Affinity Behavioral Health & Wellness
Compassionate Behavioral Health Therapy in Bakersfield, CA
The Place Where Healing Begins — providing individual, family, and group therapy in a safe, supportive environment where healing, personal growth, and meaningful change can begin.
What's New!
Our Grand Opening is June 24, 2026, click the image to learn more.
Compassionate Behavioral Health Therapy in Bakersfield, CA
At Affinity Behavioral Health & Wellness, we believe every individual deserves a place where they feel heard, supported, and respected. Life can bring challenges that feel overwhelming — whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, anger, relationship difficulties, or personal transitions.
Our practice in Bakersfield, California provides compassionate behavioral health care designed to support emotional healing and long-term wellbeing. Through thoughtful therapy and evidence-based treatment approaches, we help individuals and families develop the insight, resilience, and coping strategies needed to navigate life’s challenges.
Our mission is to create a therapeutic space where individuals, families, and groups feel empowered to heal, grow, and thrive. We strive to foster a culture of empathy, mutual respect, and understanding within the communities we serve.
Therapy That Meets You Where You Are
Everyone’s journey is unique, and therapy should reflect that. At Affinity Behavioral Health & Wellness, our approach is collaborative, compassionate, and tailored to your individual needs.
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy provides a private and supportive environment where you can explore thoughts, emotions, and life experiences. Working one-on-one with a licensed therapist allows you to develop deeper insight into your challenges and learn practical tools for emotional wellbeing.
Individual therapy may help with:
- Anxiety and chronic stress
- Depression and mood concerns
- Anger management challenges
- Adult ADHD
- Trauma and emotional healing
- Life transitions and personal growth
Through individualized care, we help clients build emotional resilience and healthier coping strategies.
Family and Relationship Therapy
Strong relationships are essential to emotional health. Family therapy creates a supportive environment where family members can communicate openly, resolve conflicts, and strengthen relationships.
Whether you are navigating parenting challenges, family stress, or relationship difficulties, therapy can help rebuild trust and improve communication.
Group Therapy
Group therapy provides a powerful opportunity to connect with others who share similar experiences. Participants often discover they are not alone in their struggles, and healing can occur through shared understanding and support.
Group therapy offers a structured and supportive setting where participants can build communication skills, gain emotional insight, and develop healthier coping strategies.
Meet The Therapists
Jacqueline Smith, PsyD, LMFT
Dr. Jacqueline Smith has a PsyD and is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT #130950) with more than 10 years of experience providing individual, family, and group therapy within community-based and clinical settings.
Her clinical expertise includes working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, emotional dysregulation, and relationship difficulties. Dr. Jacqueline’s therapeutic style is compassionate, collaborative, and rooted in evidence-based practices. She approaches treatment through a trauma-informed and family systems lens, recognizing the lasting impact that early experiences and interpersonal relationships can have on emotional health and overall wellbeing.
Dr. Jacqueline’s passion for psychotherapy began while working as a school bus driver for high school students. During that time, many students trusted her with conversations about personal hardships, family conflict, and emotional struggles. Those meaningful interactions inspired her to pursue a career in psychology, with the goal of providing deeper support and therapeutic care to individuals navigating difficult life experiences.
Today, Dr. Jacqueline considers it an honor to support clients as they work through challenges, build resilience, and discover their capacity for healing, growth, and meaningful change.
Dr. Jacqueline begins the therapeutic process with a comprehensive psychosocial assessment designed to better understand each client’s background, current concerns, and reasons for seeking therapy. Initial sessions focus on identifying treatment goals, exploring emotional and relational patterns, and creating a safe space for clients to ask questions and share what feels most important to them. Together, therapist and client develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to the client’s unique needs and goals.
In addition to psychotherapy services, Dr. Jacqueline is certified in anger management treatment, helping individuals strengthen emotional regulation, communication skills, and impulse control within a supportive and nonjudgmental environment. She is also trained in clinical supervision and is passionate about mentoring and supporting clinicians in their professional and ethical development through reflective supervision practices.
Mary Lucas, LMFT
Mary Lucas is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT #135452) with over 12 years of experience helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and build healthier relationships. She works with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, and interpersonal concerns, providing personalized care that supports lasting emotional wellbeing.
Her approach is collaborative, empathetic, and client-centered. Mary creates a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel comfortable exploring their experiences. Using evidence-based techniques, she helps individuals improve communication, build coping strategies, and develop psychological flexibility.
Mary is committed to providing culturally sensitive care to BIPOC clients and values honoring each person’s unique background. When appropriate, she also incorporates a faith-informed perspective to support both emotional and spiritual growth.
Her communication style is warm, genuine, and down-to-earth, helping clients feel at ease from the start. Many describe working with her as having a supportive ally who listens with compassion and offers steady guidance.
Mary was drawn to mental health care by a desire to help others find hope, rediscover their strengths, and build resilience. She works collaboratively with clients to set meaningful goals and encourages active participation in their growth.
She approaches each first session as an opportunity to build trust and lay the foundation for progress—so you leave feeling supported and hopeful.
Leroy Rickard, LMFT
What should you know about me?
Hi, I’m Leroy Rickard, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and facilitator of Men and Women of Valor, a face-to-face support group for veterans in Bakersfield. I believe healing happens through connection, shared experiences, and mutual support in a safe, respectful, and judgment-free environment. This group provides a place for veterans to discuss life challenges, military experiences, stress, relationships, emotional struggles, and the challenges of reacclimating to civilian life after military service. My goal is to help veterans build resilience, strengthen coping skills, foster meaningful connections, and successfully navigate the transition back into society with purpose, confidence, and support.
What is my approach to therapy?
My approach to facilitating Men and Women of Valor is supportive, collaborative, and focused on connection and growth. This group provides veterans with a safe, respectful, and nonjudgmental space to share experiences, discuss challenges, and receive support from others who understand military service and its lasting impact. Drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) principles and other evidence-based approaches, I help guide discussions around stress management, emotional wellness, relationships, resilience, and the transition back to civilian life. The goal is to foster camaraderie, strengthen coping skills, reduce isolation, and empower veterans to move forward with confidence, purpose, and support from their fellow veterans.
What can clients expect from their first session with me?
Veterans attending their first Men and Women of Valor group can expect a welcoming, respectful, and supportive environment. My goal is to create a space where veterans feel comfortable sharing at their own pace while connecting with others who understand the unique experiences and challenges associated with military service. During the first group, members will have an opportunity to introduce themselves, discuss what brought them to the group, and learn about the group's purpose and expectations. Whether you are seeking support for stress, relationships, emotional wellness, or the transition back to civilian life, the group is designed to foster connection, mutual support, and a sense of community among fellow veterans.