Substance Use Psychiatrists in Kern County, CA

I have many years of treating depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, personality disorders, and those with intellectual developmental disorders and substance use disorders.
I am passionately led to psychiatry because I cherish this personal approach to medicine and thrive in the process of building relationships with patients. I am dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-centered care to my patients.
I have many years of treating depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, personality disorders, and those with intellectual developmental disorders and substance use disorders.
I am passionately led to psychiatry because I cherish this personal approach to medicine and thrive in the process of building relationships with patients. I am dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-centered care to my patients.

I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, substance use, ADHD, OCD, and Bipolar disorders.
I believe in a strong connection between our mind and body. My approach is based on the holistic care model involving all aspects of life psychological, biological, emotional, social, and spiritual. Our environment, relationships, and lifestyle play a crucial role in our mental health and these aspects are inseparable from it.
I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, substance use, ADHD, OCD, and Bipolar disorders.
I believe in a strong connection between our mind and body. My approach is based on the holistic care model involving all aspects of life psychological, biological, emotional, social, and spiritual. Our environment, relationships, and lifestyle play a crucial role in our mental health and these aspects are inseparable from it.

I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, substance use, ADHD, OCD, and Bipolar disorders.
I believe in a strong connection between our mind and body. My approach is based on the holistic care model involving all aspects of life psychological, biological, emotional, social, and spiritual. Our environment, relationships, and lifestyle play a crucial role in our mental health and these aspects are inseparable from it.
I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, substance use, ADHD, OCD, and Bipolar disorders.
I believe in a strong connection between our mind and body. My approach is based on the holistic care model involving all aspects of life psychological, biological, emotional, social, and spiritual. Our environment, relationships, and lifestyle play a crucial role in our mental health and these aspects are inseparable from it.

I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner specializing in medication management. My extensive clinical experience across various settings, including inpatient psychiatric units and outpatient clinics, has equipped me with both theoretical knowledge and the vital intricacies of patient care, interdisciplinary collaboration, and managing mental health conditions throughout the lifespan.
I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner specializing in medication management. My extensive clinical experience across various settings, including inpatient psychiatric units and outpatient clinics, has equipped me with both theoretical knowledge and the vital intricacies of patient care, interdisciplinary collaboration, and managing mental health conditions throughout the lifespan.

Jonathan Allotey
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Online Only
Are you struggling to balance your mental and physical health and in need of a more comprehensive approach? No problem! I provide Telemedicine (Online Psychiatry) Services, so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel! I provide the same psychiatry services as an in-person office visit and I can also address other aspects that encompass your complete wellness. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best! You can easily self-schedule a Telepsychiatry video appointment now at: www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA
Are you struggling to balance your mental and physical health and in need of a more comprehensive approach? No problem! I provide Telemedicine (Online Psychiatry) Services, so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel! I provide the same psychiatry services as an in-person office visit and I can also address other aspects that encompass your complete wellness. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best! You can easily self-schedule a Telepsychiatry video appointment now at: www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA

Are you struggling to balance your mental and physical health and in need of a more comprehensive approach? No problem! I provide Telemedicine (Online Psychiatry) Services, so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel! I provide the same psychiatry services as an in-person office visit and I can also address other aspects that encompass your complete wellness. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best! You can easily self-schedule a Telepsychiatry video appointment now at: www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA
Are you struggling to balance your mental and physical health and in need of a more comprehensive approach? No problem! I provide Telemedicine (Online Psychiatry) Services, so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel! I provide the same psychiatry services as an in-person office visit and I can also address other aspects that encompass your complete wellness. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best! You can easily self-schedule a Telepsychiatry video appointment now at: www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA

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.

