD, anxiety, and addiction disorders in children/adolescents and young adults.
Vincent David Feitosa
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, FNP, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Greetings to new patients! We are thrilled to extend a warm welcome to individuals from all walks of life, with a special emphasis on those navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, bipolar, schizoaffective disorder, dual diagnosis, ADHD, and LGBTQI+ concerns. As a seasoned Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Board Certified, I bring a wealth of experience, particularly in working with the chronically mentally ill. In our welcoming and nonjudgmental environment, our focus is on providing more than just medication support; we aim to instill hope, relief, and quality of life. Discover a Path to Wellness with Us!
Greetings to new patients! We are thrilled to extend a warm welcome to individuals from all walks of life, with a special emphasis on those navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, bipolar, schizoaffective disorder, dual diagnosis, ADHD, and LGBTQI+ concerns. As a seasoned Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Board Certified, I bring a wealth of experience, particularly in working with the chronically mentally ill. In our welcoming and nonjudgmental environment, our focus is on providing more than just medication support; we aim to instill hope, relief, and quality of life. Discover a Path to Wellness with Us!
I am a board certified Adult, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist licensed in California and New York. I am specialized in OCD and anxiety. Additionally, I have extensive experience in diagnosing and practicing evidence-based treatments in children, adolescent and adults who have depression, mood disorder, PTSD, and psychosis as well as providing parenting, behavioral strategies and life style modification to improve relationship and quality of life. I have a thorough knowledge of the neuroscience that is related to psychiatric illnesses.
I am a board certified Adult, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist licensed in California and New York. I am specialized in OCD and anxiety. Additionally, I have extensive experience in diagnosing and practicing evidence-based treatments in children, adolescent and adults who have depression, mood disorder, PTSD, and psychosis as well as providing parenting, behavioral strategies and life style modification to improve relationship and quality of life. I have a thorough knowledge of the neuroscience that is related to psychiatric illnesses.
Online Psychiatrists
I have experience in providing treatment for those with generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder, and other anxiety and mood disorders, developmental disabilities, such as autism, trauma history, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
It is important to me that I collaborate closely with my patients and their families in their treatments since it is their health and wellbeing that we are focusing on. I believe spending individual time with each of my child and adolescent patients is an important part of the therapeutic process, as well as a providing a separate space and time for parents to share their own experiences. The patients and families that I would like to work with are those that are interested in investing in their child's and their health and needs so that they can progress towards a happier lifestyle and develop healthy relationships with others.
I have experience in providing treatment for those with generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder, and other anxiety and mood disorders, developmental disabilities, such as autism, trauma history, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
It is important to me that I collaborate closely with my patients and their families in their treatments since it is their health and wellbeing that we are focusing on. I believe spending individual time with each of my child and adolescent patients is an important part of the therapeutic process, as well as a providing a separate space and time for parents to share their own experiences. The patients and families that I would like to work with are those that are interested in investing in their child's and their health and needs so that they can progress towards a happier lifestyle and develop healthy relationships with others.
I am trained in general psychiatry and specialize in child + adolescent psychiatry with focus on ADHD, anxiety, autism, bipolar disorder, depression, developmental disorders, eating disorders, OCD and PTSD.
I am a double board certified child, adolescent and adult (general) psychiatrist with a focus on children, teens, young adults and adult mental health. I provide a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation then make recommendations for specific conditions including different therapeutic approaches and if necessary medication. I specialize in working with children/adolescents and focus on development, behavior, educational and social functioning. I work closely with parents or guardians to better understand the child/adolescent and most importantly to help them thrive.
I am trained in general psychiatry and specialize in child + adolescent psychiatry with focus on ADHD, anxiety, autism, bipolar disorder, depression, developmental disorders, eating disorders, OCD and PTSD.
I am a double board certified child, adolescent and adult (general) psychiatrist with a focus on children, teens, young adults and adult mental health. I provide a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation then make recommendations for specific conditions including different therapeutic approaches and if necessary medication. I specialize in working with children/adolescents and focus on development, behavior, educational and social functioning. I work closely with parents or guardians to better understand the child/adolescent and most importantly to help them thrive.
She has worked with veterans, special needs, mood disorders, trauma and PTSD, and autism spectrum disorders.
During your initial session, we will go through your history, symptoms, and how they are impacting how you live. This will enable us to focus on you as a person and how to improve your quality of life.
