Bakersfield, CA, is sometimes called “Nashville West” thanks to its contributions to country music. While Bakersfield has certainly influenced the genre, it did it in its own way. The electric-guitar-driven sound of Merle Haggard and Dwight Yoakum that dominated country music in the 1950s and early 1960s was known as the Bakersfield Sound. Are you looking to do something a little bit differently? Talking to a therapist Bakersfield CA can help you figure out how to do things your own way.
There are many types of therapy that may work for you: individual and group therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and Christian counseling, just to name a few. If you’re interested in a client centered approach to mental health services that you can access from your own home, consider signing up for counseling services with BetterHelp.
BetterHelp therapists in Bakersfield CA are qualified and licensed to practice therapy and have at least 2,000 hours of clinical practice. If you’re interested in cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, or are unsure what’s the best appraoch for you, a BetterHelp therapist can help. And, if you’re worried about therapy costs, subscriptions cost between $65 to $90 per week (billed every four weeks), which my be more affordable than many in-person treatment.
Working with a professional in the mental health field can help you learn how to manage difficult life transitions, trauma related issues, or any other challenges. Speak to a Bakersfield-based counselor below to get started.
Amy Allen
Hello, thank you for visiting my page. My name is Amy Allen, a licensed Marriage and Family therapist with over 15 years' experience in the Mental Health Field. I currently work with a diverse group of clients seeking assistance for depression, anxiety, homelessness, grief, loss parenting, life skills, as well as those looking to improve their lives by learning skills to navigate this ever-changing world. Change is difficult and I know, we need motivation and encouragement to help reach our goals and improve relationships. I graduated from California State University at Dominguez Hills with a Master of Arts in Behavioral Science and a concentration in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution and a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy and have been licensed since 2015. My passion is helping people improve their lives which I feel could be attributed to much of my own life experience, education and being able to identify with clients. My goal is to assist in providing real life solutions to current barriers to living your best life I have been trained in and utilize CBT, DBT, Motivational interviewing, Solution Focused Therapy and EMDR.
Katherine Barton
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist With 9 plus years of working in California. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns, including Depression, Anxiety, Panic Attacks, and Trauma-related symptoms. My therapy style is warm and interactive. Treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. It takes courage to seek a happier more fulfilling life and to take the first step towards change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you! Kathrine
Tishawna Mims
Hello! My name is Tishawna Mims and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist (LMFT) with the state of California. I have over 6 years of experience in the mental health field and substance use field. I have worked with various populations within community agencies. I have a passion for helping and welcome the opportunity to meet with you! Now, I do realize that coming to therapy is initially a scary process, but I am here every step of the way providing a safe, authentic, respectful, nonjudgmental and a compassionate environment. My therapeutic approach is client centered and individualize to the person’s need. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Dialectical behavioral therapy, and EMDR. I am also trained in Solution focus therapy and Motivational Interviewing.
Dr. Carol Suter
I am licensed in California with 35 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & intimacy related issues. The methods I use include traditional talk therapy, Energy Psychology (EMDR, Tapping, and The Emotion code) as well as Clinical Hypnosis. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey. Because I am semi-retired my available times are limited. I hope you can find what you need. Dr. Carol Suter
Melissa Taylor
I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, bipolar disorder, & depression. My intention is to help you discover what is right with you not what is wrong with you. My approach is holistic, focusing on the mind and body. Through a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and mindfulness I help you move toward your goals. My work is gentle and compassionate, meeting you where you are. If you desire change and healing in areas of your life, it would be a privilege to work together.
Paula Fuentes
I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Misty Perry
I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Andrew Jones
I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, moods, relationship issues, parenting issues, anger management & personality disorders. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. At this time I am only accepting clients who are willing to do video sessions.
Pamela Kesler
I am licensed in California with 47 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress ,anxiety, trauma, depression & coping with grief and loss. I enjoy watching the rapid growth that is attainable thru the use of E.M.D.R. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Marie Gauley
I am licensed in California with 27 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and offer support for getting started! As you start this process, you may want to identify one or two goals to focus on. I will teach you some skills to help you manage Your emotions and I will be asking you to practice in between sessions. I’m available for support between sessions.
