Therapists in Kern County, CA
Mashallah Shakur
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93307
My name is Mashallah "Marsha" Shakur. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, based in in Southern California and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults of all ages, with a particular focus on seniors and younger adults. I specialize in anxiety, depression and grief and loss, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focused Brief Therapy to address the concerns presented by my clients and assist them in progressing towards their goals.
My name is Mashallah "Marsha" Shakur. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, based in in Southern California and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults of all ages, with a particular focus on seniors and younger adults. I specialize in anxiety, depression and grief and loss, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focused Brief Therapy to address the concerns presented by my clients and assist them in progressing towards their goals.
Stacey Rydell
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93311
Incorporating mindfulness practices such as breath work and meditation, has been proven to help relieve the intensity of anxiety, and depression.
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.
Incorporating mindfulness practices such as breath work and meditation, has been proven to help relieve the intensity of anxiety, and depression.
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.
Dr. Corey Gonzales, PhD
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93312
My practice is predominantly adults and adolescents. My areas of emphasis are in anxiety/trauma, relationship issues, interpersonal growth, grief and loss, health issues and depression. I also work closely with Psychiatrists and Primary Treating Physicians which makes coordination of care efficient if medication is necessary. Trust, support, empathy, education and insight are an important emphasis in my work.
My practice is predominantly adults and adolescents. My areas of emphasis are in anxiety/trauma, relationship issues, interpersonal growth, grief and loss, health issues and depression. I also work closely with Psychiatrists and Primary Treating Physicians which makes coordination of care efficient if medication is necessary. Trust, support, empathy, education and insight are an important emphasis in my work.
CeCe Rubalcava
Pastoral Counselor, ThD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93309
If you are experiencing depression, anxiety, have problems in relationships, or just feel stuck, contact me. I take an integrated approach with my clients; I believe we are trichotomous beings -- mind, body, and spirit, so I work to integrate all three in my treatment plans. As a Christian counselor, I use the Bible as the basis for my therapy so you will get sound, Scripturally-rooted counseling together with scientifically proven psychological approaches that are in-line with what the Bible says.
If you are experiencing depression, anxiety, have problems in relationships, or just feel stuck, contact me. I take an integrated approach with my clients; I believe we are trichotomous beings -- mind, body, and spirit, so I work to integrate all three in my treatment plans. As a Christian counselor, I use the Bible as the basis for my therapy so you will get sound, Scripturally-rooted counseling together with scientifically proven psychological approaches that are in-line with what the Bible says.
Daniel Banaitis
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Ridgecrest, CA 93555
My name is Dan Banaitis, LMFT specializing in the treatment of anxiety and depression as well as treating adolescents and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. I also work with couples, families and provide pre-marital counseling. I work with anxious and depressed clients that are highly motivated to make positive changes in their lives by engaging fully in the therapeutic process. I work with adult clients with ASD experiencing challenges with the social and emotional aspects of life. I am also pursuing certification as a Sex Addiction Specialist (CSAT) and can help clients suffering from sexual addictions.
My name is Dan Banaitis, LMFT specializing in the treatment of anxiety and depression as well as treating adolescents and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. I also work with couples, families and provide pre-marital counseling. I work with anxious and depressed clients that are highly motivated to make positive changes in their lives by engaging fully in the therapeutic process. I work with adult clients with ASD experiencing challenges with the social and emotional aspects of life. I am also pursuing certification as a Sex Addiction Specialist (CSAT) and can help clients suffering from sexual addictions.
Rodolfo Jesus Mercado
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Delano, CA 93215
Hi, my name is Rudy Mercado, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) from Southern California. I just started my telehealth journey to see clients throughout the state of California. I work well with adolescents and adults and specialize in anxiety, depression, and trauma using a variety of therapy models such as Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectal Behavioral Therapy, and Cognitive Processing Therapy.
Hi, my name is Rudy Mercado, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) from Southern California. I just started my telehealth journey to see clients throughout the state of California. I work well with adolescents and adults and specialize in anxiety, depression, and trauma using a variety of therapy models such as Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectal Behavioral Therapy, and Cognitive Processing Therapy.
Rose M. Lester
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309
Waitlist for new clients
If you feel trapped by old painful memories and destructive ways of being in the world and want relief from childhood trauma, depression and anxiety, please contact me to find out more about how I can be of help.
"It's never to late to have a happy childhood" This quote embodies the core belief and hope that I bring into my practice. Most people bring wounds from childhood into their adulthood. These wounds show up in their lives as depression, anxiety, low-self-esteem and unhealthy relationships. In therapy, you can become aware of those wound and how they limit your life today, grieve your losses and learn healthier ways to get those childhood needs met. As this healing occurs, we can explore ways to live life more fully and joyfully and to thrive rather than just survive.
