Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Bakersfield, CA

It is my prayer to build a practice that helps you reach a place where your mental health is truly at the forefront. My hope is that with each appointment—and each day—you feel supported in moving closer to the best version of yourself.

Hello, my name is Tamra Smith. I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in Sacramento, CA. I have over 20 years of experience in the field of Mental Health Services, especially providing therapy and consultation. My practice name is Path to Wellbeing Therapy Services, and I truly lead each person on a path to their own emotional health and wellbeing.

Welcome! Taking the first step toward therapy can feel overwhelming, and I strive to create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you feel heard and understood.

I am dedicated to providing compassionate, client-centered care and work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. I earned my Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and have extensive experience in community mental health, supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds and underserved communities.

Throughout my career, I have helped clients navigate a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, life transitions, and psychotic disorders. My approach is collaborative and tailored to each client’s unique needs, with a focus on helping you build insight, develop effective coping skills, and create meaningful, lasting change.

Whether you’re seeking support for a specific challenge or looking to improve your overall well-being, I look forward to walking alongside you on your journey toward healing and growth.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist with a doctorate in clinical psychology and more than twenty years of experience. My doctoral training was completed at an APA-accredited program, and I have spent my career helping people through high-pressure seasons of life.

I work primarily with adults and busy professionals, often the ones others rely on. Many of my clients look like they have it handled while quietly carrying anxiety, stress, burnout, or an exhaustion they have learned to push through. I also work with clients navigating life and career transitions and those healing from trauma. What people tell me they appreciate most is that I am warm and direct at the same time.

As a therapist, I am passionate about walking alongside folks as they reveal their truths and vulnerabilities to themselves. I believe, and have witnessed that people are capable of long standing change with knowledge, support, and connection, and that therapy is a great place for that. You can learn new ways to manage life stressors, feel safe, gain confidence, and live a more joyful and purposeful life. I use cognitive behavioral, solution-focused, and strength-based techniques, while never ignoring the human element and connection where the real change happens.

I HAVE 40 YEARS EXPERIENCE WORKING IN MENTAL HEALTH. I HAVE TRAVELED THE WORLD STUDYING CULTURES AND RELIGIONS AND HAVE A LIFETIME OF PERSONAL EXPERIENCES THAT GIVES ME A CLEAR INSIGHT INTO WHAT YOU ARE GOING THROUGH. I WILL BE THERE FOR YOU 24/7 AND I ACTUALLY CARE. I AM INTERESTED IN YOU AS A WHOLE PERSON AND NOT JUST A CURRENT PROBLEM, MY GOAL IS TO GET YOU FEELING BETTER QUICKLY AND ENRICHING YOUR LIFE FOR A FUTURE FILLED WITH POTENTIAL AND JOY.

You may be seeking support in moving toward a more preferred version of yourself, your life, and your relationships. You may be questioning important facets of your identity, or wondering how to locate and uproot the seeds of painful and complicated emotions. Perhaps you are curious about navigating a different type of relational structure with your loved ones, or you may be feeling stuck with a particular challenge in the way you connect to others. My role as a therapist is to provide support and facilitate insight that will allow you to work toward your personal goals.

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.

I create a warm environment to work collaboratively on achieving your objectives. I've been a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for over 20 years. I specialize in relationships, anxiety, depression, fears/phobias, couples work, creativity, career enhancement among other goals. I have an eclectic treatment modality including psychodynamic, self-psychology, cognitive-behavioral, hypnotherapy and NLP.

Click on my website to get your insurance benefits verified and schedule directly with me!

Hello! My name is Janette Ruano. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in Los Angeles County, California. I provide Telehealth services for children, adolescents, and adults throughout the state of California. I specialize in depression, anxiety, stress, and trauma.

As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), I’m trained at the graduate level in mental health care across the lifespan. I assess mental health concerns, diagnose conditions, prescribe and manage psychiatric medications, and provide psychotherapy. I also coordinate care with therapists, primary care providers, and other specialists as needed.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with more than 4 years of experience. I have experience working with clients facing a variety of emotional and life challenges, including anxiety, depression, stress, adjustment difficulties, trauma-related concerns, and postpartum disorders. I provide evidence-based psychotherapy that supports emotional wellbeing, healthy coping skills, and personal growth in a supportive and nonjudgmental environment.

My therapeutic approach is integrated and tailored to meet your unique needs. I often draw from Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational interviewing.

I am a bicultural, 55-year-old and very proud father of two adolescents. In this growing age of isolation and need for sincere, genuine human connection, it has never been more important to regain our sense of control and serenity. The foundation of our work together is based on restoring this basic human need. I believe the answers lie in the path itself, not just in reaching the destination. Together, we will learn to welcome challenges as opportunities.

I specialize in helping children, families, and adults navigate anxiety, depression, grief, family stress, and men's mental health. I work with clients from infants and toddlers through adults, which means I can support the whole family, not just one person. I don't believe in one-size-fits-all therapy, and I won't treat you like a checklist. The work I do is practical, collaborative, and focused on helping you direct your life, not just understand it.