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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.
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.
Hi, I’m Amaris, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who believes healing happens best in a space where you feel safe, understood, and never judged.
I work with children, teens, adults, and older adults navigating anxiety, ADHD, emotional overwhelm, grief, and major life transitions. Whether your child is having big feelings they don’t know how to manage, you’re feeling stuck in patterns that don’t serve you, or your family is walking through the heartbreak of dementia or loss, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
My style is supportive, down-to-earth, and collaborative. Therapy with me isn’t about “fixing” you, it’s about helping you understand yourself, build practical tools, and feel more confident handling life’s challenges. I blend evidence-based approaches with compassion, creativity, and sometimes even humor, because growth doesn’t have to feel heavy all the time.
Parents appreciate that I help kids build emotional regulation skills in ways that make sense to them, and I make sure caregivers feel supported too. Adults often come to me when anxiety, emotional ups and downs, or grief feel overwhelming. I also have a special place in my heart for working with older adults and families facing Alzheimer’s, dementia, and end-of-life changes.
At the core of my work is this belief:
You are not broken, you’re human, and you’re capable of growth.
If you’re ready for a space where you can show up exactly as you are, we’ll work at your pace, together.
Lynda K. Cash, MA, LMFT (AKA; Lynda K. Martin)
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Lynda K. Cash has over 17 years of clinical experience as a marriage and family therapist. Lynda has helped with individuals, couples and families gain insight and understanding regarding unhealthy/dysfunctional behavioral life patterns. Lynda is competent with facilitating plans of action for overcoming challenges with managing daily living needs and responsibilities.
My path into psychiatry is both professional and personal. I moved to the U.S. alone at 17 while navigating complex PTSD and periods of misdiagnosis, which shaped how I understand mental health today. I began with a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Nankai University, then trained as a nurse and nurse practitioner at Charles R. Drew University and Purdue University.
Over the past 7 years, I’ve worked across medical and mental health settings, developing an approach that balances clinical precision with individualized care. I specialize in anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and complex PTSD, particularly for individuals who feel stuck or haven’t found relief in traditional treatment.
I’m licensed in California, Virginia, New York, Washington, and Oregon, and provide care via telehealth.
I have been on my own healing journey for 40+ years and so I know personally how much courage and effort it can take to heal and grow. I also know how amazing life and relationships can get as a part of that healing process; I wish that experience for everyone.
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.
“At any given moment you have the power to say, this is not how I want my story to end”
I’m a licensed psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience assisting others achieving relief from addiction, co-dependency, complex trauma, anxiety and depression.
I specialize in the treatment of individuals, couples and families to assist with post traumatic stress disorder, relationship issues, grief and loss and substance abuse.
I provide a safe and nurturing environment that ensures the provision of high quality personalized care.
I provide EMDR for those suffering from trauma. In addition, I have extensive training and experience in providing CBT , IFS therapy and together we will work to identify and break unhelpful patterns and find new ways to grow and thrive as individuals.
I'm a therapist based in the Coachella Valley with a broad scope. I work with individuals, couples, families, and children navigating some of life's most difficult terrain: trauma and PTSD, anxiety and depression, substance use and addiction, family conflict, grief, anger, and the particular pressures that come with being a man in a culture that rarely teaches men how to ask for help.
I offer both in-person sessions in the valley and telehealth appointments throughout California. My approach is direct but never harsh, structured but never rigid. I don't believe in one-size-fits-all therapy, I meet you where you actually are.
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.
As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I am dedicated to helping people feel like themselves again. I provide compassionate, evidence based care for anxiety and depression, ADHD, PTSD, bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions.My goal is to create a judgement free space where patients feel heard and receive personalized treatment that fits their lives
If you’re struggling with your relationship with food, your body, or feeling stuck in cycles of restriction, bingeing, or guilt, you are not alone—and you don’t have to face it by yourself. In my private practice, I specialize in working with individuals navigating eating disorders and disordered eating.
I provide compassionate, individualized therapy for adolescents and adults experiencing anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, chronic dieting, and body image concerns. In addition to eating disorder treatment, I work with children, teens, and adults facing anxiety, depression, trauma, personality disorders, substance use, and challenges related to identity and the LGBTQIA+ community. I am committed to creating an affirming, inclusive space where clients of all backgrounds feel seen, respected, & supported.
I believe healing begins with feeling genuinely understood, supported, and accepted. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that lasting change happens when people can safely explore their experiences without judgment.
Growing up in a military family and spending decades serving as a flight medic, deputy sheriff, and firefighter taught me how deeply connection, trust, and stability shape emotional well-being, especially in environments where vulnerability can feel risky or costly. Those experiences continue to influence the way I work with clients today, creating a space where people can show up authentically and feel supported as they navigate life's challenges.
I work with adults facing anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, relationship challenges, life transitions, and the emotional demands of everyday life. Together, we identify patterns that may be keeping you stuck, develop practical tools for navigating challenges, and build on the strengths you already possess.
I value authenticity, curiosity, and clear communication, and I strive to create a space where clients feel comfortable being themselves. For clients who desire it, I also offer faith-informed counseling that thoughtfully integrates spiritual beliefs into the therapeutic process, recognizing that faith can be an important source of meaning, resilience, and healing.
Whether you are navigating a difficult season, working through longstanding concerns, or simply seeking greater clarity and balance, I am committed to helping you build resilience, increase self-understanding, and create meaningful change.
I specialize in working with adolescents, young adults, and high performers—including Division I athletes, professionals, and anyone striving to meet high expectations. In my work, I’ve learned that growth happens at the edge of comfort—where support and challenge meet. My clients often tell me they appreciate my ability to be both direct and deeply compassionate, creating a space where they feel seen, understood, and encouraged to move forward.
Born in Taiwan, raised in Southern California, and trained in San Francisco and New Mexico, I bring a blend of cultural humility, life experience, and professional training into every session. As an Asian American therapist, I value identity, culture, and lived experience as essential pieces of healing. I aim to create a space where you can show up as your real self—without judgment, without masks.
Hello - My name is Nicole Forester. I welcome you.
I recognize the energy it takes to seek support.
I focus on what matters most to you at a pace you are comfortable with.
Thank you for trusting me to be part of this process.
Welcome! Taking the step to prioritize your mental health is powerful, and I’m honored to welcome you to our practice.
I’m Nadia Seray-Wurie, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner devoted to delivering compassionate, top-tier psychiatric and medical care to individuals and families across our communities. We bring flexible, high-quality care directly to you—offering both in-person appointments and seamless telepsychiatry services. Together, we’ll build a personalized approach to your health so you can thrive.You don’t have to do this alone—we're here to walk alongside you on your journey to wellness.
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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