Therapists in Kern County, CA
Nickolas Persons
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Tehachapi, CA 93561
I am comfortable treating depressive and anxious disorders, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia-spectrum disorders, co-occurring and substance use disorders, and stress-related disorders.
Hello, my name is Nick Persons, and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in California looking for new clients. My approach is, first and foremost, person-centered; I believe there is no one-size-fits-all technique, so I like to meet my clients where they are and start with where they feel comfortable to help them become better prepared to navigate the obstacles they encounter in their lives.
I am comfortable treating depressive and anxious disorders, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia-spectrum disorders, co-occurring and substance use disorders, and stress-related disorders.
Hello, my name is Nick Persons, and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in California looking for new clients. My approach is, first and foremost, person-centered; I believe there is no one-size-fits-all technique, so I like to meet my clients where they are and start with where they feel comfortable to help them become better prepared to navigate the obstacles they encounter in their lives.
Dr. Karen Stark-Garrett
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Trauma history, attachment struggles, unresolved anger, spiritual concerns, autism, anxiety, and bipolar disorder are also a focus of my practice.
Hello! I am an LMFT and lecturer in the psychology department at CSUB. In my systems-based work with clients, I look for root causes of emotional reactivity and maladaptive behaviors that interfere with healthy functioning. Sometimes things out of our control happen to us, and our psyches become traumatized. Or relationships are full of tension and strife, and it just seems like it shouldn’t have to be that way. I will assist you in remembering how capable you are and help you discover new ways of communicating effectively so you may move toward the changes you seek.
Trauma history, attachment struggles, unresolved anger, spiritual concerns, autism, anxiety, and bipolar disorder are also a focus of my practice.
Hello! I am an LMFT and lecturer in the psychology department at CSUB. In my systems-based work with clients, I look for root causes of emotional reactivity and maladaptive behaviors that interfere with healthy functioning. Sometimes things out of our control happen to us, and our psyches become traumatized. Or relationships are full of tension and strife, and it just seems like it shouldn’t have to be that way. I will assist you in remembering how capable you are and help you discover new ways of communicating effectively so you may move toward the changes you seek.
Stacey Rydell
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93311
Hi! I am Stacey Rydell, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has a passion for helping those on their healing journey to find more meaning in life. I focus primarily on working with LGBTQ+, women-identifying adults ages 18-40 years old. Much of my experience is treating anxiety, depression, Bipolar, gender identity, and disordered eating. Working with adults of all ages, I guide my clients toward their inner knowing that we are all born with but have lost contact with due to trauma, societal pressures, family dynamics, and much more.
Hi! I am Stacey Rydell, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has a passion for helping those on their healing journey to find more meaning in life. I focus primarily on working with LGBTQ+, women-identifying adults ages 18-40 years old. Much of my experience is treating anxiety, depression, Bipolar, gender identity, and disordered eating. Working with adults of all ages, I guide my clients toward their inner knowing that we are all born with but have lost contact with due to trauma, societal pressures, family dynamics, and much more.
Teddi Michele Plummer
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93306
I work with adults; I specialize in anxiety, stress, PTSD, trauma, schizophrenia-auditory/visual hallucinations, bipolar, OCD, depression, panic attacks, BPD, self-harm (cutting), dual diagnosis, co-occurring disorders including alcohol/substance abuse/behavioral addictions, and multiple layers of issues (I am a certified SMART Recovery Facilitator). As a therapist, I value my client’s faith and/or spirituality and acknowledge how a person’s faith can significantly cultivate a positive outcome.
I work with adults; I specialize in anxiety, stress, PTSD, trauma, schizophrenia-auditory/visual hallucinations, bipolar, OCD, depression, panic attacks, BPD, self-harm (cutting), dual diagnosis, co-occurring disorders including alcohol/substance abuse/behavioral addictions, and multiple layers of issues (I am a certified SMART Recovery Facilitator). As a therapist, I value my client’s faith and/or spirituality and acknowledge how a person’s faith can significantly cultivate a positive outcome.
Christi Bell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93305
Hello! My name is Christi Bell. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and I'm looking forward to working with you! I believe that the best therapy happens in partnership between the therapist and the client. My focus of clinical practice is working with teenagers and adults in the LGBTQIA2S+ community and survivors of trauma. I look forward to getting to know you better! I enjoy working with adolescents and adults up to age 50 who have been diagnosed with depression, anxiety, panic disorder, bipolar disorder, body dysmorphia, and PTSD. I specialize in working with members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community and survivors of trauma.
Hello! My name is Christi Bell. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and I'm looking forward to working with you! I believe that the best therapy happens in partnership between the therapist and the client. My focus of clinical practice is working with teenagers and adults in the LGBTQIA2S+ community and survivors of trauma. I look forward to getting to know you better! I enjoy working with adolescents and adults up to age 50 who have been diagnosed with depression, anxiety, panic disorder, bipolar disorder, body dysmorphia, and PTSD. I specialize in working with members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community and survivors of trauma.
