Photo of Vicki Underwood, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Kern County, CA
Vicki Underwood
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CCM
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93309
I have worked with various populations and issues, including forensics, sexual abuse, domestic violence, trauma, transgender, gay & lesbian, adolescents, crisis, self-harming behaviors, couples & families.
We all struggle at times and our struggles are our own, do not compare what may feel catastrophic to you to what others are dealing with. I have been practicing for 12 years and revolve my practice around person-centered therapy; non-judgment, genuineness & positive regard. I will accept you for who you are and we will start where you are. My goal is to help you reach your goals. I find that humor, compassion, and authenticity allow my clients to feel comfortable and progress at the same time. Since 2010, I have provided intensive therapy at institutional, residential, and outpatient levels of care for adults and adolescents.
I have worked with various populations and issues, including forensics, sexual abuse, domestic violence, trauma, transgender, gay & lesbian, adolescents, crisis, self-harming behaviors, couples & families.
We all struggle at times and our struggles are our own, do not compare what may feel catastrophic to you to what others are dealing with. I have been practicing for 12 years and revolve my practice around person-centered therapy; non-judgment, genuineness & positive regard. I will accept you for who you are and we will start where you are. My goal is to help you reach your goals. I find that humor, compassion, and authenticity allow my clients to feel comfortable and progress at the same time. Since 2010, I have provided intensive therapy at institutional, residential, and outpatient levels of care for adults and adolescents.
(661) 215-6319 View (661) 215-6319
Photo of Victor Alcantar, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kern County, CA
Victor Alcantar
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93312
Hello, My name is Victor Alcantar, LMFT and I have over 21 years of experience as a mental health professional. I have experience in working with acute and chronic mental health disorders. Not only do I believe that the relationship between your thoughts, feelings and actions are essential to your mental health and daily functioning, but I am certain that they are the foundation to healthy relationships with friends, family and intimate partners in your personal life at home, work and social network.
Hello, My name is Victor Alcantar, LMFT and I have over 21 years of experience as a mental health professional. I have experience in working with acute and chronic mental health disorders. Not only do I believe that the relationship between your thoughts, feelings and actions are essential to your mental health and daily functioning, but I am certain that they are the foundation to healthy relationships with friends, family and intimate partners in your personal life at home, work and social network.
(661) 449-2213 View (661) 449-2213
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 Patricia Gomez, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Kern County, CA
Patricia Gomez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93308
Hi, my name is Patricia Gomez. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California and have been practicing in the field of mental health since 2001. I understand that therapy is about you and what you need, so I often refer to clients as the driver and myself as the passenger, sitting alongside my clients through their own personal journey! My role is to facilitate discussion and prompt new ways of thinking in order to inspire fresh perspectives.
Hi, my name is Patricia Gomez. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California and have been practicing in the field of mental health since 2001. I understand that therapy is about you and what you need, so I often refer to clients as the driver and myself as the passenger, sitting alongside my clients through their own personal journey! My role is to facilitate discussion and prompt new ways of thinking in order to inspire fresh perspectives.
(661) 449-9207 View (661) 449-9207
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 Juliana Hamon, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kern County, CA
Juliana Hamon
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93308
I’m a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in CA with over 15 years of hands-on mental health case management and clinical experience working with adolescents, young adults, family units, and parents struggling with mental illness, substance abuse recovery, self-harm, suicidality, parenting, unresolved trauma, and other behavioral and emotional issues pertaining to all areas of their lives. I work from an individualistic holistic approach, being sensitive and aware of cultural, and spiritual, aspects of life that can impact the daily functioning of each individual in a unique way.
I’m a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in CA with over 15 years of hands-on mental health case management and clinical experience working with adolescents, young adults, family units, and parents struggling with mental illness, substance abuse recovery, self-harm, suicidality, parenting, unresolved trauma, and other behavioral and emotional issues pertaining to all areas of their lives. I work from an individualistic holistic approach, being sensitive and aware of cultural, and spiritual, aspects of life that can impact the daily functioning of each individual in a unique way.
(661) 724-4276 View (661) 724-4276
Photo of Jackie Holmes, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Kern County, CA
Jackie Holmes
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC, MS, PPS
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93312
My name is Jackie Holmes. I am a licensed therapist at Hope Works in Bakersfield, CA. I have 13 years of experience working with individuals with mental health concerns. I have worked in a variety of settings including schools, intensive outpatient therapy, private practice, and group settings. I have experience working with individuals who have concerns with anxiety, depression, grief, family conflict, relationship concerns, and trauma. I have worked as a school counselor, so I also have a lot of experience working with issues of parenting and working with individuals with disabilities, including students with IEP's, and 504's.
My name is Jackie Holmes. I am a licensed therapist at Hope Works in Bakersfield, CA. I have 13 years of experience working with individuals with mental health concerns. I have worked in a variety of settings including schools, intensive outpatient therapy, private practice, and group settings. I have experience working with individuals who have concerns with anxiety, depression, grief, family conflict, relationship concerns, and trauma. I have worked as a school counselor, so I also have a lot of experience working with issues of parenting and working with individuals with disabilities, including students with IEP's, and 504's.
(661) 451-5987 View (661) 451-5987
Photo of Baylie Surjono, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kern County, CA
Baylie Surjono
