Therapy in Torrance, CA | Counselor Karla Hernández
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
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Book a consultation call
The version of motherhood you see online doesn't always match what you're living. Here, you don’t have to fake a smile or hold it together. My approach is rooted in honesty and shaped by the realities of early motherhood. You’ll find space to fall apart, process what’s heavy, and start piecing yourself back together with care.
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Let’s meet where you are
You don’t need to clean the house or put on a brave face. Whether you're in sweats, surrounded by laundry, or just trying to make it through the day, you’re welcome here. I offer virtual therapy so you can show up exactly as you are no commute, no pressure, just space to be human.
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Start healing and thriving in your motherhood
I’ll never ask you to push through or pretend. Instead, I offer trauma-informed, evidence-based care that centers your needs and your story. Together, we’ll create space for rest, reflection, and real healing because you’re not just a mom, you’re a whole person who matters too.
Explore our therapy services and specializations
Perinatal and postpartum therapy
READ MOREThe early stages of motherhood can feel overwhelming. You're adjusting to physical changes, emotional shifts, and a brand-new identity. In our sessions, we’ll explore the invisible load you carry and unpack the mixed emotions that come with it joy, guilt, love, fear. No topic is off-limits.
Postpartum depression
READ MOREIf getting out of bed feels impossible, or the things that used to bring you joy now feel flat, you might be experiencing postpartum depression. You're not broken, and you’re not alone. In therapy, we’ll work together to reconnect you with your voice and your strength, one step at a time.
Pregnancy therapy
READ MOREPregnancy is often painted as a glowing time, but for many women, it’s also filled with anxiety, uncertainty, and loss of control. If you're feeling overwhelmed or disconnected, this is a space to be honest about your experience without judgment or expectations.
Postpartum anxiety
READ MORERacing thoughts, panic at night, and intrusive worries aren’t just “part of being a new mom.” They may be signs of postpartum anxiety. I offer tools to help calm your nervous system and make room for moments of peace even when things still feel chaotic.
Postpartum PTSD
READ MORESome births don’t go as planned, and the aftermath can leave deep emotional scars. If you’re reliving moments from your labor or feeling stuck in fear, we’ll explore what happened with care and clarity. Healing from birth trauma is possible, and you don’t have to do it alone.
Birth trauma
READ MORENot all birth stories are beautiful and that’s okay to admit. Whether it was medical complications, lack of support, or a loss of control, your experience matters. This space honors the complexity of what you went through and helps you reclaim your story.
Pregnancy loss therapy
READ MORELoss during pregnancy can leave you feeling like time has stopped. You may be grieving silently while the world keeps moving. In therapy, you’ll have space to speak, cry, process, or simply sit with your grief no timeline, no expectations, just support.
I serve women in Torrance, CA and saurrondig areas
I provide therapy for women across Torrance and neighboring communities like Redondo Beach, Carson, Gardena, and Palos Verdes. Whether you're near the beach or closer to the freeway, virtual therapy makes it easier to prioritize your mental health without needing to leave your home.
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
Hello I’m Alma de Madre | Postpartum therapist in Torrance, CA
Therapy with me isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence. I’m Karla Michele Hernández, a bilingual therapist serving women in Torrance and across California. My work is rooted in honesty, trauma-informed care, and a deep respect for the emotional rollercoaster of motherhood. Whether you’re navigating postpartum depression, birth trauma, or pregnancy-related eating challenges, I’m here to help you feel seen, held, and supported.
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