Find a psychiatrist in Bakersfield, CA — covered by insurance

I'm Candice Jeffers, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with an unusual background—I spent nearly a decade in cardiovascular critical care before dedicating myself to mental health. That ICU experience taught me something crucial: psychiatric crises deserve the same urgency, expertise, and unwavering support as any cardiac emergency.

For nine years at Ascension Seton Medical Center's Cardiovascular ICU, I supervised teams through impossible situations. I learned to stay steady when everything felt uncertain, to read the subtle signs others might miss, and to offer hope when families needed it most. Those years shaped how I practice psychiatry today—with precision, presence, and profound respect for what you're facing.

I completed my Master of Science in Nursing at University of South Alabama in 2024, immersing myself in over 600 clinical hours spanning outpatient clinics, inpatient psychiatry, and crisis intervention. My pediatric nursing background adds another layer—I understand how early experiences shape us and how differently mental health shows up across ages.

My practice centers on thorough psychiatric evaluations, personalized medication management, and crisis intervention for all ages. I specialize in suicide risk assessment, trauma-informed approaches, and evidence-based treatments that actually fit into real lives. I'm MOUD-trained and licensed for telehealth in Texas, California, Arizona, and Florida.

Here's what matters most: I approach mental health as someone who's held space for both miracles and heartbreak. I know seeking help requires tremendous courage. I know healing rarely follows a straight line. And I know you need a provider who won't flinch, no matter what you share. My work blends critical care decisiveness with deep compassion—because you deserve both.

Hello! I'm Michael Nguyen, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to helping individuals navigate their mental health journey with compassion and evidence-based care.

I earned my Master of Science in Nursing from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), specializing in psychiatric mental health. My foundation in psychology from UC San Diego, combined with my nursing training, allows me to approach mental health from both a scientific and deeply humanistic perspective.

Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of working with diverse populations across the San Francisco Bay Area. I specialize in treating individuals with treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, PTSD, and ADHD. I have extensive experience providing care to those with complex mental illness and substance use disorders, having worked in community mental health settings where I supported some of our most vulnerable populations.

My expertise includes traditional medication management and psychotherapy, as well as innovative treatments like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and esketamine (Spravato) for treatment-resistant depression. I'm committed to cultural humility and destigmatizing mental health challenges, ensuring every client feels respected and understood.

Before becoming a nurse practitioner, I worked as a medical scribe and performance improvement coordinator, which taught me the importance of clear communication and patient-centered care. I believe in meeting people where they are and collaborating with them to find the path forward that works best for their unique circumstances. I've also worked extensively with LGBTQ+ youth and individuals from marginalized communities, and I understand the unique challenges that systemic barriers can create in accessing quality mental health care. I stay current through continuing education to provide the highest quality care.

Hello, I'm Daisy, a Board Certified, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse (PMHNP-BC). I have over 10 years experience in Mental Health.

I'm Lindsay Fisher, a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and I want you to know that I see mental health care as deeply personal work. The trust you place in me is something I hold sacred.

My journey to this field has been unconventional, and I believe that's my strength. I spent nearly a decade in financial services and pharmaceutical sales before entering healthcare. During those years, I witnessed something that changed me: talented, wonderful people struggling silently with anxiety and depression while trying to manage their careers, relationships, and futures. I saw how mental health challenges ripple through every aspect of life. That's when I realized I didn't want to observe these struggles from the sidelines anymore. I wanted to be part of the healing.

I earned my Master of Science in Nursing from Mount Saint Joseph University and my Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certificate from Purdue Global University. But my most transformative education came from working as a Registered Nurse in an acute geropsychiatric unit at Desert Springs Hospital. There, I cared for elderly patients experiencing Alzheimer's, dementia, depression, bipolar disorder, and acute psychiatric crises during their most vulnerable moments. That experience taught me the profound importance of patience, dignity, and individualized care—lessons I carry into every appointment today.

I completed clinical rotations at four respected psychiatric practices in Las Vegas, and each site offered me a position upon graduation. Now licensed in Arizona, I specialize in medication management for adults navigating depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and other mental health conditions.

I blend clinical expertise with authentic empathy. I understand that starting or changing medication can feel overwhelming, and I'm here to guide you with transparency and unwavering support. You deserve care that honors your whole story.

I am Gina Feletar, a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 27 years of nursing experience, and a dedicated companion on your journey toward holistic well-being.

Healing begins when we see the whole person, not just the symptoms. My practice blends evidence-based care with a holistic perspective, creating space for healing that also honors your uniqueness. Beyond managing mental health conditions, my mission is to help you reclaim your strength, and rediscover hope rooted in wellness and purpose.

Hello! I'm Gurleen Hans, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to supporting individuals on their mental health journey. I earned my Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University and have five years of nursing experience working with diverse populations and cultures. My passion for mental health care stems from a genuine love of caring for others and witnessing the transformative power of compassionate, evidence-based treatment.

I specialize in medication management for adults and adolescents experiencing a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and co-occurring substance use disorders. My experience spans both partial hospitalization programs and community-based outpatient settings, allowing me to understand the full spectrum of mental health needs—from acute crisis stabilization to ongoing maintenance care.

I have provided psychiatric services in various behavioral health settings, including work with interdisciplinary teams to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered care. I have particular expertise in serving individuals with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI), and I'm committed to meeting clients where they are in their recovery journey.

My approach integrates holistic wellness principles with pharmacological interventions, recognizing that effective treatment addresses the whole person. I stay current with emerging research through ongoing professional development, ensuring you receive evidence-based care.

I prioritize open communication and actively involve you in treatment decisions. Whether you're seeking support for the first time or looking for medication optimization, I bring clinical expertise combined with cultural sensitivity and an understanding that each person's mental health story is unique. I'm honored to support you on your path toward wellness, and lasting hope.

As a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over a decade of clinical experience, I bring something distinctive to mental health care: a research-informed approach grounded in real-world compassion. My background as a Sub-Investigator in psychiatric trials keeps me current with the latest treatment innovations, while my Master's from Western University of Health Sciences and ongoing Doctoral studies ensure I'm always expanding my expertise.

I specialize in the conditions that require specialized understanding: ADHD, autism, complex patients, OCD, personality disorders, PTSD/trauma, schizophrenia/psychosis disorders, and substance use disorders, alongside comprehensive treatment for depression, anxiety, panic, mood disorders, and bipolar disorder. What excites me about this work is that every client teaches me something new about resilience and recovery.

My clinical experience spans diverse settings, from outpatient care to cutting-edge research, giving me a unique perspective on evidence-based treatment. I combine thorough psychiatric evaluations using DSM-5 criteria with personalized medication management, always staying current with the latest advances in psychiatric care.

What I want you to know is this: your mental health journey matters to me both professionally and personally. I'm committed to providing care that's not just clinically excellent, but deeply respectful of your individual experience and goals.