Dr. Gonzales was originally born and raised in the Bay Area (Walnut Creek, CA). He participated in athletics (basketball, football and baseball) throughout high school (Northgate). He was also a collegiate (Hayward State University) and semi-professional baseball player (San Francisco Senators). Unfortunately, he was not able to complete his senior year of college baseball due to being diagnosed with a metastatic stage 4 Cancer. After completing 8 months of chemotherapy, two surgeries and battling for his own life, Dr. Gonzales made a life transformation. It was at this time that he looked for meaning and purpose from this tragedy (adverse life challenge) that eventually led him to the field of Psychology. Anyone that knows Dr. Gonzales, knows that he vigorously pursues the silver lining in every dark cloud. He is also a man of strong faith.

Dr. Gonzales earned his Bachelors and Masters Degree at Hayward State University. He earned his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from California School of Professional Psychology in Los Angeles (APA accredited) in 1992. He completed his clinical internship with the Hollywood/Sunset Community Clinic and the Los Angeles County Sheriff Departments Psychological Services Department.

It was at this time he was introduced to Dr. Rick Trautner (Psychiatrist) through an associate (Dr. David Wellisch) at a UCLA psychoanalytic supervision group in Los Angeles. Dr. Trautner was impressed with Dr. Gonzales and invited him to join his group practice in Bakersfield. Dr. Gonzales accepted the invitation and has been in private practice for 30 years.

Dr. Gonzales has been featured extensively in the local and national media. He was the feature cover story of Coping magazine (April,1997) and has been on the speakers tour that has led him to some prestigious venues including M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. He has been on national television shows and appears frequently on local television (predominately KGET-17) as their Psychological spokesperson. He is also a contributor to the First Look with Scott Cox radio show on KERN radio 96.1 FM, 1110 AM every other Thursday morning at 8:05 AM.

Dr. Gonzales has also done volunteer work (over 15 years) for the American Cancer Society that has led to numerous awards for his work in the community. He was the recipient of the 1997 “Patient Services Award” and the 1999 “You Make A Difference Award”. In 1998, he was nominated for the “Public Health Hero Award” from the Kern County Department of Public Health. Dr. Gonzales also helped develop the first “Man to Man” program in California, for men with Prostate Cancer and their families.

Dr. Gonzales is a member of the local Kern County Psychological Association (KCPA), California Psychological Association (CPA) and American Psychological Association (APA). Dr. Gonzales is an active board member of the American Cancer Society, Bakersfield.

In addition to his professional career, Dr. Gonzales is a strong believer in the importance of family and community. He met his wife in Bakersfield and has been married since 1994. After becoming settled here, he moved his parents from the Bay Area. This allowed him to spend several years of quality time with them before his father passed in 2006.

Dr. Gonzales has been the Director of Behavioral Health for Telehealthdos Telemedicine since 2012. He also leads the weekly professiional development group for post doctoral interns at Kern County Behavioral Health.

VES Veterans Evaluation Services

For three decades, Dr. Gonzales has helped people feel and function better within and also in their relationships with others. Dr. Gonzales is a dynamic, interactive, and solution-focused doctor. His treatment approach is to provide support, education and insight to help patients address current life challenges/problems and long-standing issues. With knowledge, compassion and understanding, Dr. Gonzales helps individuals find resolution to a wide range of personal concerns, life challenges and psychological issues. With his integration of complimentary approaches, Dr. Gonzales uses a variety of methodologies and techniques to incorporate what is most helpful for each individual.

Dr. Gonzales’ main focus is not only providing you with excellent mental health care, but also leaving you educated about your health to assist you in making informed personal decisions. He encourages you to ask questions and raise concerns you may have during your visit. If you ever have questions or concerns about your mental health, please do not hesitate to contact his office. Your mental health is too important for you to remain uninformed.

Dr. Gonzales works closely with psychiatrists, while also having an excellent rapport with numerous primary care physicians to address the medication needs of his patients.

Dr. Gonzales is committed to serving you with the best optimal standard of care.  Dr. Gonzales is a fee for service doctor. Patients pay at the time of service and are given a receipt called a “superbill”. This receipt, if patients so choose, can be submitted to their insurance companies for reimbursement. Many patients check with their insurance providers first to find out how much they will be reimbursed. Each insurance company has different rates.