Psychiatrists in Kern County, CA

As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), I’ve dedicated my career to helping individuals with a wide range of mental health conditions find hope and healing. I’ve had the privilege of working with patients experiencing ADHD, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. I understand how incredibly isolating it may feel and the challenges you face. But together, we can work to improve your quality of life and develop strategies that empower you.
As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), I’ve dedicated my career to helping individuals with a wide range of mental health conditions find hope and healing. I’ve had the privilege of working with patients experiencing ADHD, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. I understand how incredibly isolating it may feel and the challenges you face. But together, we can work to improve your quality of life and develop strategies that empower you.

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.

My name is Volker Nabavi, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, substance use, ADHD, OCD, and Bipolar disorders. I have received training in both medical and nursing fields which enables me to apply both medical and nursing theories to manage my client’s mental health holistically and meet their needs. During sessions, I use Cognitive Behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing for a supportive, client-centered, holistic approach.
My name is Volker Nabavi, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, substance use, ADHD, OCD, and Bipolar disorders. I have received training in both medical and nursing fields which enables me to apply both medical and nursing theories to manage my client’s mental health holistically and meet their needs. During sessions, I use Cognitive Behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing for a supportive, client-centered, holistic approach.

My name is Volker Nabavi, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, substance use, ADHD, OCD, and Bipolar disorders. I have received training in both medical and nursing fields which enables me to apply both medical and nursing theories to manage my client’s mental health holistically and meet their needs. During sessions, I use Cognitive Behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing for a supportive, client-centered, holistic approach.
My name is Volker Nabavi, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, substance use, ADHD, OCD, and Bipolar disorders. I have received training in both medical and nursing fields which enables me to apply both medical and nursing theories to manage my client’s mental health holistically and meet their needs. During sessions, I use Cognitive Behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing for a supportive, client-centered, holistic approach.

Catvy Nguyen takes a unique and progressive approach to mental health illnesses. Treatment is personalized, based on evidence research, and encompasses on a myriad of treatment modalities. Kathy believes in the influence of three factors: one's past and upbringing, current life situations, and one's genetic makeup, affecting mental illness.
Catvy Nguyen takes a unique and progressive approach to mental health illnesses. Treatment is personalized, based on evidence research, and encompasses on a myriad of treatment modalities. Kathy believes in the influence of three factors: one's past and upbringing, current life situations, and one's genetic makeup, affecting mental illness.

Welcome to Rula! My name is Kathy Hunter and I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with experience in subacute detox, inpatient psychiatry, community mental health, a university counseling center, and inpatient pediatric psychiatry liaison. I am passionate about removing mental health stigma and focusing on health disparities in marginalized populations. I seek to have a strong working relationship with my patients, with a primary focus on autonomy, respect, relationships, and a deep understanding of how one's environment will have an impact on goals and progress.
Welcome to Rula! My name is Kathy Hunter and I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with experience in subacute detox, inpatient psychiatry, community mental health, a university counseling center, and inpatient pediatric psychiatry liaison. I am passionate about removing mental health stigma and focusing on health disparities in marginalized populations. I seek to have a strong working relationship with my patients, with a primary focus on autonomy, respect, relationships, and a deep understanding of how one's environment will have an impact on goals and progress.

May is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Board Certified (PMHNP-BC) serving patients of all ages and diagnoses. Her background in mental health services spans over 20 years after receiving a MS in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2003. May has worked as a PMHNP-BC since 2022.
May is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Board Certified (PMHNP-BC) serving patients of all ages and diagnoses. Her background in mental health services spans over 20 years after receiving a MS in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2003. May has worked as a PMHNP-BC since 2022.

I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with dual certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner. I received my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Oklahoma School of Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing specializing as a Family Nurse Practitioner at Cal State San Marcos. I obtained my post-master's certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from National University. In addition to medication management, I use a combination of CBT and emotionally focused therapy. The theoretical approaches that I use are humanistic and cognitive perspectives.
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with dual certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner. I received my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Oklahoma School of Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing specializing as a Family Nurse Practitioner at Cal State San Marcos. I obtained my post-master's certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from National University. In addition to medication management, I use a combination of CBT and emotionally focused therapy. The theoretical approaches that I use are humanistic and cognitive perspectives.

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.

Hello, I'm Poincianna Youell, a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I am passionate about helping people find balance through effective medication management. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, ADHD, mood disorders, or trauma, I offer a collaborative approach that blends personalized medication with supportive guidance. While I don't provide extensive therapy, I offer practical strategies you can implement in your life. I assist patients in managing stress, navigating life transitions, and addressing complex mental health concerns.
Hello, I'm Poincianna Youell, a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I am passionate about helping people find balance through effective medication management. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, ADHD, mood disorders, or trauma, I offer a collaborative approach that blends personalized medication with supportive guidance. While I don't provide extensive therapy, I offer practical strategies you can implement in your life. I assist patients in managing stress, navigating life transitions, and addressing complex mental health concerns.

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
Meet Our Psychiatrists

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.

