Therapists in Kern County, CA
Dr. Karen Stark-Garrett
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93301
I have clinical experience in grief, crisis, and loss issues related to death, divorce, disrupted relationships, infertility, and adoption.
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.
I have clinical experience in grief, crisis, and loss issues related to death, divorce, disrupted relationships, infertility, and adoption.
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.
Tanya Ridaura
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93314
My name is Tanya Ridaura and I am a bilingual Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with experience working alongside individuals who suffer from anxiety and depression so that together we can work on an approach that is tailored to each individual’s needs. The majority of my work is with adults who suffer from anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, interpersonal challenges, attachment, life transitions, anger management, stress, trauma, and adoption issues. I believe clients are capable of making changes to gain control of their lives with guidance, support, empowerment, and faith.
My name is Tanya Ridaura and I am a bilingual Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with experience working alongside individuals who suffer from anxiety and depression so that together we can work on an approach that is tailored to each individual’s needs. The majority of my work is with adults who suffer from anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, interpersonal challenges, attachment, life transitions, anger management, stress, trauma, and adoption issues. I believe clients are capable of making changes to gain control of their lives with guidance, support, empowerment, and faith.
Michelle Alexander
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Tehachapi, CA 93561
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a passion for connecting with my clients and providing a safe place for healing, and building a happy, hopeful future. I work with clients dealing with anxiety, depression, Pre-marital, marital issues, parenting, adoption, relationship, addiction, and trauma. Although I am eclectic in my approach, my foundation is CBT, DBT, and Solution Focused Therapy.
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a passion for connecting with my clients and providing a safe place for healing, and building a happy, hopeful future. I work with clients dealing with anxiety, depression, Pre-marital, marital issues, parenting, adoption, relationship, addiction, and trauma. Although I am eclectic in my approach, my foundation is CBT, DBT, and Solution Focused Therapy.
Rose M. Lester
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309
Waitlist for new clients
"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.
"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.
Amber Crume
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93313
My name is Amber Lee Crume, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience. My greatest hope is to help people achieve a greater sense of happiness and well-being. I love being a therapist and helping you learn more about yourself, your relationships, and new proven strategies and techniques to address life's most challenging obstacles. The process really does work!
My name is Amber Lee Crume, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience. My greatest hope is to help people achieve a greater sense of happiness and well-being. I love being a therapist and helping you learn more about yourself, your relationships, and new proven strategies and techniques to address life's most challenging obstacles. The process really does work!
Lorraine E Castro
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309
My ideal client is someone who is questioning and wondering what they are supposed to do at this time in their life. Do you feel like something is missing, that your life is not the way you want it to be? I can help you find your way into a whole new world. Every issue is fundamentally spiritual and will persist until you discover what is going on. Let's free you up from the restrictions in your thinking and behavior that erode your happiness.
My ideal client is someone who is questioning and wondering what they are supposed to do at this time in their life. Do you feel like something is missing, that your life is not the way you want it to be? I can help you find your way into a whole new world. Every issue is fundamentally spiritual and will persist until you discover what is going on. Let's free you up from the restrictions in your thinking and behavior that erode your happiness.
Baylee Griggs
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93307
The journey of therapy may not be easy, but as a therapist I hope to provide you with the courage, support, and skills it takes to meet your therapeutic goals. I have experience working with children, young adults and families that have experienced trauma, relationship issues, parenting struggles, depression, and anxiety. To address these difficulties, I utilize an integrative practice approach as every individual has experienced life in their own unique way. I look forward to joining you through this process.
The journey of therapy may not be easy, but as a therapist I hope to provide you with the courage, support, and skills it takes to meet your therapeutic goals. I have experience working with children, young adults and families that have experienced trauma, relationship issues, parenting struggles, depression, and anxiety. To address these difficulties, I utilize an integrative practice approach as every individual has experienced life in their own unique way. I look forward to joining you through this process.
Debra L Shelton
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93301
I prefer to work with adults and children that are motivated to improve their relationships with family, friends, and others. I also work on issues of grief and loss. One area where I specialize, is working with parents who have experienced the loss of a child.
I prefer to work with adults and children that are motivated to improve their relationships with family, friends, and others. I also work on issues of grief and loss. One area where I specialize, is working with parents who have experienced the loss of a child.
Gianna Flores Heatherly
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, CAMS-II
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309
Offering Telehealth therapy and limited in-person apts. Do you struggle to engage in family and social relationships? Are you experiencing big life transitions and don’t know what to do? Is Anxiety, worry, nervousness, or intrusive thoughts getting the best of you? Are you feeling sad, unmotivated, and finding it hard to concentrate? Are you struggling with making sense of past trauma and unhealthy coping? If so, then I can assist in making sense of these concerns.
