Therapists in Kern County, CA
Dr. Ana Mena
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309
I have received training & certifications in various evidenced based treatments like Trauma Focused – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Positive Parenting Program (PPP), Managing & Adapting Practices (MAP), and Seeking Safety (SS).
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.
I have received training & certifications in various evidenced based treatments like Trauma Focused – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Positive Parenting Program (PPP), Managing & Adapting Practices (MAP), and Seeking Safety (SS).
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.
Baylie Surjono
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Ridgecrest, CA 93555
We can work to address any concerns, including depression, anxiety, trauma, behavioral struggles, and parenting.
We all have things in life that bring us pain and impact our view of ourselves, others, and the world. These views can become taxing and can leave us feeling stressed, depleted, or lonely. In our work, you will have the opportunity to be heard in a safe space and have support in making manageable changes in your life. I will collaborate with you and encourage honesty in all aspects of the therapy process.
We can work to address any concerns, including depression, anxiety, trauma, behavioral struggles, and parenting.
We all have things in life that bring us pain and impact our view of ourselves, others, and the world. These views can become taxing and can leave us feeling stressed, depleted, or lonely. In our work, you will have the opportunity to be heard in a safe space and have support in making manageable changes in your life. I will collaborate with you and encourage honesty in all aspects of the therapy process.
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!
Melissa Kadel
Counselor, MS, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93301
I understand that this journey of school aged children and parenting is not easy and we all need help at times.
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 understand that this journey of school aged children and parenting is not easy and we all need help at times.
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.
Kiah Marks
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93307
I support children and adolescents with navigating through daily emotions and challenges leading to improved parent-child relationships.
I am a licensed clinical social worker that specializes working with women and children. With a strong sense of compassion and counseling skills, a space is created that leads to successful treatment outcomes and a transformative therapeutic experience. This is because I acknowledge the importance of healing as women in effort to create healthy relationships with ourselves, partners and children in our lives. I draw from a variety of methods that are best fit to your needs and current stage in life.
I support children and adolescents with navigating through daily emotions and challenges leading to improved parent-child relationships.
I am a licensed clinical social worker that specializes working with women and children. With a strong sense of compassion and counseling skills, a space is created that leads to successful treatment outcomes and a transformative therapeutic experience. This is because I acknowledge the importance of healing as women in effort to create healthy relationships with ourselves, partners and children in our lives. I draw from a variety of methods that are best fit to your needs and current stage in life.
Maral Arakelian
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93311
If you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, sad or unsure of what's going on, I'm glad you are here. Change can be difficult, but there is hope. I am here to provide you with tools and coping skills to accomplish this change in a safe and compassionate environment set at a comfortable pace to ease the process that can be difficult. As my client you can expect a sensitive, flexible and interactive approach in my practice. My experience over the past 20 years includes treating children, adolescents, families and adults who have experienced childhood trauma, relationship and parenting issues, anxiety, depression and grief/loss.
If you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, sad or unsure of what's going on, I'm glad you are here. Change can be difficult, but there is hope. I am here to provide you with tools and coping skills to accomplish this change in a safe and compassionate environment set at a comfortable pace to ease the process that can be difficult. As my client you can expect a sensitive, flexible and interactive approach in my practice. My experience over the past 20 years includes treating children, adolescents, families and adults who have experienced childhood trauma, relationship and parenting issues, anxiety, depression and grief/loss.
Daniel Fong
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93312
I am a Marriage and Family Therapist licensed in California with over 15 years of experience working as a psychotherapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationship distress, parenting challenges, addiction struggles, and intimacy-related issues. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm, interactive, and culturally sensitive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels.
I am a Marriage and Family Therapist licensed in California with over 15 years of experience working as a psychotherapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationship distress, parenting challenges, addiction struggles, and intimacy-related issues. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm, interactive, and culturally sensitive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels.
Jennifer Kolbow
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93312
My name is Jennifer Kolbow, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Corona, CA, and providing telehealth to clients throughout California. I enjoy working with families, parents as well as children and teens individually, in order to reduce symptoms and improve relationships. My approach works well with children and teens struggling with anger and irritability, withdrawal and isolation, low self-esteem, and excessive worry. I also help adults struggling with all stages of parenting from infertility to postpartum to empty nesters, and all of the transitions in between.
My name is Jennifer Kolbow, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Corona, CA, and providing telehealth to clients throughout California. I enjoy working with families, parents as well as children and teens individually, in order to reduce symptoms and improve relationships. My approach works well with children and teens struggling with anger and irritability, withdrawal and isolation, low self-esteem, and excessive worry. I also help adults struggling with all stages of parenting from infertility to postpartum to empty nesters, and all of the transitions in between.
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.
Jonathan Fonseca
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93312
Hello, I am Jonathan Fonseca, LCSW CA. License number 115200. As your licensed therapist, I am here to support you on your journey of self-discovery, healing, and personal transformation. Together, we will explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences, and work towards fostering resilience, finding clarity, and cultivating a sense of inner peace. Thank you for choosing me as your therapist.
