Therapists in Kern County, CA

Photo of Rhonda Carol Van Cleve, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Kern County, CA
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.
(661) 490-9491 x1 View (661) 490-9491 x1
Photo of Dr. Karen Stark-Garrett, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kern County, CA
Dr. Karen Stark-Garrett
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93301
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.
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.
(661) 424-2738 View (661) 424-2738
Photo of Stephanie Santos, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Kern County, CA
Stephanie Santos
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PPSC
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Hi parents! Has your teen been feeling more hopeless, sad, anxious, or upset recently? Have they been more withdrawn or acting different than usual? Has their behavior been negatively impacting their academics and relationships? Are you worried that your teen may not graduate? Would you like to better understand your teen? Would you like to better understand their thoughts and feelings? My goal is to help your teen learn how to identify their feelings, communicate their thoughts and emotions, and discover ways to appropriately manage and deal with their current stressors.
Hi parents! Has your teen been feeling more hopeless, sad, anxious, or upset recently? Have they been more withdrawn or acting different than usual? Has their behavior been negatively impacting their academics and relationships? Are you worried that your teen may not graduate? Would you like to better understand your teen? Would you like to better understand their thoughts and feelings? My goal is to help your teen learn how to identify their feelings, communicate their thoughts and emotions, and discover ways to appropriately manage and deal with their current stressors.
(661) 690-5477 View (661) 690-5477
Photo of Gianna Flores Heatherly, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kern County, CA
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.
(661) 768-1526 View (661) 768-1526
Photo of Alicia Aguirre, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kern County, CA
Alicia Aguirre
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Welcome to my profile. I take pride in providing services for those in need. I believe it's important to build good rapport with my clients while providing a safe and comfortable therapeutic environment in order to meet their needs and goals.
Welcome to my profile. I take pride in providing services for those in need. I believe it's important to build good rapport with my clients while providing a safe and comfortable therapeutic environment in order to meet their needs and goals.
(661) 362-8909 View (661) 362-8909
Photo of Erika M Melendez, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kern County, CA
Erika M Melendez
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309
Waitlist for new clients
Are you looking for someone to work with your infant, toddler, kid, teen or young adult? I would be honored to work with your child to manage day to day stressors or more severe issues like sexual assault, dating violence, bullying, or grief. I also love to work with parents or other caretakers/support people to provide education and work collaboratively to help the child feel whole and able to thrive! Regardless if your child is 1 or 25 I want to help them reach their goals to heal and feel empowered!
Are you looking for someone to work with your infant, toddler, kid, teen or young adult? I would be honored to work with your child to manage day to day stressors or more severe issues like sexual assault, dating violence, bullying, or grief. I also love to work with parents or other caretakers/support people to provide education and work collaboratively to help the child feel whole and able to thrive! Regardless if your child is 1 or 25 I want to help them reach their goals to heal and feel empowered!
(661) 760-2731 View (661) 760-2731
Photo of Mindful Path Counseling LLC, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kern County, CA
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.
(661) 220-5161 View (661) 220-5161
Photo of Millicent Pitts, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kern County, CA
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.
(661) 215-5927 View (661) 215-5927
Photo of Becca Ferguson, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kern County, CA
Becca Ferguson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93301
I enjoy helping individuals and couples from 18 y/o through late adulthood. If you need help improving your life & your relationships, I can give you the tools you need! My clients tell me I am genuine and easy to talk to, and they feel they leave each session with realistic tools to improve their day to day lives. I like to work with a variety of individuals, couples, and families, on trauma, anxiety, depression and other issues, and I specialize in working with individuals with all types of sexual problems such as porn and sex addiction. I also love working with people with intellectual disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
I enjoy helping individuals and couples from 18 y/o through late adulthood. If you need help improving your life & your relationships, I can give you the tools you need! My clients tell me I am genuine and easy to talk to, and they feel they leave each session with realistic tools to improve their day to day lives. I like to work with a variety of individuals, couples, and families, on trauma, anxiety, depression and other issues, and I specialize in working with individuals with all types of sexual problems such as porn and sex addiction. I also love working with people with intellectual disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
(661) 347-2041 View (661) 347-2041
Photo of Lynda Onyshko, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kern County, CA
Lynda Onyshko
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Delano, CA 93215
Hi, my name is Lynda Onyshko, and I'm based in Ventura County and working with clients statewide via Telehealth. I work with adolescents, pre-teens, and adults and specialize in anxiety, stress, depression, grief and loss, anger management, and relationship issues. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Acceptance therapy to help my clients make the most progress, start feeling better, and start the road to recovery! I work to build a powerful relationship between us with active listening. Setting goals include building communication skills to interact with you in a positive way.
