Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Bakersfield, CA covered by United Healthcare

Are you struggling to have harmony in your relationships? Does having ease in your life seem like a far-fetched dream? Are you feeling overwhelmed with the state of the world and all you have to do? Welcome, you're in the right place! I have been in your shoes and the first (or twenty) step is always the hardest. As someone who has learned to balance multiple cultures, I know what it can feel like to straddle various parts of your identity. I have first hand experienced feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, angry, and at a complete loss for how to navigate the intensity of my emotions. This has informed my practice and work with clients where I strongly believe that our emotions guide us to understanding ourselves in a new light. Asking for help can be difficult, especially in a culture that values productivity over personality.

Provides services from holistic and spiritual lens in addition to a cognitive behavioral approach.

As a therapist my goal is to break the stigma that comes with therapy. I strive to create a collaborative, nurturing therapeutic relationship that can help transform one's pain or uncertainties into one of healing. Life can be difficult and sometimes confusing therefore I want to create a corner where one can feel safe, understood, and free of judgement.

Maybe what aches most is not the change itself, but the fear that someone you love is slipping out of reach — even if that someone is you. Everything feels different, yet somehow the same. One minute you are putting on pajamas, and the next you are spiraling because it is the first moment of quiet you have had all day. There is this gut feeling that your heart can no longer be bound with band-aids, but soul-searching is a lot before the alarm goes off tomorrow. You do not have to make sense of it all alone at midnight — that is what I am here for.

Hi, I’m Lorraine Nxumalo, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Thank you for trusting me with your mental health care. My priority is to offer compassionate, evidence-based support tailored to your needs. I strive to create a positive, trusting environment where you feel safe to share openly about your experiences and challenges. Together, we’ll work honestly and transparently to develop a treatment plan that prioritizes your well-being and safety.

I am pleased to meet you on your journey of self care and growth! If you have ever felt stuck or overwhelmed, you are not alone. I work with adults navigating life transitions, stress, anxiety, depression, relationships, trauma, grief/loss, family conflict, mood regulation, coaching, Christian counseling, cultural and systemic issues to name a few. Some areas I've worked in are healthcare, schools, adoptions, hospice etc. I will create a safe, supportive space as we do the work to obtain the type of life you want and reach your goals.

I'm the kind of therapist who makes you feel safe the moment you walk into the room. I listen fully, without judgment, and with the attention that makes you feel uderstood. Humor is one of my superpower and I used to make you feel more comfortable. I am direct I won’t sugarcoat what needs to be said. I love to be the kind of therapist who makes healing feel both profound and human.

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.

I believe in going beyond the belief that all we can do is manage trauma and symptoms forever. I believe our mind, body, and spirit already has the power to overcome it, we just have to learn how to tap into it and put it to use

Hi there! I'm Lory Khoudikian. I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with over 5 years of experience helping individuals, children, and families transform their lives. I earned my Bachelor's degree at University of California, Santa Barbara, with a minor in Applied Psychology. And then went on to receive my Master's degree in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University.

I have a passion for helping individuals heal from traumatic pain as well as nurture healing in children/families.