Therapists in Kern County, CA
Michael H Bean
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFTT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309
You don't have to fit into any certain mold to get help from Michael Bean or another therapist at the Marriage and Family Center.
Is the arguing getting unbearable? Or just the silence? Distrust? Disconnection? Let's quickly focus on the most serious issues you face. Get ready for a compassionate, yet very "problem-solving" approach as you and I work together to untangle the knots that keep you stuck. If you are prepared for your life to get better, give me a call.
You don't have to fit into any certain mold to get help from Michael Bean or another therapist at the Marriage and Family Center.
Is the arguing getting unbearable? Or just the silence? Distrust? Disconnection? Let's quickly focus on the most serious issues you face. Get ready for a compassionate, yet very "problem-solving" approach as you and I work together to untangle the knots that keep you stuck. If you are prepared for your life to get better, give me a call.
April Suzanne Perkins
Counselor, LMFT
Not Verified Not Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93307 (Online Only)
I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety Self Esteem, women issues, marital and premarital, life transitions, spirituality,.
Going through life's journey is like riding a roller coaster full of ups, downs, twists, and turns. On a roller coaster, you often have someone sitting next to you regardless of if you know the person. Think of life the same way. It is challenging and shouldn't be done alone. My passion is to help clients go through life transitions and challenges with more ease by identifying and rediscovering their strengths to develop a healthy lifestyle.
I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety Self Esteem, women issues, marital and premarital, life transitions, spirituality,.
Going through life's journey is like riding a roller coaster full of ups, downs, twists, and turns. On a roller coaster, you often have someone sitting next to you regardless of if you know the person. Think of life the same way. It is challenging and shouldn't be done alone. My passion is to help clients go through life transitions and challenges with more ease by identifying and rediscovering their strengths to develop a healthy lifestyle.
Dr. Ryan Pritchard
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93309
Ever feel like you're alone and not sure if anyone else is going through what you're going through? Ever want to just feel heard, listened to, or understood without feeling judged or criticized? Want to have a better understanding as to why you feel what you're feeling or why you're feeling a certain way? If you're looking for a better understanding of what's going on in your mind and why, look no further! Together, we'll break down your experiences and help you start to feel better!
Ever feel like you're alone and not sure if anyone else is going through what you're going through? Ever want to just feel heard, listened to, or understood without feeling judged or criticized? Want to have a better understanding as to why you feel what you're feeling or why you're feeling a certain way? If you're looking for a better understanding of what's going on in your mind and why, look no further! Together, we'll break down your experiences and help you start to feel better!
Mesha Muwanga
Marriage & Family Therapist, LFMT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93309
I help clients find their freedom. I believe that there is hope in every situation and I am skilled in working with client's who have a hard time believing that they can overcome. I have experience working with anxiety, depression, trauma, communication, and relationships. As a Christian therapist I believe in a holistic approach to treatment and focus on the physical, spiritual, and emotional needs of a client.
I help clients find their freedom. I believe that there is hope in every situation and I am skilled in working with client's who have a hard time believing that they can overcome. I have experience working with anxiety, depression, trauma, communication, and relationships. As a Christian therapist I believe in a holistic approach to treatment and focus on the physical, spiritual, and emotional needs of a client.
Lizeth Lopez
Psychologist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309
Do you want to do and feel better? I work with those who are ready to work towards their goals be it at home, school, work, community, and/or in their relationships. Many want to feel better about themselves, be aware of their unique strengths, and utilize their strengths to help them deal with their weaknesses. They also want to improve their relationships are ready to look within themselves and work towards the better by changing how they think, feel, and do. I believe my clients are doing their best and wanting the guidance of experienced professionals who can work with them to help them change their lives for the better.
Do you want to do and feel better? I work with those who are ready to work towards their goals be it at home, school, work, community, and/or in their relationships. Many want to feel better about themselves, be aware of their unique strengths, and utilize their strengths to help them deal with their weaknesses. They also want to improve their relationships are ready to look within themselves and work towards the better by changing how they think, feel, and do. I believe my clients are doing their best and wanting the guidance of experienced professionals who can work with them to help them change their lives for the better.
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.
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.
Nicole Brown
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93309
**Virtual sessions available** " Do you have a problem (or relationship) that you have spent countless hours thinking about, trying to solve, and maybe even seeking the advice of friends? Yet somehow you are still struggling to find a solution that works for you. Does your anxiety take over at the worst possible moment? Perhaps you wish life with your partner could be as fulfilling as it was when you first got together. Your current situation may leave you feeling stuck, but there is hope!
**Virtual sessions available** " Do you have a problem (or relationship) that you have spent countless hours thinking about, trying to solve, and maybe even seeking the advice of friends? Yet somehow you are still struggling to find a solution that works for you. Does your anxiety take over at the worst possible moment? Perhaps you wish life with your partner could be as fulfilling as it was when you first got together. Your current situation may leave you feeling stuck, but there is hope!