If you feel trapped by old painful memories and destructive ways of being in the world and want relief from childhood trauma, depression and anxiety, please contact me to find out more about how I can be of help.
"It's never to late to have a happy childhood" This quote embodies the core belief and hope that I bring into my practice. Most people bring wounds from childhood into their adulthood. These wounds show up in their lives as depression, anxiety, low-self-esteem and unhealthy relationships. In therapy, you can become aware of those wound and how they limit your life today, grieve your losses and learn healthier ways to get those childhood needs met. As this healing occurs, we can explore ways to live life more fully and joyfully and to thrive rather than just survive.
Jeanette Shin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93306
My name is Jeanette Shin, LCSW - I believe we are capable of healing ourselves and can develop the ability to find self-compassion and the potential to thrive. I have worked mostly with adults, especially older adults, and feel able to work with clients dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, aging, grief, and bereavement. I approach clients on a mindfulness and client centered focus, with elements of CBT, DBT, ACT, Motivational Interviewing, and spirituality as needed.
My name is Jeanette Shin, LCSW - I believe we are capable of healing ourselves and can develop the ability to find self-compassion and the potential to thrive. I have worked mostly with adults, especially older adults, and feel able to work with clients dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, aging, grief, and bereavement. I approach clients on a mindfulness and client centered focus, with elements of CBT, DBT, ACT, Motivational Interviewing, and spirituality as needed.
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.
James Earl Holland Jr
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93309 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I SEE YOU! YES YOU! Great job on taking your first step! Have you ever felt anger, sadness, anxiety, been through trauma, suffered depression, addicted to something, annoyed with people or, just stuck in your everyday life? Well it’s time for you! Life throws us many obstacles and challenges that we overcome. We have all made mistakes, struggled with life and wondered if we made the right decisions. Sometimes we need advice, an ear to listen or just someone to tell us “Great Job”! I am here to work with you on whatever goal/issue that you want to focus on. I am a firm believer that we are the doctors of our own mind, body and soul.
I SEE YOU! YES YOU! Great job on taking your first step! Have you ever felt anger, sadness, anxiety, been through trauma, suffered depression, addicted to something, annoyed with people or, just stuck in your everyday life? Well it’s time for you! Life throws us many obstacles and challenges that we overcome. We have all made mistakes, struggled with life and wondered if we made the right decisions. Sometimes we need advice, an ear to listen or just someone to tell us “Great Job”! I am here to work with you on whatever goal/issue that you want to focus on. I am a firm believer that we are the doctors of our own mind, body and soul.
Ana Martin Del Campo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93313
Ana Martin Del Campo is a licensed clinical social worker with 10 years of experience working with adults suffering from anxiety, depression, substance use, and challenges with behavior impacting their relationships. Ana provides a nonjudgmental, safe space to help clients explore their potential for healing. Ana incorporates CBT, mindfulness, and a strength-based approach
Ana Martin Del Campo is a licensed clinical social worker with 10 years of experience working with adults suffering from anxiety, depression, substance use, and challenges with behavior impacting their relationships. Ana provides a nonjudgmental, safe space to help clients explore their potential for healing. Ana incorporates CBT, mindfulness, and a strength-based approach
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Veronica Colwin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93301 (Online Only)
I am an empathetic therapist with a passion to create a space where clients can be heard and seen. I have experience in leading clients to self-empowerment and awareness to overcome challenges in their life. I also assist clients in developing skills in bettering their life and managing their symptoms of anxiety and depression. Through clinical, life experience, and compassion I value working to assist those willing to make a positive difference in their lives.
I am an empathetic therapist with a passion to create a space where clients can be heard and seen. I have experience in leading clients to self-empowerment and awareness to overcome challenges in their life. I also assist clients in developing skills in bettering their life and managing their symptoms of anxiety and depression. Through clinical, life experience, and compassion I value working to assist those willing to make a positive difference in their lives.
Laura Van Waardenburg
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93308
I have the experience and training to help people suffering from depression, anxiety, and trauma.
Laura M. Van Waardenburg, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. There is a way to feel better and get your life back. The key to making lasting improvements is to have a skilled, trained therapist help guide you with compassion. Depending on your needs I may support you with the use of Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Prolonged Exposure (PE), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). I come from a humanistic, client-centered, and culturally sensitive approach to all my clients.