Hi, my name is Lynda Onyshko, and I'm based in Ventura County and working with clients statewide via Telehealth. I work with adolescents, pre-teens, and adults and specialize in anxiety, stress, depression, grief and loss, anger management, and relationship issues. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Acceptance therapy to help my clients make the most progress, start feeling better, and start the road to recovery! I work to build a powerful relationship between us with active listening. Setting goals include building communication skills to interact with you in a positive way.
(661) 276-8053 View (661) 276-8053
Photo of Tiffany Bell, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kern County, CA
Tiffany Bell
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309
Having a hard time navigating life? Feel as though you keep falling back into the same old patterns which don't produce what you intended? Having difficulty with your child, spouse, family or loved ones? Have the thought that addressing your innermost pain means there is "something wrong with you?" Let me help! In my practice I strive to help people access their best selves, lives, and potential. I assist you in navigating through your life. My goal is to spread the word that everyone will need an impartial confidant and that seeking help is normal. I would be honored to assist you on your journey of transformation.
Having a hard time navigating life? Feel as though you keep falling back into the same old patterns which don't produce what you intended? Having difficulty with your child, spouse, family or loved ones? Have the thought that addressing your innermost pain means there is "something wrong with you?" Let me help! In my practice I strive to help people access their best selves, lives, and potential. I assist you in navigating through your life. My goal is to spread the word that everyone will need an impartial confidant and that seeking help is normal. I would be honored to assist you on your journey of transformation.
(661) 765-8731 View (661) 765-8731
Photo of Marcela Lopez, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Kern County, CA
Marcela Lopez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93309
Hello there! I’m a licensed clinical social worker in California, and a certified anger management counselor, CAMS-ll, under the National Anger Management Association. I have vast experience working with children, teenagers, and adults within an outpatient and inpatient hospital setting. My best interest for clients is to help them achieve personal self-development and awareness, cope with life transitions, emotions, stressors, and develop healthier relationships. I believe we are capable of self-resiliency and I aim to be a guide for you to achieve it.
Hello there! I’m a licensed clinical social worker in California, and a certified anger management counselor, CAMS-ll, under the National Anger Management Association. I have vast experience working with children, teenagers, and adults within an outpatient and inpatient hospital setting. My best interest for clients is to help them achieve personal self-development and awareness, cope with life transitions, emotions, stressors, and develop healthier relationships. I believe we are capable of self-resiliency and I aim to be a guide for you to achieve it.
(661) 215-6540 View (661) 215-6540
Photo of Melissa Kadel, Counselor in Kern County, CA
Melissa Kadel
Counselor, MS, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93301
I am an associate professional clinical counselor. I provide therapy to children, adults, couples and families experiencing emotional and relational challenges. While cognitive behavior therapy is most widely used, I focus on the individual needs of each client to meet their needs. I will work with you to strengthen inner health, resolve conflicts and promote positive growth in an open, safe, empathetic environment.
I am an associate professional clinical counselor. I provide therapy to children, adults, couples and families experiencing emotional and relational challenges. While cognitive behavior therapy is most widely used, I focus on the individual needs of each client to meet their needs. I will work with you to strengthen inner health, resolve conflicts and promote positive growth in an open, safe, empathetic environment.
(661) 493-8551 View (661) 493-8551
Photo of Alexis Bird, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kern County, CA
Alexis Bird
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93308
If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, anger, or trauma, I am committed to helping adults, adolescents, and children learn how to cope and grow from these difficulties. My work focuses on assisting individuals and families to discover their resilience and to nurture their mental health. I believe in taking a client-centered, collaborative approach to assist in achieving goals and overcoming life's obstacles.
If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, anger, or trauma, I am committed to helping adults, adolescents, and children learn how to cope and grow from these difficulties. My work focuses on assisting individuals and families to discover their resilience and to nurture their mental health. I believe in taking a client-centered, collaborative approach to assist in achieving goals and overcoming life's obstacles.
(661) 556-0241 View (661) 556-0241
Photo of Genevieve M. Martinez, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kern County, CA
Genevieve M. Martinez
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309
Anger. Guilt. Resentment. These are the common themes we all struggle with, today. Sadness is all too real when we hurt, and when we do not cope well, or do not know how to cope with our anger, guilt, and/or resentment, we can become depressed. What you will see, is a vicious cycle; a depressed person then becomes angry, and resentful, and can start to feel guilt. We are all able and capable of making better decisions for ourselves and for our loved ones. There is no shame in asking for help...only regret in never trying. I can help you.
Anger. Guilt. Resentment. These are the common themes we all struggle with, today. Sadness is all too real when we hurt, and when we do not cope well, or do not know how to cope with our anger, guilt, and/or resentment, we can become depressed. What you will see, is a vicious cycle; a depressed person then becomes angry, and resentful, and can start to feel guilt. We are all able and capable of making better decisions for ourselves and for our loved ones. There is no shame in asking for help...only regret in never trying. I can help you.
