Kern Behavioral Health And Recovery Services Review

Access to high-quality mental health and substance use services is vital in any community.

In Kern County, California, Kern Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (KernBHRS) has been a leader in providing such care to residents in need.

As the county agency tasked with coordinating public behavioral healthcare, KernBHRS works tirelessly to support the mental wellness and recovery of individuals throughout Kern County.

This article will explore the diverse services provided by Kern Behavioral Health, exploring how their programs contribute to the mental wellness and recovery of the Kern County community.

About Kern Behavioral Health and Recovery Services

Kern Behavioral Health and Recovery Services is dedicated to offering a wide range of mental health and recovery services to meet Kern County’s behavioral health and mental health needs.

Committed to building an environment of hope, healing, and recovery, Kern County Behavioral Health prioritizes providing personalized and supportive care.

They are dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive space where every individual feels valued and supported.

KernBHRS has earned exceptional recognition from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) International, receiving a 3-year accreditation for its services.

This marks the seventh consecutive 3-year accreditation awarded to KernBHRS, distinguishing it as the only County Behavioral Health organization in California to achieve this status.

This prestigious accreditation reflects the organization’s adherence to CARF’s rigorous standards and its commitment to delivering high-quality, accountable, and measurable services.

Mental Health Services Provided By Kern Behavioral Health

Kern Behavioral Health and Recovery Services offers a diverse range of mental health and recovery services designed to meet the varying needs of individuals across Kern County.

Their approach ensures that community members receive the support they need to lead fulfilling lives.

1. Adult Services

Kern County Behavioral Health is committed to connecting individuals with necessary behavioral health treatments and resources.

With service providers located throughout Kern County, the organization offers a variety of services directly within the community.

These services include medication management, individual, group, and family counseling, rehabilitation support, access to community resources, and diagnostic and advocacy services.

The goal is to provide a continuum of care that addresses both common and complex needs, ensuring that each person receives the support most suited to their situation.

2. Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT)

For individuals who refuse treatment despite severe symptoms, the AOT team intervenes to encourage voluntary acceptance of behavioral health services.

AOT is not a crisis response team, but it collaborates with crisis teams to evaluate eligibility for the program.

If criteria are met, the team may petition the Kern County Superior Court to mandate treatment, facilitating engagement with necessary services.

3. CARE Act Program

The CARE Act aims to assist individuals with severe mental health disorders, such as schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders, who are at risk of deteriorating without supervision.

The program seeks to prevent individuals from entering restrictive conservatorships or incarceration by providing court-ordered voluntary treatment.

Kern County’s participation in the CARE Act, starting in October 2024, will help break the cycle of homelessness and incarceration, promoting long-term recovery.

4. Correctional Behavioral Health

This program offers rehabilitation services within Kern County Jail, including intensive case management, individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, and reintegration support.

Additionally, the Forensic Conditional Release Program (CONREP) delivers comprehensive mental health services to court-ordered clients across Kern, Mono, and Inyo Counties.

This program aims to enhance public safety by managing the risk of re-offense and ensuring compliance with court orders.

5. Children’s Services

The Children’s System of Care focuses on addressing behavioral health problems in children that may disrupt their home, school, or community life.

Services provided include diagnostic assessments, skill building, crisis intervention, individual therapy, school-based rehabilitation, community-based services, and substance use treatment.

Specialized services are also available for commercially sexually exploited children (CSEC), along with therapeutic behavioral services, psychiatric evaluation, and medication management.

6. Transition Age Youth (TAY) Program

The Transition Age Youth Services Team supports foster youth aged 16 to 25 who face mental and emotional health challenges.

The program aims to help these youths transition to independence by providing counseling, addiction treatment, and help with accessing medical, dental, and vision services.

Additional support includes finding safe housing, transportation, job searching, and vocational training, all specific to the individual needs of each youth.

7. Crisis Services

KernBHRS offers several crisis services to support individuals in urgent need.

Their Crisis Stabilization Unit offers immediate treatment for mental health crises and serves as Bakersfield’s only designated non-EMS involuntary psychiatric evaluation facility.

KernBHRS has a 24-hour crisis hotline that offers a confidential space for individuals to discuss mental health or substance use concerns, with linkage to appropriate services.

Moreover, their Mobile Crisis Response team delivers immediate behavioral health support and crisis intervention around the clock, ensuring accessibility for all ages and languages.

8. Substance Use Services

KernBHRS provides a range of substance abuse treatment options, including outpatient therapy, intensive outpatient treatment, residential treatment, and narcotic treatment programs.

These treatment options include services such as individual and group counseling, medication management, and recovery skills development.

Finding A Provider At Kern

For individuals seeking non-crisis support, the Access and Assessment Center at KernBHRS serves as the primary point of contact for adults.

Upon arrival, staff will conduct an assessment to understand the individual’s specific needs and connect them to the most suitable treatment provider and relevant community resources.

For those requiring substance use services, assistance can be accessed by calling the 24-hour Substance Use Disorder Access Line at 1 (866) 266-4898.

The staff will evaluate the individual’s needs and facilitate connections to appropriate providers and local resources.

KernBHRS is staffed by a team of experienced and dedicated mental health professionals. Some notable providers include:

1. Dr. Heather Crystal Bravo

Dr. Heather Crystal Bravo is a healthcare provider with offices in Bakersfield and Elk Grove, CA.

Specializing in behavioral health and social services, she is available at Kern County Mental Health from Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM.

2. Dr. Khoa Anh Mai

Dr. Mai is a graduate of Ross University School of Medicine (2015), and is currently affiliated with Kern Medical. He specializes in adult, child and adolescent psychiatry.

3. Dr. Carlos Ismael Fernandez

Dr. Carlos Ismael Fernandez, MD, operates in both Bakersfield and Riverside, CA.

A graduate of Universidad Autónoma De Guadalajara Facultad De Medicina (2013), Dr. Fernandez has 11 years of experience in adult and child & adolescent psychiatry.

4. Dr. Garth Jon Olango

Dr. Olango, a graduate of Loma Linda University School of Medicine (2005), specializes in adolescent medicine and child & adolescent psychiatry. He is affiliated with Kern Medical.

5. Dr. Michael Edward Kase

Dr. Kase graduated from the Medical College of Wisconsin (2006) and specializes in child & adolescent psychiatry.

He is affiliated with Good Samaritan Hospital and Kern Medical.

Want to know more about mental health hospitals, check these out:

Psychology Internship Program At Kern Behavioral Health

KernBHRS’s psychology internship program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA), emphasizing the preparation of interns for professional practice in clinical psychology.

The program is for those people who demonstrate a strong interest in working within mental health settings that cater to children, adults, and families from disadvantaged communities.

While proficiency in Spanish is highly desirable due to the significant portion of the population requiring Spanish-speaking services, it is not a prerequisite for application.

Candidates who apply should ideally align their theoretical orientation with the philosophy and training model of the program.

This alignment ensures that interns are well-prepared to contribute effectively to the mission of KernBHRS, which focuses on delivering high-quality mental health services to those in need.

Address & Contact Information

For inquiries and assistance, Kern Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (KernBHRS) can be reached at:

Address: 2001 28th Street, Bakersfield, CA 93301

Phone: (661) 868-6600

Additionally, you can contact them by filling out a form on their website for further information or support.

FAQ’s:

1. Who is the director of Kern County Behavioral Health?

Alison Burrowes is the director of Kern County Behavioral Health