Connect with Career Counseling therapists in Bakersfield, CA

Quality care comes first at Rula

We regularly review providers to ensure quality

50+ therapists
A headshot image of Sheree Moore

Sheree Moore

LCSW
10+ years

Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), like Sheree Moore, are social workers trained to diagnose and treat mental health issues and substance misuse with psychotherapy and counseling.

All Rula providers are licensed and hold a master’s or doctorate degree required for practice.

Oakland, CA
Specialties
Career Counseling
Addiction
Alcohol Use
Anxiety
Substance Use
Trauma and PTSD
Style
Responsive
Warm
Collaborative

I am passionate about helping you improve your overall well-being. I specialize in working with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, identity issues, and PTSD.

Available virtually

A headshot image of Carly Makie-Bennett

Carly Makie-Bennett

Recognized for high quality patient care

LCSW
12+ years

Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), like Carly Makie-Bennett, are social workers trained to diagnose and treat mental health issues and substance misuse with psychotherapy and counseling.

Carly has a Master of Social Work (MSW) from University of Southern California.

Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Specialties
Career Counseling
Anger Management
First Responders
Life Transitions
Self Esteem
Stress
Style
Outcome-oriented
Approachable
Empowering

I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion.

Available virtually

A headshot image of Roselle Smith

Roselle Smith

LMFT
5+ years

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs), like Roselle Smith, are mental health professionals trained in family systems who can diagnose and treat mental health issues and substance misuse with psychotherapy and counseling.

All Rula providers are licensed and hold a master’s or doctorate degree required for practice.

California
Specialties
Career Counseling
Depression
Grief
Life Transitions
Suicidal Ideation
Trauma and PTSD
Style
Practical
Approachable
Supportive

I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist dedicated to providing compassionate, client-centered care in a safe and supportive environment. My approach focuses on helping individuals navigate life’s challenges, build resilience, and develop practical strategies to improve their mental health.

Available virtually

A headshot image of Laura Pennelle

Laura Pennelle

Recognized for high quality patient care

LCSW
13+ years

Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), like Laura Pennelle, are social workers trained to diagnose and treat mental health issues and substance misuse with psychotherapy and counseling.

Laura has a Master of Social Work (MSW) Title IVe and Administrative Social Work from San Diego State University.

San Diego, CA
Specialties
Career Counseling
Addiction
Anxiety
Depression
Relationship Issues
Trauma and PTSD
Style
Insightful
Candid
Empowering

I focus on treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, stress, self-esteem, addictions, grief, and life changes. I also help people navigate relationship conflict, domestic violence, codependency, and co-parenting challenges. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion.

Available virtually

A headshot image of James Armour

James Armour

LCSW
3+ years

Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), like James Armour, are social workers trained to diagnose and treat mental health issues and substance misuse with psychotherapy and counseling.

James has a Master of Social Work (MSW) from California Baptist College.

California
Specialties
Career Counseling
Anxiety
Depression
Panic Attacks
Substance Use
Trauma and PTSD
Style
Practical
Approachable
Empowering

I am a licensed clinical social worker with 3 years of experience providing psychotherapy to all ages. My expertise is working with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. I ensure the services I provide are not only practical but fun and aligned with your goals.

Available virtually

A headshot image of Jimmie Simpson

Jimmie Simpson

LMFT
9+ years

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs), like Jimmie Simpson, are mental health professionals trained in family systems who can diagnose and treat mental health issues and substance misuse with psychotherapy and counseling.

Jimmie has a Master in Counseling from University of Phoenix.

Los Angeles, CA
Specialties
Career Counseling
Addiction
Anger Management
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
Style
Insightful
Approachable
Collaborative

Welcome! I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 10+ years of experience helping individuals, couples, and families navigate trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, and life transitions. I provide a warm, supportive, trauma-informed space where we'll work together to build resilience, healing, and lasting positive change.

Available virtually

A headshot image of William Larkin

William Larkin

LCSW
7+ years

Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), like William Larkin, are social workers trained to diagnose and treat mental health issues and substance misuse with psychotherapy and counseling.

All Rula providers are licensed and hold a master’s or doctorate degree required for practice.