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Ridgecrest, CA 93555
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 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.
(760) 642-6973 View (760) 642-6973
Photo of Jacqueline Frias Gonzalez, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kern County, CA
Jacqueline Frias Gonzalez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309  (Online Only)
Hello there, my name is Jackie. I’d like to start by saying it brings me great joy that you are here making time for yourself! Allow me to ask, what brought you here today? Is it fears…traumas… distractions… hardships…loss… endless worries… striving for something meaningful? If you’re finding it hard to answer, “where do I go from here?,” then arriving at this thought is exactly where you need to be to make the decision to create your own path
Hello there, my name is Jackie. I’d like to start by saying it brings me great joy that you are here making time for yourself! Allow me to ask, what brought you here today? Is it fears…traumas… distractions… hardships…loss… endless worries… striving for something meaningful? If you’re finding it hard to answer, “where do I go from here?,” then arriving at this thought is exactly where you need to be to make the decision to create your own path
(661) 370-2905 View (661) 370-2905
Photo of Gisela J Gonzales, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kern County, CA
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.
(661) 771-3271 View (661) 771-3271
Photo of Gianna Heatherly, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kern County, CA
Gianna Heatherly
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93307
Hi there, I'm Gianna! My goal as a therapist is to create a therapeutic foundation to work collaboratively with my client(s) to assist them in reaching their personal goals for change, growth, and healing. I use many skills to promote a safe environment to allow individuals to reach their potential self-worth. It is my hope to guide each client to reach their full potential so that they can overcome any challenge they may be experiencing.
Hi there, I'm Gianna! My goal as a therapist is to create a therapeutic foundation to work collaboratively with my client(s) to assist them in reaching their personal goals for change, growth, and healing. I use many skills to promote a safe environment to allow individuals to reach their potential self-worth. It is my hope to guide each client to reach their full potential so that they can overcome any challenge they may be experiencing.
(661) 927-0873 View (661) 927-0873
Photo of Dena Barnes, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kern County, CA
Dena Barnes
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, ATR, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Sometimes, it's hard to know how to change things without the help of someone you trust. Perhaps you are ready to make a change in your life...ready to finally close the gap between the way your life is and the way you would like it to be? I'd like to help you along that journey. My goal is to help each client develop a pathway to achieve inner health, resolve conflicts, and find happiness and wholeness in their lives. Here, you will find an open, safe and empathic space for transformation.
Sometimes, it's hard to know how to change things without the help of someone you trust. Perhaps you are ready to make a change in your life...ready to finally close the gap between the way your life is and the way you would like it to be? I'd like to help you along that journey. My goal is to help each client develop a pathway to achieve inner health, resolve conflicts, and find happiness and wholeness in their lives. Here, you will find an open, safe and empathic space for transformation.
(661) 460-5123 View (661) 460-5123
Photo of Marlina G Aran, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kern County, CA
Marlina G Aran
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93309
First off, are you blown away that you are looking for a therapist? Are you asking yourself when did my life become so complicated? When did I lose myself? Why can’t I move on? It turns out we could all use some help. Life is hard, not having support in life is harder.
First off, are you blown away that you are looking for a therapist? Are you asking yourself when did my life become so complicated? When did I lose myself? Why can’t I move on? It turns out we could all use some help. Life is hard, not having support in life is harder.
(661) 426-2204 View (661) 426-2204
Photo of John R Navejas, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Kern County, CA
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.
(661) 233-9744 View (661) 233-9744
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 Hector Barajas, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kern County, CA
Hector Barajas
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93307
My name is Hector Barajas, and I am a bilingual (Spanish) Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who is passionate about helping children, adolescents and families meet their full potential. I work with children and teens who are struggling with emotional dysregulation, defiance, anger, depression and social-emotional challenges. My expertise lies in working with children, and teen/adolescents who suffer from depression, anxiety, anger and defiance. I specialize in treating adolescents and juveniles in a group setting.
My name is Hector Barajas, and I am a bilingual (Spanish) Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who is passionate about helping children, adolescents and families meet their full potential. I work with children and teens who are struggling with emotional dysregulation, defiance, anger, depression and social-emotional challenges. My expertise lies in working with children, and teen/adolescents who suffer from depression, anxiety, anger and defiance. I specialize in treating adolescents and juveniles in a group setting.
(661) 690-2208 View (661) 690-2208
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 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
Juanita Equils
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Ridgecrest, CA 93555
Hello, my name is Juanita Equils and I'm a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). I work with children, adults, and couples. I specialize in anxiety and depression treatment. I utilize a combination of treatment modules, with an emphasis on cognitive behavioral therapy. I typically work with clients who are struggle with depression and anxiety as well as couples who are struggling with communication and intimacy as well as infidelity.
Hello, my name is Juanita Equils and I'm a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). I work with children, adults, and couples. I specialize in anxiety and depression treatment. I utilize a combination of treatment modules, with an emphasis on cognitive behavioral therapy. I typically work with clients who are struggle with depression and anxiety as well as couples who are struggling with communication and intimacy as well as infidelity.
(760) 624-3427 View (760) 624-3427
Photo of Erika Miranda, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kern County, CA
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.
(661) 529-2114 View (661) 529-2114