Dr. Gundu Reddy is licensed in California. Prior to starting residency at Mount Sinai School of medicine, she pursued additional research in HIV Psychiatry. As well as residency training, she has also pursued further training in psychodynamic psychotherapy at the NYU Psychoanalytic Institute. She states that whether prescribing medication, family, or relationship therapy, understanding psychodynamic conflict and causes of symptoms will cause help to enhance the quality of care. As well as psychodynamic training Dr. Reddy also has a background in integrative psychiatry and treatment resistance.
Dr. Gundu Reddy is licensed in California. Prior to starting residency at Mount Sinai School of medicine, she pursued additional research in HIV Psychiatry. As well as residency training, she has also pursued further training in psychodynamic psychotherapy at the NYU Psychoanalytic Institute. She states that whether prescribing medication, family, or relationship therapy, understanding psychodynamic conflict and causes of symptoms will cause help to enhance the quality of care. As well as psychodynamic training Dr. Reddy also has a background in integrative psychiatry and treatment resistance.

Leah Haddad
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93309
Are you struggling to balance your mental and physical health and in need of a more comprehensive approach? No problem! I provide Telemedicine (Online Psychiatry) Services, so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel! I provide the same psychiatry services as an in-person office visit and I can also address other aspects that encompass your complete wellness. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best! You can easily self-schedule a Telepsychiatry video appointment now at: www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA
Are you struggling to balance your mental and physical health and in need of a more comprehensive approach? No problem! I provide Telemedicine (Online Psychiatry) Services, so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel! I provide the same psychiatry services as an in-person office visit and I can also address other aspects that encompass your complete wellness. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best! You can easily self-schedule a Telepsychiatry video appointment now at: www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA

Are you struggling to balance your mental and physical health and in need of a more comprehensive approach? No problem! I provide Telemedicine (Telepsychiatry) Services, so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel! I provide the same psychiatry services as an in-person office visit and I can also address other aspects that encompass your complete wellness. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best! You can easily self-schedule a Telepsychiatry video appointment now at: www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA
Are you struggling to balance your mental and physical health and in need of a more comprehensive approach? No problem! I provide Telemedicine (Telepsychiatry) Services, so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel! I provide the same psychiatry services as an in-person office visit and I can also address other aspects that encompass your complete wellness. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best! You can easily self-schedule a Telepsychiatry video appointment now at: www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA

I expect to begin seeing new patients on January 15, 2025. I am a dedicated and board-certified psychiatric and family nurse practitioner committed to providing compassionate and personalized mental health care. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a minor in Spanish Language and Cultures from Alverno College, followed by her Master of Science in Nursing from Concordia University and a Post-Master’s Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing from Alverno College.
I expect to begin seeing new patients on January 15, 2025. I am a dedicated and board-certified psychiatric and family nurse practitioner committed to providing compassionate and personalized mental health care. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a minor in Spanish Language and Cultures from Alverno College, followed by her Master of Science in Nursing from Concordia University and a Post-Master’s Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing from Alverno College.
Meet Our Substance Use Psychiatrists

Ryan Thebo
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP, CICP
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309
Unsure if medication is right for you or need help optimizing your current treatment? While medication can be beneficial, the most effective approach to mental health challenges often combines the right medications with holistic treatments. Sadly, the profit-driven mental healthcare system may not always prioritize your well-being. My goal is to help you thrive through holistic psychiatry, enabling you to achieve optimal wellness. Easily schedule an online appointment for personalized medication management at www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA and take the first step towards a healthier you.
Unsure if medication is right for you or need help optimizing your current treatment? While medication can be beneficial, the most effective approach to mental health challenges often combines the right medications with holistic treatments. Sadly, the profit-driven mental healthcare system may not always prioritize your well-being. My goal is to help you thrive through holistic psychiatry, enabling you to achieve optimal wellness. Easily schedule an online appointment for personalized medication management at www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA and take the first step towards a healthier you.
Hello! I'm Charlene, a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner based in California. I had my master's degree from Walden University and have been practicing as a nurse practitioner for 2 years. I have experience in the medical field for more than 20 years. I have gained extensive knowledge that contributes to achieving excellent outcomes.
Hello! I'm Charlene, a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner based in California. I had my master's degree from Walden University and have been practicing as a nurse practitioner for 2 years. I have experience in the medical field for more than 20 years. I have gained extensive knowledge that contributes to achieving excellent outcomes.
I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with a specialization in medication management.
I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with a specialization in medication management.

