Frequently Asked Questions
Do you accept insurance?
We’re in-network with Aetna and United Insurance
If you have a different insurance provider, we’ve still got options. We can provide a Superbill (basically a detailed receipt) that you can submit to your insurance for potential partial reimbursement.
A quick heads up: reimbursement isn’t guaranteed, and full payment is required at the time of each session. Every plan is a little different, so we always recommend checking with your insurance provider about your out-of-network benefits ahead of time.
What can I expect during my first therapy session?
If we decide we’re a good fit during your consultation call, we’ll schedule your first session—also known as an intake session (a fancy way of saying a “get to know you” session).
Before we meet, I’ll have you fill out some paperwork so I can learn a bit about you ahead of time. Then during our session, we’ll talk through what’s bringing you in, your goals, and anything you feel is important for me to know.
There’s no pressure to have it all figured out—this is a space for you to show up exactly as you are.
How often do we meet & for how long?
It depends on your needs, goals, and schedule.
That said, we typically recommend starting with weekly sessions for the first 4–6 weeks. This helps us build a strong foundation, create momentum, and really get to know each other.
From there, we can adjust the frequency together—whether that’s continuing weekly or spacing things out as you feel ready.
Is teletherapy as helpful as in-person therapy?
Short answer: yes, it absolutely can be.
Teletherapy is very similar to in-person therapy in terms of effectiveness. The biggest difference? You get to show up from the comfort of your own space—whether that’s your couch, your car, or your favorite cozy corner.
For many people, that added comfort and privacy actually makes it easier to open up.
Are there mental health challenges you don’t work with?
Yes. While each of our therapists (ASWs & LCSWs) has their own strengths, specialties, and areas of focus, there are some situations that may be outside our scope of practice or better served by a provider with specialized training.
For example, we may not be the best fit for individuals who are experiencing:
Active psychosis or severe thought disorders
Mental health crises that require a higher level of care, such as inpatient or intensive outpatient treatment
Severe substance use disorders that require specialized addiction treatment
Certain forensic, court-mandated, or custody-related evaluations
Our goal is always to ensure you receive the most appropriate care for your needs. If it seems that another provider, specialist, or level of support would be a better fit, we will gladly provide referrals and help connect you with the right resources whenever possible.
What are your therapy fees?
For private pay clients, our session fees are $150 per session with a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and $100 per session with an Associate Social Worker (ASW). All ASW sessions are provided under the clinical supervision of Lynzie Genel, LCSW. For full details visit our Fees & Insurance page.
Do you offer therapy for overwhelmed moms & women?
Absolutely, many of our clients are women balancing careers, parenting, partnerships, and personal growth all at once. We provide a supportive space to work through the mental load, burnout, identity shifts, boundary challenges, and anxiety that often come with these roles.
Do you offer teen therapy in Bakersfield & throughout California?
Yes. Our therapists provide teen therapy for adolescents in Bakersfield and throughout California. Sessions are available through secure telehealth, making it easier for teens and families across the state to access support in a way that fits their needs.
The teenage years can bring unique challenges, including anxiety, depression, stress, low self-esteem, social difficulties, family conflict, academic pressures, life transitions, and emotional regulation struggles. Therapy offers a safe, supportive space where teens can explore their thoughts and feelings, develop healthy coping skills, build resilience, and strengthen their sense of self.
Our therapists work collaboratively with teens while respecting their need for privacy and independence. When appropriate, we also partner with parents and caregivers to support progress and foster healthy communication and connection at home.
If you're wondering whether therapy might be a good fit for your teen, we're happy to answer your questions and help you find the therapist on our team who best fits your family's needs.
What therapy approaches do your practice use?
What therapy approaches does your practice use?
At Conscious Connections Therapy, we believe there is no one-size-fits-all approach to healing. Our therapists use a variety of evidence-based therapy methods and tailor treatment to each client's unique needs, goals, and life experiences.
Some of the approaches we draw from include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to build skills for managing emotions, improving relationships, and coping with stress.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to strengthen emotional awareness, attachment, and connection in relationships.
Somatic Experiencing (SE) to help clients process trauma and chronic stress by working with the body's nervous system.
Attachment-Based Therapy to explore how early relationships influence current patterns, relationships, and emotional experiences.
Mindfulness and Compassion-Focused Approaches to increase self-awareness, self-acceptance, and emotional resilience.
Strengths-Based and Solution-Focused Therapy to help clients build on existing strengths and create meaningful, lasting change.
