At times, it can seem like life is just moving too fast. You want to slow things down and take a break, so you can get control again because it feels like everything is out of your control. In Ridgecrest, there are many licensed and dedicated therapists who can help you. 

With a population of over 28 thousand people, the town of Ridgecrest, California is largely a Navy town, with most of the employment there related to the Naval Ordnance Test Station, or NOTS. Sometimes, keeping your job may be a struggle if you are suffering with depression or anxiety disorder. Contact one of the dedicated mental health professionals in Ridgecrest today and get the help you need. 

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Harold Malin Jr

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Ridgecrest
Counselor License Type(s): Ph.D., MA, LMFT
LGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issues
30 years of experience

Welcome to my profile page at BetterHelp! Most of the people I work with call me Marty. I'm looking forward to meeting you and working with you. I am a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a masters degree in psychology and a doctorate in sexology. I have worked extensively in County Behavioral Health systems both as a therapist and a supervisor, and in private practice as well. I have also worked in a hospital setting at the Johns Hopkins Medical School and in grade schools, middle schools and high schools as well as institutional settings including jails and juvenile halls. It's been my privilege to work with children, adolescents, young people, adults and older adults as singles, couples,and polycules in traditional and intentional families. In all, I have more than 30 years experience with individual, family and group therapy and in supervising other licensed professionals and interns. I have published extensively about working with sexual issues. I have a special interest in working with people who struggle with concerns related to polyamory, gender expression, less common sexual interests including BDSM/Kink, LGBTQIA concerns and disorders of sex development (DSD or intersex). I also have experience working with patients who have medically related mental health concerns, including post-surgical patients whose functioning is compromised and those with head trauma, brain injury or other debilitating accidents that impair or alter sexual function. Sometimes such arousal patterns and practices, or differences in physical development or functioning can give rise to difficulty in relationships including marriage/partnering, family dynamics, and parenting. And, of course, it's common for sexual concerns to be a part of the work in therapy with trauma, abuse, anxiety and depression and obsessive or compulsive behaviors. My approach to working with people in therapy is to meet them where they are, help them formulate goals, and marshal the tools to help them meet their objectives. There are many theoretical orientations and philosophies, techniques, and treatment aids every therapist learns about in school and masters on the job. The best ones are the ones that work for you. My job as a therapist is to offer you tools and support you on your journey.

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Katherine Jones

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Ridgecrest
Counselor License Type(s): LMFT
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseADHD
3 years of experience

Hello, I am an LMFT who works to create a safe and validating space for clients to express the struggles they are enduring. I am interested in working in a strengths-based way guiding clients to find the answers they need to heal and move forward. I work to be personable and also offer DBT and CBT skills in hopes of creating strong basis for coping as we explore the issue at hand as well as patterns that know longer serve the client. With these resources, I work with those who are experiencing stress at work or in their relationships, are recovering from childhood or more recent trauma and I love to support those who feel like the odd one out. I am happy to work with clients from alternative communities or highly creative persons making their way through this world to the the beat of their own drum. Offering respectful acceptance and focus on the work at hand and allowing for the spirit that makes us each a little different and the world a little more colorful. Allow me to share my warmth, experience and hope, with a combination of deep listening and the solid evidence-based interventions to help you navigate the joys and suffering that each individual's journey offers.

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Marina Alexander

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Ridgecrest
Counselor License Type(s): MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
16 years of experience

Hello and Welcome, I am so glad you are here - because you are in the right place! It takes an intelligent person to seek out a guide when passing through challenging terrain. I know this is the right time for you to begin your journey into a deeper understanding of who YOU are as a unique person, and what YOU need to start making positive changes in your life. A life that “works” is largely a result of making the right choices. It is the choices we make every day - that bring about the consequences which we call our life experience. But sometimes it is difficult to see clearly and there may be a multitude of opinions about “what’s the right thing to do is” for YOU. Often, when we are not sure what to do, so we end up not doing anything. Feeling stuck in a “bad place” and not acting to change it can deepen feelings of anxiety, helplessness, and depression. On the other hand, getting help in understanding the situation you are facing and making a clear decision for corrective action - will always make you feel more empowered and happier because you are taking responsible action. I am here to help you gain more clarity into your situation, provide tools that you can use immediately to start feeling better, and support you in making the choices which are right for you. In working with me you will have a safe space of unconditional positive regard where you can share your thoughts and feelings without reservation. I know that we all long to feel accepted, validated, and understood, and that when we are given this kind of nurturing space, we can begin the exciting adventure toward healing and happiness. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in the state of California. I have been working as psychotherapist for over 16 years. I counsel adults of all ages, specializing in the treatment of life transitions, anxiety, depression, addictive behaviors, parenting challenges, relationship and marital conflicts, grief and loss. Some of the therapeutic approaches I have been trained in include Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Mindfulness Based and Solution-Focused Therapy, and Triple P – Positive Parenting Program and have successfully helped parents of children of all ages to manage disruptive behaviors. In addition to my training, I have been through a lot of transitions in my personal life, and lived in different countries. This experience has been priceless in helping me understand and relate to people in a culturally sensitive manner. I believe that my job as a therapist is to meet you where you are - in order to help you get to where you want to be. I am looking forward to meeting you and working with you!

