Perinatal and postpartum therapy in Downey, CA for the moments you feel like you’re falling apart

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 meet you in the messy middle of motherhood—without fixing, judging, or pushing. My therapy style is honest, validating, and focused on helping you feel human again.

02

Let’s meet where you are

You’re juggling feedings, fatigue, and emotional whiplash. I offer virtual sessions for Downey moms so you can get support in your space, without needing to “get it together” first.

03

Start healing and thriving in your motherhood

You don’t have to push through it. I offer therapy that helps you slow down, speak the truth, and begin to reconnect with yourself—gently and at your own pace.

Explore our therapy services and specializations

  • Perinatal and postpartum therapy

    Becoming a mom changes everything. Whether you're navigating early pregnancy or months into postpartum, I help you process the emotional weight, find clarity, and feel less alone.

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  • Postpartum depression

    You might feel like you’re failing—but what you’re really feeling is depleted. I offer support for postpartum depression that honors your pain and helps you find relief without shame.

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  • Pregnancy therapy

    Pregnancy can bring up unexpected emotions—fear, grief, doubt. You deserve support during this chapter too, even if no one else sees the cracks forming.

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  • Postpartum anxiety

    If you're constantly scanning for what could go wrong or struggling to relax, you might be dealing with postpartum anxiety. I help you regulate your nervous system and find peace again.

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  • Postpartum PTSD

    Not all trauma looks like panic. If your birth story feels stuck in your body, or you find yourself avoiding anything that reminds you of it, I offer trauma-informed care to help you heal.

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  • Birth trauma

    If your birth experience left you feeling dismissed, violated, or afraid, you're not being dramatic. I help you process birth trauma without minimizing your truth.

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  • Pregnancy loss therapy

    Grief doesn’t follow a timeline. I offer therapy for miscarriage, stillbirth, and other forms of loss with tenderness and deep respect for what you’ve gone through.

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I serve women in Downey and surrounding communities

I support moms throughout Downey and neighboring areas like Norwalk, Bellflower, Paramount, and South Gate. Whether you’re parenting with extended family, solo, or in a partnership, you deserve therapy that centers you. My virtual sessions make it easy to access care from home—no traffic, no judgment, no need to hide what you’re really feeling.

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 Downey, CA

I know what it’s like to look “fine” on the outside and feel like you’re crumbling inside. I created Alma de Madre because I was that mom—exhausted, confused, and wondering if I was doing it all wrong. Now, I support other women who are carrying more than anyone realizes. My style is raw, compassionate, and grounded in the belief that you matter too. You’re not failing—you’re just trying to survive in a system that wasn’t built to support you. Let’s change that together.

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