Self-Harming Therapists

How does therapy for self-harm work?

A person may turn to self-injury so that they can distract themselves from their stress, depression, anxiety, or upsetting circumstances. Therapy can address the cause of an individual’s suffering. A therapist can help a person understand why they may want to self-harm and help the person learn new methods of coping. A person may have poor emotion regulation, and treatment such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is helpful for breaking this behaviour. In addition, treatment such as dialectical behavior therapy can help a person manage their tolerance of distress.

Which therapies are best for self-harm?

Specific approaches used by professionals include cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavior, psychodynamic, and mentalisation-based therapies, among others. Cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavior therapies are common approaches for people who have painful thoughts and past traumas. These therapies help an individual cope with distress, regulate emotions, and manage impulsive urges.

Does the tendency to self-harm mean the person is suicidal?

Having this urge does not mean the individual suffers from suicidal ideation. People who want to self-injure look to distract or alleviate themselves from the pain they are experiencing. People with suicidal tendencies want to end life altogether. However, this does not mean a person with the intent to self-harm will not attempt suicide.

How often and how long are therapy sessions for self-harm?

As with any type of therapy, sessions depend on the individual. Clients may see improvement within 20 sessions, at an average of 50 minutes per session, while others may opt for 20 to 30 sessions over, maybe, a six-month period. People, especially those with co-occurring conditions like depression and anxiety, may need to continue therapy for up to 12 to 18 months.