Dr. Heidi Nicole Wolfson
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Waitlist for new clients
When suffering strikes, it can be helpful to find a framework through which we may understand it, rather than seeing suffering as a random or meaningless event in one’s life. Our suffering may come from the unseen, unfelt parts of our psyche, and/or from an unconscious perspective which only serves to keep us trapped in an outdated narrative. Meaningless suffering is extremely difficult to bear, while on the other hand, it is often astounding to witness how much a person can endure when we begin to make meaning of our suffering, and learn to transform anguish into wisdom and injury into healing.
When suffering strikes, it can be helpful to find a framework through which we may understand it, rather than seeing suffering as a random or meaningless event in one’s life. Our suffering may come from the unseen, unfelt parts of our psyche, and/or from an unconscious perspective which only serves to keep us trapped in an outdated narrative. Meaningless suffering is extremely difficult to bear, while on the other hand, it is often astounding to witness how much a person can endure when we begin to make meaning of our suffering, and learn to transform anguish into wisdom and injury into healing.
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.
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.
15 Second Videos
Mesha Muwanga
Tiffany Bell
Glenda G. Love
Laurie Lynn Koenig, Psy.D. Licensed Psychologist
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Accepting new clients.
Accepting new clients.
Men's Issues - Dr. Dean
Psychologist, PsyD, QME, Author
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309
Welcome to my practice. I have been in practice since 2007 and have been featured on ABC, NBC, and KCAL as an expert psychologist. I work primarily with men who have hit “rock bottom” and would like help getting up. These men are often in crisis when we first meet. The issues I address are typically related to unhealthy sexual behaviors, infidelity, financial recklessness, gambling, drugs/alcohol, dishonesty/lying, and relational conflicts. My therapy approach is a combination of psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, and the 12-Step recovery model. I also share insight from my own painful but redemptive recovery journey.
Welcome to my practice. I have been in practice since 2007 and have been featured on ABC, NBC, and KCAL as an expert psychologist. I work primarily with men who have hit “rock bottom” and would like help getting up. These men are often in crisis when we first meet. The issues I address are typically related to unhealthy sexual behaviors, infidelity, financial recklessness, gambling, drugs/alcohol, dishonesty/lying, and relational conflicts. My therapy approach is a combination of psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, and the 12-Step recovery model. I also share insight from my own painful but redemptive recovery journey.
Psychological Testing & Evaluations - Dr. Dean
Psychologist, PsyD, QME, Author
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309
I'm Dr. Dean Leav, licensed psychologist and qualified medical evaluator (QME). I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I provide Evaluation Services, including (and not limited to): diagnostics (ADHD, Autism, Learning Dis.), cognitive/neuropsychological evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME), immigration-related evaluations, pre-adoption psychological evaluations, parenting/bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, pre-employment evaluations, and legal/forensics/criminal evaluations. These evaluations may be used to meet eligibility for certain services or accommodations.
I'm Dr. Dean Leav, licensed psychologist and qualified medical evaluator (QME). I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I provide Evaluation Services, including (and not limited to): diagnostics (ADHD, Autism, Learning Dis.), cognitive/neuropsychological evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME), immigration-related evaluations, pre-adoption psychological evaluations, parenting/bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, pre-employment evaluations, and legal/forensics/criminal evaluations. These evaluations may be used to meet eligibility for certain services or accommodations.
Men's Issues - Dr. Dean
Psychologist, PsyD, QME, Author
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Welcome to my practice. I have been in practice since 2007 and have been featured on ABC, NBC, and KCAL as an expert psychologist. I work primarily with men who have hit “rock bottom” and would like help getting up. These men are often in crisis when we first meet. The issues I address are typically related to unhealthy sexual behaviors, infidelity, financial recklessness, gambling, drugs/alcohol, dishonesty/lying, and relational conflicts. My therapy approach is a combination of psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, and the 12-Step recovery model. I also share insight from my own painful but redemptive recovery journey.
Welcome to my practice. I have been in practice since 2007 and have been featured on ABC, NBC, and KCAL as an expert psychologist. I work primarily with men who have hit “rock bottom” and would like help getting up. These men are often in crisis when we first meet. The issues I address are typically related to unhealthy sexual behaviors, infidelity, financial recklessness, gambling, drugs/alcohol, dishonesty/lying, and relational conflicts. My therapy approach is a combination of psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, and the 12-Step recovery model. I also share insight from my own painful but redemptive recovery journey.