California
Specialties
Career Counseling
Anxiety
Divorce
Life Transitions
Panic Attacks
Relationship Issues
Style
Exploratory
Approachable
Supportive

I am a licensed psychotherapist that believes therapy should feel like a genuine conversation, not an interview. My goal is to create a space where you can be honest, understood, and challenged in ways that help you move forward. Together, we'll help you build a life that feels more meaningful and manageable.

Available virtually

A headshot image of Zephon Lister

Zephon Lister

LMFT
17+ years

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs), like Zephon Lister, are mental health professionals trained in family systems who can diagnose and treat mental health issues and substance misuse with psychotherapy and counseling.

All Rula providers are licensed and hold a master’s or doctorate degree required for practice.

California
Specialties
Career Counseling
Chronic Illness
Relationship Issues
Spirituality
Stress
Trauma and PTSD
Style
Responsive
Approachable
Collaborative

Life can feel overwhelming when anxiety, stress, relationship challenges, or life transitions leave you feeling stuck or disconnected. I offer a supportive, nonjudgmental space to explore what you’re experiencing, recognize patterns, and create meaningful change that helps you feel more empowered to shape the life and relationships you want.

Available virtually

A headshot image of Iulia Bogdan

Iulia Bogdan

Recognized for high quality patient care

LMFT
9+ years

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs), like Iulia Bogdan, are mental health professionals trained in family systems who can diagnose and treat mental health issues and substance misuse with psychotherapy and counseling.

Iulia has a Master in Counseling (MC) from National University.

California
Specialties
Career Counseling
Anxiety
Codependency
Depression
Self Esteem
Women's Issues
Style
Directive
Approachable
Empowering

I am a warm and compassionate therapist who believes that growth happens when support if balanced with honesty and accountability. My style is kind ,direct, and collaborative. My goal is to create a space where my clients feel safe, understood, and empowered to make meaningful changes.

Available virtually

A headshot image of Leslie Dorticos

Leslie Dorticos

Many new patients continue care with this provider

LMFT
1+ years

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs), like Leslie Dorticos, are mental health professionals trained in family systems who can diagnose and treat mental health issues and substance misuse with psychotherapy and counseling.

Leslie has a Master of Clinical Health Services from Turo University Worldwide.

California
Specialties
Career Counseling
Anxiety
Depression
LGBTQIA+
Self Esteem
Trauma and PTSD
Style
Responsive
Warm
Collaborative

When circumstances or life, in general, can feel overwhelming, either from past history or current situations, getting through the day can be a struggle. I provide a safe, nonjudgmental space where your story matters.

Available virtually

A headshot image of Desiree Atwater

Desiree Atwater

LMFT
9+ years

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs), like Desiree Atwater, are mental health professionals trained in family systems who can diagnose and treat mental health issues and substance misuse with psychotherapy and counseling.

Desiree has a Masters in Psychology from MFT and PCC - Brandman University.

California
Specialties
Career Counseling
Anxiety
Depression
Life Transitions
Style
Insightful
Spiritual
Affirming

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist I have built my career and experience on working to support children, teens, couples and families. I have shifted gears to working primarily with adults in a one to one setting to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and traumas while supporting life transitions.

Available virtually

A headshot image of Mayra Alcantar

Mayra Alcantar

LCSW
6+ years

Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), like Mayra Alcantar, are social workers trained to diagnose and treat mental health issues and substance misuse with psychotherapy and counseling.

Mayra has a Master of Social Work (MSW) from University of Southern California.

California
Specialties
Career Counseling
Addiction
Anxiety
Depression
Grief
Parenting
Style
Directive
Approachable
Collaborative

I'm an LCSW who believes that every person deserves to feel heard, understood, and empowered. My approach is collaborative, strengths-based, and tailored to your unique needs, whether you're working through anxiety, trauma, grief, depression, parenting, or major life transitions.

Available virtually

A headshot image of Stacey Robbins-Podvin

Stacey Robbins-Podvin

Recognized for high quality patient care

LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), like Stacey Robbins-Podvin, are social workers trained to diagnose and treat mental health issues and substance misuse with psychotherapy and counseling.

Stacey has a Master of Social Work (MSW) from California State University, Stanislaus.

