LGBT therapists in Bakersfield, CA

Welcome, congratulations for taking the first step in your journey to a better you. I have experience in working with individuals who are struggling with a wide variety of problems such as depression, negative thoughts patterns, low self-esteem, anxiety, adjustment, grief, LGBTQIA and cultural issues.

I am committed to providing an empathetic safe space to support you in your journey.

Hey there! I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and I really enjoy working with BIPOC adults a therapist. I have worked across various settings -- from outpatient therapy, community mental health, and residential treatment. I am experienced with providing telehealth psychotherapy services to diverse individuals, couples, and families. You can learn more about me at therapywithpriyanka.com. I am available for sessions on weekdays during business hours, except for Wednesday. My availability on a particular day can change on a weeks-to-basis.

I am a LCSW. My background includes working in the prison system, medical social work, school social work and the foster care system. I specialize in supporting LGBTQ+ people, veterans, trauma victims, first responders, and survivors of domestic abuse.

My clients tell me I am extremely non judgemental, empathic and very safe to talk to. I also work directly WITH you to set your desired goals and what you want from your therapy. One of my joys is to help my clients learn how to be their individual authentic selves complete with confidence, clarity and calm.

When I was a kid, I often got in trouble for being too loud with asking questions and calling adults out on things that didn’t seem fair to me. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been an advocate of some kind. A career in social work, then, made total sense to me when I discovered the field as an undergraduate at San Jose State.

Two more degrees and a license later, I still carry the spirit of that little girl, fighting for the underserved. I have a long history of diagnosing and treating adults with severe and chronic mental illness. I take my work very seriously and it’s important to me to help my clients heal, grow, and thrive.

My clients seek my services as a way to recuperate from lifetimes of overworking themselves into worthiness. I guide them toward unlearning the things that taught them they weren’t enough. I give them the tools they need to create wellness and wholeness in a way that’s unique to who they are.

Through my private practice and my brand, Therapy is a Lifestyle, I want to help you see yourself in new ways - without the lens of your trauma. I specialize in anxiety disorders, EMDR, and other trauma-informed approaches to help you do that.

Let’s take the journey toward your recovery, together. Being here is your first step!

I earned my master's degree in Social Work 29 years ago. Over the course of my career I have enjoyed working with girls and women of all ages. I enjoy supporting girls and women who are navigating middle school, high school, college, relationships, post-partum period, motherhood, divorce, menopause, and becoming empty nesters. I love seeing my clients begin therapy with stress, anxiety, OCD, depression, grief and loss, or trauma then graduate from therapy in a much better place. I believe that you can thrive no matter your age and no matter your circumstances. I have less experience helping transgender women but I really enjoy that work as well. I consider myself a LGBTQIA+ ally.

My approach is influenced by Jungian, Depth, and Transpersonal psychology, feminist, queer and social justice-allied, and strength-based. I hold an MA in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Expressive Arts Therapy from California Institute of Integral Studies, and have been in practice for 10 years in a wide variety of clinical mental health settings.