Perinatal and postpartum therapy in Sacramento, CA for the parts of motherhood you weren’t prepared for

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 offer quick fixes or polished checklists. I offer grounding, real support that makes space for every part of your experience—the joy, the resentment, the confusion, and everything in between.

02

Let’s meet where you are

You don’t need to show up perfectly. Whether you’re hiding in the laundry room for five minutes of quiet or holding your crying baby during our call, you’re welcome here—exactly as you are.

03

Start healing and thriving in your motherhood

 Together, we’ll slow things down, listen to what your body and mind have been trying to say, and rebuild the foundation that makes you feel like you again—not just a role you're trying to live up to.

Explore our therapy services and specializations

  • Perinatal and postpartum therapy

    You don’t have to be in crisis to need support. Whether you’re pregnant, postpartum, or somewhere in the blurry in-between, I’m here to help you navigate the emotional weight of this season with more clarity and care.

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  • Postpartum depression

    You’re not lazy. You’re not weak. You might be experiencing postpartum depression—and it deserves to be taken seriously. I offer therapy that meets you with empathy, not judgment.

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  • Pregnancy therapy

    Pregnancy is a full-body, full-heart transformation—and it’s okay if it brings up things you didn’t expect. I help you explore what’s coming up emotionally so you don’t have to carry it alone.

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  • Postpartum anxiety

     If your brain feels stuck in overdrive—constantly scanning, worrying, or bracing for the worst—I’ll help you untangle those thoughts and begin to feel safer in your mind and body.

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  • Postpartum PTSD

     Some stories are harder to speak out loud. If your birth or postpartum experience left you feeling traumatized, I’ll help you process it with care and without rushing your healing.

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  • Birth trauma

    Even if your birth “looked fine” on paper, your experience matters. If you left your birth feeling shaken, unseen, or hurt, I offer a place to begin repairing what was ruptured.

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  • Pregnancy loss therapy

    There is no wrong way to grieve. If you’ve experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, or a termination, I hold space for your grief, your anger, your love, and your story—however it needs to be told.

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I serve women in Sacramento and surrounding communities

I work with moms across Sacramento—from East Sac and Land Park to Elk Grove, Midtown, and Natomas. Whether you're surrounded by family or feeling isolated in a new city, my virtual therapy sessions are designed to meet you in your lived reality. You don’t need to leave your house or “pull yourself together” to receive meaningful support.

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 Sacramento, CA

 I started Alma de Madre because I didn’t want any other mother to feel as alone as I did in my postpartum season. I know what it’s like to hold your baby and wonder if you’re disappearing in the process. I now work with women who want to feel like themselves again—who are tired of hiding the truth and ready to be supported in a deeper way. You deserve care that honors all of you—not just the part that’s holding everything 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