Maryam Nateghi
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93305
Greetings, I'm Maryam! I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) with over 10 years of experience in individual therapy and community mental health. Through these experiences, I have worked with many populations from various walks of life including adolescents, adults, and older adults. I have extensive training and experience treating adults and adolescents suffering from depression, anxiety, trauma, OCD, Personality Disorders, Bipolar, ADHD, eating disorders, substance abuse, suicidal ideation, and other acute problems.
Greetings, I'm Maryam! I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) with over 10 years of experience in individual therapy and community mental health. Through these experiences, I have worked with many populations from various walks of life including adolescents, adults, and older adults. I have extensive training and experience treating adults and adolescents suffering from depression, anxiety, trauma, OCD, Personality Disorders, Bipolar, ADHD, eating disorders, substance abuse, suicidal ideation, and other acute problems.
Marion Kvasnicka
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93314
Hi everyone! My name is Marion Kvasnicka. I am a licensed clinical social worker - LCSW. I believe in long-term relief of symptoms. I believe that developing skills with clients will help them break the patterns of thought and behavior that are wreaking havoc on their personal or work life. I focus on identifying generational trauma and helping my clients work hard to stop future abuse and trauma from continuing. I typically work with clients who suffer from acute stress, SAD, depression, anxiety, adjustment disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
Hi everyone! My name is Marion Kvasnicka. I am a licensed clinical social worker - LCSW. I believe in long-term relief of symptoms. I believe that developing skills with clients will help them break the patterns of thought and behavior that are wreaking havoc on their personal or work life. I focus on identifying generational trauma and helping my clients work hard to stop future abuse and trauma from continuing. I typically work with clients who suffer from acute stress, SAD, depression, anxiety, adjustment disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
Gianna Heatherly
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93307
Hi there, I'm Gianna! My goal as a therapist is to create a therapeutic foundation to work collaboratively with my client(s) to assist them in reaching their personal goals for change, growth, and healing. I use many skills to promote a safe environment to allow individuals to reach their potential self-worth. It is my hope to guide each client to reach their full potential so that they can overcome any challenge they may be experiencing.
Hi there, I'm Gianna! My goal as a therapist is to create a therapeutic foundation to work collaboratively with my client(s) to assist them in reaching their personal goals for change, growth, and healing. I use many skills to promote a safe environment to allow individuals to reach their potential self-worth. It is my hope to guide each client to reach their full potential so that they can overcome any challenge they may be experiencing.
Mindful Path Counseling LLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309 (Online Only)
Depression is overwhelming sadness that has an impact in living your best life. Depression can be accompanied by different symptoms of anxiety, panic and loss of energy/motivation. Overcoming depression can be challenging if you are doing it alone. Negative life experiences can and do have an impact on who you are and your happiness. Awareness and understanding of what is going on inside of yourself is powerful in helping yourself to overcome negative or irrational thoughts that are keeping you from being your true self.
Depression is overwhelming sadness that has an impact in living your best life. Depression can be accompanied by different symptoms of anxiety, panic and loss of energy/motivation. Overcoming depression can be challenging if you are doing it alone. Negative life experiences can and do have an impact on who you are and your happiness. Awareness and understanding of what is going on inside of yourself is powerful in helping yourself to overcome negative or irrational thoughts that are keeping you from being your true self.
Cheryl Polyudhapoom
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93313
Welcome, I'm Cheryl Polyudhapoom, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Psychotherapist. I've started my own private practice because I’m committed to helping adults learn how to build healthier relationships, be free from trauma, and to overall learn how to manage their mental health. My work focuses on targeting negative behaviors, habits, and thoughts. I believe in utilizing multiple modalities in treatment to help clients reach their goals, but my primary approach in treatment is through the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Welcome, I'm Cheryl Polyudhapoom, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Psychotherapist. I've started my own private practice because I’m committed to helping adults learn how to build healthier relationships, be free from trauma, and to overall learn how to manage their mental health. My work focuses on targeting negative behaviors, habits, and thoughts. I believe in utilizing multiple modalities in treatment to help clients reach their goals, but my primary approach in treatment is through the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Philip Madden
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93308
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience working with a wide range of clients, helping them build confidence and learn therapeutic skills to live happier lives. I received my undergraduate degree from Denison University in Ohio in 2009 and my Master of Social Work from Ohio State University in 2015. My passion is facilitating people’s transformation into becoming what they want to be. My goal is to help clients find increased fulfillment for themselves. I firmly believe being mentally healthy takes work, just like anything else we wish to succeed in. My approach is very strengths-based and client-centered.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience working with a wide range of clients, helping them build confidence and learn therapeutic skills to live happier lives. I received my undergraduate degree from Denison University in Ohio in 2009 and my Master of Social Work from Ohio State University in 2015. My passion is facilitating people’s transformation into becoming what they want to be. My goal is to help clients find increased fulfillment for themselves. I firmly believe being mentally healthy takes work, just like anything else we wish to succeed in. My approach is very strengths-based and client-centered.
