Psychiatric Wellness Center – Bakersfield

This review isn't based on my own experiences, but it is for a friend that tried them. After trying to convince them for years to reach out for help and try therapy, they finally went here to talk to someone, just to be… told that they "didn't need therapy." It's horrible that they were completely discouraged from reaching out for help and it's a disgrace that a business that should prioritize helping those that reach out would shut them down so succinctly. Mental health is already stigmatized, do better.

My son had an appointment at the Kern Psychiatric Health and Wellness Center. Today’s appointment was supposed to be a one hour evaluation prior to psychiatric testing. He has been suffering for a while but, doesn’t… know exactly what the problem is. He was required to pay $375.00 before making an appointment. His appointment was with the Center’s nurse practitioner, Natalie Alaniz. After spending 30 minutes with my son, she diagnosed him with: depression, social anxiety disorder, insomnia, and Autism. My son was prescribed an antidepressant along with sleeping pills and was told to, “ Go out find some friends”. At no point were other options like therapy discussed. This appointment was supposed to be a pre-visit before testing to see what issues he is suffering with. Come to find out, Kern Psychiatric Health and Wellness Center no longer conducts psychiatric testing which is information he could have used before going to the Kern Psychiatric Health and Wellness Center. $375.00 for 30 minutes plus 4 diagnosis. Shame on Kern Psychiatric Health and Wellness Center for stealing money from an ill, confused young man.

Case management is fast and always available. Great atmosphere set by front desk

Treatment was going great at first until I discovered that I had graves, so my doctor here at this clinic ‘postponed’ my medication treatment until I had clearance from an endocrinologist. During my waiting period I was… cut off cold turkey with no alternatives to my withdrawal symptoms that I called and complained about - They told me to go to the nearest urgent care or my primary.. This is not acceptable and my endocrinologist also got mad when I inquired about a EKG my psychiatrist wanted, she said “Why is she putting that responsibility on me she should be doing vitals there not referring you back and forth” Totally unprofessional and unacceptable. The medical board should be reading this review along with my formal complaint.

Monica has went above what is expected to help me!

Unbelievably incompetent and unprofessional! Natalie Alaniz was my dr and she went 5 days without returning my phone call when it was stated as urgent … and I called them 5 times in one day and left 5 messages and still… no response! Then today I had a zoom apt with her at 8 am and she stood me up. After getting 3 reminders and threats of being charged for no-shows, she didn’t show up and never called me today, and I left 2 messages with the office! Most of the time you just get a voicemail - they don’t even answer the phone! For being a psychiatric wellness center you’d think they would be able to be contacted … or return a phone call! I would never trust this office! If you have any metal wellness issue don’t call this place!

I am honestly shocked and extremely disappointed by the statements made in the report regarding my conduct. I filed this grievance because I believe the report contains statements about me that are completely false and… misrepresent what actually occurred. The director stated that I used profanity while speaking with her on the telephone. That is not true. If the Wellness Center records its telephone calls, then I respectfully request that the recording be reviewed and preserved so that the actual conversation can speak for itself. The director also stated that on the day of my appointment, I spoke with Kristen, the case manager, became aggressive, and called her a “senseless little girl who does not know anything about her job.” I completely deny making that statement. If I had behaved in that manner during an appointment, I would reasonably expect the situation to have been addressed immediately and documented at that time. Please provide or identify the documentation, notes, recordings, or other evidence that supports these claims. What is especially upsetting to me is that I trusted this facility and its professionals. It is extremely concerning to discover that allegations about my behavior are now being presented in an official report that I believe does not accurately reflect what happened. I have spent years trying to receive appropriate care. It saddens me that Dr Fernando to his director that he didn’t act like he didn’t know anything or surprised when he specifically told me in my appointment that this is the first he’s ever heard of anything regarding the phone call in the first place. With that said, I received a letter from Dr Fernando that my time has expired at wellness Center. Peace ✌️

They were able to get my treatment letter the same day super fast thank you Monica.

I’ve recently started coming here for my mental health and this facility has been great. The staff is super nice and helpful. Honestly hasn’t been any stress here or feeling overwhelmed. They have a comfortable… ambiance. No long wait time in the lobby.

Office staff is very welcoming and professional. Madeline is wonderful.

Raj is kind and competent

So far I have had a great experience here. Natalie makes sure you feel heard and shows she genuinely cares. The girls up front are so nice and cheerful. Case management does not make you wait when you need something… they get it done quickly. Over all would definitely recommend 10/10!

Dr. Fernando is kind, professional, and cares about patients. He is an exceptional doctor. His staff are thoughtful and treat patients well.

Great experience

“The staff have been very helpful and maintain a positive attitude. They are supportive of both my child’s well-being and my own. Staff respond in a respectful and timely manner, address concerns appropriately, and… provide excellent support. Based on my experience, I would continue utilizing these services and would recommend them to others.”

Amazing service when it came to having paperwork filled out for my employer. Great communication and it was completed promptly. Thank you!