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Find a therapist in Bakersfield, CA — covered by insurance

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Top therapists in Bakersfield, CA accepting new patients

Connect with empowering, solution-oriented providers in Bakersfield neighborhoods including Downtown, East Bakersfield, and Southwest Bakersfield. Headway offers flexible scheduling with availability as soon as next day, free intake consultations, and 8,972 licensed providers accepting most major insurance plans.

Jeff Danese

Jeff Danese

Therapist

Virtual • California


My name is Jeffrey W. Danese, MS, MA, LMHC, LPCC, and I am a licensed mental health counselor in Washington State and California, currently based in Sacramento. I bring over 15 years of clinical experience across private practice, inpatient and outpatient mental health settings, and college counseling, along with a an academic background teaching psychology, religious studies, and the history of science in higher education from UCSB, FSU, and 10 years at SJSU to various community colleges in the Puget Sound region and in North Florida and cross-cultural experiences such as living in Taiwan, Zambia, Germany and traveling around the world; I studied Spanish, German, and Chinese language, world history and religions, psychology, evolutionary psychology and the cognitive science of religion; was raised Catholic but ordained as a Buddhist monk in Thailand; and continue to meditate, explore and read broadly. One of my favorite quotes is by the Roman writer, Terence: "I am human and there is nothing human foreign to me." (or, Homo sum, humani nihil a me alienum puto. -- Publius Terentius Afer, 165 BCE)

ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, End of life care, Grief or loss
Challenging, Holistic, Inquisitive
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Erin Spittal

Erin Spittal

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Therapy with me is part understanding yourself, part learning new skills, and part finally talking about the things you've been carrying around in your head.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Creative, Energetic, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Marsha McDonald

Marsha McDonald

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I believe that effective mental health care should be a partnership, and I work with each client to develop an individualized treatment plan that supports their mental and emotional well-being.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Grief or loss
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Devon Hill

Devon Hill

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hi! I'm Devon. Thanks for stopping by. I believe therapy should be strive to be an authentic and enjoyable experience. I value and prioritize authentic communication. Ideally, I want your sessions to feel like you're having a friendly conversation while endeavoring to find pragmatic and helpful ways to approach your concerns. Your emotional safety along with trust, warmth and honesty are deeply important to me.

ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Energetic, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Ashley Rodriguez

Ashley Rodriguez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy is about understanding you as a whole person while also helping you find relief from the symptoms and struggles that are impacting your life.”
Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues, Maternal mental health
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Leslie Gluck

Leslie Gluck

Therapist

Virtual • California


I specialize in helping Women at all stages of life. I have extensive experience working with clients on their relationships. I have additional clinical training in substance abuse, disordered eating, perinatal mood disorders and parenting issues.

Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Infertility, Maternal mental health
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Melissa "Lou" Koerner

Melissa "Lou" Koerner

Therapist

Virtual • California


You’ve spent a lifetime caring for everyone else. My job is to help you finally exhale.

I’m Melissa Lou Koerner, LCSW — a therapist with 20+ years of experience helping people navigate the messy, meaningful, and often hilarious business of being human. I’m a generalist at heart, which means you don’t have to fit into a diagnostic box to work with me. If it’s part of your story, it’s welcome in the room.

Over the years I’ve supported adults, couples, families, caregivers, Veterans, adoptive families, and folks moving through grief, trauma, identity shifts, and major life transitions. From school hallways to hospice rooms to VA clinics to private practice, I’ve learned one thing over and over: people are far more resilient than they realize.

My style is warm, grounded, and practical. I blend trauma‐informed care, attachment work, and evidence‐based approaches with a healthy dose of humor — because sometimes the only way through a hard moment is to laugh at how absurd life can be.

And while I’m a true generalist, I’ll admit my favorite work these days is helping adults untangle enmeshment, estrangement, and parentification. There’s something powerful about watching people reclaim space in their own lives after years of carrying roles that were never theirs to begin with.

If you’re looking for a therapist who can help you untangle what’s heavy, honor what’s hopeful, and

Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Depression, End of life care
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Bobby Farhat

Bobby Farhat

Therapist

Virtual • San Jose, CA


“I bring a very non-judgmental approach to therapy. I believe the clients relationship with their therapist is the most important factor in determining clients success and growth.”
Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Grief or loss, LGBTQIA+, Men's issues
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Gina Garrett

Gina Garrett

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My work is rooted in the belief that we are not meant to simply grind and cope through life, but to also find joy and healing.”
Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Affirming, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Calista Anderson

Calista Anderson

Therapist

Virtual • California


Maybe you’re newly sober, or not sure you want to be. Maybe you lost someone and the world kept moving when yours didn’t. Or maybe you’re trying to hold yourself together while everything feels like it’s falling apart. If that resonates with you, you’re in the right place. I've spent the better part of a decade working with individuals, couples, and families in the fields of addiction and grief; in both substance abuse treatment settings and solo as an Advanced Grief Recovery Specialist. I’ve also worked in hospice and I’m experienced in working with people with complex trauma and mental health challenges.

Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, End of life care, Family issues
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Mohammad Shahisaman

Mohammad Shahisaman

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Change happens below the level of language, which is why understanding a pattern so rarely dissolves it...”
Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Creative, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Rhonda CARLOS-Henderson

Rhonda CARLOS-Henderson

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe every person has the capacity for growth. My role is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space where you feel seen, heard, and supported.”
Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss, Stress management
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Mahnoosh Berkey

Mahnoosh Berkey

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and grounded in systemic thinking, recognizing the connection between individuals and their relationships.”
Anxiety, Family issues, Grief or loss, PTSD, Stress management
Empowering, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Desiree De Leon

Desiree De Leon

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe our experiences and identities influence how we view ourselves and move through the world.”
Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Chinenye Udoh

Chinenye Udoh

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of experience in healthcare. I work with adolescents, teenagers, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, mood disorders, life transitions, and emotional burnout.

My goal is to create a safe, supportive, and judgment-free environment where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered. I understand that mental health is deeply connected to daily life, relationships, culture, and personal experiences, and I take a compassionate, whole-person approach to care.

ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Eating disorders
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Rachel Benjamin

Rachel Benjamin

Therapist

Virtual • California


I’m Rachel Benjamin, and I help individuals and couples navigate life’s challenges to build more authentic, connected, and empowered lives. Together, we’ll identify the patterns and barriers that have been holding you back and work toward lasting change around your strengths and values. If you are thinking about starting therapy, or returning after some time away, but feeling unsure, you’re not alone. Taking that first step can bring up a mix of emotions. If you’re wondering whether now is the right time, it likely means you’re ready to begin exploring meaningful change.

ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Direct, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Louise Polzel

Louise Polzel

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe one of the most important aspects of therapy is working with someone who truly understands—someone who has been there and can genuinely relate.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Depression
Challenging, Direct, Empowering
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Dr. Brian Wise

Dr. Brian Wise

Therapist

Virtual • California


“As an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, I also specialize in supporting people around intimacy, sexuality, and relationships with genuine openness and care.”
Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Challenging, Participatory
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Cesar Brijandez

Cesar Brijandez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is eclectic and collaborative, rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution-Focused principles...”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Wendy Mejia

Wendy Mejia

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Valencia, CA


If you are navigating the quiet weight of relationship wounds, identity

questions, or emotional patterns that have followed you for years without

fully understanding why, I specialize in exactly this kind of work. I am a

Latina therapist who provides services in Spanish and English, bringing a

culturally affirming lens to every session. I practice in Santa Clarita with

specialized tools including Brainspotting and IFS for deeper healing.

Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues, PTSD
Holistic, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Dr. Bruce Rays

Dr. Bruce Rays

Psychologist

Virtual • Carlsbad, CA


“With 32- years of very broad experience I can relate and assist you in raising your awareness and level of functioning.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Dr. Kenesha Mitchell

Dr. Kenesha Mitchell

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hi, I’m a therapist who believes you don’t have to navigate life’s challenges alone. My approach is client-centered, meaning we’ll work together to focus on your goals and what matters most to you. I strive to create a safe, supportive space where you feel comfortable being open and truly heard. Whether you’re dealing with stress, depression, trauma, grief, anxiety, or life transitions, I’m here to walk alongside you every step of the way.

Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss, OCD
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Marissa Mcconnachie

Marissa Mcconnachie

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe that genuine emotional growth takes root when we blend structured, evidence-based practices with a deeply authentic human connection.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Maternal mental health, PTSD
Empowering, Energetic, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Laura Bloomberg

Laura Bloomberg

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is warm, compassionate, and collaborative, and together we'll work to better understand what you're going through, build on your strengths, and find tools that help you feel more confident and connected in your life.”
Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Grief or loss, Physical health issues
Affirming, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Jacqueline Fulford

Jacqueline Fulford

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach to therapy is compassionate and collaborative. I believe that you are the expert on your own life...”
Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, PTSD, Substance use / addiction
Challenging, Empowering, Humorous
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Julie Amoruso

Julie Amoruso

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Elk Grove, CA


“I offer medication management with supportive counseling for mental health care issues by virtual appointment and in-person appointments.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Direct, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Analilia Morales-Mackay

Analilia Morales-Mackay

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Much of my work aims to understand the underlying concerns that are causing stressful situations and maladaptive behaviors.”
Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Courtney Harden

Courtney Harden

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Long Beach, CA


“As a therapist you can expect that I will meet you where you are. I will walk alongside you on this journey of wellness.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Danielle Scott