I have the experience and training to help people suffering from depression, anxiety, and trauma.
Laura M. Van Waardenburg, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. There is a way to feel better and get your life back. The key to making lasting improvements is to have a skilled, trained therapist help guide you with compassion. Depending on your needs I may support you with the use of Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Prolonged Exposure (PE), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). I come from a humanistic, client-centered, and culturally sensitive approach to all my clients.
Juli Finch
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309
My ideal client seeks self-exploration & understanding, facing issues like anxiety, depression, or relationship difficulties. They need a supportive space for personal growth, aiming to gain insight, develop coping strategies, improve communication, & foster healthy relationships. They aspire to enhance mental well-being, achieve a better life quality, & unlock their full potential.
My ideal client seeks self-exploration & understanding, facing issues like anxiety, depression, or relationship difficulties. They need a supportive space for personal growth, aiming to gain insight, develop coping strategies, improve communication, & foster healthy relationships. They aspire to enhance mental well-being, achieve a better life quality, & unlock their full potential.
Sheila Cano
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309 (Online Only)
My ideal client seeks self-exploration & understanding, facing issues like anxiety, depression, or relationship difficulties. They need a supportive space for personal growth, aiming to gain insight, develop coping strategies, improve communication, & foster healthy relationships. They aspire to enhance mental well-being, achieve a better life quality, & unlock their full potential.
My ideal client seeks self-exploration & understanding, facing issues like anxiety, depression, or relationship difficulties. They need a supportive space for personal growth, aiming to gain insight, develop coping strategies, improve communication, & foster healthy relationships. They aspire to enhance mental well-being, achieve a better life quality, & unlock their full potential.
Blue Moon Senior Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Delano, CA 93215 (Online Only)
We are a Group of Licensed Therapists who are Medicare providers who specialize in addressing issues related to aging, depression, anxiety, and adjustment .
We provide telehealth counseling to Medicare beneficiaries. We are a Group of Licensed therapists who are Medicare providers who specialize in addressing issues related to aging, depression, anxiety and adjustment. Our goal is to "Help People Feel Better!"
We are a Group of Licensed Therapists who are Medicare providers who specialize in addressing issues related to aging, depression, anxiety, and adjustment .
We provide telehealth counseling to Medicare beneficiaries. We are a Group of Licensed therapists who are Medicare providers who specialize in addressing issues related to aging, depression, anxiety and adjustment. Our goal is to "Help People Feel Better!"
Alisa Flakes
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93305
Hello, my name is Alisa Flakes and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. I work with individuals ages 13+, couples, and families in a variety of areas including addiction, anger management, anxiety, behavioral issues, coping skills, cultural stress, depression, relationship issues, family conflict, grief, and trauma & PTSD, amongst others. My approach is strength-based, solution focused and utilizes several modalities such as ACT, CBT, DBT, Family Systems, Gottman Method, Gestalt, and more.
Hello, my name is Alisa Flakes and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. I work with individuals ages 13+, couples, and families in a variety of areas including addiction, anger management, anxiety, behavioral issues, coping skills, cultural stress, depression, relationship issues, family conflict, grief, and trauma & PTSD, amongst others. My approach is strength-based, solution focused and utilizes several modalities such as ACT, CBT, DBT, Family Systems, Gottman Method, Gestalt, and more.
Alexandra Kofsky
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Ridgecrest, CA 93555
My name is Alexandra Kofsky, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I believe that human beings possess an innate ability to move toward happiness and health, but sometimes adversity, life transitions, and challenging life experiences can get in the way of leading productive and meaningful lives. My approach as a therapist aims to foster a reparative relationship through collaborative, warm, and interactive sessions. Through the use of several traditional and modern modalities, I work with teens, young adults, and adults, struggling with issues like stress, anxiety, depression, communication, parenting, grief, trauma.
My name is Alexandra Kofsky, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I believe that human beings possess an innate ability to move toward happiness and health, but sometimes adversity, life transitions, and challenging life experiences can get in the way of leading productive and meaningful lives. My approach as a therapist aims to foster a reparative relationship through collaborative, warm, and interactive sessions. Through the use of several traditional and modern modalities, I work with teens, young adults, and adults, struggling with issues like stress, anxiety, depression, communication, parenting, grief, trauma.
Jami Maloney
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93308
I am experienced in treating grief and loss, trauma and abuse, depression, anxiety, adjustment, chronic pain, substance use, family trauma, and locating resources.
