Obsessive-compulsive disorder therapists & psychiatrists in Bakersfield, CA

Hi, I'm glad you're here. Starting or coming back to therapy can feel like the right step and still feel difficult. Life is full of both/ands: "I am struggling and I will be okay," "I have a great job and I'm still feeling depressed." I am here to support you through the dualities of life and help you carry and navigate both. My approach is warm, friendly, gentle, and at times directive. I won't ever tell you what decision to make, but I will support you in figuring out what makes sense for you.

After graduating from New York University with a BFA in drama, I moved to Los Angeles and taught drama and English literature at an L.A. public high school for nearly 20 years. My experience working with teenagers and their families taught me that, all too often, kids' barriers to learning are not academic in nature, but rather emotional challenges stemming from adversity and trauma. I became more and more interested in learning how to help teenagers and adults alike navigate these obstacles and come out stronger in the long run. So, I went back to graduate school to pursue a new career as a therapist so that I could help in a different way. My training and experience has focused on treating anxiety disorders (including OCD), PTSD and Complex-PTSD, and also couples - helping them to navigate challenges and triggers so that they can reset and reconnect.

I have always had a deep passion for working with children, teens, and their families. With nearly 20 years of experience in the mental health field, I bring a compassionate, collaborative approach to therapy. I hold a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology, which I earned in 2012. Since then, I’ve dedicated my career to supporting young people through many of life’s challenges.

One of my greatest strengths is my ability to connect with individuals across ages, cultures, and experiences. This connection is grounded in authenticity and relatability, which is nurtured through a strong therapeutic alliance. I believe therapy offers a safe space to explore, learn, and grow—and I strive to help clients build resilience, strengthen relationships, and develop into their best selves.

Welcome,

I’m glad you’re here. Reaching out for support takes courage, and you don’t have to navigate this alone. I am Eziaha Ihediwah a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) and I specialize in working with individuals dealing with ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, OCD, and eating disorder, this is a space where you will be heard, respected, and taken seriously. Your experiences matter, and your care will be tailored to you—not a one-size-fits-all plan.

Your role in this process Healing is a partnership. You’ll always have space to ask questions, express concerns, and be involved in decisions about your care. Progress may take time, but we will move at a pace that feels safe and manageable for you.

If you ever feel overwhelmed between visits, please reach out. Support is available, and you deserve consistent care.

I look forward to working with you and supporting you toward stability, clarity, and improved quality of life.

I am currently a licensed psychologist in California, having previously worked as a psychotherapist under supervision for over 14 years. As an independent practitioner, I am accepting new clients, both in person and by remote means.

I seem to work especially well with younger and middle-aged people who are creatively inclined and having difficulty with self-realization and/or interpersonal relationships, from important relationships to everyday interactions with others. In the past, I have worked in community-based and private addiction recovery settings across a wide demographic. I specialize in trauma informed treatment that includes PTSD, depression, anxiety and phobias.

I seem to work especially well with younger and middle-aged people who are creatively inclined and having difficulty with self-realization and/or interpersonal relationships, from important relationships to everyday interactions with others.

I'm Deidre, and for over two decades I've helped people move through some of life's most painful and disorienting transitions — loss, illness, divorce, relationship struggles, aging, and the quiet fears that come with facing mortality. My clients often tell me that what they needed most wasn't advice — it was someone who truly listened, who could help them make sense of what they were feeling and find a path forward. That's what I'm here to do!

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.

I have extensive experience and training in the area of trauma and substance abuse. Prior to building my private practice I provided mental health to youth in the child protective services then later I provided therapeutic services in an inpatient residential treatment center for substance abuse. I am trauma informed and specialize in processing traumatic memories utilizing EMDR and integrated fragmented parts of the self by using IFS therapy.