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) specialized in treating mood, anxiety, cognitive, trauma-related, schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. I am a strong proponent of the philosophy that health is multifactorial, made up of physical, psychological, emotional, social and spiritual facets. I value taking a collaborative approach with clients to create a thorough, individualized treatment plan that best meets their specific needs and goals. I have a long-held passion for mental healthcare and have worked with individuals of all ages in a variety of settings within psychiatry.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) specialized in treating mood, anxiety, cognitive, trauma-related, schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. I am a strong proponent of the philosophy that health is multifactorial, made up of physical, psychological, emotional, social and spiritual facets. I value taking a collaborative approach with clients to create a thorough, individualized treatment plan that best meets their specific needs and goals. I have a long-held passion for mental healthcare and have worked with individuals of all ages in a variety of settings within psychiatry.

To ensure we have a productive first visit, please be sure to fill out your intake form in advance! During our first visit, we will complete a full mental health assessment and evaluation. There will be lots of questions during this visit, especially regarding your medical and mental health history. Working together to determine an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan is important for your mental health. This may require multiple appointments. Controlled medications may be available from my practice on a limited basis and rarely on the first session.
To ensure we have a productive first visit, please be sure to fill out your intake form in advance! During our first visit, we will complete a full mental health assessment and evaluation. There will be lots of questions during this visit, especially regarding your medical and mental health history. Working together to determine an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan is important for your mental health. This may require multiple appointments. Controlled medications may be available from my practice on a limited basis and rarely on the first session.

Compassionate and mission-driven, Carolyn is a dual certified MFT and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She has a plethora of experience with outpatient psychiatric evaluations, evidence-based psychopharmacology, and collaborative care within multidisciplinary teams. She is committed to providing ethical and competent services to individuals, couples, and families. She is also dedicated to fostering meaningful connections, advocating for patients, and staying up to date with advancements in psychiatric care.
Compassionate and mission-driven, Carolyn is a dual certified MFT and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She has a plethora of experience with outpatient psychiatric evaluations, evidence-based psychopharmacology, and collaborative care within multidisciplinary teams. She is committed to providing ethical and competent services to individuals, couples, and families. She is also dedicated to fostering meaningful connections, advocating for patients, and staying up to date with advancements in psychiatric care.

Dr. Priscilla Naamomo Otubuah (Omanye Behavioral Health) is a dually board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). She completed her Registered Nursing Degree in 2006 and worked in Emergency Room, Pediatrics, Medical-Surgical, Pediatrics-Adolescents-Adults Behavioral Health and Chemical Dependency Units. She then went on to receive a Master of Science in Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing.
Dr. Priscilla Naamomo Otubuah (Omanye Behavioral Health) is a dually board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). She completed her Registered Nursing Degree in 2006 and worked in Emergency Room, Pediatrics, Medical-Surgical, Pediatrics-Adolescents-Adults Behavioral Health and Chemical Dependency Units. She then went on to receive a Master of Science in Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing.

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.

Accepting New Patients - Dr. Ara completed her fellowship training in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry (CLP) at UCLA. CLP is a subspecialty of psychiatry that focuses on treating mental health issues in patients with complex medical conditions. Before her fellowship training, she completed her psychiatry residency at the University of New Mexico and earned her M.D. degree from Tehran University.
Accepting New Patients - Dr. Ara completed her fellowship training in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry (CLP) at UCLA. CLP is a subspecialty of psychiatry that focuses on treating mental health issues in patients with complex medical conditions. Before her fellowship training, she completed her psychiatry residency at the University of New Mexico and earned her M.D. degree from Tehran University.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, or past trauma? Do you struggle with mood swings or life transitions that feel too heavy to carry alone? You’re not alone, and seeking support is a powerful first step. As a bilingual (English & Spanish) Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), I specialize in helping teen girls, young adults, and women navigate mental health challenges with care, empathy, and an open mind.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, or past trauma? Do you struggle with mood swings or life transitions that feel too heavy to carry alone? You’re not alone, and seeking support is a powerful first step. As a bilingual (English & Spanish) Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), I specialize in helping teen girls, young adults, and women navigate mental health challenges with care, empathy, and an open mind.

Eric is a doctorally prepared psychiatric nurse practitioner. He received his PMHNP Certificate in Nursing from California State University, Los Angeles. Eric has gained a well-rounded knowledge in outpatient, inpatient, and crisis stabilization for mental health. He offers evidence-based care while maintaining a supportive, compassionate, and judgment-free environment for his clients.
Eric is a doctorally prepared psychiatric nurse practitioner. He received his PMHNP Certificate in Nursing from California State University, Los Angeles. Eric has gained a well-rounded knowledge in outpatient, inpatient, and crisis stabilization for mental health. He offers evidence-based care while maintaining a supportive, compassionate, and judgment-free environment for his clients.
See more therapy options for Kern County
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Kern County, CA
80+
Average cost per session
$217
Psychiatrists in Kern County, CA who prioritize treating:
99% | Anxiety |
94% | Depression |
87% | Bipolar Disorder |
86% | ADHD |
80% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
77% | Trauma and PTSD |
67% | Medication Management |
Average years in practice
8 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
93% | Aetna |
92% | Cigna and Evernorth |
87% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in Kern County, CA see their clients
72% | Online Only | |
28% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
70% | Female | |
30% | Male |