Dr. Albert Ma, MD

Expert Publications

• Psychiatric inpatient care at a county hospital before and after the inception of a university-affiliated psychiatry residency program.

Media Releases

Bringing Extensive Psychiatric Expertise and a Passion for Education to Bakersfield, California

With nearly three decades of experience in psychiatry, Dr. Albert Ma, brings a deep commitment to patient care. As the Medical Director of Bakersfield Behavioral Healthcare Hospital, he combines this dedication with a fervent passion for teaching, promising to enhance the quality of mental health services in the Bakersfield community.

Dr. Ma was born in China and raised in Chicago, Illinois. He graduated from the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago in 1997, completing his residency in psychiatry at the same institution from 1997 to 2000. He then specialized further with a fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at Rush University Medical Center from 2000 to 2002. This rigorous training has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of mental health across diverse populations.

For the past 15 years, Dr. Ma has been a prominent figure in Bakersfield, contributing significantly through both teaching and clinical practice. His role as academic faculty at esteemed institutions such as UC San Diego and UCLA has solidified his reputation as a leader in psychiatric education. Currently, he serves as a core faculty member at Kaweah Delta’s Psychiatry Residency Program, where he mentors future psychiatrists.

As a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Dr. Ma is affiliated with several prestigious organizations, including the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the American Psychiatric Association, and the American Medical Association. He believes that the cornerstone of effective psychiatric treatment lies in establishing a trusting relationship with patients, which he considers more crucial than any advanced medication.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Ma is an avid gamer and professional photographer who enjoys spending quality time with his family and exploring culinary delights. His well-rounded interests reflect his belief in the importance of balance and personal fulfillment, which he brings into his practice to better connect with his patients.

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