Grief counselors and therapists in Bakersfield, CA

Clients often describe me as warm, approachable, and easy to talk to. I aim to create a supportive and engaging space where you feel safe to be emotionally open, while also bringing a sense of ease.

At the core of my style is curiosity. I’m drawn to the “why” - why we feel, think, and respond to life the way we do. I take a holistic and at times existential approach, exploring not just immediate challenges, but the deeper patterns, life transitions, and questions of meaning that shape your experience.

I draw from a wide range of personal and professional experiences, including working directly with and overseeing a large and diverse group of clients. This allows me to adapt different techniques and perspectives to support growth, insight, and lasting change. Throughout the process, I remain thoughtful, engaged, and focused on what will be most helpful for you.

Hello. My name is Jorge Ortega. My extensive experience has provided me with the necessary training and expertise in treating adults and adolescents with Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Grief and Loss, Life Transitions, and Relationship Issues. I have specialized training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Seeking Safety Therapy, Crisis Oriented Recovery Services Therapy and Mindfulness Based Therapy.

My name is Rosa, but everyone calls me Rosie. I am a bilingual English and Spanish-speaking Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I’ve been a nurse since 2007, and working in mental health has always been my passion and a source of dedication. I’d be honored to walk alongside you on your journey to healing. You don’t have to face these challenges alone. Healing is possible, and you are not alone. I earned my Master’s degree with honors from West Coast University. I take pride in helping my patients develop personalized plans to improve their well-being and successfully adjust to life changes. My approach is rooted in patience, empathy, and respect.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my dog, Yoshi, who is full of personality and love. I’m passionate about traveling for pleasure and for work with Liga International Flying Doctors of Mercy. I love connecting with nature and those in need, which helps me stay grounded and balanced.

I’m David Cao, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner providing online psychiatric evaluation and medication management for adults throughout California. I especially enjoy working with young adults dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, overthinking, or feeling overwhelmed.

If reaching out for psychiatric care feels intimidating, my goal is to make the process feel approachable. My style is calm, laid-back, and collaborative. Our sessions are more like conversations than interrogations, and I want you to feel comfortable being yourself. I’ll be there for the difficult conversations, celebrate the small wins with you, and make room for a little humor along the way.

With over 7 years of experience in mental health care, I understand how difficult it can be to balance everyday responsibilities while struggling with your mental health.

Marquetta McCleod is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 17 years of experience serving children, families, and individuals through a trauma-informed and culturally responsive lens. Her professional journey spans more than 15 years in social services, including extensive work with Child Protective Services (CPS) in both emergency response and ongoing support. She has also provided guidance to diverse populations through county health and social service programs, including CalWORKs recipients, families experiencing homelessness, and individuals with disabilities.

Licensed since 2019, Marquetta brings a compassionate and practical approach to therapy, leadership, and community outreach. As the Founder and Executive Director of MNM Project HOPE, a nonprofit she has successfully led for the past four years, she has built a haven of healing that offers low-to-no-cost mental health services, outreach, and training for emerging clinicians.

Grounded in her values of spirituality, leadership, and reliability, Marquetta is dedicated to empowering underserved communities and nurturing the next generation of culturally competent therapists. Her vision is to make holistic, heart-centered care accessible to all, while inspiring hope, growth, and lasting change in every life she touches.

I'm a bilingual/bi-cultural Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in CA, w/ 9y of clinical experience. I've treated children, at-risk adolescents, adults and families in various settings, such as: in-home, school-based (k-12), telehealth, pediatric clinic & private practice. My therapeutic experiences are working with individuals to resolve symptoms including, but not limited to: anxiety, depression, ADHD, behavioral issues, divorce, relationships, grief, self-esteem, trauma, & family conflicts.

I am a California-licensed Marriage and Family Therapist actively working in the field since 2019. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from San Jose State University and a Master of Arts in Counseling from Palo Alto University. I work with a wide range of Clients and diagnoses dealing with topics around coping with life changes, anxiety/stress, depression, mood, relationships, sex, trauma, anger, and harm (to name a few).

Hello! My name is Danielle, and I have been a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for over 10 years. Too often, we can become overwhelmed by the pressures of life, and that is where therapy can help. It may be time to prioritize your own mental health, and coming here is an important first step. I’m proud of you for taking it.

I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, family issues, LGBTQIA+ concerns, relationship challenges, PTSD, stress, grief and loss, ADHD, anger, substance use, and major life transitions. My focus in treatment is helping you feel supported while we better understand what you are carrying and what you hope will change. Whether you are seeking therapy for yourself, your relationship, or your family, I look forward to meeting you and helping you move toward healing and growth.

I believe deeply in the power of connection, healing, and human resilience. I’ve spent over 20 years walking alongside children, adults, and families through some of life’s hardest seasons.

What motivates me the most in this work is how meaningful change and healing can occur when a person feels truly seen, supported, and valued. I’ve witnessed incredible strength in the face of hardship. I’m continually inspired by the courage it takes to show up and do the work. It’s sacred work, and I’m grateful every day to be doing it.