

Bakersfield's LGBTQIA+ community deserves mental health support from providers who truly get it. Headway offers warm, solution-oriented therapists experienced in supporting gender and sexual identity concerns. With 2,467 providers available and sessions starting as low as $0 with insurance, quality care is within reach.
IMPORTANT: All clients must complete our intake form and sign our policies before their appointment. Please complete these documents at https://intakeq.com/new/6oakjo/lusjbb or contact us at 602-800-4699 (call or text). Please also email or text us a copy of your photo ID/driver's license at [email protected]
For the most current schedule and openings, please book directly on our website at https://mentalhealthpractitioners.com/book-appointment/ or call us at 415-968-6515.
As a PMHNP-BC who specializes in autism, complex cases, OCD, personality disorders, PTSD/trauma, schizophrenia/psychosis disorders, and substance use, I've built my practice around understanding that every person's mental health journey is unique—especially when multiple conditions interact or when traditional approaches haven't worked.
I also provide comprehensive treatment for depression, anxiety, panic disorders, mood disorders, and bipolar disorder, always with an understanding that these conditions often overlap and influence each other in complex ways. What I want you to know is this: your experiences are valid, your struggles make sense in the context of your life, and there's no such thing as being "too much" for treatment.
Whether you're masking autistic traits, battling compulsive behaviors, managing intense emotions, processing trauma, questioning reality, or struggling with substances, I meet you exactly where you are without trying to force you into a predetermined mold. My approach combines evidence-based treatments with deep respect for your individual needs and experiences.
You deserve a provider who doesn't see complexity as a problem to solve, but as a roadmap to understanding how to best support your unique path to wellness.
IMPORTANT: All clients must complete our intake form and sign our policies before their appointment. Please complete these documents at https://intakeq.com/new/6oakjo/lusjbb or contact us at 415-968-6515 (call or text).
I'm accepting new patients in Arizona and California!
As a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I've dedicated my career to helping individuals find clarity and stability through compassionate, evidence-based medication management. My journey in mental health began with my foundational education at Mount Saint Joseph University, followed by advanced psychiatric training at Purdue Global, where I developed specialized expertise in psychopharmacology—the science of how psychiatric medications work in the brain and body.
I understand that starting or adjusting psychiatric medication can feel overwhelming. Many of my patients come to me after struggling with multiple providers, ineffective treatments, or confusing explanations about their care. I've made it my mission to change that experience. When we work together, you'll never wonder why I'm recommending a particular medication or what to expect from your treatment plan.
My clinical focus includes complex conditions that benefit from careful, individualized medication strategies: ADHD, OCD, personality disorders, PTSD and trauma-related conditions, depression, anxiety disorders, panic disorder, mood disorders, and bipolar disorder. I particularly enjoy working with patients who have treatment-resistant symptoms or multiple diagnoses—situations that require creative problem-solving and a deeper understanding of how medications interact within your unique system.
What sets my approach apart is the time I invest in truly understanding you. I'm here to provide clear guidance and consistent support throughout your journey toward better mental health.
As your Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I want you to know that I am here for you every step of the way. You can trust that I am fully committed to your well-being and dedicated to providing you with the highest quality of care.
Something positive, warm, and uplifting about me as your PMHNP is that I genuinely believe in your strength and resilience. I see your potential for growth and healing, even during the toughest of times. Together, we'll navigate through the challenges.
I specialize in supporting people who feel overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, stress, ADHD, trauma, life transitions and much more. I have extensive experience working with high acuity teens, and I also work with adults of all ages who are navigating imbalance, self-acceptance uncertainty, or emotional overload. I support parents who need guidance in understanding their child’s needs or simply a calm place to process their own feelings. No matter your age or background, if you are struggling to find balance and peace in life, I am here to help.
My approach begins with the belief that life poses great challenges for all of us. Through these challenges, we develop adaptive patterns that may help us survive but can also bring disharmony. I aim to help you bring awareness to these patterns, loosen their grip, and reshape them so you can find greater balance and harmony in your relationship with yourself, others, and the world.
My name is Dr. Terrance Jackson, and I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I am so glad you're considering working with me to explore your mental health and well-being
I specialize in anxiety, depression, bipolar, ADHD, CBT therapy, and trauma-informed care. I’m committed to creating a non-judgmental, supportive, and safe space to work together to help you overcome challenges and achieve your personal goals.
Hello there. Thanks for checking out my profile.
I don't know what brings you to this tiny nook of the internet, on this particular day, but I am grateful and very curious to hear.
As a therapist, I've worked with adolescents and adults for over a decade; sharing in their challenges, connecting in laughter and kindness.
It would be my joy to learn your story and meet you with warmth, humor, and sincerity.
Meet Dr. Cherie Azodi Psy.d.LMFT
I am a dedicated Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and doctoral Clinical Psychologist, with over 11 years of experience working with complex mental health cases. I specialize in providing individual, couples, and family therapy, focusing on issues like eating disorders, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, divorce and relationship problems, and maternal mental health.
My approach integrates culturally responsive and trauma-informed care, ensuring that each patient receives personalized support. I believe in creating a strong therapeutic alliance to foster healing and resilience.
I am committed to optimizing patient outcomes and improving mental health through evidence-based strategies. If you're looking for compassionate support, feel free to reach out at 949-973-6789
I have over 30 years of clinical, counseling and administrative experience working with individuals and couples, addressing the unique issues related to their unique life experiences. I have extensive professional and personal experience with military families and veterans. I understand first-hand the struggles of grief and medical conditions that impact all aspects of life. I have supported chronically and terminally ill patients, individuals living with cancer or chronic medical diagnoses, as well as parents experiencing infertility, peripartum, and postpartum depression. Whether dealing with life transitions, parenting, depression, anxiety, or divorce, or simply seeking to express yourself and feel more confident, I am here to walk with you, provide insights, and support you toward lasting change.


Headway makes it easier to connect with affirming therapists who understand your identity — from finding the right therapist, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
Finding LGBTQIA+ therapists in Bakersfield starts with looking for identity-affirming care. A therapist’s training, specialties, and experience should match what you want support with, such as gender identity, sexual identity, relationship concerns, anxiety, depression, or family stress. Look for therapists who mention affirmative therapy, WPATH training, gender-diverse experience, or LGBTQIA+-affirming care in their profiles. The right fit goes beyond clinical skill — it also includes feeling respected in how your identity and goals are understood.
In a mid-sized city like Bakersfield, local LGBTQIA+-affirming therapists may be easier to compare when you include both in-person and virtual appointments in your search. Virtual care can expand your options if nearby office availability is limited or if your schedule works better outside a fixed commute. As you compare therapists, review whether they are accepting new patients, offer appointment times that fit your calendar, and provide a free phone consultation. Reading bios closely can help you see who explicitly works with LGBTQIA+ populations and how they describe their therapy style.
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. Headway helps you search for therapists who match your needs, review estimated out-of-pocket costs before booking, and choose between virtual and in-person care. You can browse therapist profiles, compare fit, and book directly when you’re ready.
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