Donald Kern, M.A.; M.F.T. has been a licensed psychotherapist for 13 years. He has a fulltime private practice in Woodland Hills, California as well as a part-time practice in Thousand Oaks. His counseling credentials include training as a psychotherapist in the army, and clinical membership in a number of professional organizations, including the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, The American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, The Anxiety Disorders Association of America, and The Alliance for the Mentally Ill. As well, he is a member of the Service Area II Advisory Committee for the Los Angeles County Mental Health Department.

Kern has been a guest on a local radio talk show, “Shrink Rap,” has lectured on mental illness and bipolar disorder to students at UCLA, has spoken to service organizations and has done in-service training for several social service agencies and mental hospital workers. He is available for speaking engagements. Kern is a consultant to other psychotherapists who desire to learn more about manic-depression.

He has a 34 year history of bipolar disorder, the last 24 years on medication without an episode. As a clinician, he specializes in working with clients who have bipolar disorder and their families. He has trained support group facilitators and has extensive experience running therapy and psycho-educational groups for the chronically mentally ill. He brings his personal experience to the treatment of those similarly afflicted. His candid self-disclosure of personal experience has become a hallmark of his treatment style

Kern has written a variety of articles which have been published in professional and consumer magazines such as, “Professional Counselor Magazine,” “Journal for the Alliance for the Mentally Ill,” and “The Therapist,” the magazine of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. Click here to access the articles.

Recently, Donald Kern’s book, “Mind Gone Awry,” has been released and is available through his website. In his book, Kern chronicles his firsthand experience with bipolar disorder from its inception to the present. It details his struggles, success and tenacity in overcoming this illness and offers hope to others so afflicted. As well, “Mind Gone Awry,” provides understanding to family and loved ones.

Kern who has been married 19 years to a now retired teacher, has two daughters and is a grandfather. He lives in Westlake Village, California.