Seeking help for intimate concerns can be challenging, but Bakersfield offers several qualified professionals who specialize in this sensitive area of mental health.
These therapists provide a safe environment where individuals and couples can address relationship difficulties, sexual dysfunction, and other personal matters that affect intimacy and connection.
Finding the right sex therapist in Bakersfield involves considering factors such as credentials, specialization areas, and therapeutic approaches that match your specific needs.
Many of these professionals have extensive training in both general counseling and specialized techniques for addressing sexual health concerns.
Bakersfield’s certified sex therapists work with clients from diverse backgrounds, helping them overcome obstacles to satisfaction and well-being in their intimate lives.
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1) Natalie Poulson, LMFT
Natalie Poulson is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Bakersfield who offers both therapy and divorce mediation services.
She provides sessions in both English and Spanish, with flexibility for in-person and online appointments.
Her office is located at 9711 Holland St, Bakersfield, CA 93312.
According to reviews, she is considered one of the best therapists in Bakersfield, working effectively with both adults and adolescents.
Natalie has been practicing for approximately 8 years and holds a Master’s degree in Counseling.
2) Jessica Burzlaff, LMFT
Jessica Burzlaff is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist practicing in Bakersfield, CA.
She specializes in helping couples who are struggling with relationship issues and individuals feeling stuck or lacking energy and focus.
Her practice is located at 200 New Stine Rd, Suite 120 in Bakersfield. Clients can reach her at (661) 241-3321 to schedule appointments.
Jessica offers both in-person and telehealth counseling services for issues including anxiety, depression, and trauma.
She is recognized among Bakersfield’s top professionals for relationship counseling.
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3) Alexis M Valos, PhD
Dr. Alexis Marianne Valos is a licensed psychologist in Bakersfield specializing in General Psychology.
She practices at 3300 Truxtun Ave and can be reached at 661-204-5505.
Dr. Valos holds a PhD and has an active license number PSY 22130 in California.
Her patients describe her as knowledgeable and thoughtful, taking extra time to develop effective strategies for her clients.
Her office hours run Monday through Thursday from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm, with extended hours until 8:30 pm on Friday.
Dr. Valos is specialized in General Psychology and accepts Medicaid.
4) Donnamarie Elcock, LCSW
Donnamarie Elcock is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who provides sex therapy services in Bakersfield, CA.
She offers online therapy sessions to clients in the 93305 area.
Elcock is known for her patient and non-judgmental approach to therapy.
She describes herself as being on a lifelong journey of growth, reflecting her philosophy that personal development is ongoing.
Clients can check if their insurance is accepted and schedule appointments directly through online platforms.
She also accepts international clients.
5) Dr. Dean, PsyD, QME
Dr. Dean specializes in helping clients with sexual addiction and men’s issues in Bakersfield.
He has approximately 15 years of clinical experience in his practice.
He offers free 15-minute consultations for potential new clients.
His office is located in Bakersfield, CA 93309.
Dr. Dean is a licensed psychologist who works with sexual issues and is verified by Psychology Today’s professional directory.
6) Kevin Stansbury, LCSW
Kevin Stansbury is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who offers therapy services in California.
He has over ten years of experience in the mental health field.
Stansbury specializes in helping clients develop self-trust in various aspects of life.
His practice includes sex therapy among his areas of expertise.
Stansbury holds a Master of Social Work degree from California State University, Long Beach, which he completed in 2019.
According to his profile, he currently is not accepting new patients.
7) Laurie Lynn Koenig, PsyD
Dr. Laurie Lynn Koenig is a licensed psychologist in Bakersfield, CA who specializes in sex therapy. She practices at 2026 17th Street, Suite 101 in Bakersfield.
Patients can contact Dr. Koenig at (661) 861-1134 for appointments.
Her license number is PSY19935 for Clinical Psychology in California.
In addition to sex therapy, Dr. Koenig also works with issues related to sexual abuse, sexual addiction, and stress.
She offers services both in-person and via Skype.