She has worked with veterans, special needs, mood disorders, trauma and PTSD, and autism spectrum disorders.
During your initial session, we will go through your history, symptoms, and how they are impacting how you live. This will enable us to focus on you as a person and how to improve your quality of life.
He brings a wealth of experience in treating a wide range of mental health conditions in both youth and adults, including depressive and anxiety disorders, ADHD, trauma-related disorders, sleeping and eating disorders, and developmental disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder.
Dr. Feldman is board-certified in general psychiatry and is an active member of multiple professional medical associations. Further enhancing his expertise, Dr. Feldman completed a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry fellowship at LAC + USC Medical Center, where he served as Chief Fellow of the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
He brings a wealth of experience in treating a wide range of mental health conditions in both youth and adults, including depressive and anxiety disorders, ADHD, trauma-related disorders, sleeping and eating disorders, and developmental disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder.
Dr. Feldman is board-certified in general psychiatry and is an active member of multiple professional medical associations. Further enhancing his expertise, Dr. Feldman completed a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry fellowship at LAC + USC Medical Center, where he served as Chief Fellow of the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
Whether it is the worried/fearful thoughts of anxiety, negative/critical judgments of depression, scattered thoughts of ADHD, challenges with social/language-related thinking in autism, obsessive thoughts of OCD, or unusual/suspicious thoughts of psychosis and schizophrenia, I can help you or your child address these concerns.
I aim to provide the highest quality, evidence-based/informed evaluations and treatments in the context of brain development and environmental impacts with compassionate care and active listening. Together, we will build a strong relationship, create tailored treatment plans that serve you best, and coordinate with the rest of your healthcare team.
Whether it is the worried/fearful thoughts of anxiety, negative/critical judgments of depression, scattered thoughts of ADHD, challenges with social/language-related thinking in autism, obsessive thoughts of OCD, or unusual/suspicious thoughts of psychosis and schizophrenia, I can help you or your child address these concerns.
I aim to provide the highest quality, evidence-based/informed evaluations and treatments in the context of brain development and environmental impacts with compassionate care and active listening. Together, we will build a strong relationship, create tailored treatment plans that serve you best, and coordinate with the rest of your healthcare team.
I have extensive experience in working with patients with Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, OCD, Schizophrenia, and Autism spectrum disorder.
Spravato Treatment Center for Treatment Resistant Depression. T.O.V.A. neuropsychological assessment for ADHD provided. It is okay to reach out for help. In fact, acknowledging that you need help tells me you are being honest with yourself, and reaching out for help tells me you are being brave. You want stability and balance back in your life. I see that and I will help you reach it. You and I just need to work together as a team. I will be here taking one step at a time with you, together.
I have extensive experience in working with patients with Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, OCD, Schizophrenia, and Autism spectrum disorder.
Spravato Treatment Center for Treatment Resistant Depression. T.O.V.A. neuropsychological assessment for ADHD provided. It is okay to reach out for help. In fact, acknowledging that you need help tells me you are being honest with yourself, and reaching out for help tells me you are being brave. You want stability and balance back in your life. I see that and I will help you reach it. You and I just need to work together as a team. I will be here taking one step at a time with you, together.
I am experienced in the diagnosis and treatment depression, anxiety, ADHD, autism, bipolar, psychosis, substance use, and PTSD.
I completed my child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at University of Southern California's Los Angeles County program, where I served as Chief Fellow of the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. I pursued my general psychiatry residency at Kaweah Health, providing care to the migrant and underserved populations of the Central Valley.
I am experienced in the diagnosis and treatment depression, anxiety, ADHD, autism, bipolar, psychosis, substance use, and PTSD.
I completed my child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at University of Southern California's Los Angeles County program, where I served as Chief Fellow of the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. I pursued my general psychiatry residency at Kaweah Health, providing care to the migrant and underserved populations of the Central Valley.
My specialties include autism, ADHD, OCD, anxiety, mood and psychotic disorders
I am a board certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist who practices psychotherapy, pharmacologic treatment and, when appropriate, refers for interventional psychiatry treatments. I see both children and adults, and approach patients and their families with respect, compassion and care. While I strongly believe in pharmacologic treatments backed by neuroscience, I am also a proponent of not simply medicating a child or an adult, but using the entire spectrum of interventions for a healthy brain (exercise, diet, meditation, mindfulness). I liaison with schools, teachers, parents, guardians, therapists, life coaches.
