Perinatal and postpartum therapy in Brea, CA for the days when you're barely making it through

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

This isn’t therapy with checklists or pressure to “fix yourself.” I hold space for the version of you that’s hurting, confused, and barely holding it together. Because that version needs care too.

02

Let’s meet where you are

I offer virtual sessions so you don’t have to put on a brave face, get dressed, or fight traffic just to get support. Therapy meets you in your real life—not some idealized version of it.

03

Start healing and thriving in your motherhood

There’s no timeline for feeling like yourself again. I help you slow down, get honest, and build a path forward that includes you in the process—not just your role as a mother.

Explore our therapy services and specializations

  • Perinatal and postpartum therapy

    Whether you’re pregnant, newly postpartum, or months into motherhood wondering when it gets easier—I’m here to support your emotional and mental health during this life-altering season.

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  • Postpartum depression

    You might be smiling for the family photos and silently crying in the bathroom. Postpartum depression looks different for everyone. I offer a space where you can speak the truth, without guilt.

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  • Pregnancy therapy

    If pregnancy feels more overwhelming than magical—you’re not the only one. I help you process anxiety, fear, and even resentment that can come up during this big transition.

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  • Postpartum anxiety

    When your thoughts won’t turn off and your body is always tense, it’s more than “just being a new mom.” I help you manage postpartum anxiety so you can feel grounded again.

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  • Postpartum PTSD

    If you're having flashbacks, trouble sleeping, or avoiding parts of your story altogether, you might be dealing with trauma. I help you process your experience in a way that feels safe and empowering.

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  • Birth trauma

     Birth doesn’t always go the way we imagined—and even when “everyone says it turned out fine,” your body might be telling a different story. I offer a space to unpack what happened and start healing.

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  • Pregnancy loss therapy

     Loss is heavy and complicated. If you’ve experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, or a loss that others don’t understand, you’re allowed to grieve it fully. I’ll hold space for all of it.

     (Link pending)

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I serve women in Brea and surrounding Orange County neighborhoods

I work with moms in Brea, Fullerton, La Habra, Yorba Linda, and across North Orange County who are craving a space to stop pretending and start feeling supported. Whether you're in a quiet cul-de-sac or navigating motherhood without your village nearby, my virtual therapy sessions make it possible to get care from home, with no pressure to show up any certain way.

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

Hi, I’m Karla Michele Hernandez, postpartum therapist in Brea, CA

After becoming a mom myself, I realized how much of motherhood is romanticized—and how little support there is for what it actually feels like. That’s why I started Alma de Madre. I work with women who are tired of pretending they’re okay. My job isn’t to fix you—it’s to create a space where you can breathe, feel, fall apart, and rebuild at your own pace. You don’t have to go through this alone.

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