Good Samaritan opens Wasco clinic

Good Samaritan in Bakersfield has opened a clinic in Wasco after its program to test field workers for covid-19 was a success.

The Good Samaritan Medical Clinic is located at 1217 Seventh St., across the street from Fiesta Latina Market.

The clinic will offer behavioral health services as well as primary care and wound care. The clinic will treat minors when it's an emergency situation.

Once the clinic receives its Medicare certification, it plans on holding a ribbon cutting ceremony.

"This is a good thing because we are just starting to view the reopening," Behavioral Specialist Melba Morales said.

Morales treats all kinds of mental health issues such as stress, anxiety and PTSD.

"Anxiety is the most common issue I see," Morales said.

Morales received her social work degree at Los Angeles City College with her Bachelor's degree in psychology and her Master's degree from California State University, Bakersfield.

Nurse Practitioner Bertha Barraza is a 2016 graduate from California State University, Bakersfield with a Master's degree and is a graduate of Wasco High School.

Seven of the eight clinic staff members are from Wasco originally.

"We were met with open arms in Wasco," Morales said. "We are treating the whole person, not just physical issues. Medically, both behavioral and medical issues are connected and that is why we see the importance of treating the whole person."

Good Samaritan does not accept managed care insurance plans; however, their rates are on a sliding scale and a visit now costs $20 for all services.

"We have currently screened 100 behavioral health patients," Barraza said.

Dr. Harjeet S. Brar out of Good Samaritan in Bakersfield on Olive Drive is in charge of overseeing the clinic.

The two also said that a clinic is slated for Shafter in the near future. The clinic has no lab services available; however, there is a lab in Bakersfield on Olive Drive.

The clinic can be reached at 661-215-7721.