Therapy in Long Beach, CA | Counselor Karla Hernández

Motherhood is messy, magical, and maddening—and if you’re in the thick of it in Los Angeles, you're not alone. At Alma de Madre, we offer compassionate perinatal and postpartum therapy for women navigating the exhaustion, identity shifts, and silent struggles that often come with becoming a mom. Whether you're healing from a traumatic birth, grieving a loss, or just trying to stay afloat in the chaos of new motherhood, we’re here to remind you: you matter too.

How it works

01

Book a consultation call

I offer therapy that doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges of motherhood. There’s no pressure to be the “perfect mom” here, just a supportive space to show up exactly as you are. We’ll talk honestly, cry if needed, and rebuild your sense of self one session at a time.

02

Let’s meet where you are

No need to stress over traffic or getting dressed. I provide online therapy for moms in Long Beach so you can access care from your bed, your car, or your kitchen floor. This is therapy designed for your real life.

03

Start healing and thriving in your motherhood

You don’t need to push through or “bounce back.” I use trauma-informed methods and mind-body techniques to help you gently process what’s coming up. Together, we’ll move toward regulation, healing, and the version of motherhood that fits you.

Explore our therapy services and specializations

  • Perinatal and postpartum therapy

    Every journey into motherhood is different. Whether you're struggling with hormonal shifts, feeling emotionally flooded, or just can't seem to connect with your baby, therapy gives you the space to explore what’s underneath the surface. In our work together, we’ll untangle the guilt, name what hurts, and help you feel more like yourself again.

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  • Postpartum depression

    Postpartum depression doesn’t always look like sadness; it can show up as numbness, irritability, or feeling like you’re failing at something everyone else makes look easy. In therapy, we’ll take the pressure off. You don’t have to love every minute of motherhood to be a good mom. I’ll help you reconnect to yourself and find solid ground again.

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  • Pregnancy therapy

    Whether you're newly pregnant or counting down the weeks, pregnancy can stir up more than just physical changes. Therapy can help you manage anxiety, fears around childbirth, and the emotional impact of past trauma. Together, we’ll explore how to stay present, connected, and grounded in your body as you prepare for what's ahead.

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  • Postpartum anxiety

    Maybe you can’t stop checking if the baby is breathing. Maybe your mind races at night, and you carry a constant edge of dread. Postpartum anxiety is common and treatable. In our work, you’ll learn how to calm your nervous system, build safety in your body, and challenge the spiral of "what ifs" that leave you feeling powerless.

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  • Postpartum PTSD

    Traumatic births often go unspoken, but their impact lingers. If you're experiencing flashbacks, panic attacks, or detachment from your body after giving birth, you're not alone. Therapy can help you process these experiences without judgment, at your own pace, and in a space where your pain is valid.

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  • Birth trauma

    Sometimes what was supposed to be the “best day” becomes a source of confusion, grief, or fear. Birth trauma can leave deep emotional scars, but you don’t have to carry them alone. We’ll create space for your story, validate your experience, and help you begin to heal so the past no longer takes up your present.

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  • Pregnancy loss therapy

    Pregnancy loss often brings invisible grief, the kind that others don’t always recognize. Whether you’ve experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, or medical termination, your pain matters. Therapy offers a space to honor your loss, navigate complex emotions, and begin to make meaning of what you’ve been through.

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I serve women in Long Beach, CA and surrounding areas

Long Beach has a unique blend of beachside calm and city energy. I work with women across its many neighborhoods Bixby Knolls, Naples, Alamitos Heights, and beyond. Whether you're down the street or joining virtually, you deserve care that meets you right where you are.

Testimonials

Karla is a great clinician with years of experience. Her trauma focus highlights every aspect of her work with mothers in perinatal and postnatal work as well as the LatinX community. She deeply cares for her clients growth and is supportive in their healing work. She is a highly skilled and trained clinician mastering the art of using evidence based practices whilst also considering individual perspectives. 

Yeniss Paez, LCSW

I’ve had the honor and privilege of working side by side with Karla Hernandez. Getting to know her has been such an honor. She is committed to helping her clients with a nonjudgmental approach, working through trauma of all kinds. Being a birth doula I know how important it is, speaking with someone to improve material outcomes. Karla is key and is committed to helping her clients overcome trauma and grow.

Michelle Wilkerson, Birth and Postpartum Doula

Karla is a compassionate and dedicated maternal mental health therapist. She has worked diligently with clients in all paths of life and thrives particularly working with mothers. If you are looking for a therapist that understands the unique needs women face navigating the postpartum period and beyond, she is your go to resource. 

Priscilla Gomez, LCSW

Hello I’m Karla Michele Hernández, postpartum therapist in Long Beach, CA

Therapy with Karla is a space to process the complex and emotional journey of motherhood without judgment or pressure to “enjoy every moment.” From postpartum depression and anxiety to birth trauma and pregnancy loss, Karla brings a radically honest and culturally grounded approach to each session. With deep empathy and clinical insight, she helps women make sense of what they’re feeling, reconnect with their sense of self, and find a way forward.

Frequently asked questions

  • Insurance & Payment Information

    I accept Cigna and Aetna insurance.


    I also take out of network/self pay at my private pay rate. I currently partner with Mentaya, a service that streamlines getting reimbursed for your therapy session though out of network benefits. 


    See if you qualify:

    https://mentaya.co/checkbenefits/karlahernandez 


    Payments can be made through credit card and debit card, including FSA and HSA debit cards.

  • Cancellation Policy

    I understand that life happens—especially in motherhood. However, to respect both my time and other clients who may need an appointment, I require at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations or rescheduling.

    Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the appointment will be subject to the full session fee.


    If you miss a session without notice (no-show), you will be responsible for the full cost of the session.


    Exceptions may be made in cases of emergencies, but please reach out as soon as possible if you need to reschedule.

    If you need to cancel or reschedule, you can do so by contacting me via karla@almademadre.com or my phone number 562-457-0466


  • Good Faith Estimate

    You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost

       

    Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.

       

    You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.

       

    Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your healthcare provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.

       

    If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.

       

    Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.

       

    For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 1-800-985-3059