Hello, my name is Jami Maloney, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have worked in the field for approximately 14 years, and I have work experience in opiate addiction, child-welfare (adoptions and foster care), medical (renal/dialysis and hospice), working with military members and dependents, and in mental health. My approach to therapy is with empathy and compassion and without judgment. I am a client-focused therapist and am dedicated to advocating for my clients and ensuring that my treatment meets their needs. I promote open communication, so any questions and concerns are addressed.
I am experienced in treating grief and loss, trauma and abuse, depression, anxiety, adjustment, chronic pain, substance use, family trauma, and locating resources.
Hello, my name is Jami Maloney, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have worked in the field for approximately 14 years, and I have work experience in opiate addiction, child-welfare (adoptions and foster care), medical (renal/dialysis and hospice), working with military members and dependents, and in mental health. My approach to therapy is with empathy and compassion and without judgment. I am a client-focused therapist and am dedicated to advocating for my clients and ensuring that my treatment meets their needs. I promote open communication, so any questions and concerns are addressed.
Annmarie Rotan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Ridgecrest, CA 93555
It is common to experience anxiety, depression, stress, and self-doubt at different points in our lives but together we can work to navigate the challenges and build skills to enhance your life.
My name is AnnMarie Rotan and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in 3 states working with clients via telehealth. I work with adults in all phases of life from college through retirement to identify how to manage barriers keeping them from achieving their best quality of life. My therapeutic approach is holistic based on the needs of every individual which can change as we move through the process together. I most frequently use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy due to its versatility but am comfortable using numerous other approaches as needed.
It is common to experience anxiety, depression, stress, and self-doubt at different points in our lives but together we can work to navigate the challenges and build skills to enhance your life.
My name is AnnMarie Rotan and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in 3 states working with clients via telehealth. I work with adults in all phases of life from college through retirement to identify how to manage barriers keeping them from achieving their best quality of life. My therapeutic approach is holistic based on the needs of every individual which can change as we move through the process together. I most frequently use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy due to its versatility but am comfortable using numerous other approaches as needed.
See more therapy options for Kern County
Depression Therapists
What is the goal of therapy for depression?
Therapy for depression has several major goals. One is to relieve the mental pain of depression, which distorts feeling and thinking so that sufferers cannot see beyond their current state of mind or envision feeling better. Another is to give people the mental tools to recognize and correct the kinds of distorted thinking that turn a problem into a catastrophe and lead to despair. Therapy also teaches people how to process negative emotions in constructive ways, so they have more control over their own emotional reactivity. And it helps people regain the ability to see themselves positively, the motivation to do things, and the capacity for pleasure.
What happens in therapy for depression?
Perhaps most important, no matter the type of therapy, patients form an alliance with the therapist; that connection is therapeutic in itself, plus it becomes an instrument of change. Patients learn to identify and to challenge their own erroneous beliefs and thoughts that amplify the effects of negative experiences. They learn to identify situations in which they are especially vulnerable. And they learn new patterns of thinking and behaving. They may be given “homework” assignments in which they practice their developing skills. In addition, good therapists regularly monitor patients to assess whether and how much the condition is improving.
What therapy types help with depression?
Several types of short-term therapy have been found effective, each targeting one or more areas of dysfunction. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps clients challenge their negative thoughts and beliefs, learn new behavioral strategies, and curb reactivity to distressing situations. Behavioral activation (BA) is a form of therapy often used in conjunction with CBT; it focuses on engagement in rewarding activity as a pathway to changing negative feelings and disturbed mood. Another widely used approach is interpersonal therapy (IPT), which targets the social difficulties that both give rise to and get exacerbated by depression. Therapists may combine approaches as needed.
Can therapy for depression be done online?
Studies have found that online therapy can be highly effective for treating depression, although it may be more challenging to build a good therapist-patient alliance on screen than in person—at least at first. However, online therapy can offer considerable advantages. Accessibility and convenience are tops among them. Some people actually find it easier to talk about problems online than in person. While online therapy typically limits visibility of facial expression and body gestures that give important nonverbal cues to a patient’s state of mind, it can give therapists a glimpse into a patient’s world and life, providing information that can be highly useful in guiding therapy.
How effective is therapy for depression?
Many studies show that therapy is highly effective provided that patients complete the prescribed course of therapy, commonly 16 to 20 sessions. Over the long term, it is more effective than medication and the effects are more enduring. As a result, psychotherapy has the power not just to relieve current suffering but to prevent future episodes of the disorder. Therapy reverses the dysfunction in neural circuitry that disposes individuals to a negative view of themselves, the world, and their future and they acquire coping techniques, problem-solving skills, and understanding of their own vulnerabilities that are useful over the course of a lifetime.