Kern Psychiatric Data Breach Exposes Social Security Numbers and Medical Info

Kern Psychiatric Health and Wellness Center Inc. (PWC), a psychiatric and behavioral health practice in Bakersfield, California, disclosed a data breach involving unauthorized access to computer systems managed by its management company, Genesis Healthcare Management.

The breach was reported to the California Attorney General on Aug. 21, 2026. The company also posted a notice of the incident on its website.

On June 22, 2026, Genesis Healthcare Management discovered unusual activity on its network. Upon detecting the activity, Genesis began an investigation with the assistance of third-party cybersecurity specialists.

The investigation confirmed that certain files on the network had been accessed without authorization. The affected network housed certain patient data belonging to Kern Psychiatric Health and Wellness Center.

The types of information exposed varied by individual but may have included names along with one or more of the following: Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers or government-issued ID numbers, dates of birth, diagnosis and treatment information, prescription information, provider names and locations, dates of service, medical record numbers, patient account numbers, Medicare/Medicaid ID numbers, lab results and health insurance information.

Kern Psychiatric Health and Wellness Center's response to the breach

Kern Psychiatric Health and Wellness Center is offering affected individuals 12 months of complimentary credit monitoring and identity protection services through Cyberscout.

Individuals who received a notification letter can enroll online using the unique code included in their letter. Enrollment must be completed within 90 days of the date of the notification letter.

For questions about the incident, the company has set up a dedicated assistance line at 866-906-8720, available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET, excluding holidays. Individuals may also write to P.O. Box 82193, Bakersfield, CA 93380.