Meet our Tehachapi Clinicians!
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Carla Cook
she/her
LCSW 97838
Licensed Clinical Social Worker/ Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional
Clinical Manager
Carla Cook is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, a secondary degree in Gerontology, and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from California State University, Bakersfield. Before becoming a clinician, she spent many years working with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community and is fluent in American Sign Language.
Carla is a dedicated advocate for social justice, human rights, and the inherent worth and autonomy of every individual. She is committed to creating therapeutic spaces that honor cultural diversity, LGBTQ+ identities, spiritual and faith traditions, and the full spectrum of lived experiences. Her practice emphasizes cultural humility, compassion, and ethical integrity.
She has extensive experience supporting individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, personality disorders, justice‑involvement, identity exploration, and a wide range of mental health needs. Carla is deeply aligned with the Recovery Model and is passionate about walking alongside people during life transitions, empowering them to build resilience and develop meaningful coping strategies in a complex world.
Carla takes a holistic and integrative approach to mental health. She is a Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional and is trained in mindfulness and Vipassana meditation practices. Her work reflects a belief in the interconnectedness of mind, body, community, and spirit.
Outside of her professional life, Carla enjoys spending time with her husband of more than 40 years, connecting with her three adult children, relaxing with friends, and caring for her beloved animals—including her chickens, cats, and her English bulldog, Winston.
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
Certified Mental Health and Nutrition Specialist
FAST FACTS
If you could have dinner with anyone who would it be?
"My father who passed away when I was six years old."
What is your ideal Saturday?
"Ziplining with loved ones in a beautiful environment in nature."
What is your favorite way to move your body?
"Combat Hapkido, boxing and yoga."
What is the greatest thing about being a therapist?
"I have the honor of walking beside people on their journey of change and recovery to witness their incredible strength and courage."
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Christopher LoCascio
he/him
RPA 94029591
Registered Psychological Associate
Supervised by Jim Fix, Ph.D. Psy18312
Chris LoCascio, Psy.D., is currently a Psychological Assistant, working towards licensure as a Clinical Psychologist. Chris completed his doctorate at California School of Professional Psychology in San Diego with a specialty in Family Therapy and has been working in a variety of settings as both a therapist and college professor.
Chris has worked professionally with Sharp Mesa Vista psychiatric hospital, Tri-City Hospital emergency department, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and as a professor at Bakersfield College. He has extensive experience using psychological testing to support diagnostic and treatment concerns. He is expanding his abilities in trauma-related and integrative theories and looks forward to utilizing more tools to help his clients.
Chris approaches therapy with great empathy and understanding and offers insight and support to individuals, groups and families. He has a varied and diverse background in clinical practice, including in-patient hospital care, intensive out-patient programs, community-based care, and incarcerated populations. Chris prides himself on providing affirming care to LGBTQ+ individuals. His therapeutic approach is client-centered and supportive of every person in an empathic and respectful manner. His warmth, empathy, thoughtfulness and wide range of clinical experience makes him an amazing advocate for helping people find their way in life.
FAST FACTS
How do you take your coffee?
"Strong with lots of chocolate!! Nothing like a really good mocha!!!!"
In my downtime you can find me...
"Playing with our horses, dogs and goats or heading out on family adventures."
What is your favorite way to move your body?
"I'm most fluid when underwater. Scuba diving gives me a sense of calm and serenity that is hard to find on land. Moving in the water requires me to be "fish-like" and I'm at peace when exploring under the seas."
What is the greatest thing about being a therapist/ in the mental health field?
I am honored to be a part of people's journey to health and self-awareness. Being able to help people improve their lives by listening and engaging with them gives me great satisfaction and I'm excited to be a part of others journey.
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Courtney Hutchinson
she/her
Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee
Supervised by Kara Richards, LPCC 6411
Courtney is a dedicated Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) student intern at National University, currently in the final year of her Master's program. She earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology from Sonoma State University, where she discovered her passion for helping individuals better understand themselves and their relationships. Courtney is eager to apply her academic knowledge and skills to support individuals and families as they navigate life's challenges.
Believing in therapy as a safe and supportive space for self-discovery and growth, Courtney works collaboratively with clients to expand insight, build resilience, and develop healthier lifestyle habits. She is committed to helping clients identify their strengths, work through past and present challenges, and achieve personal goals while fostering positive, lasting change.
In her practice, Courtney adopts a holistic approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of mind and body. She integrates evidence-based therapeutic techniques with mindfulness practices to promote overall well-being and healing. By considering the whole person, Courtney aims to empower clients to achieve balance and well-being in all aspects of their lives.
FAST FACTS
How do you take your coffee?
"My coffee choice depends on the weather! On chilly days, I enjoy a classic cappuccino, but when it’s warm, I love cold brew with a bit of cold foam on top!"
What is your favorite way to move your body?
"Either weight lifting or going for a hike."
In my downtime you can find me....
"making sourdough bread, enjoying a homemade cappuccino, hiking up a mountain, or training with my dog"
What was your childhood dream?
"To own a vineyard surrounded by nature and own all the horses and dogs I can imagine"
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Kelly McBride
she/her
LCSW 88414
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Kelly McBride, LCSW, is a compassionate and experienced therapist based in Tehachapi, California, where she supports individuals and families through her work at Healing Solutions. She offers affirming care to LGBTQ+ clients and draws on a diverse background in clinical and community-based settings. Kelly’s approach is trauma-informed and client-centered, meeting each person with empathy, respect, and a deep commitment to their well-being.
Her professional experience includes working with Adventist Health, Koinonia Family Services, and Rising Star Riders, where she incorporated equine-assisted therapy into treatment for youth and families. She also has extensive private practice experience, serving clients of all ages with a focus on healing and resilience.
Kelly specializes in trauma-informed cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, solution-focused therapy, and foster care and adoption-related challenges. Passionate about nature and animals, she integrates her love of horses and the outdoors into her therapeutic work whenever possible.
Outside the therapy room, Kelly enjoys spending time near the ocean, horseback riding, and exploring the outdoors. Her warm, supportive presence and broad clinical expertise make her a trusted guide for clients navigating life’s challenges.
FAST FACTS
In my downtime you can find me...
"Near water, with horses or playing in the dirt. Being with my horses and working on the tractor is one of my therapies."
If you could have dinner with anyone who would it be?
"My grandfather. He was my rock!"
Who or what is your greatest teacher?
"Nature"
What is the greatest thing about being a therapist?
"To be the person who listens and validates to those who are in need of therapy."
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Madison Plaza
she/her
Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee
Supervised by Carla Cook, LCSW 97838
Madison is a graduate student currently in an internship as part of earning her Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology at William Jessup University. She enters this role with humility, curiosity and an appreciation for the courage it takes to seek support. As a student intern, she values learning alongside her clients. She brings a strong background in working with Veterans navigating transitions, where she has supported individuals facing identity shifts, uncertainty and major life changes following military service.
Her therapeutic approach blends Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy and mindfulness based interventions to help clients feel more anchored and less alone in what they’re carrying. She supports clients in noticing how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors show up in daily life, while also exploring the stories that have been woven into how they see themselves. Above all, she approaches her work with intention, offering a restorative presence where clients can arrive just as they are.
FAST FACTS
How do you take your coffee?
"Coffee was my first love but matcha has my heart now. I make a homemade matcha latte each morning with almond milk, maple syrup and a dash of cardamom."
In my downtime you can find me...
"Sitting in the sun, working on a paint-by-numbers or trying out a new recipe with piano music playing in the background."
Who or what is your greatest teacher?
"My past self. She's taught me more than anyone. We’re all rough drafts of who we’re becoming."