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Prenatal and postpartum therapists & psychiatrists in Bakersfield, CA


Top prenatal and postpartum therapists and psychiatrists in Bakersfield, CA
Navigate postpartum challenges with evidence-based care in Bakersfield. Our network of 2,858 providers offers flexible scheduling and insurance support to help you prioritize your mental health and wellbeing.
I specialize with the symptoms of anxiety, depression, ADHD and high spectrum autism. My approach is to involve the individual persons' needs for developing better communication skills, coping skills, support systems, insights, and physical health. My office is set up for creative play and insightful communication games.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I desire to empower clients to process, challenge, and rethink about their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. The primary focus of treatment is to ignite hope, strength, and resilience. I provide both Christian-based therapy services and secular therapy services.
I have been in the healing professions throughout my adult life, initially as a Registered Nurse, working in many different specialities (NICU, pediatrics, and Clinical Trials for Hepatitis C). I’m grateful for both careers and maintain an active interest in medicine and alternative healing. I practice Christian Counseling and my goal as a therapist is to meet you where you’re at and walk with you to a healthier, stronger place. For those of different faiths, I offer counseling oriented toward growth and healing, grounded in traditional values.
If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, grief and loss, difficulty in relationships or other concerns, and are desiring a therapeutic approach aligned with a Christian worldview or traditional values, I would be honored to speak with you.
I offer compassionate, supportive care where you’ll feel heard, valued, and encouraged in your journey of growth and healing. Member of the Focus on the Family Referral Network and American Association of Christian Counselors.
I’m an LCSW. I really enjoy getting to know my clients and building a strong therapeutic relationship with them. I specialize in trauma, anxiety, sense of self, and also high achievers. Many things can stir up emotions, past experiences and trauma. My goal is to help you understand and work through those experiences and feelings. I'll help you reconnect with your inner strength and resilience, moving past the painful experiences that may be holding you back. I can support you in letting go of negative self-views, reducing your levels of distress, and building a renewed sense of confidence, worth, and peace. This process is about helping you both heal and rediscover the core strengths and values that make you, you.
Demetric “Dee” Marsh, LCSW, JD, is a dedicated behavioral health professional with over 25 years of experience in the mental health field. She is a multistate licensed Licensed Clinical Social Worker and holds a Juris Doctor degree from the Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law School in New York. She earned her Master’s degree in Social Work from Adelphi University, with a specialization in mental health and addictions, and holds a Bachelor’s degree from Hofstra University in Sociology with a minor in Political Science and French Language/Culture.
Dee has extensive experience working in a variety of roles, including psychotherapist, program director, clinical supervisor, adjunct professor, and consultant. She also provides LCSW clinical supervision. Her practice includes working with individuals, families, couples, and groups.
She specializes in a wide range of areas, including anxiety, depression, trauma, stress management, addictions, grief and loss, workplace and employment issues, women’s issues, diversity and cultural concerns, spirituality, and court-related assessments and recommendations, as well as foster care and adoption-related services.
Dee believes in meeting each client where they are and tailoring treatment to their unique needs. She is committed to creating an inclusive, safe, and supportive environment that fosters trust, healing, growth, and a strong therapeutic alliance.
Greetings
Joy Gamble is a licensed psychotherapist with over 30 years in the field . During that time she has had the privilege of helping many different kinds of people from very diverse backgrounds and with all kinds of challenges.
Currently she is focused on issues related to depression and trauma as well as parent coaching/support and working with older adults.
I help clients navigate life's challenges and achieve greater fulfillment. Whether you're facing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or self-esteem concerns, I'm here to support and empower you on your journey toward positive change.
We all reach seasons of life that feel bigger than what we expected to carry.
Maybe becoming a parent has felt more overwhelming than you imagined. Maybe your baby spent time in the NICU, and life after coming home hasn't looked the way you thought it would. Maybe you're worried about your child's development, or maybe you're navigating anxiety, relationship challenges, or a major life transition of your own.
I work with children, adolescents, adults, and families, with specialized experience supporting early childhood mental health, developmental differences and neurodiversity, pregnancy and postpartum, and families navigating NICU stays and medically complex journeys.
Whatever brings you here, my goal is to help you better understand what's happening, feel more confident moving forward, and create meaningful change that lasts beyond the therapy space.
My goal with therapy is to provide a safe and open space to process and prioritize a growth mindset. I tailor my therapeutic approach to best match the needs of the client and truly believe in promoting acceptance. Some modalities I have experience with and may incorporate into therapy are Acceptance Compassion Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused, Client-Centered, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Here-and-now Counseling, Trauma-Informed, and Holistic. I have a passion for working with individuals who are looking to unpack complex emotions and experiences that have shaped their understanding of the world.
Hey hey hey, I’m Ariel Wilson Gbenedio, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, transformational speaker, and author dedicated to helping people heal, grow, and step into their power.
I have nearly a decade of experience in the mental health field, working across a wide range of settings including crisis residential treatment, outpatient care, and program development. I’ve had the privilege of supporting individuals navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and major life transitions. My work is rooted in evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed care—blended with a deeply human, compassionate approach.
I earned my Master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern California and have served in both clinical and leadership roles, including Clinical Director. Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and safe enough to do the real work of healing.
My approach to therapy is collaborative, empowering, and honest. I believe healing isn’t about “fixing” you—because you are not broken. It’s about understanding your story, shifting limiting beliefs, and helping you build a life that feels aligned, fulfilling, and authentic. I specialize in working with high-achieving women, individuals struggling with self-worth, trauma recovery, and those feeling stuck in cycles that no longer serve them.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or ready for something more in your life, you don’t have to navigate it alone. My goal is to help you develop the insight, tools, and confidence to create lasting change—and to remind you of the strength that already exists within you.
Frequently asked questions


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Factors to Consider When Choosing a Postpartum Therapist in Bakersfield
Finding postpartum therapists in Bakersfield starts with looking for care that matches your specific needs after pregnancy or birth. Postpartum concerns can include postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, birth-related stress, identity shifts, and relationship strain. As you compare therapists, look for listed experience in maternal mental health, perinatal therapy, pregnancy therapy, or postpartum counseling. A therapist with a Perinatal Mental Health Certification, often listed as PMH-C, may have added training in pregnancy and postpartum support.
In Bakersfield, local in-person options may vary by schedule, office location, and specialty focus, so virtual care can expand your choices. This can be practical for new parents managing infant care, physical recovery, feeding schedules, or changing availability from week to week. When narrowing your search, consider whether a therapist is accepting new patients, offers appointment times that fit your schedule, and provides a free phone consultation. Reading therapist bios can help you see how they describe their approach, who they work with, and what postpartum concerns they list.
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 postpartum therapists in Bakersfield, enter your insurance details, and see estimated out-of-pocket costs before booking. You can review therapist profiles, compare virtual and in-person options, and book directly when you’re ready.
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