Offering Telehealth therapy and limited in-person apts. Do you struggle to engage in family and social relationships? Are you experiencing big life transitions and don’t know what to do? Is Anxiety, worry, nervousness, or intrusive thoughts getting the best of you? Are you feeling sad, unmotivated, and finding it hard to concentrate? Are you struggling with making sense of past trauma and unhealthy coping? If so, then I can assist in making sense of these concerns.
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
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.
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.
15 Second Videos
Glenda G. Love
Veronica Cardona
Stephanie Santos
Tiffany Bell
Joanna D Morse
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.
Millicent Pitts
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93312
I understand how difficult sharing life altering memories can be for people. Just ignoring unresolved issues will not make the pain any less. Addressing old hurt, anger, fears, and other emotions will assist in gaining a better sense of self. My goal is to help people with the thoughts that keep them up at night. We can’t change the past, but we can change how we process old grief and allow past trauma to impact our lives.
I understand how difficult sharing life altering memories can be for people. Just ignoring unresolved issues will not make the pain any less. Addressing old hurt, anger, fears, and other emotions will assist in gaining a better sense of self. My goal is to help people with the thoughts that keep them up at night. We can’t change the past, but we can change how we process old grief and allow past trauma to impact our lives.
Erika Miranda
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, PMH-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93309
Waitlist for new clients
Welcome to my profile. I believe it's important to find the Therapist that is right for you. I am passionate about diminishing the stigma surrounding mental health issues within my community.
Welcome to my profile. I believe it's important to find the Therapist that is right for you. I am passionate about diminishing the stigma surrounding mental health issues within my community.
Glenda G. Love
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MS, LCSW, PhD, in, Progres
Verified Verified
Tehachapi, CA 93561
I hold an M.S. in Sociology with a Certificate in Criminology and Corrections, an M.S.W. in Social Work, and am finishing a Ph.D. in Social Work. I am the past President of the Domestic Violence Advisory Council 2014 (and 2008), with expertise in domestic abuse, sexual assault and children exposed to domestic abuse. I volunteer with the American Red Cross as a Mental Health Clinician, deploying to Moore, Oklahoma in May 2013 for the Spring Tornadoes, Austin, TX in October for the Halloween Flood and the Volcano eruptions in Hilo, Hawaii 2018. Along with individual counseling, I offer relationship, family, children, and teens.
I hold an M.S. in Sociology with a Certificate in Criminology and Corrections, an M.S.W. in Social Work, and am finishing a Ph.D. in Social Work. I am the past President of the Domestic Violence Advisory Council 2014 (and 2008), with expertise in domestic abuse, sexual assault and children exposed to domestic abuse. I volunteer with the American Red Cross as a Mental Health Clinician, deploying to Moore, Oklahoma in May 2013 for the Spring Tornadoes, Austin, TX in October for the Halloween Flood and the Volcano eruptions in Hilo, Hawaii 2018. Along with individual counseling, I offer relationship, family, children, and teens.
Angeli Fernandez
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309 (Online Only)
It takes a lot of courage to ask for help, and it is an honor to be trusted with your healing journey. I provide a compassionate and supportive therapeutic environment for my clients. Together, we will work on identifying what is no longer serving you, develop goals and a plan that work for you to make changes to reduce, and even eliminate, these feelings and behaviors causing pain and distress in your life today. My style is warm, open, engaging, occasionally humorous, and at all times respectful. My approach to counseling is caring, supportive, and genuine.
It takes a lot of courage to ask for help, and it is an honor to be trusted with your healing journey. I provide a compassionate and supportive therapeutic environment for my clients. Together, we will work on identifying what is no longer serving you, develop goals and a plan that work for you to make changes to reduce, and even eliminate, these feelings and behaviors causing pain and distress in your life today. My style is warm, open, engaging, occasionally humorous, and at all times respectful. My approach to counseling is caring, supportive, and genuine.
Charree Kashwer
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93309
It takes courage to seek help during challenging times and the task of choosing the "right" therapist can be overwhelming! I have 30+ years of experience in the mental health field. Clients appreciate my humor and direct approach. From the initial phone call, my goal is to create a strong, healthy therapist/client relationship, which is a necessary foundation for change. I work with clients of ALL ages and backgrounds. I specialize in divorced families, couples, parenting issues, relationship concerns, mood disorders, addictions, adjustment issues, and life coaching. I can help...and if I can’t, I will find you someone who can!
