Perinatal and Postpartum Therapy Services in Los Angeles, CA

The real raw truth is: postpartum is forever

Whether you’re a few months or several years postpartum, the mental and emotional toll can linger in ways no one prepared you for. It’s time to change that.

Let´s talk about

So you had a new baby, but…

You didn’t expect the silence to feel this loud.

You rock your baby in the middle of the night, the weight of exhaustion pressing down on you, but what really scares you is how alone you feel. Everyone else is asleep. The world is moving on. And you’re here, trapped in the longest night of your life, wondering if you’ll ever feel normal again.

No one told you that feeding your baby could make you feel like you are just an object.

Whether it’s breastfeeding, pumping, or formula—each choice feels like the wrong one. You wince through the pain, the latching struggles, the bottles piling up in the sink, feeling like you’re failing at the one thing that’s supposed to come naturally.

You didn’t think you’d ever feel resentment toward the baby you love more than anything.

But after hours of bouncing, shushing, trying everything to get them to sleep, you feel anger bubbling up—Why won’t they just sleep? Why won’t they just let me rest? And then, just as quickly as it came, the guilt crushes you, because what kind of mother feels this way?

You thought the hardest part would be giving birth—but now you’d give anything to feel like yourself again.

You catch glimpses of her—the woman you used to be—in old pictures, in the jeans that no longer fit, in the way your friends talk about life outside of feedings and naps. But she feels distant now, like someone you used to know, and you really miss her.

And I totally get it. I was there too. But wanna know the good news? It doesn’t have to stay this way.

Okay mama

You deserve to rediscover your own rebirth as a mother so you can find your way back to her, and step into your soulful balance.

It´s time to...

Stop just surviving and start feeling steady, knowing that you don’t have to carry this weight alone.

Trust yourself again—not because you have all the answers, but because motherhood was never about getting it perfect, it was about showing up, just as you are.

Reconnect with the person you used to be—not as someone you lost, but as someone who is still here, evolving, growing, becoming.

Stop holding it all in. Speaking your truth doesn't make you weak-it makes you free.

Healing doesn’t mean going back to who you were before—it means embracing who you’re becoming, with the peace and balance you deserve in between.

Welcome to this era of reconnecting with your soul, where therapy provides the space for you to blossom and grow

No pressure, no judgment—just a space to share what you’re going through and see if this support feels right for you.

Book an intro call

How it works

Whether you’re running on no sleep, feeling stuck in survival mode, or just need someone to validate how hard this is, we’ll start from exactly where you are.

Let’s meet where you are

With the right support, you can release the guilt, find balance, and reconnect with yourself—because you deserve to feel whole, not just needed.

Start healing and thriving in your motherhood

About Alma de Madre

Hello, I'm Karla Hernandez

For over a decade, I’ve helped mothers navigate the unfiltered reality of postpartum—the exhaustion, the anxiety, the identity shifts no one prepares you for. I’ve worked with hundreds of women, particularly Latinx and BIPOC mothers, in hospitals, clinics, and homes, creating spaces where they feel truly seen and supported.


Here’s why I’m passionate about this work: I’ve lived it. Even with a beautiful birth experience, I still found myself struggling with postpartum anxiety and depression. It opened my eyes to how much we expect mothers to carry alone—and how deeply we need spaces where we can be honest about how hard this is


At Alma de Madre, I offer trauma-informed, person centered therapy that goes beyond the surface-level advice and meets you exactly where you are. Because you were never meant to do this alone—and you don’t have to anymore.

You deserve to feel whole again—and I’m here to help bring you back to you.

Motherhood may have changed you, but it wasn’t meant to erase you. You are still here. Beneath the exhaustion, the anxiety, the weight of it all—there is a version of you that deserves care, support, and healing.

Book your consultation today.

 Online therapy for postpartum in Los Angeles and surrounding areas.

  • Intake (50 to 60 minutes) $200
  • 50 minute individual therapy sessions are $200
  • I accept Aetna and Cigna insurance
  • Additionally I partner with Mentaya, who may help you get reimbursed for your therapy sessions through out of network benefits (I have a link to check benefits instantly to see if you qualify)

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

Primary areas we serve, but if you are outside of these cities we also provide online therapy across the state of California

  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Whittier, CA
  • Brea, CA
  • Pasadena, CA
  • Downey, CA
  • Montebello, CA
  • Long Beach, CA
  • Fullerton, CA
  • Cerritos, CA
  • La Habra, CA

This is your time to step into motherhood on your terms—with balance, with peace, and with the support you deserve.

Frequently asked questions

  • What is postpartum therapy?

    Postpartum therapy is a space designed specifically for mothers navigating the emotional, mental, and identity shifts that come after birth. It’s not just about coping with anxiety or depression—it’s about helping you process the changes, release guilt, and find balance in a way that feels right for you.


  • How long is postpartum recovery?

    Physically, postpartum recovery is often defined as six weeks. But emotionally? Postpartum is forever. The impact of birth, the shifts in identity, and the mental load of motherhood can stay with you for years. Healing isn’t about a timeline—it’s about getting the support you need, whenever you need it.

  • What helps with postpartum healing?

    Healing looks different for every mother, but some of the most important pieces include: rest, emotional support, safe spaces to process your experience, therapy, and learning to care for yourself without guilt. True healing comes when you stop forcing yourself to “bounce back” and start allowing yourself to be held. 

  • What will we do in therapy?

    Every session is tailored to what you need. We’ll explore what’s weighing on you—whether that’s birth trauma, intrusive thoughts, identity shifts, or simply feeling overwhelmed. Through trauma-informed, compassionate support, you’ll learn to release guilt, build self-trust, and create space for your own healing.

  • I don’t have childcare—can my baby be present?

    Yes! You are welcome to bring your baby to sessions. I understand how difficult it can be to find childcare, and this space is meant to meet you where you are, without added stress.

  • How do I know if I need therapy for postpartum?

    If you feel like you’re just surviving, if you don’t recognize yourself anymore, if the anxiety, sadness, or exhaustion feel overwhelming—you deserve support. You don’t have to wait until you hit rock bottom to seek help. Therapy isn’t just for when things are falling apart; it’s for reclaiming yourself in the midst of it all.

  • How do I know if I have postpartum depression or anxiety?

    You may be struggling with postpartum depression or anxiety if:

    • You feel persistently sad, numb, or disconnected from your baby.
    • You have racing thoughts, intrusive worries, or panic that won’t quiet down.
    • You struggle with overwhelming guilt or feel like you’re failing.
    • You feel trapped, exhausted beyond what seems normal, or like you’re losing yourself.

    If any of this resonates, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself.


  • Do you prescribe medication?

    No I do not prescribe medication but if needed you will be referred to a specialist.

  • How is postpartum therapy different from regular therapy?

    Postpartum therapy is designed specifically for the unique emotional, physical, and mental shifts of motherhood. It’s not just about treating anxiety or depression—it’s about helping you process birth, manage the mental load, redefine your identity, and heal from the unrealistic expectations placed on mothers. It’s therapy that sees all of you—the mother, the woman, the human underneath it all.

  • 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