Perinatal and postpartum therapy in Santa Ana, CA that holds space for the real version of motherhood

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 won’t hand you platitudes or act like you need to “fix” yourself. I create a therapeutic space that’s grounded in honesty, compassion, and validation. You deserve that now—not when you’re feeling better.

02

Let’s meet where you are

Whether you're lying in bed with a baby on your chest or hiding in the bathroom for a sliver of quiet—I meet you there. I offer virtual sessions for moms in Santa Ana to make therapy as accessible and pressure-free as possible.

03

Start healing and thriving in your motherhood

We take it one step at a time. I’ll help you unpack what’s weighing you down—whether it’s grief, fear, resentment, or exhaustion—and guide you toward more space, softness, and self-compassion.

Explore our therapy services and specializations

  • Perinatal and postpartum therapy

    From the first trimester to the fog of early motherhood, I help you process the emotional and mental shifts that often feel invisible to the outside world. This work is about you—not just your role as a mom.

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  • Postpartum depression

    You don’t have to look sad to be struggling. If you’re feeling disconnected, flat, or secretly wondering if you’re cut out for this, I’ll help you feel less alone and more grounded in your truth.

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  • Pregnancy therapy

     Pregnancy can be filled with excitement and grief all at once. Whether this is your first or fourth time, I offer support to help you process fears, emotions, and the uncertainty that often goes unspoken.

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  • Postpartum anxiety

     If you're constantly scanning for danger, struggling to sleep, or overwhelmed by intrusive thoughts, this may be postpartum anxiety. Together, we’ll work toward a steadier nervous system and more ease.

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  • Postpartum PTSD

     If your birth or postpartum experience left emotional wounds that still haven’t healed, you’re not alone. I offer trauma-informed therapy to help you feel safe in your body and story again.

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  • Birth trauma

    You can be thankful your baby is here and be grieving the way your birth unfolded. I help you hold both truths without guilt, and begin to process what your body and heart went through.

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  • Pregnancy loss therapy

     Loss in motherhood is often minimized. I offer therapy for miscarriage, stillbirth, or other pregnancy losses in a space where nothing has to be justified, rushed, or silenced.

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I serve women in Santa Ana and throughout Orange County

 I support mothers in Santa Ana and nearby communities like Tustin, Garden Grove, Fountain Valley, and Anaheim. Whether you're parenting with a strong support system or doing most of it alone, you deserve space to process your experience in a way that’s safe and affirming. My virtual sessions make therapy possible without adding to your already-full plate.

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 Santa Ana, CA

After living through my own postpartum unraveling, I knew I had to create a space where other moms could show up real and raw—no masks, no pressure. That’s why I started Alma de Madre. I support women navigating the chaos of early motherhood, birth trauma, anxiety, and identity loss. My approach is grounded in compassion, lived experience, and a deep belief that healing happens when you’re finally allowed to tell the truth. You don’t have to carry this 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