Our therapists work collaboratively with you to create a treatment plan that feels supportive, practical, and aligned with your goals. Whether you're navigating anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, parenting stress, life transitions, or personal growth, we'll use approaches that fit your needs—not force you into a predetermined model.
Above all, we believe that the relationship between therapist and client is one of the most important factors in successful therapy. We combine proven therapeutic techniques with genuine human connection to help you feel understood, supported, and empowered throughout your healing journey.
What if I’ve tried therapy in the past & it didn’t work?
What if I've tried therapy in the past and it didn't work?
Many people come to us after a previous therapy experience that didn't feel helpful, and that's completely okay. Not every therapist, therapy approach, or stage of life is the right fit—and a disappointing experience doesn't mean therapy can't be effective for you.
There are many reasons therapy may not have worked in the past. You may not have felt connected to your therapist, the approach may not have matched your needs, or you may have been navigating challenges that required a different type of support. Sometimes people begin therapy before they feel ready to engage in the process, while other times they simply need a therapist whose style better aligns with their personality and goals.
At Conscious Connections Therapy, we believe that a strong therapeutic relationship is one of the most important factors in creating meaningful change. Our therapists take the time to get to know you, understand your experiences, and tailor treatment to your unique needs rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.
If therapy hasn't felt successful in the past, we encourage you not to give up on yourself. Healing looks different for everyone, and a different therapist, approach, or perspective can make all the difference. We're happy to help you explore what didn't work before and find a path forward that feels more supportive, collaborative, and effective.
Do you offer therapy for Spanish speaking clients?
Yes. We are proud to offer therapy services for Spanish-speaking clients through Kimberly Robertson, ASW, who provides therapy in both English and Spanish.
We understand that discussing personal experiences, emotions, and challenges can feel most comfortable in your preferred language. Receiving therapy in Spanish can help foster a deeper sense of understanding, connection, and cultural responsiveness throughout the therapeutic process.
Kimberly works with individuals facing a variety of concerns, including anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship challenges, stress, trauma, and personal growth. She is committed to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where clients feel seen, heard, and understood.
If you are looking for a Spanish-speaking therapist in Bakersfield or anywhere in California through telehealth, we would be happy to help you determine whether Kimberly is the right fit for your needs.
How do I know which therapist on your team is right for me?
You don't have to figure that out on your own—we're here to help.
At Conscious Connections Therapy, Lynzie Genel, LCSW and Practice Owner, typically conducts the initial consultation. During this conversation, she'll take the time to learn about your concerns, goals for therapy, preferences, scheduling needs, and any previous therapy experiences that may be helpful to know.
Based on your conversation, Lynzie will recommend the therapist on our team who she believes is the best fit for your unique needs. We consider factors such as the issues you'd like support with, therapy style, personality fit, specialty areas, availability, and whether you'd prefer in-person or telehealth sessions.
Research consistently shows that one of the most important factors in successful therapy is finding a therapist who feels like the right fit. That's why we take a personalized approach to matching clients with a clinician rather than expecting you to sort through therapist profiles and make the decision alone.
And if you begin therapy and feel another therapist on our team may be a better fit, that's okay too. We want you to feel comfortable, supported, and confident in your therapeutic relationship, and we're happy to help you find the provider who best meets your needs.
Do you offer in-person therapy in Bakersfield?
At this time, Conscious Connections Therapy provides services exclusively through secure online therapy (telehealth) for clients throughout California.
Many clients appreciate the convenience and flexibility of virtual therapy, which allows them to attend sessions from the comfort and privacy of their home, office, or other preferred location without the added time and stress of commuting. Research has also shown that online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy for many mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, and life transitions.
While we do not currently offer in-person therapy in Bakersfield, expanding into a physical office space is something we hope to offer in the future as our practice continues to grow.
If you're looking for therapy in Bakersfield or anywhere in California, our team is available to provide compassionate, evidence-based care through secure virtual sessions.
Can I switch therapist if it isn’t the right fit?
Absolutely. Finding the right therapist is one of the most important factors in successful therapy, and sometimes it takes a little time to determine the best fit.
If you feel that your therapist's approach, personality, or areas of expertise aren't quite aligned with your needs, we encourage you to let us know. As a group practice, we have the unique ability to help match you with another therapist on our team who may be a better fit for your goals and preferences.
Our priority is helping you find a therapeutic relationship where you feel comfortable, supported, understood, and empowered to grow. We never want you to feel stuck or discouraged if a particular therapist isn't the right match.
What makes Conscious Connections Therapy different from other practices?