For over three decades, I've dedicated myself to the practice of psychiatry across all age groups. My approach emphasizes attentive patient listening, thorough psychosocial history assessment, and genetic exploration to ensure accurate diagnosis.
For over three decades, I've dedicated myself to the practice of psychiatry across all age groups. My approach emphasizes attentive patient listening, thorough psychosocial history assessment, and genetic exploration to ensure accurate diagnosis.

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.

In my professional journey, I have worked with diverse populations, ranging from individuals coping with anxiety, depression, and trauma to those managing chronic mental illnesses. These experiences have deepened my understanding of the multifaceted nature of mental health and the importance of personalized treatment plans. I firmly believe that every individual deserves a tailored approach to care that addresses their unique circumstances and goals.
In my professional journey, I have worked with diverse populations, ranging from individuals coping with anxiety, depression, and trauma to those managing chronic mental illnesses. These experiences have deepened my understanding of the multifaceted nature of mental health and the importance of personalized treatment plans. I firmly believe that every individual deserves a tailored approach to care that addresses their unique circumstances and goals.

We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Allied Healers, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Allied Healers, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.

Dr. Naiga Dohnji (DNP) is a dedicated provider, who embodies the mission and values of being a positive influence in patients' lives, with a rich tapestry of professional experience. She brings a unique perspective to her practice, develops a complete wellness plan to help patients reach their goals. At the end of the day, everyone just wants to be understood. I believe that mental health can affect anyone regardless of status and that every patient is unique in the challenges they face. Taking care of patients is both an honor and a privilege for me. My focus has always been caring for patients.
Dr. Naiga Dohnji (DNP) is a dedicated provider, who embodies the mission and values of being a positive influence in patients' lives, with a rich tapestry of professional experience. She brings a unique perspective to her practice, develops a complete wellness plan to help patients reach their goals. At the end of the day, everyone just wants to be understood. I believe that mental health can affect anyone regardless of status and that every patient is unique in the challenges they face. Taking care of patients is both an honor and a privilege for me. My focus has always been caring for patients.

I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and I have been practicing as a Nurse Practitioner since 2018.
I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and I have been practicing as a Nurse Practitioner since 2018.
See more therapy options for Kern County
Substance Use Psychiatrists
How do substance and drug recovery or rehabilitation programs work?
In inpatient programs, individuals live in a facility with other clients in recovery; in outpatient programs, individuals reside at home. These facilities are staffed with healthcare professionals including physicians, nurses, psychologists, counselors, and psychotherapists. Staff often also includes people who have recovered themselves, serving as mentors and guides. These programs may use abstinence, harm reduction, detoxification, psychotherapy, and other methods.
How do 12-step programs combined with psychotherapy work?
Members of 12-step programs help each other reach abstinence and work to maintain it. These programs promote complete change in the individual’s emotional, mental, physical, and even spiritual perspectives. Some programs require that new members attend 90 meetings in 90 days. Many people do attend these programs in conjunction with their work in psychotherapy; the combination of therapy along with 12-step can be extremely effective.
How does harm reduction combined with psychotherapy work?
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, harm reduction prevents death, injury, disease, overdose, and substance misuse. People who choose harm reduction for substance use reduce the amount of drugs they consume. It is not abstinence-based like a 12-step program, but combining harm reduction with psychotherapy proves to be effective for many people.
Are there specific medications for substance and drug use?
There are medications approved to treat substance use disorder—such as buprenorphine, methadone, naltrexone, and acamprosate. These medications do help people cope with substance use as well as avoid the problem of relapse. Naltrexone can help reduce cravings, methadone is an opioid medication used to treat severe pain, and acamprosate may help ease symptoms like poor sleep and anxious feelings.