Karen Stark-Garrett, Ph.D.

WELCOME Hello! I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with a clinical interest in guiding individuals, couples, and families toward satisfying and healthy interactions and relationships. I'm also a lecturer in the psychology department at California State University, Bakersfield, and I earned a Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy at Amridge University in 2023. MY BACKGROUND In my systems-based work with clients, I look for root causes of emotional reactivity and maladaptive behaviors that interfere with healthy functioning. Sometimes things out of our control happen to us, and our psyches become traumatized. Or relationships are full of tension and strife, and it just seems like it shouldn’t have to be that way. I will assist you in remembering how capable you are and help you discover new ways of communicating effectively so you may move toward the changes you seek. MY CLINICAL FOCUS I specialize in family therapy, but I also see individuals and couples. I have clinical experience in grief, crisis, and loss issues related to death, divorce, disrupted relationships, infertility, and adoption. Trauma history, attachment struggles, unresolved anger, spiritual concerns, autism, anxiety, and bipolar disorder are also a focus of my practice. In addition to my marriage and family therapist training, I graduated from seminary at Duke University in 1999 with a Master of Theological Studies degree. I understand that, especially amid tragedy, issues of theodicy (i.e., why a God who is "good" allows evil to exist) are natural barriers to healing. Any client wishing to explore such spiritual questions can do so safely and without fear of judgment in therapy with me. LOCATIONS AND AVAILABILITY I see clients in person at my office in downtown Bakersfield and through telehealth. Please note that my schedule is full, so I may not have immediate availability. I may have openings Monday-Thursday in the late afternoons and evenings and on some Fridays. Please call or text to inquire about an in-person or telehealth appointment. FEES AND INSURANCE For a list of fees, please scroll to the bottom of this page but note that I also offer a sliding scale (or "Pay What You Can" policy). My goal is to provide a service to families, couples, and individuals who need it, and while the reality of covering my expenses exists, I am willing to work with you if you cannot afford my full fee. I am credentialed with some insurance providers. If I am not on your plan, I can provide you with a superbill you can submit for possible reimbursement for out-of-network services if your insurance company covers therapy with a licensed marriage and family therapist. Please note that using insurance or a superbill requires that I assign clients a psychiatric diagnosis. I LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING YOU! I recognize that finding the right therapist is not easy. Picking up the phone to set up an appointment and then coming in to talk in person or meeting for telehealth online takes courage. I understand therapy as something sacred, and if we are a good fit, I welcome the opportunity to join you in your journey toward inner peace, healing, and growth.