(661) 578-5952 View (661) 578-5952
Photo of Lourdes T Cortez, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Kern County, CA
Lourdes T Cortez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93312  (Online Only)
<I have Saturday and evening appointments available> My name is Lourdes T. Cortez and have experience assisting adults, children, teenagers, and their families improving their lives. I firmly believe in every person’s inner strength and resiliency in overcoming any obstacles or challenging situations in their lives. I am fluent in Spanish and as an immigrant I can relate to the Hispanic cultural values and spiritual beliefs as well as other cultural diverse groups. I am skilled in working with Adolescents, Adults, Children, Young Adults Transitioning into Adulthood, ADHD, Anxiety/Depressive Disorders, Domestic Violence and Trauma.
<I have Saturday and evening appointments available> My name is Lourdes T. Cortez and have experience assisting adults, children, teenagers, and their families improving their lives. I firmly believe in every person’s inner strength and resiliency in overcoming any obstacles or challenging situations in their lives. I am fluent in Spanish and as an immigrant I can relate to the Hispanic cultural values and spiritual beliefs as well as other cultural diverse groups. I am skilled in working with Adolescents, Adults, Children, Young Adults Transitioning into Adulthood, ADHD, Anxiety/Depressive Disorders, Domestic Violence and Trauma.
(661) 490-9681 View (661) 490-9681
Photo of Diamante Maya, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Kern County, CA
Diamante Maya
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93301  (Online Only)
Greetings, I'm Diamante! I am a bilingual Spanish/English licensed clinical social worker in both New York and Texas having worked in the mental health field since 2008. Over the years I've gained experience with people from ages 4 to 70+ from diverse backgrounds and with a variety of mental, emotional, and social challenges. I earned my Bachelors in Sociology from the University of Texas at San Antonio and my Master's in Social Work at Baylor University. I've worked in variety of schools and mental health agencies.
Greetings, I'm Diamante! I am a bilingual Spanish/English licensed clinical social worker in both New York and Texas having worked in the mental health field since 2008. Over the years I've gained experience with people from ages 4 to 70+ from diverse backgrounds and with a variety of mental, emotional, and social challenges. I earned my Bachelors in Sociology from the University of Texas at San Antonio and my Master's in Social Work at Baylor University. I've worked in variety of schools and mental health agencies.
(904) 906-2876 View (904) 906-2876
Photo of Carmen Lorenzo Baker, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kern County, CA
Carmen Lorenzo Baker
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93309
When we go through difficult moments, it's easy to fall back into old patterns or feel the sting of unresolved past wounds. Sometimes, you may realize in these times of stress that a wound remains open. Society and family often dictate a solitary struggle, but as much as you try to handle it alone, it feels like too much. Therapy with me is for those seeking something beyond mere symptom relief and who want to be seen beyond labels. It's for those who have an inkling that liberation is not just possible, but that it beckons. It's for those of us wanting to begin a journey toward authentic peace, fulfillment, and purpose.
When we go through difficult moments, it's easy to fall back into old patterns or feel the sting of unresolved past wounds. Sometimes, you may realize in these times of stress that a wound remains open. Society and family often dictate a solitary struggle, but as much as you try to handle it alone, it feels like too much. Therapy with me is for those seeking something beyond mere symptom relief and who want to be seen beyond labels. It's for those who have an inkling that liberation is not just possible, but that it beckons. It's for those of us wanting to begin a journey toward authentic peace, fulfillment, and purpose.
(661) 218-1491 View (661) 218-1491
Photo of Krissy Bynum, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Kern County, CA
Krissy Bynum
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93309
We all struggle with life challenges, and it is never too late to make positive changes. I believe in creating a therapeutic environment, which is essential for an individual to be able to express their concerns without judgement. This allows the individual the opportunity to come to an inviting place where one can speak openly and freely about concerns and/or struggles. As a therapist, I assist clients with developing their individualized goals and offer tools that can be implemented in their lives. My goal is to offer guidance and support, so clients can take steps to become the heathiest version of themselves.
We all struggle with life challenges, and it is never too late to make positive changes. I believe in creating a therapeutic environment, which is essential for an individual to be able to express their concerns without judgement. This allows the individual the opportunity to come to an inviting place where one can speak openly and freely about concerns and/or struggles. As a therapist, I assist clients with developing their individualized goals and offer tools that can be implemented in their lives. My goal is to offer guidance and support, so clients can take steps to become the heathiest version of themselves.
(661) 215-8728 View (661) 215-8728
Photo of Veronica Colwin, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Kern County, CA
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.
(385) 263-2025 View (385) 263-2025

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.