Perinatal and postpartum therapy in San Francisco, CA for when motherhood doesn’t feel like you thought it would

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 show up for you without judgment, pressure, or pretense. You don’t have to put on a brave face here. You just have to show up as you are—and together, we’ll figure out how to make space for your healing.

02


Let’s meet where you are

 I offer virtual therapy for mothers all over San Francisco—from the Mission to the Marina—because I know even getting out of the house can feel impossible some days. Whether you're nursing, crying, or numbing out on the couch, therapy can meet you right there.

03


Start healing and thriving in your motherhood

 I won’t hand you a to-do list or force toxic positivity. I’ll offer a space to slow down, feel your feelings, and gently reconnect with the version of you that feels furthest away.

Explore our therapy services and specializations

  • Perinatal and postpartum therapy

     Motherhood is a massive identity shift—and no, you’re not the only one struggling with it. I help you process the emotional load that comes with pregnancy, birth, and everything after.

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  • Postpartum depression

     It’s not just you being “too emotional.” If you feel stuck in sadness, irritability, or disconnection, it might be postpartum depression—and you don’t have to go through it alone.

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  • Pregnancy therapy

    Pregnancy can bring joy and dread in equal measure. Whether you're anxious, grieving a past experience, or feeling out of control, I offer a space to name what's really going on.

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  • Postpartum anxiety

     If your brain feels like it's running a constant loop of "what ifs," I see you. Postpartum anxiety is exhausting—and treatable. Let’s get you some relief.

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  • Postpartum PTSD

    Trauma doesn’t always look like panic attacks—it can look like avoidance, numbness, or feeling nothing at all. If your birth or postpartum experience left you shaken, I’ll help you feel safe again.

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  • Birth trauma

    Even “routine” births can leave deep emotional scars. If your birth experience was anything but empowering, you deserve a space to talk about it honestly.

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  • Pregnancy loss therapy

    Grief is not linear. If you’ve experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, or any form of pregnancy loss, I offer therapy that honors your story and supports your healing—without rushing your process.

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I serve women in San Francisco and surrounding neighborhoods

Whether you’re based in Noe Valley, the Sunset, Bernal Heights, or anywhere across SF, I offer virtual therapy for mothers who are tired of pretending they’re fine. San Francisco moms often carry the weight of high expectations, intense cost-of-living pressure, and the invisible labor of caregiving. You deserve support that holds space for all of that—and more.

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 Francisco, CA

I founded Alma de Madre after living through my own postpartum reckoning. I remember feeling like I was supposed to be grateful—but inside, I was falling apart. Now I work with other moms who are struggling with postpartum depression, anxiety, identity loss, birth trauma, and more. I’m not here to tell you what to do. I’m here to sit with you in the chaos, remind you that you matter, and help you begin the work of becoming whole again.

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