Hello, I am Jonathan Fonseca, LCSW CA. License number 115200. As your licensed therapist, I am here to support you on your journey of self-discovery, healing, and personal transformation. Together, we will explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences, and work towards fostering resilience, finding clarity, and cultivating a sense of inner peace. Thank you for choosing me as your therapist.
Joshua Sarazin
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93308
I have been providing psychotherapy and psychological testing in the Bakersfield area since 2006. I studied and trained at the Biola University, Rosemead School of Psychology, an APA-approved program emphasizing theological and psychological integration as a foundation for providing support to people and relationships that are hurting and broken.
I have been providing psychotherapy and psychological testing in the Bakersfield area since 2006. I studied and trained at the Biola University, Rosemead School of Psychology, an APA-approved program emphasizing theological and psychological integration as a foundation for providing support to people and relationships that are hurting and broken.
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Gisela J Gonzales
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93313 (Online Only)
'Servicios disponibles en español.' Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety, grief, addiction, major life changes; or simply feel lost, disconnected, or unable to find meaning/purpose. Let's identify what is currently causing you distress and the areas you seek to resolve/improve. Wherever you find yourself in life, I will provide you a supportive environment where we'll collaboratively establish goals and an individualized plan that is right for you. We will not only treat your symptoms, but most importantly, identify and resolve the cause in order effect sustainable change.
'Servicios disponibles en español.' Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety, grief, addiction, major life changes; or simply feel lost, disconnected, or unable to find meaning/purpose. Let's identify what is currently causing you distress and the areas you seek to resolve/improve. Wherever you find yourself in life, I will provide you a supportive environment where we'll collaboratively establish goals and an individualized plan that is right for you. We will not only treat your symptoms, but most importantly, identify and resolve the cause in order effect sustainable change.
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.
Michael H Bean
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFTT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309
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.
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.
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.
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!
Paulina Gutierrez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93301 (Online Only)
Life's journey can be both remarkable and challenging, often presenting us with twists and turns we didn't anticipate. If you're feeling stuck in the midst of these complexities, seeking a way forward, I'm here to extend my hand and walk alongside you. Navigating through the highs and lows, I've dedicated myself to helping individuals like you discover their inner strength and resilience. Whether you're wrestling with the weight of anxiety, seeking solace from depression, or striving to mend relationships, I offer a safe haven where your thoughts and emotions can find expression.
Life's journey can be both remarkable and challenging, often presenting us with twists and turns we didn't anticipate. If you're feeling stuck in the midst of these complexities, seeking a way forward, I'm here to extend my hand and walk alongside you. Navigating through the highs and lows, I've dedicated myself to helping individuals like you discover their inner strength and resilience. Whether you're wrestling with the weight of anxiety, seeking solace from depression, or striving to mend relationships, I offer a safe haven where your thoughts and emotions can find expression.
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.
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.
Holly A Graham
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309
I work collaboratively with families, teens, children, couples and individuals to help build a healthier quality of life. With mutual goals identified and an array of evidence-based treatment practices to pull from, we can work together to create a deeper level of connection within your most valued relationships, enhance insight into your current challenging situations, increase understanding of oneself and aide in general emotional management. I hold a deep passion for my profession and the people I get to share this journey. I often find myself repeatedly in awe of the courage and strength displayed within the healing process.
I work collaboratively with families, teens, children, couples and individuals to help build a healthier quality of life. With mutual goals identified and an array of evidence-based treatment practices to pull from, we can work together to create a deeper level of connection within your most valued relationships, enhance insight into your current challenging situations, increase understanding of oneself and aide in general emotional management. I hold a deep passion for my profession and the people I get to share this journey. I often find myself repeatedly in awe of the courage and strength displayed within the healing process.
See more therapy options for Kern County
Parenting Therapists
What does therapy for parenting look like?
Therapists may work with parents individually, together, or include the whole family to find solutions for the problems a parent faces. Many parent-based therapies work on a parent’s relationship with their children, problem-solving within the family, and analysis of family dynamics. Therapy conducted remotely by video may be helpful in allowing a therapist to observe how families interact in their own homes.
When should a parent seek therapy?
When behavioral problems begin to disrupt the healthy functioning of a family, it may be a good time to look into therapy. If parents find that children are acting out in school, have started using drugs or alcohol, have developed eating disorders, or other similar red flags, a therapist may be able to help.
How long does therapy take for parenting problems?
Depending on the severity of a family’s challenges and the type of treatment utilized, therapy for parenting can last from weeks to months. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a pragmatic therapy type that can be brief, most often ranging from between 5 and 20 sessions. Structural family therapy, which inspects family dynamics, often takes several months. Parent-child interaction therapy is typically shorter-term, lasting between 10 and 20 sessions. For any therapy, the duration will depend on the progress made and results realized.
Can therapy help parents dealing with burnout or stress?
Parenting is difficult. Parents may dismiss or conceal feelings of exhaustion, overwhelm, or escape ideation—imagining withdrawing from their parental obligations altogether. but left unattended, these feelings can have negative effects on the whole family. A therapist can help parents work on the skills they might need to better cope with the burdens of parenting and help them be the best parents they can be.