Hispanic and Latino Therapists 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.
Milka Lara-Rincon
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93386 (Online Only)
I also provide culturally-responsive and affirming therapy to multiethnic, Latinx, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ communities.
Therapy is a safe space that can bring about self-discovery and healing. I take an inclusive approach in my work, where I understand how intersections of culture, sexuality, gender, spirituality, family, environment, and relationships shape our identity and how we experience the world. In therapy, you have a space to let your guard down and explore how various factors at play affect your mental health. You will learn skills necessary to embrace the full range of your thoughts and emotions, and also incorporate changes that align with your values.
I also provide culturally-responsive and affirming therapy to multiethnic, Latinx, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ communities.
Therapy is a safe space that can bring about self-discovery and healing. I take an inclusive approach in my work, where I understand how intersections of culture, sexuality, gender, spirituality, family, environment, and relationships shape our identity and how we experience the world. In therapy, you have a space to let your guard down and explore how various factors at play affect your mental health. You will learn skills necessary to embrace the full range of your thoughts and emotions, and also incorporate changes that align with your values.
Denisse Silva
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93309 (Online Only)
¡Hola! I'm Denisse and reconnecting to my Latinx culture, ancestors, roots, and motherland in this last year has been an core part of my development as a psychotherapist and the inspiration in creating Ancestral Therapy, a relational, non-pathologizing, liberation centered, and culturally affirming therapeutic lens for first gen, children of immigrants, bicultural identifying folk, and black or brown bodies who need more than just talk therapy but want to reclaim their power, break cycles of generational trauma, access the innate wisdom of their body, and process the impact of colonization and systemic oppression onto their people.
¡Hola! I'm Denisse and reconnecting to my Latinx culture, ancestors, roots, and motherland in this last year has been an core part of my development as a psychotherapist and the inspiration in creating Ancestral Therapy, a relational, non-pathologizing, liberation centered, and culturally affirming therapeutic lens for first gen, children of immigrants, bicultural identifying folk, and black or brown bodies who need more than just talk therapy but want to reclaim their power, break cycles of generational trauma, access the innate wisdom of their body, and process the impact of colonization and systemic oppression onto their people.
Monica de la Cruz Lopez Leal
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, TFCBT, Trauma
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93311
I graduated from Pacific Oaks College with a Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy with a Specialization in Latinx Family Studies , trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy para Parejas (for couples).
Are/were you the first gen- immigrant cultural broker of your family? Have you experienced success in many aspects of your life and still feel there is a void? imposter syndrome? And/or finding it difficult connecting with your family or friends? Are you embracing your Señorx era with no guidance? Are you parenting children and are looking to break generational cycle/curses but feel lost as to how to parent in a way that is gentle and empowering? Are you and your partner arguing over the small things?
I graduated from Pacific Oaks College with a Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy with a Specialization in Latinx Family Studies , trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy para Parejas (for couples).
Are/were you the first gen- immigrant cultural broker of your family? Have you experienced success in many aspects of your life and still feel there is a void? imposter syndrome? And/or finding it difficult connecting with your family or friends? Are you embracing your Señorx era with no guidance? Are you parenting children and are looking to break generational cycle/curses but feel lost as to how to parent in a way that is gentle and empowering? Are you and your partner arguing over the small things?
Amarilys Reyes
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93308
Hi! Ser padre/madre, mujer, hija/hijo y pareja en esta nueva etapa de tu vida puede ser una tarea muy difícil, pero no tiene que enfrentarla solo. Me alegro que haya llegado hasta mi para poder brindarle mi ayuda. I am a Latinx, mother, educator, Bilingual Spanish Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Clinical Supervisor in the state of California.
Hi! Ser padre/madre, mujer, hija/hijo y pareja en esta nueva etapa de tu vida puede ser una tarea muy difícil, pero no tiene que enfrentarla solo. Me alegro que haya llegado hasta mi para poder brindarle mi ayuda. I am a Latinx, mother, educator, Bilingual Spanish Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Clinical Supervisor in the state of California.
