Leroy Rickard

Hi, I’m Leroy Rickard, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist dedicated to helping adolescents, adults, couples, and families navigate life's challenges while also facilitating Men and Women of Valor, a face-to-face support group for veterans in Bakersfield. I believe healing happens through compassion, connection, and a safe, respectful, judgment-free environment. Whether working individually or in a group setting, I help clients address anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, emotional struggles, and life transitions. For veterans, I also provide a supportive community focused on military experiences, reacclimating to civilian life, and building resilience alongside others who understand the journey. My goal is to help every client develop practical coping skills, strengthen relationships, and move forward with greater confidence, purpose, and hope.

My approach to therapy is supportive, collaborative, and tailored to each individual's unique needs. I primarily utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) along with other evidence-based approaches to help clients better understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors while developing practical tools for lasting change. I strive to create a safe, respectful, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to work through challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, stress, and life transitions.

In addition to individual therapy, I facilitate Men and Women of Valor, a face-to-face support group for veterans in Bakersfield. The group offers a supportive community where veterans can connect with others who understand military service, process life's challenges, strengthen resilience, and navigate the transition back to civilian life with confidence, purpose, and mutual support.

Clients can expect their first session to be welcoming, supportive, and free of judgment. My goal is to create a comfortable environment where you can share at your own pace while we begin building trust and identifying what brings you to therapy. Together, we'll discuss your current concerns, explore your strengths, and begin developing goals that fit your needs and the life you want to create.

For veterans interested in Men and Women of Valor, your first group meeting offers the opportunity to connect with fellow veterans in a respectful and supportive setting. You'll learn about the group's purpose and expectations while sharing as much—or as little—as you feel comfortable. Whether you're seeking support for stress, relationships, emotional wellness, or the transition back to civilian life, you'll find a community of people who understand the unique challenges of military service.