Shane Bulkley
I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
J Evan Miller
Life has many challenges and i try to help those i am working with deal with them as best they can. I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 26 years of professional work experience. I have worked with teenagers, adults, couples and families. I have experience in helping people with stress, anxiety, depression, coping with addictions, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues and many other issues. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Jendayi Ford
Listen; life happens and in this life there will be ups and downs. My job as an LCSW with over 10 years of practical experience is to help share strategies and tools to help you cope with life and find more ways to identify and celebrate you; your journey, your spirit, your resilience
Andreina Lozano
I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience helping clients cope with life stressors including, but not limited to symptoms of depression, anxiety, coping with grief and loss, issues with motivation, self esteem, and confidence. Most recently I have been working with women who are struggling with prenatal & post partum depression anxiety and work life balance. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! PLEASE NOTE: If you have insurance with Kaiser Permanente insurance I am unable to provide services to you at this time.
Yadira McBurney
I am a bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with nearly 10 years of professional experience. I specialize in helping clients navigate stress, anxiety, depression, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, career challenges, and coping with life changes. My approach is warm, non-judgmental, and collaborative, creating a safe space for self-discovery and growth. I tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to address your unique needs, ensuring a personalized and effective therapeutic experience. Taking the first step toward a more fulfilling and happier life requires courage, and I am here to support you every step of the way.
How to find a therapist for counseling in Bakersfield
Finding the best therapist close by in Bakersfield can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services with therapists in Bakersfield that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Bakersfield. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of support of this kind with BetterHelp therapists can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Bakersfield, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.
It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses for therapists. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained able to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Bakersfield region and in the state of California. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.
A mental health professional working through their own in-person therapy practice in Bakersfield or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.
There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Bakersfield area offering:
- CBT
- DBT
- Substance use therapy
- Couples therapy
When you're ready to start your search keep in mind what support you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Bakersfield, elsewhere in Kern, or in the greater state of California. Get matched with one of the therapists working on the BetterHelp platform today.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about therapists and mental health services
Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Bakersfield area can be found below:
How does the cost of in-person counseling with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Bakersfield therapist?
The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US with most therapists is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Bakersfield due to a higher cost of living, and a limited number of therapists taking new clients. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:
- Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
- Counseling with therapists: $100-300
- Therapy with a clinician: $100
While many psychologists in Bakersfield may not take health insurance, some in the state of California may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With a BetterHelp therapist throughout the state of California you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).
Read more about this cost of therapy question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
How is a licensed therapist on this Bakersfield online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Bakersfield, California working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. Therapists have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, therapists here all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing.
Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from Bakersfield psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.
Read more about this therapist license question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
How does working with a professional counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?
BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Bakersfield above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client for in person sessions.
Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. Get matched today.
Read more about this therapy tips question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?
BetterHelp's verified therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.
Our specialties on BetterHelp include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Behavior therapy
- EMDR therapy
- Talk therapy
- Depression therapy
- Anxiety disorders counselor
- Stress therapy
- Eating disorder therapist
- Grief therapy
- Attachment therapy
- Relationship therapy
- Children, adolescents, and teen therapy
- Addiction (substance abuse) therapy
- Divorce therapy
- Trauma or PTSD therapy
- Bipolar disorder therapy
- Psychodynamic treatment with a counselor
- Career counseling
- Alcohol use disorders therapist
- OCD counselor
- ADHD therapy
- Mood disorders therapy
- Sex addiction therapist
- Complex trauma therapy
- Life transition therapy
You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Bakersfield provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide with licensed therapists.
Read more about this psychotherapist question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
How do I know if online counseling is right for my family in Bakersfield?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.
Therapists in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of Bakersfield therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.
Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words with a psychotherapist.
With a lot of people in CA, therapists may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 93309 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site where you can schedule a session based on your and the therapist's schedule. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists around or in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.
Read more about this family therapy question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Bakersfield counselor?
Before seeing your therapist near you, prep for your session by reading to understand the process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, you can let our therapists know if you have any concerns or feel unsure about what to talk about. Bakersfield therapists near you may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions while offering mental health services. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn how to best help and support you.
Read more about this first therapy session question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
Should I find a therapist or psychologist for therapy if I feel fine?
Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what it might entail. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or specific condition. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback. A Bakersfield licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.
Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find with a Bakersfield counselor can be dependent on your process.
People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles that a counselor can help with.
Read more about this do I need therapy question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist worth it?
Therapy with a licensed counselor is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. An experienced clinician can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health therapist has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based licensed clinician in Bakersfield, California can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.
Bakersfield has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online sessions to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.
Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions during telehealth appointments?
The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.
Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform for Bakersfield, California
To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.
Take some time today to learn more about the team of Bakersfield therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to BetterHelp or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out to customer service through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.
If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
Psychologist therapy services offered to clients in the below California zip codes by BetterHelp therapists in Bakersfield at an affordable cost:
93301, 93302, 93304, 93305, 93306, 93307, 93309, 93311, 93312, 93313, 93314, 93384, 93385, 93387, 93389, 93390
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