Hope Gibbons
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93311
My name is Hope Gibbons; I'm Native American/Hispanic and offer a culturally sensitive, empathetic, nonjudgmental compassionate approach to therapy. I hope to offer a space of acceptance, positive regard, and openness. I have experience working with many populations, particularly with trauma, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, and substance use. I strongly believe the client is the expert in their own treatment and the best narrator of their own story. I believe in the power of an individual's resilience and a desire to persevere.
My name is Hope Gibbons; I'm Native American/Hispanic and offer a culturally sensitive, empathetic, nonjudgmental compassionate approach to therapy. I hope to offer a space of acceptance, positive regard, and openness. I have experience working with many populations, particularly with trauma, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, and substance use. I strongly believe the client is the expert in their own treatment and the best narrator of their own story. I believe in the power of an individual's resilience and a desire to persevere.
Felix Cruz
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93301
More than 20 years of experience assisting the Mexican/Latino families in their own language has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. It has been a privilege for me to help families not only from Bakersfield, but from all cities of Kern County and its surroundings. Entender la cultura Mexicana/Latina y respetar todos sus valores, ya que estan basados en una etica de Honestidad, Respeto y Prosperidad, son factores importantes para comprender y saber como ayudar a estas personas y familias cuando estan pasando por momentos dificiles que les impide amar en su totalidad y lograr sus metas.
More than 20 years of experience assisting the Mexican/Latino families in their own language has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. It has been a privilege for me to help families not only from Bakersfield, but from all cities of Kern County and its surroundings. Entender la cultura Mexicana/Latina y respetar todos sus valores, ya que estan basados en una etica de Honestidad, Respeto y Prosperidad, son factores importantes para comprender y saber como ayudar a estas personas y familias cuando estan pasando por momentos dificiles que les impide amar en su totalidad y lograr sus metas.
Rahmona M. Reyes
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93311 (Online Only)
“I believe one of the bravest things you can do is begin to understand your own story”. I utilize a variety of approaches depending on your needs, I tend to use positive psychology, along with strength based coping skills that can enhance the ability to manage your symptoms, life events, and improve your overall quality of life. I like to utilize eclectic or multi-modality approaches as I find it to be most comprehensive and appropriate for meeting different needs based on your symptoms and stage in therapy. My most commonly used approaches are Solution Focused, Strength Based Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and DBT.
“I believe one of the bravest things you can do is begin to understand your own story”. I utilize a variety of approaches depending on your needs, I tend to use positive psychology, along with strength based coping skills that can enhance the ability to manage your symptoms, life events, and improve your overall quality of life. I like to utilize eclectic or multi-modality approaches as I find it to be most comprehensive and appropriate for meeting different needs based on your symptoms and stage in therapy. My most commonly used approaches are Solution Focused, Strength Based Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and DBT.
Daisy Alcala
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309
Everyone’s story is different and filled with ups and downs. Life can become difficult and overwhelming at times. We may feel we need additional support, a safe space, and someone to speak to. My hope is to be able to provide that for my clients through a non-judgemental lens. I work alongside clients and help them navigate through emotions utilizing a person-centered approach. Creating trust and safety to allow clients to be as they are.
Everyone’s story is different and filled with ups and downs. Life can become difficult and overwhelming at times. We may feel we need additional support, a safe space, and someone to speak to. My hope is to be able to provide that for my clients through a non-judgemental lens. I work alongside clients and help them navigate through emotions utilizing a person-centered approach. Creating trust and safety to allow clients to be as they are.
Alison Gomez
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93309
“How am I going to fail today?” you think as you lay in bed, searching for the motivation to get up. You dread the daily, self-confirmation that you’re lazy, undisciplined. No matter what you accomplish, it never feels enough. There is this nagging feeling in the pit of your gut reminding you to do more: lead more projects, volunteer for more committees, donate more time. There are no words to describe the exhaustion in your soul. What’s worse is that nobody understands how tired you actually feel. Not like you would let them know, as you wear the mask of “normal enough” well… except you can feel the facade begin to crack.
