

Headway connects Bakersfield individuals with addiction specialists trained in 12-step facilitation, SMART Recovery, and community reinforcement approaches. Access virtual or in-person therapy with providers experienced in managing cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and building sustainable sobriety.
Melinda Fay is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a specialty in Art Therapy. I received my MA in Psychology from Phillips Graduate Institute in 2002 and I have been licensed since 2008.
Hi, I'm Mitch — a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Vanderbilt University. San Diego has been home since 2020, when the Navy first brought me here.
My background includes pediatrics at Children’s Hospital in St. Paul, inpatient psychiatry in Nashville and San Diego, crisis stabilization, and outpatient mental health care. I’ve worked with veterans, college students, LGBTQ+ individuals, people experiencing homelessness, and patients navigating anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, trauma, substance use, and severe mental illness.
I primarily provide psychiatric evaluation and medication management while integrating supportive therapy, psychoeducation, and practical coping strategies into visits. My approach is collaborative, direct, and grounded in helping people improve day-to-day functioning and quality of life.
I look forward to getting to know you.
Welcome and thank you for taking the time to learn more about me. As a licensed therapist practicing in both California and New York, I believe deeply in the inherent resilience and transformative potential within every individual. I earned my Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Teachers College, Columbia University. Throughout my clinical practice, I have supported clients across all life stages in navigating complex emotional challenges, including trauma, anxiety, and depression, while empowering them to cultivate healthy, fulfilling interpersonal relationships.
I have a strong track record of working with parents, building relationships and connecting with youth who are reluctant or nervous about therapy. I have a doctorate in Clinical Psychology and Masters in Education and Childhood Development. I've worked as a therapist in Jr. High and High School settings and currently work in private clinic to heal family relationships. I give you the tools to be kinder to yourself and step back into your life refreshed and empowered.


Headway makes it easier to find support for overcoming addiction — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
Finding the right addiction therapist in Bakersfield starts with identifying what kind of support you need. Addiction and substance use disorders often overlap with other mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or PTSD — sometimes called dual diagnosis. A licensed provider such as an LCSW, LMFT, or psychologist with experience in addiction can help you address these concerns together. Some providers focus on specific approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or motivational interviewing, so reading their bio can help you decide if their style matches what you're looking for.
Bakersfield and the broader Kern County area have a range of licensed providers who offer both virtual and in-person sessions for addiction counseling. When evaluating your options, consider what matters most — whether that's a provider's specialty, their availability, or whether they offer virtual sessions that fit your schedule. A free phone consultation can also help you determine if a provider is the right match before you commit to ongoing care.
Therapy for addiction in Bakersfield can be expensive without insurance, but affordable options exist when you use in-network coverage. On Headway, you can enter your insurance details to see estimated session costs before booking, and many patients pay as low as $0 per visit. Nationally, Headway partners with over 100 insurance plans, making it easier to find an addiction therapist who fits both your clinical needs and your budget.
Use left and right arrow keys to switch tabs. Press Shift+Tab to return to the tab list from links in the selected tab.