Valley Psychological Group

Today, 07/13/2020 Governor Gavin Newsom announced both statewide, and county specific (Kern not included as of now) closures of certain sectors as coronavirus cases continue to spread. As an essential service, we will remain open and operate under regular business hours. However, out of an abundance of caution, and to protect our patients, providers, and staff, we have made the decision to shift all currently scheduled appointments, and future appointments to phone or video sessions, with the exception of hypnosis, and psychological testing/assessment appointments -these in person options will still require a face covering. This will take effect 07/15/2020, and continue until further notice. We are still accepting new patients. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your patience during this challenging time

We have returned to normal operations and are offering in-office sessions for those who prefer an in person visit. In addition, we are also still offering virtual, and phone sessions. You can be assured we have implemented and are following CDC guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, and screening staff and clients for symptoms. At this time we are REQUIRING all patients, 2 years of age and above, to be prepared to wear a face covering (any type of face covering is acceptable, for example a bandanna.) We also have disposable masks available for those who do not have their own. We also ask whenever possible for patients to limit the amount of accompanying guests to 1 person.

The health and well-being of our patients, providers, and staff is our top priority. As news of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in our community continues to develop, we are taking extra precautions to ensure we are doing our part to slow the spread. As an essential service, we are still here for you. We are open and operating under regular business hours. However, to be sure our patients, providers, and staff are safe during this pandemic, effective Monday 03/30/2020 we will be ...shifting all currently scheduled appointments to phone or video sessions. Until further notice, we will no longer be seeing any patients in the office in a face to face manner. We are still accepting new patients, but will not be scheduling any NEW appointments until late April to early May. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your patience during this challenging time.

Our doors are open (for now) during this trying time. We only ask that anyone with symptoms (cough, fever, shortness of breath)refrain from coming to the office, and please seek treatment with a medical provider. Phone sessions are also available (pending insurance approval.)

Downtown is a free-for-all! We’re all just sitting ducks, waiting in line for our turn. Every week it’s a new hard working downtown business owner who’s vandalized, burgled, and threatened by the overwhelming presence of un-checked, and poorly managed crime and homeless-ness in downtown Bakersfield. We are facing an increasingly hostile environment and a city that is failing to do anything about it. The fact is, small business WILL leave, and all the work put into creating a beautiful, historical, profitable downtown experience will be for not. So, I say to you city of Bakersfield, in-fact I implore you, #DOSOMETHING

Weighted pressure, in the form of blankets, wraps and vests, have been researched and proven to help children and adults with Attention Deficit Disorders, Anxiety, Autism, Distress, Insomnia, and Sensory Over-Responsitivity. Specifically, weighted blankets, sometimes called gravity blankets, increase serotonin and melatonin while also decreasing cortisol. This is why weighted blankets produce calm and peacefulness, as well as improve cognitive functioning in children and adults of all ages. (https://www.psychologytoday.com//weighted-blankets-and-dep) We found a good one here : https://amzn.to/2wdJNh4 (affiliate link)

#crushstigma #awareness #mentalhealth

"We all pick up scoops of gunpowder.

Never underestimate the power of a journal. Keeping a journal is a practice that can serve so many different purposes. Often, one can find it difficult to begin journaling. A guided journal can be a great starting point for anyone who would like to to establish, track, and achieve personal goals, improve the quality of life, and help alleviate or eliminate mental health issues like depression, anxiety, or stress. Find this one here : https://amzn.to/2VpsjZn (affiliate link)

May is also #BPDAwareness Month.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. #Breakthestigma