“How am I going to fail today?” you think as you lay in bed, searching for the motivation to get up. You dread the daily, self-confirmation that you’re lazy, undisciplined. No matter what you accomplish, it never feels enough. There is this nagging feeling in the pit of your gut reminding you to do more: lead more projects, volunteer for more committees, donate more time. There are no words to describe the exhaustion in your soul. What’s worse is that nobody understands how tired you actually feel. Not like you would let them know, as you wear the mask of “normal enough” well… except you can feel the facade begin to crack.
Erica Garay
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93305 (Online Only)
Hi! I'm Erica Garay. I didn't choose the therapist life; rather, it chose me. My journey toward becoming an LCSW is deeply rooted in my experiences growing up in an immigrant household. From a young age, I naturally assumed the helping role, inspired by the cultural nuances and challenges faced in my own family. Through the challenging terrain of my own experiences, the support I received from compassionate helping professionals during my formative years illuminated my potential and fueled my desire to pay it forward. I wish to share the light I found with those currently facing the darkness of their own mental health challenges.
Hi! I'm Erica Garay. I didn't choose the therapist life; rather, it chose me. My journey toward becoming an LCSW is deeply rooted in my experiences growing up in an immigrant household. From a young age, I naturally assumed the helping role, inspired by the cultural nuances and challenges faced in my own family. Through the challenging terrain of my own experiences, the support I received from compassionate helping professionals during my formative years illuminated my potential and fueled my desire to pay it forward. I wish to share the light I found with those currently facing the darkness of their own mental health challenges.
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Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309
Welcome! I am glad that you are here. I understand that finding the time to take care of your mind can be hard. We all get caught up in our thoughts and feelings of our day to day living and we may not necessarily take time to really listen to ourselves and focus on the messages our mind is saying to us. At MindCare Psychological Services we strive to help you in taking care of your mind. I believe that by taking care of your mind, you are working on promoting healthy functioning in other areas of your life that will result in enhanced overall wellbeing.
Welcome! I am glad that you are here. I understand that finding the time to take care of your mind can be hard. We all get caught up in our thoughts and feelings of our day to day living and we may not necessarily take time to really listen to ourselves and focus on the messages our mind is saying to us. At MindCare Psychological Services we strive to help you in taking care of your mind. I believe that by taking care of your mind, you are working on promoting healthy functioning in other areas of your life that will result in enhanced overall wellbeing.
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.
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.
Estela Ballard
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93313 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Greetings! Bienvenidos! My passion is working with individuals who want to feel more hope and a sense of agency in their lives. Due to a difficult childhood or traumatic events, your voice may not have been heard or respected resulting in buried pain and silent struggles. My focus is helping individuals develop their voice and find an inner strength they may not realize already exists. I have a particular interest in treating intergenerational trauma, religious trauma, narcissistic abuse, and victims of high control groups/individuals.
Greetings! Bienvenidos! My passion is working with individuals who want to feel more hope and a sense of agency in their lives. Due to a difficult childhood or traumatic events, your voice may not have been heard or respected resulting in buried pain and silent struggles. My focus is helping individuals develop their voice and find an inner strength they may not realize already exists. I have a particular interest in treating intergenerational trauma, religious trauma, narcissistic abuse, and victims of high control groups/individuals.
Natalie Poulson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93312
SESSIONS IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH, IN-PERSON AND ONLINE AVAILABILITY FOR THERAPY AND DIVORCE MEDIATION. Are your struggling with symptoms of depression, anxiety, or anger? Did you recently experience life changes and do not know how to cope? Are you or your children struggling after separation or divorce from your significant other?
SESSIONS IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH, IN-PERSON AND ONLINE AVAILABILITY FOR THERAPY AND DIVORCE MEDIATION. Are your struggling with symptoms of depression, anxiety, or anger? Did you recently experience life changes and do not know how to cope? Are you or your children struggling after separation or divorce from your significant other?
Yuli Avila
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Are you a new parent struggling with the transition to parenthood? Are you pregnant and experiencing depression, anxiety, or PTSD? Did you have a traumatic birth experience and don't know how to cope? I specialize in perinatal mental health, meaning I work with mainly pregnant mothers or mothers in the postpartum period. I also help mothers who are struggling with a variety of issues, whether it's their relationships, parenting, balancing the demands of motherhood, mom guilt, postpartum disorders, etc. If this sounds like you, I'd love to work together and be of support.
