Perinatal and postpartum therapy in Riverside, CA for mothers who feel like they’re carrying the weight of the world

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 don’t believe in pushing toxic positivity or rushing healing. I offer real, supportive therapy that helps you feel seen, heard, and understood—even on the days when you don’t recognize yourself.

02

Let’s meet where you are

Therapy doesn’t have to be another thing you have to “do.” I meet you where you are—on the couch, in the car, or during nap time—through virtual sessions built around your life.

03

Start healing and thriving in your motherhood

This work isn’t about fixing you. It’s about helping you reclaim the parts of yourself that got buried under diapers, doubt, and impossible expectations. We’ll go at your pace, together.

Explore our therapy services and specializations

  • Perinatal and postpartum therapy

     I support women through every phase of motherhood—from the first wave of nausea to months (or years) after giving birth. You don’t need to be in crisis to deserve support.

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  • Postpartum depression

     If you’re tired of pretending you’re fine or feel like you’re living behind a mask, you might be dealing with postpartum depression. You don’t have to carry this alone—we’ll unpack it together.

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  • Pregnancy therapy

     Pregnancy can bring anxiety, grief, confusion, and unexpected emotions. I offer a space where you can process all of it—without having to explain why it doesn’t feel magical right now.

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  • Postpartum anxiety

     If you lie awake running through every worst-case scenario or feel like your nervous system is on constant high alert, I help you move from survival mode to more grounded, spacious living.

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  • Postpartum PTSD

    When your experience of birth or postpartum was frightening, traumatic, or left emotional scars, I offer trauma-informed support to help you feel safe in your body again.

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  • Birth trauma

     If your birth story is hard to talk about, or even harder to relive, you’re not alone. I help you make sense of what happened and begin healing—at your own pace.

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  • Pregnancy loss therapy

    Whether your loss was recent or something you’ve carried silently for years, your grief matters. I offer a space where you don’t have to minimize, explain, or rush your healing.

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I serve women in Riverside and the Inland Empire

I work with mothers throughout Riverside and surrounding communities like Moreno Valley, Corona, Eastvale, and Jurupa Valley. Whether you're balancing work, caregiving, and cultural expectations—or simply trying to stay afloat day to day—this is a space where your experience matters. With virtual therapy, support is just a click away, even when getting out of the house feels impossible.

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 Riverside, CA

 I created Alma de Madre because I know how lonely and disorienting motherhood can feel. After going through my own postpartum unraveling, I decided to become the kind of support I wish I had. I work with moms who are tired of carrying the weight silently—who want real, compassionate therapy rooted in truth and lived experience. You don’t have to keep pretending you’re okay. You can fall apart here—and we’ll rebuild 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