Therapists in Bakersfield, CA
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.
Monica Englander
Clinician
License Type(s): MSW,LCSW
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCompassion fatigue
23 years offering treatment
I'm an LCSW with 20 years experience in counseling individuals, couples, families and groups. I specialize in issues of Self Esteem, and healing our own sense of being able to manage our lives, our relationships, and our feelings in positive and effective ways. I'm also very familiar with Corporate and EAP counseling, and supervising Interns who are working towards their license. My clients come from all backgrounds and life experiences, all kinds of careers, and often, clients who themselves work in the helping professions, from therapists to doctors and nurses, to teachers and caregivers. I'm respectful of culture, self-identity, and of beliefs: who you are and what has meaning for you are crucially important, and to the degree that these things are valued by you, the are valued by me. I believe in the dignity and human rights of all people. My counseling style is inquisitive and interactive -- I want to know what you need to tell me. I want to know what is causing your life to be anything less than pleasant, safe, and manageable. I want you to be okay, to feel okay, and to be confident in yourself and in your choices: I want you to feel safe, and that it is good to be you. Most of my clients present with some degree of past trauma, or injury to their sense of being worthy and needed -- there are wounds in all of us, whether we consider them minor or overwhelming. Life is not easy, and if we are carrying unhealed wounds, every setback, every disappointment can re-trigger those pains of the past. I find that once the major wound of how we see ourselves is healed -- when we see ourselves as someone we like and accept -- someone we trust --- then the rest of life's problems are much easier and quicker to resolve. Thanks for taking the time to read about how I can work with you. Not every therapist is a good fit for every client. I hope you've seen here something that clicks, that makes sense, and that feels safe and good to you. I'm very communicative, and I'll always want to know how you feel, what you think, and what you want. Your needs need to get met. I hope that I can help you do exactly that. I'm wishing you all the best, now and always. I believe all that it takes is a little help for us to find our way. I'm looking forward to meeting you soon.
Dr. Carole Matlen
Clinician
License Type(s): PhD
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesEating disorders
20 years offering treatment
I am a licensed clinical psychologist in California for over 20 years . I have a teaching and ministry background that I also bring to help you. I have worked in many different clinical settings that affords me a wide, accepting, thoughtful view of helping people. I have a commitment to helping in the areas of increased levels of anger, anxiety and depression, eating disorders, body dysmorphia, women independence and empowerment, domestic violence (men as well as women as victims), grieving and loss, family dysfunction (conflict resolution, isolation and abandonment, parenting problems ), sexual abuse, emotional and physical trauma, and relationship issues (separation, divorce, death of a spouse). My way of helping is to foster your strengths and self confidence. I have used Cognitive Behavioral (" here and now" reality based) , Humanistic (client-centered) , Psychodynamic( your beginning emotional roots), Mindfulness, Trauma Focused Therapy , Existential Therapy approaches in a combined way that "suits just you." I look forward to working with you , as a team, to help make your life much better!
Donald Bliss
Clinician
License Type(s): LCSW
Mental Wellness Specialties: AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
30 years offering treatment
(Falo português também.) Hello, my name is Don. I have both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in Social Work, and I have over forty years of experience in the field of mental health and addictions treatment, both in direct services and in program management -- even longer if you count the foster children I grew up with and the community work that I did as a teenager. I am endlessly curious and have lived abroad in Africa and South America, and in the North, South, East and West of the United States, and am fluent in Portuguese and have studied a few other languages. I love meeting people and learning their stories, and helping my clients find their joy again -- or to find it for what might be the first time. I believe in doing my part to make this a world that works for everyone, and doing what I can to help my clients feel happy and satisfied in their lives. Throughout the years I have been employed or volunteered in private and public-benefit ("non-profit") corporations and in government agencies, and have worked in various clinical settings ranging from outpatient treatment facilities and private practice to inpatient psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment centers, community agencies and employee assistance programs. I have worked in direct services as well as case management and program management, design and evaluation. My experience encompasses an incredibly diverse range of client populations and problems, and includes individual, couple, family and group psychotherapy. My areas of clinical expertise include but are not limited to: relationship and family issues; brief, solution-focused therapy; workplace and organizational issues; addictions and unhealthy dependencies; cross-cultural communications and relations; sex and sexuality; and HIV/AIDS (and chronic illness). My Bachelor of Social Work degree is from George Williams College, now part of Aurora University, and I earned a Certificate in International/Intercultural Studies during those studies as well. My master's degree is from the University of Maryland at Baltimore, one of the largest schools of Social Work in the country. I am a firm believer in life-long professional development and have attended countless conferences and continuing education programs, and continue to do so. I have also served on several non-profit and government planning boards, and have managed a number of programs in the public-benefit sector. In addition, I help facilitate personal/spiritual growth trainings, and have published guest and relationship advice columns in newspapers and magazines. My educational and professional experiences have been broad and wide-ranging, but beyond that I have extensive life experience which I consider equally significant in terms of how it informs my approach with clients. As a therapist, my goal is to support, encourage and challenge you to find your joy. Your life is your own and you have your own dreams, wishes and desires. I want to help you achieve them, and to assist you in taking whatever positive steps it takes for you to get there. I don't believe that there is any particular road that you have to take to get there, as people are not made from cookie-cutters and what works for one person might not work for another. Therefore, my pledge is to help you find your path to happiness and contentment, and to explore with you new options for thinking, feeling, doing or being along the way. Thank you!