It takes courage to seek help during challenging times and the task of choosing the "right" therapist can be overwhelming! I have 30+ years of experience in the mental health field. Clients appreciate my humor and direct approach. From the initial phone call, my goal is to create a strong, healthy therapist/client relationship, which is a necessary foundation for change. I work with clients of ALL ages and backgrounds. I specialize in divorced families, couples, parenting issues, relationship concerns, mood disorders, addictions, adjustment issues, and life coaching. I can help...and if I can’t, I will find you someone who can!
Dena Barnes
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, ATR, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Sometimes, it's hard to know how to change things without the help of someone you trust. Perhaps you are ready to make a change in your life...ready to finally close the gap between the way your life is and the way you would like it to be? I'd like to help you along that journey. My goal is to help each client develop a pathway to achieve inner health, resolve conflicts, and find happiness and wholeness in their lives. Here, you will find an open, safe and empathic space for transformation.
Sometimes, it's hard to know how to change things without the help of someone you trust. Perhaps you are ready to make a change in your life...ready to finally close the gap between the way your life is and the way you would like it to be? I'd like to help you along that journey. My goal is to help each client develop a pathway to achieve inner health, resolve conflicts, and find happiness and wholeness in their lives. Here, you will find an open, safe and empathic space for transformation.
Veronica Cardona
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309 (Online Only)
The journey through infertility and motherhood can be stressful and lonely. It often requires patience, perseverance, but above all HOPE. I want to empower and support you during this journey. Are you suspecting a problem because you have been trying to get pregnant without success? Have you been diagnosed with "infertility"? Are you considering IVF? Are you struggling with sustaining a pregnancy? Does your heart feel heavy with grief and sorrow over your loss and are ready for relief? Did you recently have a baby and are struggling with postpartum anxiety, depression or simply feeling overwhelmed? Reach out today. I can help you.
The journey through infertility and motherhood can be stressful and lonely. It often requires patience, perseverance, but above all HOPE. I want to empower and support you during this journey. Are you suspecting a problem because you have been trying to get pregnant without success? Have you been diagnosed with "infertility"? Are you considering IVF? Are you struggling with sustaining a pregnancy? Does your heart feel heavy with grief and sorrow over your loss and are ready for relief? Did you recently have a baby and are struggling with postpartum anxiety, depression or simply feeling overwhelmed? Reach out today. I can help you.
Shannon Kaye Fanucchi
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, SH, CHT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93301 (Online Only)
My belief as a therapist and as a person is that all people, no matter where they are in life, are equipped with the innate ability to experience mental health. I do not see people as “broken”, rather, at some point in life, all people will find themselves “stuck” for one reason or another. My focus is to create a safe environment to educate and support clients while assisting them in meeting and exceeding their stated life goals.
My belief as a therapist and as a person is that all people, no matter where they are in life, are equipped with the innate ability to experience mental health. I do not see people as “broken”, rather, at some point in life, all people will find themselves “stuck” for one reason or another. My focus is to create a safe environment to educate and support clients while assisting them in meeting and exceeding their stated life goals.
See more therapy options for Kern County
Female Therapists
Does it matter what gender my therapist is?
In general, this is not an important factor, as there is no relationship between a therapist’s gender and their efficacy. Some clients, however, prefer to see therapists of a particular gender, whether due to their own past experiences with men and women, or ingrained beliefs about how people of different genders think and behave. Exploring the roots of such preferences and considering what one wants to address in therapy can help someone determine whether their therapist’s gender truly matters to them.
Should I see a female therapist?
Many people—not just women—prefer to see a female therapist, either because they believe that a woman will be able to relate to their specific challenges (for example, sexism in the workplace) or because they imagine feeling more comfortable disclosing sensitive information to a woman. Such beliefs may not turn out to be accurate, however, and adhering too rigidly to a gender preference can at times hinder a client from finding the best therapeutic match.
Do therapists get specific training to help with women’s concerns?
Therapists are trained to provide care to clients of any gender. However, some therapists—both men and women—may pursue additional training in feminist therapy, gender-specific issues, or women’s mental health. Female clients may wish to ask prospective therapists whether they have received specific training in the client’s primary area(s) of concern, or whether they have worked extensively with women on issues similar to their own.
How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience in treating women?
It’s OK—even encouraged!—to ask a therapist directly whether and how often they have treated women in the past, or whether they have treated women dealing with the client’s most prominent concern(s). Competent therapists will be happy to share their educational background, preferred treatment modalities, and prior client experience to help an individual find the therapist best suited to their needs.