California
Specialties
Career Counseling
Addiction
Autism or Asperger's Syndrome
Depression
Mood Disorders
Women's Issues
Style
Insightful
Candid
Empowering

Counseling is a great step to assist in identifying goals and beginning forward progress. Life brings challenges and obstacles, and sometimes we are so close to a problem that we can't see the full picture. I am here to help.

Available virtually

A headshot image of Christal-Joi Whitaker

Christal-Joi Whitaker

Recognized for high quality patient care

LMFT
14+ years

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs), like Christal-Joi Whitaker, are mental health professionals trained in family systems who can diagnose and treat mental health issues and substance misuse with psychotherapy and counseling.

Christal-Joi has a Master of Arts (MA) with Specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University.

Rolling Hills, CA
Specialties
Career Counseling
Addiction
Anxiety
Depression
Life Transitions
Substance Use
Style
Exploratory
Candid
Curious

I help adults and children of all cultures and beliefs discover their authentic selves and live stable, healthy lives filled with love and rewarding relationships. My goal is to support you in walking in harmony with your true nature. I can incorporate a biblical perspective for clients who share a love for Jesus Christ.

Available virtually

A headshot image of Samuel Semanda

Samuel Semanda

LMFT
4+ years

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs), like Samuel Semanda, are mental health professionals trained in family systems who can diagnose and treat mental health issues and substance misuse with psychotherapy and counseling.

All Rula providers are licensed and hold a master’s or doctorate degree required for practice.

California
Specialties
Career Counseling
Anger Management
Anxiety
Depression
Relationship Issues
Trauma and PTSD
Style
Insightful
Attuned
Collaborative

I'm an LMFT, and I warmly welcome you as you begin this work together. In an intersubjective approach, I focus on how your experiences and our therapeutic relationship unfold in the room, creating safety, meaning, and momentum.

Available virtually

A headshot image of Jamie Sheets

Jamie Sheets

LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), like Jamie Sheets, are social workers trained to diagnose and treat mental health issues and substance misuse with psychotherapy and counseling.

Jamie has a Master of Social Work (MSW) in Addiction from Florida Atlantic University.

California
Specialties
Career Counseling
ADHD
Anxiety
Autism or Asperger's Syndrome
Bipolar Disorder
Schizophrenia
Style
Exploratory
Gentle
Supportive

I am passionate about creating a therapeutic connection with my clients, no matter the background. I have spent 10 years working in various treatment settings and love to listen intently. I have 2 cats and have found healing through animals and nature especially. I am very open minded and want you to feel supported with your unique life journey.

Available virtually

A headshot image of Ashley Pawling

Ashley Pawling

Recognized for high quality patient care

LCSW
4+ years

Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), like Ashley Pawling, are social workers trained to diagnose and treat mental health issues and substance misuse with psychotherapy and counseling.

Ashley has a Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) Child Welfare from California State University, Fullerton.

California
Specialties
Career Counseling
Anxiety
Child Abuse or Neglect
Depression
Stress
Trauma and PTSD
Style
Practical
Approachable
Supportive

I help children discover that they are stronger, braver, and more capable than they think. I create a safe and supportive space where kids can openly explore their feelings, build confidence, and learn healthy ways to handle life’s ups and downs. My goal is for every child to feel heard, empowered, and ready to take on the world one step at a time.

Available virtually

A headshot image of Bruce Strumpf

Bruce Strumpf

Recognized for high quality patient care

LMFT
2+ years

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs), like Bruce Strumpf, are mental health professionals trained in family systems who can diagnose and treat mental health issues and substance misuse with psychotherapy and counseling.

Bruce has a Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute and a Doctor of Philosophy (PHD) in Analytical and Archetypal Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute.

West Hollywood, CA
Specialties
Career Counseling
Anxiety
Depression
LGBTQIA+
Life Transitions
Men's Issues
Style
Insightful
Approachable
Collaborative

Q: How many therapists does it take to change a lightbulb? A: Only one, but the lightbulb has to really want to change. Something brought you here. Something inside you is saying that you want some professional help. I take a curious, open-ended approach to help you figure out what kind of help that is. Let's do an exploratory call!

Available virtually

A headshot image of Arifa Ashraf

Arifa Ashraf

LCSW
3+ years

Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), like Arifa Ashraf, are social workers trained to diagnose and treat mental health issues and substance misuse with psychotherapy and counseling.

