Best Therapists in Bakersfield, CA of 2024
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Best Therapists in Bakersfield, California of 2024
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. Therapists in Bakersfield, CA
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Languages: English
Treatment Approaches: Addictions, Relationship, Self esteem, Career, Christian, Stress, Anxiety, Family, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Intimacy-related, Parenting, Anger, Bipolar, Non-religious, Depression, Teens, Conservative counselor, Liberal counselor, Counselor of color
Languages: English, Swedish
Treatment Approaches: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Trauma and abuse, Grief, LGBT, Older, Eating, Sleeping, Parenting, Anger, Self esteem, Bipolar, Non-religious, Depression, Teens, Liberal counselor
Eileen Beirich
- 20 years of Experience
- United States
- Pasadena, California
- Visit Website
Areas of focus: Adoption, Anxiety, Depression, Marital / Premarital, Relationship Issues
Languages: English
Treatment Approaches: Psychodynamic
State License: California
Steven Garman
- 30 years of Experience
- United States
- Chino, California
- Visit Website
Areas of focus: ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Codependency, Divorce, Marital / Premarital, Relationship Issues, Self Esteem, Sexual Abuse, Spirituality
Languages: English
Treatment Approaches: Family / Marital, Jungian, Psychodynamic
State License: California
Maelisa Hall
- 11 years of Experience
- United States
- Irvine, California
- Visit Website
Languages: English
Treatment Approaches: Coaching, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Multicultural, Psychological Testing and Evaluation, Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)
State License: California
Soad Tabrizi
- 10 years of Experience
- United States
- Mission Viejo, California
- Visit Website
Areas of focus: Addiction, Alcohol Abuse, Anxiety, Behavior Issues, Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality, Career Counseling, Codependency, Coping Skills, Depression, Drug Abuse, Dual Diagnosis, End of Life Issues, Faith Transition, Goal Setting, Life Coaching, OCD, Self Esteem, Spirituality
Languages: English, Farsi
Treatment Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Dialectical (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, Narrative, Psychoanalytic, Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)
State Licenses: California, Florida, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Virginia and West Virginia
Nancy Culhane
- 40+ years of Experience
- United States
- Fairfax, California
- Visit Website
Areas of focus: Coping Skills, Divorce, Goal Setting, Grief, Infidelity, Interpersonal Relationships, Life Transitions, Marital / Premarital, Parenting, Relationship Issues, Women's Issues
Languages: English, Finnish
Treatment Approaches: Family / Marital, Integrative, Narrative, Relational
State Licenses: California and Nevada
Melissa Jones
- 11 years of Experience
- United States
- Online, California
- Visit Website
Languages: English
Treatment Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Eclectic, Existential, Family / Marital, Family Systems, Gestalt, Humanistic, Hypnotherapy, Relational
State License: California
Lori Kandels
- 28 years of Experience
- United States
- San Francisco, California
- Visit Website
Languages: English
Treatment Approaches: Coaching, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Culturally Sensitive, EMDR, Family / Marital, Feminist, Mindfulness-based (MBCT), Motivational Interviewing, Multicultural, Narrative, Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)
State License: California
Lisa Larsen
- 15 years of Experience
- United States
- Lancaster, California
- Visit Website
Languages: English
Treatment Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), EMDR, Humanistic, Hypnotherapy
State License: California
II. The Best Therapists in Bakersfield, CA
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Online Therapy used eight key factors, including credentials, cost, specializations, and availability, to determine the top 15 therapists in Bakersfield. Each of these factors help ensure you’ll receive quality counseling services that are fairly priced. |
Choosing the Best Bakersfield, CA TherapistsCredentialsTrained therapists with experience in the type of therapy you’re looking for will also have credentials demonstrating their expertise in that particular area. The therapists on this list have fulfilled all of the requirements necessary to practice therapy in California. These requirements include obtaining a master’s degree and passing the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Exam and the California LPCC Law and Ethics Exam. AccessibilityYou’ll want to find a therapist who can be available for treatment when you need it the most. The therapists on this list were chosen based on their range of specializations and the flexibility of their scheduling. Those who offer remote sessions, allowing you to receive therapy from anywhere with a reliable internet connection, were also prioritized. CostStaying mindful of therapy costs can help you budget for multiple sessions. Therapy is a process, and to achieve the best results, a long-term commitment is required. Many therapists in Bakersfield take insurance or offer a sliding payment scale if your sessions aren’t covered by an insurance plan. |
Joseph Lancaster: Psy.D., MFT| Best for psycho-spiritual therapy
661-327-4252
Website
Joseph Lancaster uses psycho-spiritual therapy to help patients overcome anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and stress-related anger. For 20 years, he has used Gnostic Pneumatherapy techniques to teach patients valuable coping skills.