Are you a new parent struggling with the transition to parenthood? Are you pregnant and experiencing depression, anxiety, or PTSD? Did you have a traumatic birth experience and don't know how to cope? I specialize in perinatal mental health, meaning I work with mainly pregnant mothers or mothers in the postpartum period. I also help mothers who are struggling with a variety of issues, whether it's their relationships, parenting, balancing the demands of motherhood, mom guilt, postpartum disorders, etc. If this sounds like you, I'd love to work together and be of support.
Yessica Avancena
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MBA, CMT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93312
The ideal client is one who is ready for change and open to healing. I work with individuals with a variety of mental health issues, emergent spirituality concerns or finding oneself through life purpose utilizing Mindfulness-based practices, energy work among other techniques to help decrease stress and promote happiness.
The ideal client is one who is ready for change and open to healing. I work with individuals with a variety of mental health issues, emergent spirituality concerns or finding oneself through life purpose utilizing Mindfulness-based practices, energy work among other techniques to help decrease stress and promote happiness.
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.
John R Navejas
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93309
John Navejas is registered as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist providing services in both substance abuse and mental health treatment modalities. John’s career experience began while volunteering with the Homeless Collaborative. John has worked with many populations including adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, substance abuse, anger, relationship issues, and identifying/controlling emotions and thoughts. He has led groups such as Anger Replacement Training, Strengthening Families, CBT interventions for substance abuse and created the first trauma informed yoga group at a juvenile detention facility.
John Navejas is registered as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist providing services in both substance abuse and mental health treatment modalities. John’s career experience began while volunteering with the Homeless Collaborative. John has worked with many populations including adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, substance abuse, anger, relationship issues, and identifying/controlling emotions and thoughts. He has led groups such as Anger Replacement Training, Strengthening Families, CBT interventions for substance abuse and created the first trauma informed yoga group at a juvenile detention facility.
See more therapy options for Kern County
Hispanic and Latino Therapists
What makes a Hispanic and Latino therapist effective?
An effective Hispanic and Latino therapist can combine a culturally sensitive lens with proven therapies, such as Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). They may have an understanding of cultural attitudes to therapy, including potential stigma, and can help a client navigate those concerns. Some clients may also appreciate a therapist who is bilingual and is comfortable conversing with the client in both English and Spanish. Languages spoken are indicated on a therapist’s directory profile.
Why is it important for a therapist to be culturally sensitive?
A culturally sensitive therapist is respectful and considerate of all groups, and may have specific expertise with individuals of a certain ethnicity. These considerations can help a client feel understood and can improve the therapeutic alliance. While some people think highlighting race and ethnicity could promote stereotypes and bias, most agree that knowledge about cultural differences enhances the alliance between therapist and client.
How can I recognize a therapist who has expertise working with Hispanic and Latino clients?
Successful therapy depends a great deal on the relationship between client and therapist. Start by asking the therapist about their overall approach to therapy. You may then wish to ask about the therapist’s educational background and any additional training in cultural sensitivity that they have undertaken.
How might I inquire about a therapist's experience with Hispanic and Latino clients?
Ask a potential therapist whether they've worked with individuals who share this background or whether they’ve worked in these communities. If so, you may wish to ask them to elaborate on ways that they feel especially prepared to work with Hispanic and Latino clients. If they have not worked with such clients, they may know someone who has and be able to make a referral.
Who is included in Psychology Today’s directory of Hispanic and Latino therapists?
The directory of Hispanic and Latino therapists includes providers who have identified their ethnicity in their profiles. Psychology Today uses this information to assist clients in finding a therapist who can provide a cultural match. However, not all therapists choose to disclose their ethnicity in their profiles, and they may not appear in search results for this reason. When the number of therapists near you who identify as Hispanic and Latino is limited, the directory will also show therapists with comprehensive experience working with clients from relevant backgrounds.