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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.

Anne Pugh

Anne Pugh

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I'm not here to push gratitude or silver linings. I'm here to help you process what's actually happening and build something more sustainable on the other side, with caring support along the way.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Affirming, Humorous, Participatory
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Sarah Hartmann

Sarah Hartmann

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is relational, warm and trauma-informed. I meet you where you are, working with the body–mind connection to gently explore old wounds...”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Kelly Haven

Kelly Haven

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I work in the belief that we each have everything we need to achieve a fulfilled and successful life already present within us; sometimes we just need a little help accessing it.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Victoria Clark

Victoria Clark

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Cameron Park, CA


“My goal is to help you to obtain your goals, face difficult times, and live your life to the fullest.”
Anxiety, Grief or loss, PTSD, Trauma
Direct, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Stacey Downing

Stacey Downing

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I offer a holistic approach to therapy. I am here to help you with a mind/body/spirit approach to your own personal healing and wellness.”
Anxiety, Depression, Panic disorders, PTSD, Relationship issues
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Max Friedman

Max Friedman

Therapist

Virtual • California


“People who've worked with me describe a calming presence — a sense of safety to go to the harder places.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Holistic, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Maria Ayala

Maria Ayala

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My goal isn't to hand you a diagnosis. It's to help you feel steadier, and to build something that holds up after therapy ends.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Sonya Adams

Sonya Adams

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe that a strong therapeutic alliance between a client and their therapist is key to success in therapy.”
Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Karen Piekarski

Karen Piekarski

Therapist

Virtual • California


With over 20 years of experience in the mental health field, I am passionate about guiding individuals on their journey to balance, mindfulness and joy. Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of working with diverse populations and addressing a wide range of mental health challenges. This journey has reinforced my belief that each person's path to well-being is unique and deserves a personalized approach.

Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, Maternal mental health, Panic disorders
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Alejandro Sigala

Alejandro Sigala

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach with new clients is generally meeting you where you're at. I believe you are the expert in your life; and I am just the guide...”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Silvia Vaughn

Silvia Vaughn

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“I provide a supportive, open, and compassionate space where clients feel heard, respected, and understood.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Olivia Hanley

Olivia Hanley

Therapist

Virtual • California


I'm Olivia Hanley, a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) based in Ventura, California. I completed my MSW at USC and have spent the last four years doing this work because I believe people deserve real, substantive support — not a one-size-fits-all approach.

I specialize in maternal mental health (postpartum anxiety, postpartum depression, and the identity shift that comes with motherhood), anxiety and trauma in teens and adults, and play-based therapy for children and adolescents. I work with clients across California via telehealth and am in-network with Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California, Cigna, and Carelon Behavioral Health.

I tend to attract clients who are high-functioning but quietly struggling — moms who look like they have it together, teens who internalize everything, and adults who've been "fine" for a long time and are finally ready not to be. I'm direct, curious, and warm. I will challenge you — gently — when it's useful.

ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Maternal mental health
Challenging, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Casey Rath

Casey Rath

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My goal is to provide a supportive, judgment-free space where you feel comfortable being yourself, gain practical tools, and make meaningful, lasting changes.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Eric Frank

Eric Frank

Therapist

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“I have a particular passion for working with active-duty military, veterans, first responders, and law enforcement...”
Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Men's issues, OCD
Empowering, Inquisitive, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Alba Hernandez

Alba Hernandez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My goal is to provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you feel heard while also helping you build practical skills that create lasting change.”
Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, PTSD, Stress management
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Kati Coggin

Kati Coggin

Therapist

Virtual • California


With more than 20 years of experience, I have helped adults, children, and families navigate life’s challenges and create meaningful change. I hold both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Social Work and believe there is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. I see therapy as a partnership, where you set the direction and I provide support, guidance, and encouragement along the way.

ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Family issues, Relationship issues, Stress management
Empowering, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Joshua Helman

Joshua Helman

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am mostly a humanistic provider first, meaning, I look at the individual and employ empathy and support from the perspective of their own outlooks and expectations.”
Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, End of life care, Grief or loss, LGBTQIA+
Humorous, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Jackeline Balarezo-Ruvalcaba

Jackeline Balarezo-Ruvalcaba

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My communication style is calm, friendly, and personable. I always provide an open space for clients to express themselves free of judgment or guilt.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Kimberly Heath

Kimberly Heath

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“My style is collaborative, holistic, and patient-centered. I aim to create a safe and supportive space where clients feel heard and empowered in their treatment journey.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Tisha Langley

Tisha Langley

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My style is warm, direct, practical, grounded and occasionally funny. Therapy with me is a real conversation, not a clinical checklist or a series of quiet nods that leave you wondering.”
Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Direct, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Jazmin Huerta

Jazmin Huerta

Therapist

Virtual • California


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.

ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, Maternal mental health
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Tara Ryan

Tara Ryan

Therapist

Virtual • California


I am a multi-state licensed therapist across California, Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, and Texas, specializing in helping adults navigate deep-seated mental health challenges alongside intense personal and professional transitions.

With vast clinical experience, I have served as a university career counselor, a specialist for healthcare professionals, and a dedicated clinician within both the US Navy Family Advocacy Program and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

My practice provides a highly supportive, practical space for college students, working adults at all career stages, healthcare workers, service members, Veterans, and the LGBTQIA+ community.

I blend empathetic listening with deep clinical insight to help you manage and heal from:

Core Mental Health & Neurodivergence:

Anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, and identity exploration.

Trauma & Life Impact:

Complex trauma, PTSD, grief, loss, and managing chronic medical conditions.

Daily Survival:

Severe career burnout, relationship problems, and navigating life's overlapping pressures.

ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Eating disorders
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Malliga Battar

Malliga Battar

Therapist

Virtual • California


I am a seasoned behavioral health and forensic psychology leader with over 20 years of experience in county, correctional, and community settings. I hold a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, two master’s degrees, and I am a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist as of 2019. My work centers on trauma‐informed care, substance use, sexual abuse victims and offenders, crisis intervention, and forensic experiences.

ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss
Empowering, Energetic, Open-minded
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Veronica Baron

Veronica Baron

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe that meaningful therapy begins with a strong therapeutic relationship built on connection and emotional safety.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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
Melissa Briseno-Vasquez

Melissa Briseno-Vasquez

Therapist

Virtual • California


You might be feeling overwhelmed, stuck in patterns that no longer serve you, or carrying the weight of past experiences. I’m Melissa, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and I’m here to support you. I offer a warm, steady space where you can feel safe, heard, and in control of your healing. Using EMDR and trauma-informed CBT, we’ll work together to help you feel more grounded, build self-compassion, and create healthier, more fulfilling relationships.

Anxiety, Family issues, Identity issues, LGBTQIA+, PTSD
Affirming, Direct, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
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
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
Marie Marzinke

Marie Marzinke

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is warm, collaborative and insight-oriented. I help clients understand the underlying patterns of their thoughts, feelings and behaviors while also providing practical tools to create meaningful change.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Lauren Compton

Lauren Compton

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I offer unconditional positive feedback, support, and guidance while helping my clients nurture their inner voice...”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Joanne Howe

Joanne Howe

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach to therapy is, above all, a partnership. I believe you are the expert on your own life...”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care, Family issues
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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
Alexiis Figueroa

Alexiis Figueroa

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe that a strong therapeutic relationship is the foundation for growth and healing, and I strive to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space for clients.”
Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss, Identity issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Carmen Santillan

Carmen Santillan

Therapist

Virtual • California


I am a board‐certified clinical therapist with a strong foundation in narrative therapy, helping clients explore and reshape the stories that influence their lives. In recent years, I’ve supported children ages 5–17 as well as adults navigating a wide range of emotional experiences, including anxiety, depression, grief, and gender affirmation.

Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Eating disorders
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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
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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
Watercolor illustration of a bookshelf
10 years
Top specialties offered
Watercolor illustration of specialties
  • 98%Anxiety
  • 92%Depression
  • 88%Stress management
  • 82%Relationship issues
  • 79%Trauma
Insurances accepted
Watercolor illustration of insurance cards
  • 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.