What patients say:
“Joseph Lancaster is highly rated by patients who say that the doctor explains conditions well and is trustworthy. Wait times are also low, with patients saying they are seen within 10 minutes or less.”
| Specializations | Insurance | Cost | Sliding scale | Remote services |
| Relationship Issues Anxiety Coping Skills |
Anthem EAP PSYCHCARE Blue Shield of California Aetna United Behavioral Health/Optum Medicare, Magellan Health Services APS Healthcare MHN (Managed Care & EAP) Avante Tricare Kern Family Value Options First Advantage Health Smart UHC Military West |
Not Provided | Yes | Yes |
Alexis M. Valos: Ph.D., M.S., PPS, RPT-S, NRHSP| Best for child therapy
661-865-6026
Website
Dr. Alexis M. Valos is a California licensed clinical psychologist, credentialed school psychologist, and credentialed elementary school teacher with specific training in child psychology, child neuropsychology, and education/special education. She specializes in child/adolescent neuropsychological and psychological assessments, as well as parent training skills and supportive counseling for parents of minor children.
What patients say:
“Highly recommended !! Very professional.”
| Specializations | Insurance | Cost | Sliding scale | Remote services |
| Testing and Evaluation Child or Adolescent School Issues |
Aetna Anthem Beacon Blue Cross Blue Shield BlueCross and BlueShield Kaiser (Out-of-Network) MHN Magellan Optum TRICARE UnitedHealthcare |
Cost per Session: $130 for a 50 minute session | Yes | Yes |
Kathleen Jeanne Troncao-Heath: MFT|Best for pregnancy, prenatal, and postpartum therapy
661-383-0378
Website
Kathleen Troncao-Heath teaches coping skills to expectant mothers. She provides counseling through all prenatal development stages and therapy for issues that may occur after pregnancy, such as postpartum depression. Kathleen has spent seven years successfully helping patients through monumental life transitions.
| Specializations | Insurance | Cost | Sliding scale | Remote services |
| Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum Life Transitions Coping Skills |
California Victim Compensation | Cost per Session:
Initial Evaluation (60-70 minutes) $125 |
Yes | Yes |
Stephanie H. Espinosa: LCSW| Best for trauma and PTSD therapy
661-699-6697
Website
Stephanie Espinosa is a licensed clinical social worker who uses cognitive behavioral therapy to help patients work through trauma and PTSD, anxiety, and depression. She also utilizes Attachment-Focused EMDR. She has been empowering patients through strength-based and solution-focused brief therapy for eight years.
| Specializations | Insurance | Cost | Sliding scale | Remote services |
| Trauma and PTSD Anxiety Depression |
Aetna Cigna Kaiser (Out-of-Network) Optum UnitedHealthcare |
Cost per Session:
$120 per 50-minute individual session |
Yes | Yes |
Mesha Muwanga: LFMT|Best for Christian counseling
661-404-5181
Website
Mesha Muwanga is a licensed marriage and family therapist who specializes in anxiety, depression, and relationship counseling. Mesha is a Christian therapist with eight years of professional experience. She utilizes cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavior, and narrative therapy techniques to help patients navigate through mood disorders and behavioral issues.