At Conscious Connections Therapy, we believe that healing happens through both evidence-based treatment and genuine human connection.
Unlike large mental health agencies or high-volume therapy platforms, we intentionally maintain a personalized approach to care. You're not just another appointment on a schedule or a number in a system. We take the time to get to know you, understand your unique experiences, and thoughtfully match you with a therapist who fits your needs.
Our team values quality over quantity. We focus on building meaningful therapeutic relationships, creating individualized treatment plans, and providing care that feels collaborative, compassionate, and tailored to you. Whether you're seeking support for anxiety, trauma, relationships, parenting, life transitions, or personal growth, we want you to feel seen, heard, and supported throughout the process.
We know that reaching out for help can be vulnerable. That's why we're committed to making therapy feel approachable, personal, and centered on what matters most to you.
Do I need a mental health diagnosis to start therapy?
Not necessarily.
If you are paying privately (cash pay), you do not need a mental health diagnosis to begin therapy. Many people seek therapy for personal growth, stress management, relationship concerns, life transitions, parenting challenges, or simply because they want additional support navigating life's difficulties.
If you plan to use health insurance, however, insurance companies generally require therapists to provide a mental health diagnosis in order to authorize and reimburse treatment. This is an insurance requirement—not a judgment about you or your experiences.
Many people feel nervous about receiving a diagnosis, but it's important to know that diagnoses are simply clinical tools used to help guide treatment and communicate with insurance providers. They do not define who you are, your worth, or your future. Our therapists take great care in discussing diagnoses thoughtfully and ensuring you understand what they mean, if one is needed.
Can therapy help if I'm not in crisis?
Absolutely. Therapy isn't just for people who are experiencing a crisis or severe mental health concerns.
Many clients come to therapy because they want to improve relationships, manage stress more effectively, build confidence, develop healthier boundaries, process life transitions, improve communication skills, or gain a deeper understanding of themselves. Therapy can also help you identify patterns that may be holding you back before they become larger problems.
Think of therapy as an investment in your emotional well-being. Just as people exercise to maintain their physical health, therapy can help strengthen emotional resilience, increase self-awareness, and support personal growth—even when life is generally going well.
How soon can I get an appointment?
We understand that when you're ready to start therapy, you don't want to wait months to be seen.
Whenever possible, we strive to schedule new clients within one week of their initial consultation. Availability can vary depending on the therapist, specialty area, and scheduling preferences, but our goal is always to connect you with support as quickly as possible.
During your consultation, we'll discuss your needs and availability and work to match you with the therapist who is the best fit while minimizing wait times.
Do you offer therapy for anxiety and depression?
Yes. Anxiety and depression are among the most common concerns our therapists help clients navigate.
Whether you're experiencing persistent worry, panic attacks, overthinking, social anxiety, feelings of sadness, loss of motivation, low self-esteem, emotional exhaustion, or difficulty coping with daily life, our therapists can help. We use evidence-based approaches tailored to your unique needs and goals while providing a supportive space to explore what's contributing to your struggles.
You don't have to wait until symptoms become overwhelming to seek help. Early support can make a meaningful difference in your emotional well-being and quality of life.
Do you offer therapy for trauma and PTSD?
Yes. Several therapists on our team specialize in helping clients heal from trauma and its lasting effects.
Trauma can result from a single distressing event or from ongoing experiences such as childhood adversity, relationship abuse, medical trauma, grief, neglect, or chronic stress. Its effects can show up in many ways, including anxiety, depression, emotional overwhelm, difficulty trusting others, relationship challenges, hypervigilance, and symptoms associated with PTSD.
Our therapists utilize trauma-informed and evidence-based approaches to help clients process difficult experiences, regulate their nervous systems, develop coping skills, and move toward healing at a pace that feels safe and manageable.
How do I find the right therapist in Bakersfield?
Finding the right therapist involves more than simply choosing someone with availability. The best therapeutic outcomes often occur when you feel comfortable, understood, and connected with your therapist.
At Conscious Connections Therapy, we help simplify that process. Lynzie Genel, LCSW and Practice Owner, typically conducts the initial consultation and takes time to learn about your concerns, goals, preferences, and previous therapy experiences. Based on that conversation, she'll recommend the therapist on our team who she believes is the best fit for your needs.
Rather than spending hours comparing therapist profiles and trying to make the decision alone, we'll help guide you toward a provider whose expertise, personality, and therapeutic style align with what you're looking for. Our goal is to help you find a therapist who feels like the right fit from the very beginning.