My specialties include autism, ADHD, OCD, anxiety, mood and psychotic disorders
I am a board certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist who practices psychotherapy, pharmacologic treatment and, when appropriate, refers for interventional psychiatry treatments. I see both children and adults, and approach patients and their families with respect, compassion and care. While I strongly believe in pharmacologic treatments backed by neuroscience, I am also a proponent of not simply medicating a child or an adult, but using the entire spectrum of interventions for a healthy brain (exercise, diet, meditation, mindfulness). I liaison with schools, teachers, parents, guardians, therapists, life coaches.
I have experience in treating: anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, mood disorders (bipolar disorder), psychotic disorders, trauma related conditions such as PTSD, personality disorders, substance use disorders, irritability and anger problems as well as neurodevelopment disorders including but not limited to intellectual disabilities, autism, learning disorders, and ADHD.
I am a board certified psychiatrist, with sub-speciality in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. I treat children, adolescents and adults. I have an empathetic and non-judgment approach and am committed to providing the highest quality of care for my patients. I use psychotropic medications as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. In my practice, I empower my patients to improve their coping skills and interpersonal skills in order to achieve their optimal mental health.
I have experience in treating: anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, mood disorders (bipolar disorder), psychotic disorders, trauma related conditions such as PTSD, personality disorders, substance use disorders, irritability and anger problems as well as neurodevelopment disorders including but not limited to intellectual disabilities, autism, learning disorders, and ADHD.
I am a board certified psychiatrist, with sub-speciality in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. I treat children, adolescents and adults. I have an empathetic and non-judgment approach and am committed to providing the highest quality of care for my patients. I use psychotropic medications as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. In my practice, I empower my patients to improve their coping skills and interpersonal skills in order to achieve their optimal mental health.
Hartman, MD sees patients for Autism and related disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and bipolar disorders.
Paul E. Hartman, MD is a Psychiatry & Neurology Child & Adolescent Psychiatry specialty provider based out of Los Angeles, California.
Hartman, MD sees patients for Autism and related disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and bipolar disorders.
Paul E. Hartman, MD is a Psychiatry & Neurology Child & Adolescent Psychiatry specialty provider based out of Los Angeles, California.
See more therapy options for Kern County
Autism Psychiatrists
What is the most effective treatment for autism?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) has come to be considered the standard treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder, and research has confirmed its effectiveness for many children. Therapists trained in ABA techniques work with children (and their parents) on developing social skills, communication and learning abilities, and everyday habits of hygiene and grooming. The clinician will tailor their program to the child’s particular need but the overarching goal will be to help them advance as far as possible toward independence based on their level of symptoms and decrease the need for additional special services. Families should seek a mental health professional specifically trained in ABA, and holding special certification in the technique, who has extensive experience not only with the approach but in using it with children with the same level of symptoms as the child who needs care.
How does ABA work?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) sessions, which typically focus on positive reinforcement, can be intensive, lasting two or more hours several times a week, and continuing for two years or more. Therapists can also be expected to ask parents to take an active role in reinforcing lessons. Research has found that the technique can lead to major improvements that decrease the need for additional special services.
How does treatment for autism work?
Therapy sessions based on Applied Behavior Analysis will likely be frequent, intensive, and highly structured. After a thorough assessment, a therapist will help a child understand and develop skills in a range of areas, including communication, motor skills, social skills, self-care, play, and academic skills, as well as routines of daily living like hygiene. Typically, the therapist will help a child break down the components of a behavior—often referred to as the antecedent (what prompts an action), the behavior, and the consequence(what immediately follows)—and then reward the child at every step, while also asking parents to reinforce the lessons, and the rewards, throughout the day. This core therapy may be supplemented by occupational or speech therapy, and antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants may be prescribed to address specific severe symptoms.
How long does therapy for autism take?
Some people with autism spectrum disorder may be engaged in some level of therapy for many years, but research shows that treatment will be most effective if it is begun early and delivered intensively. When therapy begins by age 3, children tend to be better able to grasp and adopt the skills needed to manage everyday life, including attending school and establishing social relationships. This type of early-intervention treatment regimen is highly structured, typically involving 20 to 40 hours of one-on-one therapy per week, along with additional hours of engagement managed by parents, for a period of two years or more, although the duration of treatment is dependent on the child’s level of symptoms and pace of progress.