| Specializations | Insurance | Cost | Sliding scale | Remote services |
| Anxiety Depression Marital and Premarital |
Aetna Blue Cross Blue Shield Gemcare Dignity health Magellan Cigna Kaiser |
Cost per Session:
Family Therapy |
No | Yes |
Tiffany Bell: M.S., LMFT| Best for patients with developmental disorders
661-375-7166
Website
Tiffany Bell specializes in working with adolescents, individuals dealing with trauma and PTSD, and people with developmental disorders, such as autism. As a licensed marriage and family therapist, Tiffany helps clients find hope by teaching coping and anger management skills that encourage transformation.
| Specializations | Insurance | Cost | Sliding scale | Remote services |
| Child or Adolescent Autism Trauma and PTSD |
Aetna Anthem (Out of Network) Beacon Cigna Kaiser (Out-of-Network) Kern legacy SISC out of network |
Cost per Session:
Full rate session $180.00 |
Yes | Yes |
Karen Page: M.A., LMFT| Best for anxiety and depression
661-477-8969
Website
Karen Page treats relationship and anxiety issues through cognitive behavioral and solution-focused brief therapy. Counseling is provided through in-person visits and HIPAA compliant telepsychiatry services. Karen has more than 30 years of experience helping individuals and couples through stress, depression, and life transitions.
What patients say:
“Working with Mrs. Page was an amazing experience. She came highly recommended by a close friend, and at first, I was hesitant to reach out for marital issues, but it was the best thing I could have done. She was very understanding, always made sure we were comfortable and made sure to explain everything to us along the way. Would highly recommend!”
| Specializations | Insurance | Cost | Sliding scale | Remote services |
| Relationship Issues Anxiety Coping Skills |
Adventist Health Aetna Blue Shield Blue Shield CHIPA E4Health Kern Legacy Pls call -most ins have out of network benefits Windstone |
Cost per Session: $200.00 per 45-minute session | No | Yes |
Joshua Lefler: Psy.D.| Best for sexual addiction
661-505-6351
Website
Clinical psychologist Joshua Lefler has nine years of experience assisting patients struggling with depression and sexual addiction. Christian counseling is combined with cognitive behavioral therapy to help adults and seniors improve their mental health.
| Specializations | Insurance | Cost | Sliding scale | Remote services |
| Spirituality Depression Sexual Addiction |
Medicare | Cost per Session: $160 | No | Yes |
Daniel S. Rubiaco: Psy.D., LCSW| Best for stress-related issues
661-381-1115
Website
Daniel Rubiaco provides psychotherapy services to treat trauma and PTSD, stress, and depression. With over 14 years of experience, Daniel works with patients from all backgrounds and incorporates cognitive behavioral and solution-focused therapy techniques into his counseling sessions.
| Specializations | Insurance | Cost | Sliding scale | Remote services |
| Trauma and PTSD Depression Stress |
N/A | Cost per Session: $125.00 for a 50 minute session | No | Yes |
Alison Gomez: M.S., LMFT| Best for women's issues
661-563-1086
Website
Alison Gomez offers individual and group therapy to address depression, women’s issues, trauma, and PTSD. Allison has worked in the mental health field for the past 10 years, helping to instill confidence and alleviate depression in patients from a diverse range of backgrounds.
| Specializations | Insurance | Cost | Sliding scale | Remote services |
| Depression Women’s Issues Trauma and PTSD |
N/A | Cost per Session:
Individual Therapy: $200 for 50 minute weekly sessions (or as frequently as clinically appropriate) |
Yes | Yes |
Margaret M. Blanc: M.A., LMFT| Best for mindfulness therapy
661-872-7300
Website
Compassionate mindfulness therapy is at the center of Margaret Blanc’s therapy practice. She has been practicing and teaching mindfulness for more than 30 years, using her expertise to help individuals and couples achieve growth. Margaret uses the Gottman Method and hypnotherapy to lead patients towards a more fulfilled life.
