About Us
Welcome to Sunshine Behavioral Health Services
At Sunshine Behavioral Health Services, we are more than just a treatment center—we are a community dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges. Located in Bakersfield, CA, we provide comprehensive, evidence-based care for mental health and behavioral issues in a safe and supportive environment. Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or a loved one, we’re here to walk alongside you every step of the way.
Our Story
Dr. Sindhuja Pavuluru has been a passionate advocate for mental health since her early years. Even as a student during her Pharm-D internship rotation at Southern Illinois University in 2015, she actively promoted mental health awareness and recognized the growing need for accessible psychiatric services. Her dedication to this cause has been unwavering, and she continues to champion mental health care with a deep sense of purpose.
In early 2021, Dr. Pavuluru moved to Bakersfield, California, where she immediately recognized the critical shortage of mental health services in Kern County. At that time till present, there are only 11 Child & Adolescent Psychiatrists per 100,000 individuals under 18, officially designating the region as underserved in mental health care.
Understanding the urgent need for psychiatric services, she collaborated with Dr. Uppalapati and Dr. Bodapati to establish Sunshine Behavioral Health Services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The clinic initially provided tele-health services, ensuring that patients had access to professional care despite the challenges of the pandemic. As the demand for services grew, Sunshine Behavioral Health Services expanded to a physical location in Bakersfield, continuing its mission of delivering accessible, high-quality mental health care to the community.
Why Choose Us
- Experienced Mental Health Professionals – Our team consists of highly trained board certified psychiatrists, nurse practitioners with a specialization in psychiatry (PMHNP), and licensed therapists.
- Comprehensive Services – We offer psychiatry diagnostic evaluations, medication management and therapy tailored to individual needs.
- Accessible Care – Serving both urban and rural communities with flexible in-person and tele-health options.
- Insurance and Self-pay options – We accept major private insurances, Medi-Cal, Kern Family, Medicare, and also offer self-pay options for individuals without insurance.
- Patient-Centered Focus – Your well-being is our top priority.
Mission
Our mission is to provide compassionate, personalized care that empowers individuals to overcome obstacles and achieve lasting well-being.
We are guided by the following core values:
- Compassion: We meet every individual with empathy and understanding.
- Hope: We believe in the potential for healing and growth.
- Efficient: We provide timely appointments and reduce wait times for seamless care.
- Excellence: We are committed to the highest standards of care.
- Respect: We honor the dignity and uniqueness of every person.
Vision
To be a beacon of hope and healing, empowering individuals and families to overcome mental health challenges and thrive in all aspects of life. We are committed to providing fast and accessible mental health services in our community to ensure timely care.
Serving Kern County and Beyond
Sunshine Behavioral Health Services proudly provides psychiatric care across Kern County, including:
Bakersfield
Delano
Fresno
Shafter
Lake Isabella
California City
Ridgecrest
Lamont
Arvin
Tehachapi
Wasco
Our Commitment to Community Involvement
At Sunshine Behavioral Health Services, we believe in the importance of giving back through partnerships with local organizations, educational workshops, and community outreach programs we strive to make a positive impact beyond our clinic walls. We are dedicated to actively engaging with the community to promote mental health awareness, provide education, and offer support where it’s needed most.
Learn how we are making a difference in Kern County.
What our clients say
Sunshine Behavior Health is highly recommended. The receptionist is always so sweet and nice and is very well mannered and psychiatrist AHILA is very recommended she listens to what you have to say and is actually there to do her job as a psychiatrist. I am beyond happy with them and I will continue to stay with them for as long as I need. Thank you Sunshine Behavior Health
I have been seeing Dr. Bodapati for 6 months and I am so thankful I found BHS! Appointments are always available within a few days, very convenient and Dr. Bodapati is always great
Sunshine BHS was able to provide an urgent appointment within a few days of the request. The provider answering questions about services was informative. The treating provider was a great listener and addressed all concerns presented.
I would like to give 10 stars. they did a great job for me. my anxiety, negative thoughts, stress all are manageable right now. my energy level increased . my concentration getting better. I am very happy. I felt I was in good hands, and the team has taken great care of me....Would highly recommend.
Ready to Take the First Step ?
If you or a loved one is struggling, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation and begin your journey toward healing and hope.
💙 You are not alone. We are here to help.