Arifa has a Master of Social Work (MSW) from California State University, San Bernardino.

California
Specialties
Career Counseling
Anxiety
Depression
Mood Disorders
Panic Attacks
Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum
Style
Exploratory
Candid
Collaborative

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am passionate about de-stigmatizing Mental Health and providing individuals with the proper therapeutic interventions they deserve! I have a wide range of experience with children, adults, and seniors, and have worked with individuals and families. I am Competent in evidence-based therapies.

Available virtually

A headshot image of Roberto Perez

Roberto Perez

LMFT

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs), like Roberto Perez, are mental health professionals trained in family systems who can diagnose and treat mental health issues and substance misuse with psychotherapy and counseling.

Roberto has a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pacific Oaks College.

California
Specialties
Career Counseling
Anxiety
Depression
Divorce
Life Transitions
Trauma and PTSD
Style
Insightful
Attuned
Affirming

I'm a bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 15 years of experience and specialized training in Latino Family Studies. I work with adults and couples, providing a supportive and collaborative space to navigate life challenges, strengthen relationships, and create meaningful change.

Available virtually

A headshot image of Daryl Lytle

Daryl Lytle

Recognized for high quality patient care

LPCC
18+ years

Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCCs), like Daryl Lytle, are mental health professionals trained to diagnose and treat mental health issues and substance misuse with psychotherapy and counseling.

Daryl has a Master's in Counseling (MC) from University of Phoenix.

California
Specialties
Career Counseling
ADHD
Anxiety
Depression
Relationship Issues
Trauma and PTSD
Style
Outcome-oriented
Attuned
Supportive

I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, and I have over 18 years of experience helping clients with anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, and many other issues.

Available virtually

A headshot image of Andrew Sutherland

Andrew Sutherland

Recognized for high quality patient care

LMFT

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs), like Andrew Sutherland, are mental health professionals trained in family systems who can diagnose and treat mental health issues and substance misuse with psychotherapy and counseling.

Andrew has a Master of Arts (MA) in Marriage and Family Therapy from Touro University.

California
Specialties
Career Counseling
Anxiety
First Responders
Grief
Stress
Trauma and PTSD
Style
Responsive
Approachable
Empowering

Do you feel like you should be enjoying life more? Do thoughts of the past or images from a future keep you from moving forward with the things you want to do? Do you feel as if you are a passenger in your life rather than the one driving action, growth, change, and happiness?

Available virtually

A headshot image of Nitya Rajpal

Nitya Rajpal

Recognized for high quality patient care

LCSW
6+ years

Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), like Nitya Rajpal, are social workers trained to diagnose and treat mental health issues and substance misuse with psychotherapy and counseling.

Nitya has a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Columbia University.

California
Specialties
Career Counseling
Addiction
Depression
Parenting
Relationship Issues
Stress
Style
Directive
Warm
Supportive

I’m an LCSW. I support adults navigating a wide range of health and mental health concerns, drawing on my clinical training from Columbia University. I collaborate closely with clients to build on their strengths and create a culturally inclusive path toward healing and growth.

Available virtually

A headshot image of Eric Miklusicak

Eric Miklusicak

LMFT
11+ years

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs), like Eric Miklusicak, are mental health professionals trained in family systems who can diagnose and treat mental health issues and substance misuse with psychotherapy and counseling.

Eric has a Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology/Counseling from California Southern University.

Modesto, CA
Specialties
Career Counseling
ADHD
Anxiety
Depression
Stress
Style
Outcome-oriented
Spiritual
Supportive

I specialize in ADHD, anxiety, and depression that can stem from work, relationships, health, or addiction. I believe emotional regulation depends on understanding how our brain interprets experiences, and I use current brain research to support your growth.

Available virtually

A headshot image of Tania Forero

Tania Forero

LCSW
7+ years

Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), like Tania Forero, are social workers trained to diagnose and treat mental health issues and substance misuse with psychotherapy and counseling.

Tania has a Master of Social Work (MSW) from California State University, Northridge.

Los Angeles, CA
Specialties
Career Counseling
Self Esteem
Women's Issues
Style
Exploratory
Spiritual
Supportive

I'm passionate about helping people, especially women and communities of color, navigate stress, heal from trauma, and thrive in today's complex world.

Available virtually