What patients say:
“Very helpful, good listener, surprisingly non-judgmental.”
| Specializations | Insurance | Cost | Sliding scale | Remote services |
| Relationship Issues Anxiety Coping Skills |
N/A | Cost per Session:
$95-120 per 50-minute session |
Yes | Yes |
Jenny Thoman: LMFT| Best for grief therapy
661-303-6326
Website
Jenny Thoman works with patients struggling with grief, anxiety, and depression and has more than 15 years of experience in the mental health field. Support and counseling are provided for a wide range of life challenges, including family issues, behavioral issues with children, and premarital counseling.
| Specializations | Insurance | Cost | Sliding scale | Remote services |
| Grief Anxiety Depression |
Anthem Blue Cross SISC | Cost per Session: 50 minute Session / $120 | No | Yes |
Conni Rush: LPCC: NCCMHC, NCC| Best for depression
620-220-9396
Website
Conni Rush specializes in counseling for depression, anxiety, and complicated life issues. Conni has over 30 years of experience as a licensed counselor, and she provides patients with the tools necessary to make it through difficult life transitions.
| Specializations | Insurance | Cost | Sliding scale | Remote services |
| Depression Anxiety Life Transitions |
N/A | Cost per Session: $200 | No | Yes |
Lorraine E. Castro: M.A., LMFT| Best for addiction therapy
747-234-2655
Website
Lorraine Castro specializes in life coaching and spirituality-based therapy to help patients overcome addiction, anxiety, and stress. She uses compassion-focused and mindfulness-based therapy to help patients cope with self-esteem and trauma-related issues.
| Specializations | Insurance | Cost | Sliding scale | Remote services |
| Spirituality Life Coaching Trauma and PTSD |
N/A | Cost per Session: $150 | Yes | Yes |
Lauture Massac: Ph.D.| Best for alcohol and substance abuse
800-656 1157
Website
Lauture Massac provides personalized counseling to patients dealing with a wide range of issues, including addiction, alcohol issues, and infidelity. Through meditation and holistic therapy techniques, Lauture helps patients achieve balance in their everyday life.
| Specializations | Insurance | Cost | Sliding scale | Remote services |
| Alcohol Use Relationship Issues |
N/A | Cost per Session:
45-minute week session, Video, phone |
Yes | Yes |
III. What You Should Know About Bakersfield Therapy
How are Bakersfield therapists licensed?
The health and safety of California residents is the state’s top priority, and the process to become a licensed therapist includes a strict regulation process. Prospective therapists must first obtain a master’s degree or doctoral degree. The degree must be relevant to psychology and include coursework in both counseling and psychotherapy, as well as a six-semester practicum.
Upon finishing the master’s degree program, prospective counselors must complete 3,000 hours of supervised work experience. During this time, 150 hours must include clinical experience in a mental health facility or hospital setting.
The final step to becoming a licensed mental health counselor in Bakersfield is to pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Exam (NCMHCE) and the California LPCC Law and Ethics Exam. The NCMHCE is a problem-solving test covering 10 unique cases from the field of mental health counseling.
How much does therapy cost in Bakersfield?
Bakersfield patients should expect to pay an average of $126 per 45 to 60-minute therapy session. You’ll likely need multiple sessions to work through your mental health challenges.
Since therapy can be expensive, you’ll need to plan how you’ll cover the cost of care. Many practices accept insurance, so ask your provider about any fees you may be expected to pay ahead of your scheduled appointment. Insurances accepted include major providers, such as Aetna, Beacon, Blue Shield of California, Cigna, and United Healthcare. Some therapists on this list also have a sliding scale payment system in place to make therapy accessible to more people.
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IV. Sources
- California Board of Behavioral Science | Last accessed April 2024
- National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination | Last accessed April 2024
- National Counselor Examination | Last accessed April 2024