Find a therapist in Bakersfield, CA — covered by insurance


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 8,372 licensed providers accepting most major insurance plans.
Welcome to my profile! As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I believe that prioritizing mental health will set the foundation for the path ahead of you. It's not easy to start your journey but what matters is that first step, which to me, is understanding what your mind and emotions need so that you can begin to mold yourself into the person you deserve to become. I have been practicing for 4 years and enjoy supporting individuals, couples, and families in facing their challenges with confidence.
I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over a decade of experience working with adults navigating life transitions, anxiety, depression, and stress.
I specialize in helping people who feel stuck at a crossroads—whether due to career changes, relationship shifts, or unexpected challenges. Many of my clients come to therapy looking for clarity, better coping skills, and a way to move forward with confidence.
My approach is direct, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and strengths-based approaches. We focus on understanding patterns, building insight, and developing practical tools that create real change.
I primarily work with adults, with a focus on those navigating major life transitions and redefining what’s next.
Therapy doesn’t have to last forever. It’s a space to gain clarity, make intentional changes, and move forward at your own pace.
Hello! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California. I received my Masters in Social Work from the University of Southern California, and have extensive experience in the mental health field. I have a strong and diverse background working both with veterans at the VA, and entertainment industry clients at the Entertainment Community Fund. I have been in private practice for the past several years. I enjoy helping adults at different stages to navigate life transitions and challenges. If you are a college student entering adulthood needing support, a young adult in your 20s or 30s trying to forge your path, or an older adult adjusting to retirement, I can offer skills, insight and a helping hand to empower your personal growth. I can work with you on issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship problems and chronic health conditions, and also have specialized training to help you process trauma and address PTSD, often stemming from childhood and family experiences.
Hello, I’m a California Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have worked with teens and adults to overcome their life challenges and develop the coping skills necessary to become the best version of themselves. I have worked in multiple settings, including as a clinician at a university, counseling parolees, and most recently as part of a group practice.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 28 years of experience in the mental health field. I earned my Master of Social Work (MSW) from the Hunter School of Social Work and have lived and practiced in California for over three decades. My professional background includes extensive work with older adults, individuals experiencing homelessness, and adults living with severe and persistent mental illness. I am known for my patient, compassionate, and attentive approach, and I strive to be fully engaged and present with every client I serve. My goal is to provide thoughtful, individualized support that helps clients feel understood and empowered in their therapeutic journey.
Just joined Headway. I'm excited to be here. I love my work with clients. My goal is to uplift my clients toward being their best confident purposeful selves.
Specialties: Self-Esteem, Boundaries, Awareness, Positivity, Spiritual Growth, Work & Life Challenges
With your interest, this is what we are able to do together:
"Sierra Forest is a talented and empathic therapist who has the ability to help people change and transform their lives."
Bob Shelby, LMFT, John F Kennedy University
You are welcome here. Let’s find your path to inner peace and personal growth. I offer a safe space where you can explore your feelings and thoughts, overcome challenges, and develop your full potential. Whether you're feeling anxiety or going through any of life transitions, I'm here to support you on your journey. Take your first step towards a happier, healthier you.
Welcome! My name is Megan and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have experience working with clients as young as 4 years old and up. I frequently work with clients who experience depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, ADHD, and relationship problems.
Hi there, I'm Raquel! I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and I want to celebrate you for taking the courageous step toward prioritizing your health and well-being. For over 25 years, I have had the honor of walking alongside individuals, couples, and families on their journeys of healing, recovery, and restoration. It is a privilege to support those navigating life’s challenges, and together, create a personalized roadmap to nurture the mind while strengthening resilience to weather life’s storms with greater confidence, ease, and clarity, so you can embrace life with renewed strength and purpose.
About our therapists serving Bakersfield, CA



- 98%Anxiety
- 92%Depression
- 88%Stress management
- 82%Relationship issues
- 79%Trauma

- 98%Aetna
- 80%Carelon Behavioral Health
- 76%Cigna
- 75%Anthem Blue Cross California
- 66%Blue Shield of California

- 97%English
- 17%Spanish
- 2%Farsi
- 1%Mandarin
- 1%Hindi

- 89%Online only
- 11%In-person or online

- 80%Woman
- 20%Man
- 1%Non-binary

- 48%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
- 31%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- 7%Clinical Psychologist
- 7%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
- 6%Nurse Practitioner

- 100%Individual therapy
- 37%Family therapy
- 23%Couples therapy
- 15%Child or adolescent therapy
Frequently asked questions


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 an Anxiety Therapist in Bakersfield, CA
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.
Use left and right arrow keys to switch tabs. Press Shift+Tab to return to the tab list from links in the selected tab.







































