Perinatal and postpartum therapy in San Diego, CA for when everything feels too heavy to hold alone

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 is therapy for the version of you that’s barely hanging on—not the one who has it all figured out. I bring honesty, compassion, and zero judgment into every session, because that’s what I needed most when I was in it too.

02

Let’s meet where you are

You don’t need to shower, put on makeup, or “get it together” before showing up. I offer virtual sessions for moms across San Diego so that getting help doesn’t become another thing on your plate.

03

Start healing and thriving in your motherhood

You’re not broken—you’re burnt out. Together, we’ll create space for your pain, your truth, and your healing. You deserve support that centers you, not just the baby.

Explore our therapy services and specializations

  • Perinatal and postpartum therapy

    Pregnancy and postpartum change everything—from your identity to your relationships to your nervous system. I offer space to explore those changes with honesty and care.

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  • Postpartum depression

    If you’re feeling numb, disconnected, or like you’re going through the motions, you’re not alone. I help you unpack what’s beneath the heaviness and reconnect to yourself, one breath at a time.

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  • Pregnancy therapy

    From navigating medical fears to grieving the life you're leaving behind, pregnancy brings up more than people like to admit. I offer a space where all of it—the fear, the grief, the love—can be held.

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  • Postpartum anxiety

     If your thoughts won’t slow down and your body is always bracing for something to go wrong, I help you work through postpartum anxiety with tools rooted in nervous system regulation and self-compassion.

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  • Postpartum PTSD

    If your birth felt traumatic or you're haunted by parts of your postpartum experience, you might be carrying trauma. You don’t have to relive it alone—I offer trauma-informed care that helps you feel safe in your body again.

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  • Birth trauma

    If something about your birth still doesn’t sit right—whether or not others understand why—you deserve a space to process that experience without minimizing it.

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  • Pregnancy loss therapy

    Grieving during motherhood is often silent. I offer therapy for miscarriage, stillbirth, and loss that honors your experience with softness, patience, and zero pressure to “move on.”

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I serve women across San Diego and nearby communities

 I support moms throughout San Diego—from North Park to La Jolla, Chula Vista to Hillcrest—through virtual therapy that fits into real life. Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom who feels invisible or a working mom trying to juggle it all, I’m here to hold space for your story. You don’t have to figure this out alone.

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 San Diego, CA

 I created Alma de Madre because I needed a place like this when I was deep in my own postpartum fog. I work with moms who feel like they’re losing themselves in motherhood and want a place where they can tell the truth, fall apart, and begin again. I bring a trauma-informed, deeply compassionate approach to postpartum therapy because I know how heavy this can feel—and I want you to know you don’t have to carry it 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