8) Elizabeth Deeths, LMFT
Elizabeth Deeths is a licensed marriage and family therapist based in Bakersfield, CA.
She has been in practice since 2004 and has additional training in clinical hypnosis.
Her experience includes working with children, adults, couples, and families.
She also has expertise in treating co-occurring disorders in substance abuse treatment settings.
Elizabeth offers services for anger management, depression, and substance abuse treatment.
She is currently accepting telehealth appointments for clients seeking therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have questions about sex therapy services in Bakersfield.
Finding the right therapist with proper qualifications and understanding payment options are common concerns for those seeking help.
What qualifications should I look for in a sex therapist in Bakersfield?
A qualified sex therapist in Bakersfield should have proper licensing as a mental health professional, such as LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist), LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), or PsyD (Doctor of Psychology).
These credentials can be found with therapists like Natalie Poulson, LMFT and Jessica Burzlaff, LMFT.
Additional specialized training in human sexuality or certification from AASECT (American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists) is highly beneficial.
Many reputable therapists also have experience treating specific sexual concerns and regularly pursue continuing education.
Can insurance cover sex therapy sessions, and if so, which plans are accepted by Bakersfield therapists?
Many Bakersfield sex therapists accept insurance plans, though coverage varies.
Most therapists in the area work with PPO plans, while some also accept HMO insurance options.
Common insurance providers accepted include Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Cigna, Aetna, and United Healthcare.
Clients should verify coverage directly with their insurance company and the therapist’s office before beginning treatment.
Some therapists like Dr. Dean, PsyD, QME may offer sliding scale fees for those without adequate insurance coverage.
Out-of-pocket costs typically range from $100-200 per session in the Bakersfield area.
What are the signs that I might benefit from seeing a sex therapist?
Persistent difficulties with sexual function, desire, or satisfaction that impact quality of life are key indicators.
This includes issues like erectile dysfunction, painful intercourse, or low libido.
Relationship challenges centered around intimacy, mismatched sexual desires, or communication problems about sex can also benefit from professional help.
Individuals experiencing sexual anxiety, shame, or trauma may find relief through sex therapy.
Those dealing with compulsive sexual behaviors might also seek assistance, as some Bakersfield therapists specialize in treating compulsive tendencies related to sexual behaviors.
Are there any sex therapists in Bakersfield who specialize in LGBTQ+ relationships?
Yes, several sex therapists in Bakersfield offer specialized services for LGBTQ+ individuals and relationships.
These professionals have specific training in addressing the unique needs and concerns of the LGBTQ+ community.
Therapists like Alexis M Valos, PhD and Donnamarie Elcock, LCSW have experience working with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities.
They create affirming spaces where clients can discuss concerns specific to their experiences.
Bakersfield has approximately 15 therapists specializing in sex therapy, with several explicitly mentioning LGBTQ+ competency in their professional profiles.
How can I verify the experience and success rate of sex therapists in Bakersfield?
Potential clients can check therapist credentials through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences or the California Board of Psychology websites.
These official boards verify licensing status and any disciplinary actions.
Reading client reviews on platforms like Psychology Today, TherapyDen, and Rula can provide insight into others’ experiences.
Bakersfield has 15 sex therapy specialists with various client ratings available online.
An initial consultation allows clients to ask directly about the therapist’s experience with specific issues and their approach to treatment.
Most Bakersfield therapists offer these consultations to determine fit before beginning therapy.
What approaches do Bakersfield sex therapists use to address intimacy issues?
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is commonly used to address negative thought patterns around sexuality and intimacy.
This approach helps clients identify and change unhelpful beliefs that may be affecting their sexual experiences.
Many Bakersfield therapists incorporate sensate focus exercises, which are structured touching activities designed to build comfort with physical intimacy without performance pressure.
These techniques are often assigned as homework between sessions.
Communication training is another key component, where therapists like Jessica Burzlaff, LMFT focus on developing communication skills specifically around sexual needs and boundaries.
