Perinatal and postpartum therapy in Whittier, CA that meets you where you are

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 offer therapy that’s real, honest, and centered on what you’re actually going through—not the filtered version of motherhood we’re fed online. There’s no pressure to “enjoy every moment” here. Just a space to fall apart, reflect, and slowly put yourself back together again.

02

Let’s meet where you are

Whether you're in pajamas or haven’t showered in days, you're welcome here. I offer virtual sessions to meet you in your reality—no commute, no pressure, no perfection needed.

03

Start healing and thriving in your motherhood

I won’t ask you to “bounce back.” I’ll help you move forward—with compassion, clarity, and space to feel whatever’s showing up. You deserve to heal, to rest, and to remember that you're a whole person, not just a mother.

Explore our therapy services and specializations

  • Perinatal and postpartum therapy

    I support women in every chapter of the motherhood journey—from pregnancy through postpartum and beyond. Whether you're planning for birth or navigating the chaos after, I help you process the identity shifts, anxiety, grief, and complexity that no one warned you about.

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  • Postpartum depression

    If you feel like you’re moving through molasses, crying for no reason, or wondering if you made a mistake becoming a mom, you’re not alone. I offer support that doesn’t minimize your pain or dismiss your experience.

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  • Pregnancy therapy

    Pregnancy isn't always joyful—and that’s okay. If you're overwhelmed by fears, feeling disconnected from your body, or processing past trauma, I offer a safe space to explore it all.

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  • Postpartum anxiety

    If your brain won’t shut off, you’re constantly scanning for danger, or living in a state of high alert, you might be experiencing postpartum anxiety. I help you gently untangle the worry and find space to breathe.

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  • Postpartum PTSD

    If your birth left you feeling violated, terrified, or unseen, you don’t have to carry that story alone. I offer trauma-informed support so you can start to feel safe again—in your body and in your story.

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  • Birth trauma

    Maybe everyone says your birth was “fine,” but something inside you knows it wasn’t. I help you honor what happened, make meaning from it, and begin the healing process—without judgment.

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  • Pregnancy loss therapy

    Grief in motherhood is often invisible. Whether you’ve experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, or another kind of loss, I hold space for your sorrow, your story, and your healing.

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I serve women in Whittier and surrounding areas

I support moms all across Whittier and nearby areas like La Habra, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, and Hacienda Heights. Whether you’re juggling the demands of daily life or navigating motherhood without much support, I’m here to help you feel less alone. All sessions are offered virtually, so you can get the support you need—on your terms.

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 Whittier, CA

I started Alma de Madre after my own postpartum journey nearly broke me. I remember wondering, “Why didn’t anyone tell me it could feel like this?” Now, I work with moms who feel unseen, unheard, and exhausted—just like I did. I’m a licensed therapist, but I’m also a mom who gets it. I specialize in helping women navigate postpartum depression, anxiety, identity loss, birth trauma, and all the messy in-between moments no one prepares you for.

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