Caprice Hale
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93307
I am a licensed social worker with 8 years of experience providing grief support and counseling to clients in need. I received my Bachelors degree in social work from Stephen F Austin State University and my Masters in social work from the University of Texas Arlington. I am a passionate and empathetic counselor that has experience helping children, families and individuals working through grief and loss.
I am a licensed social worker with 8 years of experience providing grief support and counseling to clients in need. I received my Bachelors degree in social work from Stephen F Austin State University and my Masters in social work from the University of Texas Arlington. I am a passionate and empathetic counselor that has experience helping children, families and individuals working through grief and loss.
Online Therapists
Lisa Strawn
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
Calabasas, CA 91302 (Online Only)
I gravitate towards working with couples in distress, marital conflict and other issues such as infidelity.
Are you constantly walking on eggshells in your relationship? Have you tried to communicate your concerns but it seems to end in an argument? It can feel exhausting to repeat a negative communication cycle where the problem isn't resolved and you feel emotional connection and intimacy are blocked. There is hope, I work with individuals and couples to explore their relationship patterns and transform their connection to each other. In relationships we often find a mirror for our personal growth and development. Adolescent struggles, family conflict and children who experience learning challenges are other areas of focus in my work.
I gravitate towards working with couples in distress, marital conflict and other issues such as infidelity.
Are you constantly walking on eggshells in your relationship? Have you tried to communicate your concerns but it seems to end in an argument? It can feel exhausting to repeat a negative communication cycle where the problem isn't resolved and you feel emotional connection and intimacy are blocked. There is hope, I work with individuals and couples to explore their relationship patterns and transform their connection to each other. In relationships we often find a mirror for our personal growth and development. Adolescent struggles, family conflict and children who experience learning challenges are other areas of focus in my work.
Dr. Elizabeth J. James
Marriage & Family Therapist, DMFT, MA, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
Covina, CA 91723
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, I possess the qualifications and experience to assist you in identifying your goals and managing difficult life events. My experience working with adults, adolescents, and children has allowed for an understanding of various presenting issues and feelings, while providing the psychotherapy services required for each individual, couple, family or group. Through listening, exploring and processing, I have been successful in helping individuals manage depression and anxiety, overcome grief and loss, manage addiction, increase self-esteem, and develop the communication and adaptive skills necessary to achieve their goals and improve their relationships.
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, I possess the qualifications and experience to assist you in identifying your goals and managing difficult life events. My experience working with adults, adolescents, and children has allowed for an understanding of various presenting issues and feelings, while providing the psychotherapy services required for each individual, couple, family or group. Through listening, exploring and processing, I have been successful in helping individuals manage depression and anxiety, overcome grief and loss, manage addiction, increase self-esteem, and develop the communication and adaptive skills necessary to achieve their goals and improve their relationships.
Dr. Deanna N. Mercado
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Visalia, CA 93291
Dr. Deanna Mercado is a Clinical Psychologist and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.She is a first-generation Latina, bilingual clinician with over 18 years of experience in the field of behavioral health. Her background encompuses treating individuals with severe and persistent mental illness, correctional mental health services for incarcerated youth and adults, crisis management, psychological testing services, educational and corporate psychology.
Dr. Deanna Mercado is a Clinical Psychologist and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.She is a first-generation Latina, bilingual clinician with over 18 years of experience in the field of behavioral health. Her background encompuses treating individuals with severe and persistent mental illness, correctional mental health services for incarcerated youth and adults, crisis management, psychological testing services, educational and corporate psychology.
See more therapy options for Kern County
Marriage Counseling Therapists
How does marriage counseling work?
Marriage counseling works by teaching couples concrete skills to communicate with one another and solve disagreements in healthy ways. A trained mental health professional works with both members of a couple to explore difficulties the couple may be having and helps them develop skills to address these matters. Couples who don’t have any difficulties but want to prepare for marriage may develop skills for the future.
How long does marriage counseling typically last?
Marriage counseling is a short-term form of therapy; the process may last between four and eight sessions. Other forms of relationship guidance from mental health professionals, such as couples therapy, are longer lasting, may focus on the past rather than just the present, and are tailored to the individual couple and their emotions, history, and patterns in the relationship. Couples therapy often lasts for 12 weeks or longer.
Is marriage counseling effective?
Marriage counseling helps many couples develop relationship skills that may not have been acquired or tested in a relationship; partners may be better able to communicate and address conflict following counseling. However, there are many different forms of marriage counseling, and this form of counseling does not have as strong an evidence base as other modalities such as couples therapy.
Is marriage counseling effective if only one partner wants to go?
Yes, marriage counseling can still be effective if one partner convinces the other to engage in the process. Of course, whether counseling is effective depends on the couple’s commitment to work on their relationship; however, the short-term, skills-based nature of marriage counseling makes it a relatively easy “ask” of a partner, and the hesitant individual may see its value once counseling begins.