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Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Bakersfield, CA


Top addiction and substance use disorder therapists and psychiatrists in Bakersfield, CA
Headway connects Bakersfield individuals with addiction specialists trained in 12-step facilitation, SMART Recovery, and community reinforcement approaches. Access virtual or in-person therapy with providers experienced in managing cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and building sustainable sobriety.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California and a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Washington, DC. I provide psychotherapy to adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, and life transitions.
I currently work with the Integrative Digestive Health team at UCLA Health and also provide therapy through Lyra Health. I bring extensive experience across medical and mental health settings, including six years as a liver transplant social worker at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, work on the first COVID unit at George Washington University Hospital, and leadership roles in community mental health organizations in Washington, DC.
My approach is warm, collaborative, and client-centered, grounded in trauma-informed care. I primarily use cognitive behavioral and solution-focused therapies while tailoring treatment to each individual. I have particular expertise in trauma, the intersection of physical and mental health, and interpersonal relationships. I offer both short- and long-term therapy and believe meaningful change happens in a space that feels safe, supportive, and authentic.
I am happy to provide a free 15-minute consultation (upon request) to ensure a good fit. To request a consultation, please email: [email protected].
Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, hiking in the Los Angeles mountains, kayaking, and spending time with my rescue dog, Sophia.
IMPORTANT: All clients must complete our intake form and sign our policies before their appointment. Please complete these documents at https://intakeq.com/new/6oakjo/lusjbb or contact us at 602-800-4699 (call or text). Please also email or text us a copy of your photo ID/driver's license at [email protected]
Hi, I'm Amy! As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I provide comprehensive, individualized care for complex mental health challenges. My expertise includes ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, OCD, personality disorders, PTSD and trauma, schizophrenia and psychotic disorders, substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, panic disorders, mood disorders, and bipolar conditions.
What sets my practice apart is my commitment to seeing each person as a unique individual with their own strengths, challenges, and goals. Whether you're seeking your first diagnosis, managing multiple conditions, or looking for a fresh perspective, I bring both clinical expertise and genuine empathy to every interaction. I work to address not just symptoms, but the whole person behind them.
I believe in collaborative care, where your voice and preferences guide our treatment decisions. My approach combines evidence-based psychiatric interventions with respect for your lived experience and personal values. I take time to listen, ask thoughtful questions, and ensure you feel heard and understood. Whether we're exploring medication options, developing coping strategies, or working through diagnostic questions, you'll always be an active partner in your care.
My goal is to help you thrive in daily life. Together, we'll work toward building resilience, improving functioning, and creating the meaningful life you deserve. I'm here to support you every step of the way. I create a safe, judgment-free environment where healing and growth are possible. Ready to begin? I'm currently accepting new patients.
Hi! Im Mike Strauss and I specialize in anxiety, PTSD, depression and substance abuse. With my own background as an addict now with 17 years clean and sober, I organically found my purpose as a clinician. What initially started with drug and alcohol counseling immediately turned into something bigger, as I pursued a master’s degree in social work. Understanding that addiction is but a symptom of underlying fears and traumas resulting in mood disorders, I was able to REALLY look at myself as I encourage my clients to do during their journeys toward self-realization.
Hi, I’m a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I offer a supportive and judgment-free space to help you manage anxiety, depression, ADHD, eating disorders, and mood disorders. I work with children, adolescents, and adults using evidence-based care that’s tailored to your needs. My goal is to help you feel seen, heard, and empowered within the family. Let’s walk this journey together, one step at a time.
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience supporting adults, teens, and families in medical, community mental health, and addiction treatment settings. I’ve worked with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance use. I bring a calm, supportive, and down‐to‐earth style to therapy so clients feel safe and understood. I also teach social work and sociology at the university level, which keeps me grounded in current research and best practices. Most importantly, I care about meeting you where you are and helping you move toward meaningful change.
Therapy is a way of showing up for yourself, a path of self discovery where you can reconnect with who you are today and the life you truly want. I’ve supported people navigating addiction, trauma, depression, and anxiety, and I believe deeply in meeting you exactly where you are and wherever you feel ready to begin. Together, our sessions become a collaborative journey, with me holding safe, steady space for you as you grow into the person you’ve always had it within you to become.
I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) who provides compassionate, evidence-based care for adults. My approach is clinical, trauma-informed, and whole-person; I look beyond symptoms alone and consider the many parts of life that shape mental health. I believe care should feel collaborative, supportive, and not overwhelming. My goal is to help you feel understood while creating a treatment plan that fits your life, values, and goals. Whether you are seeking medication management, in-office IV or IM ketamine treatment, or support through a difficult season, I want you to feel safe, respected, and empowered.
My goal is to create a space where you feel seen, understood, and supported. I believe mental wellness is an essential part of overall health, and that healing begins by moving from survival to thriving through nervous system regulation, processing past experiences, and strengthening the mind-body connection. Meaningful change and healing happens within a strong therapeutic relationship built on trust, authenticity, and collaboration. Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, addiction, performance anxiety, work-related stress... or simply feeling overwhelmed by life's demands, we'll work together to build insight, process difficult experiences when appropriate, develop practical coping skills, and create meaningful, lasting change.
About our therapists who can help with addiction and substance use in Bakersfield, CA



- 100%Substance use / addiction
- 98%Anxiety
- 96%Depression
- 89%Stress management
- 85%Trauma

- 98%Aetna
- 84%Carelon Behavioral Health
- 82%Cigna
- 78%Anthem Blue Cross California
- 66%Blue Shield of California

- 97%English
- 12%Spanish
- 2%Farsi
- 1%Mandarin
- 1%Igbo

- 88%Online only
- 12%In-person or online

- 69%Woman
- 30%Man
- 1%Non-binary

- 42%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
- 27%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- 15%Nurse Practitioner
- 8%Clinical Psychologist
- 7%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

- 99%Individual therapy
- 43%Family therapy
- 30%Couples therapy
- 17%Child or adolescent therapy
Frequently asked questions


Find the right addiction counselor for you
Headway makes it easier to find support for overcoming addiction — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Addiction Therapist in Bakersfield
Finding addiction therapists in Bakersfield starts with knowing what kind of support fits your needs. Addiction care can include support for alcohol use, drug use, prescription substance concerns, gambling, and other behavioral patterns. Some therapists focus on motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy for substance use, harm reduction, relapse prevention, or coordination with medication-assisted care when a prescriber is part of your care team. As you compare therapists, look for listed specialties, training, and experience that match the concerns you want to address.
Bakersfield has local therapists available, and virtual care can add more options when location, transportation, or scheduling matters. Some people prefer meeting in person at an office, while others choose virtual sessions for more flexibility. Recovery can involve progress, setbacks, and changing needs, so it helps to find a therapist whose profile reflects a respectful, non-judgmental approach. Before booking, review therapist bios for details on their approach, appointment availability, whether they are accepting new patients, and whether they offer a free phone consultation.
Therapy in Bakersfield can be a significant investment without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs and understand what you may pay before care begins. Headway helps you search for addiction therapists in Bakersfield who are accepting new patients, compare virtual and in-person options, and see estimated out-of-pocket costs after entering your insurance details. From there, you can browse therapist profiles, review fit, and book directly when you’re ready.
If you or someone you know is experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms — especially from alcohol or benzodiazepines — talk to a medical provider or seek emergency care before starting outpatient therapy. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or substance use and is in a crisis, immediately reach out to:
* 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — call or text 988 * SAMHSA National Helpline — 1-800-662-HELP (4357), free, confidential, 24/7 * Crisis Text Line — text HOME to 741741
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