BAKERSFIELD BEHAVIORAL STAFF

Kristen, a Bakersfield native, started her journey in mental health by participating in outreach and events that promoted mental health awareness. Experience working in special education and behavior therapy further inspired a desire to support and advocate for the diverse needs of the community. Driven by a need to make a difference in the Bakersfield area, she has a passion for mental health and is currently completing her Master's in Counseling Psychology. Kristen currently supports and provides group therapy services with Aspire. In her downtime, Kristen loves spending time outdoors, reading, crafting, and playing tabletop games.

Yessica Avancena, MBA, LMFT is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in children, adults and blended family structures. She is also the current Division CEO of Aspire Behavioral. Her work experience includes both private clinical practice and County Mental Health/Hospital roles where she was in leadership and management. She is a psychotherapist that is UCLA-trained in Mindfulness Application Practices which have been shown to be effective to treat ADHD, Anxiety and Mood Disorders as well as overall stress reduction. She has received additional training in the areas of Dialectical Behavior Therapy, which utilizes awareness and mindfulness concepts along with progressive relaxation and guided meditation techniques for symptom reduction. Trained in alternative healing methods such as guided meditation, essential oils, and Reiki healing energy, she uses an empathetic and client-centered approach to change, which meets the individual where they are for a holistic approach to healing. She is bilingual in Spanish/English and bi-cultural with extensive knowledge of Hispanic culture.

Bella is an Administrative Assistant at Aspire Behavioral Health, where she enjoys creating a welcoming and supportive experience for clients. Currently studying psychology, Bella is passionate about understanding and helping others, and she values the opportunity to connect with clients and contribute to a positive environment at Aspire.

Her studies in psychology have strengthened her interest in mental health and deepened her desire to support others. Bella brings warmth, dedication, and a genuine care for people to her role, helping ensure that each client feels welcomed and supported.

Outside of work and her studies, Bella enjoys spending quality time with her family and loved ones. Her caring nature and commitment to helping others make her a valued member of the Aspire Behavioral Health team.

As a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) at Aspire Behavioral Health, I believe that everyone deserves to feel heard, supported, and accepted just as they are. My journey with Aspire began during my clinical internship, and I continued to grow both personally and professionally while completing my associate hours and gaining experience facilitating group therapy. Aspire has been an important part of my journey as a therapist, and I am grateful to continue doing what I love—helping others find hope, healing, and confidence in themselves.

My approach to therapy is warm, compassionate, and down-to-earth. I believe in meeting people where they are, without judgment or expectations of where they should be. I use a person-centered, trauma-informed, and solution-focused approach, incorporating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help individuals better understand themselves, manage difficult emotions, develop healthy coping skills, and find practical solutions to life's challenges.

I recognize that everyone's experiences are different and that healing looks different for each person. I strive to create a space where individuals feel comfortable being themselves, sharing their stories, and exploring challenges at their own pace. I enjoy helping people recognize strengths they may not see in themselves, celebrate even the smallest victories, and discover that meaningful change is possible.

One of the things I value most about being a therapist is the opportunity to connect with people and witness their growth. Through my experience in group therapy, I have seen how powerful it can be to realize that you are not alone in what you're going through.

Above all, I want the individuals I work with to know that they don't have to have everything figured out to begin making progress. My goal is to walk alongside them, offer encouragement and practical tools, and help them build a life that feels more balanced, fulfilling, and true to who they are.