I have been with Dr S for about five years. He has helped me work through some major trauma and…read morehelped me identify what was causing my depression. He also helped me find the medications that worked for me and continues to check in on how well the dosage is working for me. When I became manic, he was the first person my parents called and was the only reason I wasn't put into a hospital. He quickly found medication that would make me sleep and stabilize my mood and also helped me understand what was going on. I am 21 and he has worked with me since I was 15. Because of this, he has helped me figure out my own identity and where I want to go in life. This work goes beyond psychiatry and leans toward being a life coach. Some may say that this is not his area of expertise but I believe that mental well-being is a wholistic endeavor that requires a look into your daily life. Through his guidance and therapy, I have discovered that my happiness is not contingent on objects or experiences (though those do play an important role) but on my outlook on life and how I respond to situations. I have learned that I am responsible for my own happiness. Although right now, being happy is spontaneous and easy, it will not come as naturally when I am depressed or if I become manic again. I will have to remember that happiness comes from accepting the world as it is and changing what I can. Thank you doctor.

Though I only saw this guy a few times, I have strong mixed feelings about him…read more He seems to REALLY care about his patients- he has to have all of your previous records, will not prescribe certain medications (as he believes they can do more harm than good), and checks up on you after hours (I got calls as late as at 8:30 at night). My mother swears by him, and continues to work with him to this day. He is also not like the typical psych that gives you your medications and then boots you out the door- no, he is ALSO your therapist. He also makes doubly sure to have contact with your doctor, dietitian, and other professionals, so that they know what's going on with your treatment, as well. However, there are a lot of cons that weigh on my mind. After getting home from Remuda Ranch for anorexia/bulimia nervosa, I desperately needed a good psychiatrist. My mom recommended Schenkman, and I was hesitantly hopeful. He's very serious about what he does, but without insurance, you're going to go broke- the evaluation to see him is a slick 300$, and I believe appointments after that are 150$? If you are a serious case, as I am, he wants you to come in 2-3 times a week. Yeah, impossible if you are already struggling for money in these hard times. Also, he expects you to do a lot for him, such as: collect all of your previous medical records (a LOT for me), get blood tests, have a general practitioner, relinquish all mental health control to him (can't have another therapist, as well), and THEN he MIGHT decide to take you on as a patient. The entire time, you are up in the air going, who is going to prescribe my medications (if you're already on meds, that is) and what am I doing? Also, he misinterpreted things, quoted me incorrectly, and would be upset if I hadn't done something for him (even though he hadn't asked me to). The office receptionist is nice, but a little distant and cooky. Also, she will forget to tell the doctor that you called on occasions. They only accept cash or check here, making it a little irritating for those who only keep easy little credit cards in our purses. If you FORGET to bring your money/checks, you are out of luck, and the doctor will not see you. I mean, I understand why they do it (to make sure they get paid), but ugh! Frustrating! The last thing that bugged me was that, after seeing him 3-4 times (driving across town about 20 minutes each time), he said that he wouldn't see me until I was medically stable. He kept pushing and pushing and pushing for me to go into my fourth treatment centre for anorexia nervosa (which he didn't seem to understand too well) and borderline personality disorder (which I haven't even been diagnosed with before) at Harvard- which is all the way across the country. Of course, I cannot go into inpatient care again, because I'm literally out of money and my parents can't afford anything more. He decided to bring my mom in and guilt-trip her, by saying that other families would sell their cars and houses to get long-term treatment for their children like I needed. My parents are NOT (repeat NOT) cheap-asses. They have paid for hospitalisations, treatment centres, and doctor's appointments on many occasions. So that just pissed me off. So, I told him I would go to Harvard if he "would pay for it, since you want me to go so badly." Obviously, he didn't agree to that. The last appointment ended with me so angry that I was queasy, and him saying: "Well, I wish you the best of luck." Hmmmm.

I've struggled with mental health since I was 9 years old, and joined this program for the PHP…read moreprogram after being at BBHH in the psychiatric teens ward 2 days after I turned 13. I'm so thankful this program was even open considering it was peak COVID days, and let me say: this program saved my life. Not only did it save me then, I'm in group again now that I'm an adult because I had another attempt and was hospitalized for that. It's saving me yet again. Everyone who works there is so kind and wise and really makes the lessons learned stick. Even the other attendees help me so much since I'm not alone. Finally, I just wanna say, if you put the effort in, you can change and make progress. You will get better and heal. You can't do it alone, which is why I recommend aspire 100%, but you gotta help yourself, too. :)

The experience of the current director is not sound. ASB claims to foster an intimate and…read morecompassionate environment, yet hugs are prohibited. Most all participants are comforted by hugs and readily accept them as they need them as all humans do. Respect for their boundaries is observed. Yet , one can get removed from the program for a hug or a peck on the cheek. On top of this, the "rule" is not enforced equitably, or randomly. We are adults and can ask before we hug, and can vocalize whether or not we want one. There is no peer pressure.