Danielle Scott

Therapist

Virtual • Redlands, CA


“I enjoy providing a safe, warm, non-judgmental space for someone at whatever stage of life they are in.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, LGBTQIA+
Empowering, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Blanca Iniguez Valdivia

Blanca Iniguez Valdivia

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is warm, collaborative, and down-to-earth. Therapy with me isn't about sitting across from someone who just nods and asks, "How does that make you feel?"”
Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care, Family issues
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Susie Gamboa

Susie Gamboa

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe in the inherent goodness and capacity for growth within each individual. My role is to create a non-judgmental, deeply empathetic, and safe space where you can feel secure enough to share your deepest trauma, secrets, or vulnerabilities...”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Fidelia Onyejekwe

Fidelia Onyejekwe

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I strive to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered to explore what's been weighing on you.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Barbara Hall

Barbara Hall

Therapist

Virtual • California


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.

Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Grief or loss, Identity issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Stephanie James

Stephanie James

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I am dedicated to helping people feel like themselves again. I provide compassionate, evidence based care for anxiety and depression, ADHD, PTSD, bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions.My goal is to create a judgement free space where patients feel heard and receive personalized treatment that fits their lives

ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Energetic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Roxy Mandisen

Roxy Mandisen

Therapist

Virtual • California


Welcome. I'm Roxy, dedicated to helping you find what you are looking for in therapy. My goal is to offer a safe, compassionate space where you can heal and grow.

Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Infertility
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Fritzie Fernandez-Craft

Fritzie Fernandez-Craft

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My style is warm, active, and entirely collaborative, meaning we work as a team to break old patterns and build lasting relief.”
Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Grief or loss, LGBTQIA+
Affirming, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Tabitha Scott

Tabitha Scott

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I view these periods of transition as opportunities for growth, self-discovery, and learning to thrive as we step into a new chapter of our lives.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Brenda Cervantes

Brenda Cervantes

Therapist

Virtual • California


“With over 15 years of experience as a clinician working with patients struggling with anxiety, depression, self image and confidence, trauma, adjustment disorders, postpartum depression, etc, I have a passion to help others on their journey towards...”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Lydia Stevens

Lydia Stevens

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy is a collaborative process—one where we gently explore both your past and present to better understand how your experiences have shaped you.”
Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Direct, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Abbie Porter

Abbie Porter

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I take an individualistic, collaborative approach to treatment. I will work with each individual to identify their goals for coming to treatment and base my strategy off of that.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
201 - 240 of

About our therapists serving Bakersfield, CA

Number of therapists serving Bakersfield, CA
There are over 8,988 therapists in Bakersfield, CA accepting new patients.
8,988+
Average years in practice
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10 years
Top specialties offered
Watercolor illustration of specialties
  • 98%Anxiety
  • 92%Depression
  • 88%Stress management
  • 82%Relationship issues
  • 79%Trauma
Insurances accepted
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  • 98%Aetna
  • 79%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 77%Cigna
  • 75%Anthem Blue Cross California
  • 66%Blue Shield of California
Languages spoken
Watercolor illustration of languages
  • 97%English
  • 17%Spanish
  • 2%Farsi
  • 1%Mandarin
  • 1%Hindi
How they see their clients
Watercolor illustration of therapy session
  • 90%Online only
  • 10%In-person or online
Provider gender
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  • 79%Woman
  • 20%Man
  • 1%Non-binary
License types
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  • 48%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
  • 31%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • 7%Clinical Psychologist
  • 7%Nurse Practitioner
  • 7%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
Treatment approaches
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  • 100%Individual therapy
  • 37%Family therapy
  • 23%Couples therapy
  • 15%Child or adolescent therapy

Frequently asked questions

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Find the right therapist for you

Headway makes it easy to find support for your mental health — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Therapist in Bakersfield

Searching for therapists in Bakersfield starts with knowing what kind of support you want. Therapists can help with concerns like anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, grief, and life transitions. As you compare options, look for a therapist whose training, listed specialties, and therapy approach match what you want to focus on. Provider bios can help you understand whether a therapist uses approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, or trauma-informed care.

Bakersfield has local therapy options across areas like Downtown, East Bakersfield, and Southwest Bakersfield, while virtual appointments can add more flexibility if office location or commute time matters. When narrowing your search, consider appointment availability, whether a therapist is accepting new patients, and whether they offer a free phone consultation before your first session. Reading each profile can also help you understand a therapist’s communication style, session structure, and experience with concerns similar to yours.

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 you book. Headway makes that process easier by helping you find licensed therapists, check your insurance details to confirm coverage for your area, see estimated costs upfront, review detailed bios, and book directly when you’re ready.

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1 Cost may vary based on your location, age, and insurance coverage.