Behavioral health | Kern Family Health Care
Behavioral Health • Bakersfield, CA • Since 1993
About
Kern Family Health Care (Kern Health Systems) is a government-backed health plan based in Bakersfield, CA, serving Kern County since 1993. It operates the largest Medi-Cal managed care network in the county, offering a full continuum of care including preventive services, health education, and disease management through a broad provider network (Traditional and Safety-Net Providers) and community partnerships. Key focus areas include behavioral health services, care coordination, and member education. The organization emphasizes strong patient–provider relationships, access to a wide network of providers, and comprehensive care beyond visits, with programs aimed at prevention, chronic disease management, and health equity. Primary contact: 800-391-2000. Headquarters: 2900 Buck Owens Blvd, Bakersfield, CA 93308.
Clinic Type
Behavioral Health
Address
2900 Buck Owens Blvd; Bakersfield, California 93308, US
Phone
+18009915272
Fraudteam@khs-net.com
Opening Hours
Not published — contact the clinic to confirm hours.
Emergency Care
Kern County Mental Health Crisis Hotline at 800.991.5272 for emergency mental health concerns
Services Offered
Insurance & Payment
—
Languages Spoken
—
FAQs
What is BFHT for ASD and how is it covered?
Behavioral health treatment for autism spectrum disorder (BHT for ASD) needs prior authorization of coverage from KFHC, must be prescribed and provided by a participating provider, includes applied behavior analysis and other evidence-based services, and aims to develop or restore daily functioning.
What qualifies a member for BHT services?
Behavioral issues interfering with home/community life (e.g., anger, violence, self-injury, running away, challenges with living skills, play/communication) and a diagnosis of ASD; member under 21 years of age.
Cost to member for BHT/ASD services?
There is no cost to members for these services.
Behavioral health treatment for autism spectrum disorder
Behavioral health treatment (BHT) for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) needs prior authorization of coverage from KFHC and must be prescribed and provided by a participating provider. This treatment includes applied behavior analysis and other evidence-based services. The services should develop or restore, as much as possible, the daily functioning of a Member with ASD. - Given in a way that follows the Member's Plan approved treatment plan. - Approved by KFHC. - Prescribed by a licensed doctor or a licensed psychologist. - Medically necessary.
Cost to member
There is no cost to members for these services. You can call KFHC if you have any questions or ask your Primary Care Provider for screening, diagnosis and treatment of ASD.
Social Media
Photos
What Patients Say
Overall sentiment across review platforms: mixed
- Facebook: 76% recommend (57 reviews)
- TrustBurn: 3.0 out of 5 stars (23 reviews)
Patients praise
- Some patients report friendly, helpful, and professional customer service experiences
- Supportive assistance provided during complex medical cases like cancer treatment
- Positive feedback regarding transportation coordination and specific staff members
Common complaints
- Widespread denials of autism-related behavioral therapy (ABA) since late 2025
- Disorganization, record-keeping errors, and administrative mismanagement
- Difficulty reaching the Claims Department and long response times
- Concerns over the prior authorization process and perceived lack of medical knowledge in grievance decisions
- Reports of poor customer service from some staff members
"Kern Family Health Care is the worst provider I’ve ever had, in any state, in 50+ years!! It is negligent & dangerous. It cannot be called care."
— LocalityBiz reviewer"While denials are typically rare, since September, Kern Family Health Care is now denying or delaying around 79% of our cases."
— Center for Autism and Related Disorders representative quoted in news report"Kern Family Health Care is a well-established health service known for its friendly and helpful staff. Many patients appreciate the professionalism and kindness of the team."
— Loc8NearMe overviewSynthesized from public review platforms as of Jul 10, 2026 — sources: [1][2][3][4].
In the News
- Kern Behavioral Health seeks input on 2026-27 mental health programs — Jan 15, 2026
- Kern County Receives $8 Million to Expand Mental Health and Addiction Services — Sep 27, 2025
- Kern Behavioral Health takes home state Challenge Award at Sacramento | News | bakersfield.com — Feb 13, 2026
- Kern County secures $8 million grant to expand mental health services — Sep 30, 2025
- Kern County’s 911 mental health dispatch program wins a statewide CSAC Challenge Award — Feb 12, 2026
Information sourced from the clinic's website as of July 10, 2026.
More behavioral health clinics in Bakersfield
Bakersfield Behavioral Healthcare Hospital is a private acute psychiatric facility in Bakersfield, California, offering inpatient and outpatient mental health and substance use treatment for adults (18+) and adolescents (13–17). The hospital provides individualized programs, admissions, and support groups across four offices (primarily HQ at 5201 White Ln, Bakersfield). Key details: privately held, part of the mental health care industry, about 45 employees, annual revenue around $38.6 million, NAICS codes 62/622 and SIC codes 80/806. Contact: abk.marketing@bakersfieldbehavioral.com; main phone numbers include 877-755-4907 and 661-241-5587.
Kern Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (Kern BHRS) is the government-run mental health agency for Kern County, headquartered in Bakersfield, CA. Key details: - Industry/type: Mental Health Care; Government Agency - Headquarters: Bakersfield, CA; 4 offices in the United States (Kern County) - Services: Behavioral health and recovery services (public mental health programs for residents) - Contact: info@kernbhrs.org; main phone numbers include (866) 266-4898, (800) 991-5272, 661-868-8080, 661-868-6600 - Availability: Active status; 148 employees (~6.4% YoY growth) - Addresses (examples): 2001 28th St, Bakersfield, CA 93301; PO Box 1000, Bakersfield, CA 93302 - Aliases: kernbhrs, Kern Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (Kern BHRS) If you’re looking for county-focused behavioral health resources in Bakersfield/Kern County, Kern BHRS is the official county agency to contact for publicly funded mental health services.
Comparing your options?
See other behavioral health clinics in Bakersfield, or search the full directory by insurance, ratings, and more.