Kristal Powell
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93314
I utilize Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and other evidence-based techniques based on client preferences and goals.
I utilize Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and other evidence-based techniques based on client preferences and goals.
Christine Moore
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93308 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
My goal is to create a safe, non-judgmental, open space for clients to explore barriers to current fulfillment in their lives and uncover and heal any past wounds. It is important for me to create a therapeutic environment that allows the client to openly explore and go where they want within the session and meet the client wherever they are at in their life while also holding the therapeutic structure for them.
My goal is to create a safe, non-judgmental, open space for clients to explore barriers to current fulfillment in their lives and uncover and heal any past wounds. It is important for me to create a therapeutic environment that allows the client to openly explore and go where they want within the session and meet the client wherever they are at in their life while also holding the therapeutic structure for them.
Susette Abbas
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Shafter, CA 93263
Hi there, I'm Susette! I have been a therapist for the past 12 years and have worked with adolescents and adults, as well as children and families from diverse backgrounds. My focus has been primarily on depression, anxiety, trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, life transitions, and pregnancy/postpartum concerns. y approach to therapy is an integration of the psychodynamic approach with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as well as mind/body and mindfulness techniques. This essentially means that we would be collaboratively exploring thoughts, beliefs, and personal narratives and adjusting narratives that are false or faulty.
Hi there, I'm Susette! I have been a therapist for the past 12 years and have worked with adolescents and adults, as well as children and families from diverse backgrounds. My focus has been primarily on depression, anxiety, trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, life transitions, and pregnancy/postpartum concerns. y approach to therapy is an integration of the psychodynamic approach with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as well as mind/body and mindfulness techniques. This essentially means that we would be collaboratively exploring thoughts, beliefs, and personal narratives and adjusting narratives that are false or faulty.
InspireMe Counseling and Wellness Center
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93301
'Servicios disponibles en español.' We all need someone who gives us the courage, strength, guidance, and support to get through challenges in life. Someone who we can connect with that we can trust who can identify with our needs, in a safe place with no judgment, to help improve our overall quality of life. Our goal at InspireMe Counseling and Wellness Center is to work on improving your overall well-being through mental health and wellness. We strive to meet our clients where they are and work with helping them move from a place of surviving to thriving. We work with with individuals, families, couples, and groups,
'Servicios disponibles en español.' We all need someone who gives us the courage, strength, guidance, and support to get through challenges in life. Someone who we can connect with that we can trust who can identify with our needs, in a safe place with no judgment, to help improve our overall quality of life. Our goal at InspireMe Counseling and Wellness Center is to work on improving your overall well-being through mental health and wellness. We strive to meet our clients where they are and work with helping them move from a place of surviving to thriving. We work with with individuals, families, couples, and groups,
Rhonda Carol Van Cleve
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309
Recovery is not for people who need it, it is for people who want it! I want to be along this journey with you! I will walk along side you each step of the way, encouraging you to be your best self. Children and teens are my passion, adults suffering from depression, anxiety, self-injurious behavior, and or trauma. I have extensive training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution Focused Perspectives.
Recovery is not for people who need it, it is for people who want it! I want to be along this journey with you! I will walk along side you each step of the way, encouraging you to be your best self. Children and teens are my passion, adults suffering from depression, anxiety, self-injurious behavior, and or trauma. I have extensive training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution Focused Perspectives.
Janette Delina Rodriguez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93304 (Online Only)
Are you an adult 18+ struggling to enjoy life in the present moment, after experiencing a traumatic event(s)? Are symptoms creating barriers in your ability to enjoy your life? These symptoms are signals that the body is sending to make one aware that now is the time to take those steps to process and heal. I understand that unraveling the most delicate parts of your past can seem overwhelming. I am here to guide you and support you through your journey. As your Therapist, I will meet you where you are. I will continuously make sure you are comfortable in treatment by always making sure you feel we are working together.
Are you an adult 18+ struggling to enjoy life in the present moment, after experiencing a traumatic event(s)? Are symptoms creating barriers in your ability to enjoy your life? These symptoms are signals that the body is sending to make one aware that now is the time to take those steps to process and heal. I understand that unraveling the most delicate parts of your past can seem overwhelming. I am here to guide you and support you through your journey. As your Therapist, I will meet you where you are. I will continuously make sure you are comfortable in treatment by always making sure you feel we are working together.