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Michelle Harris

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Ridgecrest
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
16 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & depression. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Ashley Saucedo

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Ridgecrest
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepression
7 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Chloe Dobbert

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Ridgecrest
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issues
5 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Carol Seigler

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Ridgecrest
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

Have you experienced a traumatic event that you feel holds you back from the life you so desperately want to live? Do unwanted thoughts and memories prevent you from feeling like you can live a normal and happy life? If you are living with traumatic events from your past, ranging from insult, abuse, humiliation, violence, attachment wounds, or even subtle disappointments, therapy could be a safe space to address these injuries. Through a collaborative approach and taking into account the mind & body, I join my clients on a journey of exploration, growth, and healing.

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Donelle Anderson

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Ridgecrest
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Tracy Bowens

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Ridgecrest
Counselor License Type(s): LMHC,LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

I am a licensed professional with over 10 years of experience in social service and clinical fields. I have worked with children, adolescents and adults in a variety of settings: schools, jails, in-home, in-office and online. My approach is person-centered and solution-focused. No two people are the same, and as such, responses to different treatment approaches and modalities may differ. Therefore, I meet you where you are and work with you to determine what will work best to achieve desired outcomes. I believe we are all powerfully equipped to improve our overall wellbeing.

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Lyana Murrell

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Ridgecrest
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

Welcome. You've made it this far, and this tells me you already have the most crucial tool to take care of yourself. Still, are you feeling powerless about the realities of your life? Is your body, soul, and/or support systems exhausted in a manner that makes it hard to imagine another way of being? I am a psychotherapist who is committed to uplifting every unique person's vision for, dignity within, and care of themselves. I am licensed in California with over 7 years of experience working with individuals, families, and groups seeking relief from pain rooted in trauma or violence, grief or loss, anxiety, depression, self-esteem concerns, disruptions in identity or phase of life development, persistent relationship struggles, and lifestyle burnout. Today, taking any step to seeking a more fulfilling as well as easier life takes courage. With the variety of therapeutic approaches I use, in all I believe that you are the driver of your story and can best determine what your path to healing will look like throughout your life. I am here to support and accompany you as you take on this difficult, but meaningful shift.

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How to find a therapist for counseling in Ridgecrest

Finding the best therapist close by in Ridgecrest 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 Ridgecrest 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 Ridgecrest. 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 Ridgecrest, 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 clinical psychologist 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 Ridgecrest 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 counselor working through their own in-person therapy practice in Ridgecrest 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 therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A Ridgecrest therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. Verified providers and therapists 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 Ridgecrest 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 Ridgecrest, 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 Ridgecrest 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 Ridgecrest 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 Ridgecrest 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 psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in Ridgecrest 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 therapists sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks). 

How is a licensed therapist on this Ridgecrest online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Ridgecrest, 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 in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from Ridgecrest psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.

How does working with a professional counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians and therapists 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 Ridgecrest 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.

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.

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 therapists specialties on BetterHelp include:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy - This is provided by professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
  • Behavior therapy - Behavior therapy techniques are used to help clients modify harmful behaviors and develop healthier habits, often through the guidance of a professional counselor.
  • EMDR therapy - EMDR therapists assist clients in processing traumatic memories to alleviate emotional distress and improve overall well-being, utilizing the expertise of a professional counselor.
  • Talk therapy - Clients explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
  • Depression - This counseling is designed to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
  • Anxiety disorders - Sessions for anxiety disorders, offer strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
  • Stress - Tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
  • Eating disorders - Professionals experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
  • Grief - Support and guidance are offered to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
  • Attachment therapy - Therapists use this to help clients understand and improve their emotional bonds and relationships, often with the assistance of a counselor.
  • Relationships - Therapists work with clients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their connections with others, often using the skills of a counselor.
  • Children, adolescents, and teens - Therapists specializing in youth therapy address the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens, often involving a counselor in the process.
  • Addiction (substance abuse) - Therapists offer counseling for addiction, helping clients overcome substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery, often under the guidance of a counselor.
  • Divorce - Therapists support individuals through the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage, often working with a psychologist to provide comprehensive care.
  • Trauma or PTSD - Therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms, frequently collaborating with a psychologist.
  • Bipolar disorder - Therapists provide counseling to manage the mood swings and challenges associated with bipolar disorder, often in consultation with a psychologist.
  • Psychodynamic treatment - Therapists use psychodynamic treatment to explore unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior, often guided by psychologists.
  • Career counseling - Therapists assist clients in making informed decisions about their professional paths and resolving work-related issues, often with the help of psychologists.
  • Alcohol use disorders - Therapists offer specialized counseling to help clients manage and overcome alcohol use disorders, frequently under the supervision of psychologists.
  • OCD - Therapists provide strategies and support to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, often via psychotherapy.
  • ADHD - Therapists offer counseling to help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall functioning, often via psychotherapy.
  • Mood disorders - Therapists work with clients to stabilize and improve mood through various therapeutic approaches, frequently in psychotherapy.
  • Sex addiction
  • Complex trauma
  • Life transitions

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 Ridgecrest provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide with licensed therapists. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family in Ridgecrest?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Ridgecrest 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 and therapists 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 Ridgecrest 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 Ridgecrest 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 or therapists 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 93555 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 in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Ridgecrest counselor?

Before seeing your Ridgecrest therapist, 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. Ridgecrest therapists here 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 why you're attending therapy.

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 Ridgecrest 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 Ridgecrest 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.

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. A psychologist 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 psychologist in Ridgecrest, 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.

Ridgecrest 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 therapists 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 Ridgecrest, 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 Ridgecrest therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy 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.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Ridgecrest.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Ridgecrest:

93555, 93556

Popular cities near Ridgecrest, CA

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