Dr. Aprile Coleman
Clinician
License Type(s): D.M.F.T.,LMFT
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
11 years offering treatment
**[SUMMER/FALL 2024] • Current Availability: - TUESDAYS: EARLY AM, MIDDAY - WEDNESDAYS: EARLY AM, MIDDAY • Current Session Times: -9AM-2:30PM Eastern / 5AM-11:30AM Pacific • Clients: - INDIVIDUALS - ADULTS (22+) - POC, WOC, BLKM, BIPOC -------------------- Hello. I am a psychotherapist based in South Florida. I talk with you about whatever matters most to you. I support those who are ready for change. I specialize in Stress, Trauma, Anxiety, and Depression. I help you remember that, despite difficult ordeals, it is possible to move forward. I also remind you that talking helps. My top work entails... "Positive Mental Health by Understanding Ourselves" – I work closely with clients going through Depression, Anxiety, and Trauma. Together we discuss the memories and feelings that you're struggling with and figure out healthy ways to talk and cope. Plus, lots of conversation on creating healthy habits, seeing a doctor, when medication is necessary, and how to sustain peace, calm, and balance inside and out. "Situational Depression and Anxiety" – Covid put all of us in different places, situations and changes--some positive, some not so positive. Its repercussions are still present today. This is where you share with me what is going on in your life triggering difficulty in coping with current circumstances. I do mental health assessments, and together we discuss what you're going through, how to express your feelings, and how to lift your mood and focus on thoughts, actions, and behaviors despite how life unfolds. You will learn resilience... essentially how to respond versus react and follow your life values and make decisions accordingly. "Couples Therapy for One" - I am a big proponent to healing relationships if that is a part of your goals. I work with *individuals* as they work to better their relationships or move through relationship conflict, breakup, or even divorce. Some call it "couples therapy" despite it being with just one person present as my client. "Professional Growth/Entrepreneur Mental Health" – I work with those struggling through Stress and Burnout. Particularly to those who are entrepreneurs, business owners, and high achieving professionals facing unique challenges of that lifestyle. Also, this is ideal for those in the helping and caregiving professions such as nurses, therapists, counselors, and first responders. "Health Focused" – Also, I am a medical family therapist. I can talk with you about your chronic pain and/or illness struggles along with medical facets to your diagnosis, treatment and recovery. *MORE ABOUT ME:* I believe mindfulness and self-care are powerful and freeing. I practice solution focused, person-centered, positive psychology everyday. I am enthralled with the stars (of the sky), live for music and travel, and frequently am found taking walks in the South Florida sunshine. In the meantime, I love working with my clients, and supporting them through growth. How can I help you?
Milah Jordan
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteem
4 years offering treatment
Greetings, My name is Milah Jordan! I have been licensed since 2009, and have a clinical therapy background combined with 17 years of inner city classroom teaching of youth and teens. I have a Masters in Social Work and a Masters in Education. As I am returning to the field of therapy, I seek to utilize my knowledge and expertise of working with youth, parents and families. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming the things that challenge you - I am simply here to assist. My vision is that you and I can partner together to help you navigate this portion of your life. Thank you for trusting me to be a part of your emotional, spiritual and physical journey to wellbeing. I am excited that you are getting started!
Alease Rossi
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionCoaching
6 years offering treatment
I am licensed in California with a specialization in military culture and 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage, and I am proud of you for getting started!
Cynthia Callaghan
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefAnger managementDepression
29 years offering treatment
I am licensed in California with 29 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, coping with grief and loss, & anger management. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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.
Lois Craig
Clinician
License Type(s): PCC
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
12 years offering treatment
Welcome and thank you for checking out my profile. I am available to work with an adult population, and as a licensed therapist, I am sensitive to the fact that sometimes people’s lives are not going the way they would like. And for some, they are not even sure why. This, and many other issues interfere with our self-satisfaction, happiness, sense of safety and our relationships. My experience lies with helping people to sort through their experiences and to understand where and how they can make needed changes. My primary approach to therapy is to use EMDR and somatic interventions with my clients gain awareness of what stands in their way of healing their traumas. My experience also includes working with anxiety and depression, OCD, DID , stress and behavioral issues along with a range of other problems.
Elizabeth Zamierowski-Wenger
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Relationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
22 years offering treatment
I am licensed in California with 22 years of professional work experience and I LOVE PEOPLE. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, parenting issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am here to help!
Javier Perez
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: LGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseCoachingCompassion fatigue
24 years offering treatment
I am licensed in California with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, executive coaching, & professional coaching. I also have experience working with compassion fatigue. 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.
Find a therapist serving clients in California
What types of therapists are available to clients in Bakersfield?
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Be sure to narrow your search for therapists in Bakersfield that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), therapeutic talk therapy, group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy depending on your needs.
Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp's online platform
Mental health therapists in Bakersfield available through BetterHelp are accredited as psychologists to help individuals and couples. Bakersfield therapists' credentials can include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, Bakersfield therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Bakersfield region and in the state of California.
How can a therapist help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want?
Therapists in Bakersfield can help clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist in Bakersfield may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment.
Is it better to find a mental health counselor or therapist in Bakersfield offering online therapy or in person?
Studies show online therapy can be just as effective as in-person counseling. Online therapy with licensed counselors is often more affordable, with BetterHelp pricing ranging from $65-$100 weekly, while in person therapy can cost up to $200 per session.
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