Artisa M Moten
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93301
“You don’t lose if you get knocked down, you lose if you stay down (Ali)” I understand that as we experience life we will inevitably encounter obstacles and stressors that challenge us to change. I also believe these moments present opportunities for transformation. Together, we can build an excellent foundation in achieving your needs, wants, and desires. Having over 10 years experience, Certified Trauma Specialist, Grief Specialist, and trainer for the workplace has allowed me to successfully work with various cultures, social economic backgrounds, and community organizations.
“You don’t lose if you get knocked down, you lose if you stay down (Ali)” I understand that as we experience life we will inevitably encounter obstacles and stressors that challenge us to change. I also believe these moments present opportunities for transformation. Together, we can build an excellent foundation in achieving your needs, wants, and desires. Having over 10 years experience, Certified Trauma Specialist, Grief Specialist, and trainer for the workplace has allowed me to successfully work with various cultures, social economic backgrounds, and community organizations.
Kara Meeks
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93311
Close your eyes, take a deep breath in and exhale. What comes to mind...broken relationships? Feelings of shame and guilt? Depression or anxiety? Intrusive memories? Addiction? Lack of goals or motivation? Welcome to a safe, non-judgmental space for you to explore your life experiences, determine how they helped form who you are today, and gain insight to heal core issues. A space to discover your authentic self, living genuinely and with purpose. I would be honored to support you on your journey to healing past wounds and transforming those experiences into empowerment and authenticity.
Close your eyes, take a deep breath in and exhale. What comes to mind...broken relationships? Feelings of shame and guilt? Depression or anxiety? Intrusive memories? Addiction? Lack of goals or motivation? Welcome to a safe, non-judgmental space for you to explore your life experiences, determine how they helped form who you are today, and gain insight to heal core issues. A space to discover your authentic self, living genuinely and with purpose. I would be honored to support you on your journey to healing past wounds and transforming those experiences into empowerment and authenticity.
Monica M Morovich Certified Emdr Therapist
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, PPSC, EMDR
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Waitlist for new clients
I believe building a genuine connection between the therapist and client is a very important first step. Within this relationship I offer a safe, non-judgmental, compassionate environment. My goal is to meet you where you are; whether you are struggling with trauma, relationship issues, depression, anxiety, or stress, counseling can be a life-enriching experience. I will be walking with you on your journey to facing life's challenges.
I believe building a genuine connection between the therapist and client is a very important first step. Within this relationship I offer a safe, non-judgmental, compassionate environment. My goal is to meet you where you are; whether you are struggling with trauma, relationship issues, depression, anxiety, or stress, counseling can be a life-enriching experience. I will be walking with you on your journey to facing life's challenges.
See more therapy options for Kern County
Bipolar Disorder Therapists
What is the most successful approach to treating bipolar disorder?
Living with bipolar disorder can be challenging, and a number of therapies have been found effective in providing support to patients as they gain the skills to understand and manage the disorder. Family-focused therapy is often helpful for children and teens (the majority of cases develop before age 19); it aims to minimize mood cycling by improving family communication and reducing conflict. It also helps young people navigate the developmental challenges the disorder can create. Cognitive and behavioral therapy (CBT) and variants such as Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)help patients manage the thoughts and feelings that influence bipolar mood swings as well as develop specific behavioral strategies to counteract them.
What happens in therapy for bipolar disorder?
Because the patterns of mood switching and its triggers differ for each person and can change over time, mood tracking or monitoring becomes a basic way patients learn about the nature of their condition. One of the most common features of therapy is finding a workable method of mood monitoring, in which patients track their daily activities and rate their moods, then use the findings to adjust routines accordingly. Patients learn ways of handling the many stresses that arise in life so that they do not trigger mood swings.
What kinds of problems does therapy help with?
Like many other mental health disorders, BPD is heavily influenced by stress; therapy provides skills for coping with stressors of all kinds. Therapy is extremely important for helping individuals identify the situations that may trigger mood switching, so that mood swings can be prevented. Therapy may especially target recognition of the early stages of mood change so that they can be managed. In addition, therapy helps patients deal with the significant amount of turbulence the disorder can create in relationships and in work life.
What is the goal of therapy for bipolar disorder?
Therapy helps patients set up their lives to maintain stability so that their mood isn’t constantly threatened by daily events. Perhaps the first task of therapy is to educate people about the nature of the disorder. At the same time, a primary goal of therapy is to enhance adherence to drug treatment. Extended periods of mood stability can prompt patients to discontinue medication, triggering relapse, while the early phases of manic episodes can feel so energizing that patients stop medication, ushering in full-blown mania and the altered self-perception that can lead to destructive behaviors. Another major goal of therapy is to understand one’s mood patterns so as to minimize both the frequency and intensity of mood cycling.