Nancy Keller (one of the therapists in this group) is utterly amazing. She became a therapist in…read moreher 40s, after enduring her own issues, and now she is helping others. I was able to really grow close to Nancy, and was able to trust her with things I wouldn't say to many other people. Not only that, but she also has a Christian background, so that was helpful for me- don't worry, she doesn't press it on you, which I know, because I was a strict atheist for YEARS before I went to Remuda Ranch (a facility for anorexia and bulimia nervosa). She was one of the first people I called when I got to Remuda, and helped me secure a spot there. I know several ladies who have been to Nancy Keller (and the other associates in this group) for their eating disorders, and they say that it's a Godsend. I highly recommend this group if you are in a place to work on an outpatient basis (and don't need further medical care, such as residential, inpatient, or hospitalisation).

Having seen a fair share of therapists, Mike sampley was certainly lacking in empathy. I would…read morerecommend elsewhere for marriage counseling as well as childhood abuse counseling. If you're looking for healing rather than doubt/accusations, then seek elsewhere.

The front desk staff are rude and disrespectful. Yesterday had an appointment, I checked in 5…read moreminutes before the appointment and sat there for over 25 minutes. Because the two chicks were talking so she never notified my therapist until I walked back up to ask if she was in today. The therapist are great here .

Ironic name. The therapists will cancel your appointments without telling you and reschedule…read morewithout communicating anything to you. The receptionists sound like they hate dealing with patients and the management just reinforces this attitude. Avoid it and specifically avoid Gabrielle Simmons -- unless you like vocal fry and a total lack of communication.

IF YOU ARE SCARED TO TRY THERAPY, THIS IS FOR YOU…read more It took me a decade of cycling through addiction, highly toxic and abusive circumstances and a lack of understanding of my role in it all, to get to a point where I would even consider therapy. I meticulously combed the internet for someone in Bakersfield who could potentially meet my need for adequate mental health services. I saw so many reviews from defeated, frustrated individuals who had tried places in town and felt unseen. I saw horrified reviews describe being texted an hour in advance of an appt that the therapist was cancelling. These things scared me, not knowing who I could trust to confide in and consistently show up for me. Then I saw Meagan's profile and website. She had good reviews and I appreciated the art component she could offer in therapy. I took a risk and gave it a try. Well, I am on the cusp of a year of in-person talk therapy with her and I can tell you this has been one of the best choices I've ever made. Meagan is thoughtful, reliable and a great resource for overcoming any mental health needs. My own included physical, emotional and sexual abuse that left deep scars and even worse coping mechanisms. Meagan has helped me to unpack it all. With her, I have developed strategies that help me to feel successful in my day-to-day life. I can now work through feelings and situations in healthier ways that make me feel supported and accountable. Her care encourages me to be my own best advocate. I really could go on and on, but truly my experience receiving therapy with Meagan has been transformative. As someone who was told growing up that therapy is for crazy people, I can tell you how wrong that statement is. It's for people who will put effort towards getting healthy, which is honorable.

Let's face it: the last few years have been unprecedentedly HARD on everyone, and I was no…read moreexception. I needed someone to talk through my anxieties, stressors, anger and fears stemming from not only the current insanity of the world, but also my past traumas. I am beyond grateful I found Meagan to help guide me to a place of greater peace, mindfulness and serenity. Meagan is a true professional. She is easy to talk to and lay bare your soul. She is a wonderful listener with academic and emotional intelligence. She is up to date with the latest studies and theories, allowing for a variety of approaches to fit your unique needs. I always felt like I was talking to a highly insightful, caring, thoughtful and helpful friend. I am confident you will too. Just like we seek coaches and trainers to better our physical bodies, our minds need a professional coach from time to time. If you're reading this, you must feel you need that guidance and training to be better. Go for it. See Meagan. Take care of your whole self.

Everything Dean and I formed a very close bond and he helped me take through years of stuff that I…read moreeven had no idea what was there he very good psychologist. I had to recommend him.

My 5 stars are for this amazing man. It is so, so, so sad to hear Dr. Mendoza passed away. He was…read morean amazing doctor and an even greater person. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He has helped me for over 20 years and I am forever grateful for his care and friendship. I saw him just a couple months ago and his sense of humor always made his visits great. He certainly has his angel's wings. Prayers for his family and his amazing wonderful assistant Christine.

Dr. Mendoza helped me a great deal. He is very thorough and really improved my life!read more

On my experience, my husband and I had some couple counseling therapy with him. He really tried to…read morehelp us solve our marriage issues and we as couple have been doing better after we had that therapy. I highly recommend him.