Who do I call first for disability services in Kern County, California?

Start with early intervention (children under 3), your school district's special education office (ages 3–21), and California vocational rehabilitation for employment. This guide points to the right front door for Kern County.

Is help available in Spanish in Kern County?

Yes. This Kern County guide includes Spanish-language support, and most California agencies provide interpretation on request.

What should I do in a disability-related crisis in Kern County?

For an immediate emergency call 911. For mental health crisis support call or text 988 (the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), available 24/7. This page also lists local crisis resources where available.

Disability Services in Kern County, California

A free, plain-language guide to disability services in Kern County, California. Find who to call first for early intervention, special education, Medicaid waivers, transition planning, employment supports, and crisis help, with Spanish-language support. Always call to confirm details, which can change.

Services covered in Kern County

Early intervention (under 3) and special education / IEPs (ages 3–21)
Medicaid waivers and home- and community-based services
Vocational rehabilitation and supported employment
Transition planning, guardianship, and benefits
Crisis support: 911 for emergencies, 988 for mental health crisis

Local organizations in Kern County

Disability-related organizations on file with an address in Kern County. Details change, so always call to confirm before you visit.

Independent Living Center of Kern County (ILCKC) ((661) 325-1063, Bakersfield)
Project SEARCH — Dignity Health Mercy Hospitals, Bakersfield (Bakersfield). One-year school-to-work transition program for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, hosted at
The Arc of California. State chapter of The Arc — advocacy, family support, and connections to local chapters for people with intellectual and
Aspire Behavioral Health (661-829-7301, Bakersfield)
Bakersfield Behavioral Healthcare — Hospital LLC (BBHH) (661-398-1800, Bakersfield)
College Community Services — Ridgecrest (760-499-7406, Ridgecrest)
Crestwood Behavioral Health Inc (661-363-8127, Bakersfield)
34th Street Community Health Center (661-324-1455, Bakersfield)
Arvin Community Health Center (661-854-3131, Arvin)
BACHC East Kern Clinic (661-874-4050, Boron)
Baker Street Village Community Health Center (661-328-4283, Bakersfield)
Autistic Children Thriving (BAKERSFIELD)
Kern County Special Education (Bakersfield)
Valley Achievement Center (BAKERSFIELD)
Abella Companion Care Llc (661-859-9190, BAKERSFIELD). Respite care
Action Family Counseling Bakersfield Rtc (800-367-8336, BAKERSFIELD). Substance-use treatment
Advanced Psychological Prescriptives (661-283-5790, BAKERSFIELD). Children's mental-health clinic
Advanced Recovery, Llc (661-378-7221, BAKERSFIELD). Substance-use treatment
Ace 1 Homehealth Services, Inc (661-322-7770, BAKERSFIELD)
Adventist Health Home Care Services (661-869-6700, BAKERSFIELD)
American Health Associates, Inc (661-861-1478, BAKERSFIELD)
Around The Clock Home Care (661-395-5800, BAKERSFIELD)
101ns Med Transport Services Llc (661-426-9506, BAKERSFIELD). Medical & accessible transport
A Rediride Llc (661-438-5344, BAKERSFIELD). Medical & accessible transport

Statewide programs serving Kern County

These serve every county in California, including Kern County.

Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, UC Davis MIND Institute. University center on disabilities (UCEDD)
UCLA Tarjan Center. University center on disabilities (UCEDD)
USC UCEDD at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. University center on disabilities (UCEDD)
Disability Rights California (800-776-5746). Protection & Advocacy: free disability rights legal help
State Council on Developmental Disabilities ((916) 322-8481). State Council on Developmental Disabilities
Ability Tools ((800) 390-2699). State assistive technology program: device loans, demos & reuse

Other counties in California

Browse every county from the California disability resources portal, choose a different state on the state portals index, or read more about PathAble AI.