Licensed to practice in California and accepts 59 insurances. Specializes in Anxiety, Coping Skills, Depression
Hello, my name is Maria "Cristina" Hernandez. I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and I’m truly glad you’re here today. As a psychotherapist, my main goal is to support individuals in navigating life’s challenges and helping them discover tools that empower them to reach their full potential. I find deep fulfillment in witnessing people make meaningful progress toward their personal goals. Therapy is just one part of who I am. I’m also a friend, partner, and stepparent—roles that shape my perspective and contribute to the person and therapist I am today. I would describe myself as warm, empathetic, and a good listener. These qualities allow me to create a safe and welcoming space for my clients, which is essential in building trust and connection. I was raised in a Christian home, and the values instilled in me—such as humility, honesty, respect, and compassion—have strongly influenced both my personal life and professional approach. These principles continue to guide me in supporting others with integrity and care.
One of the therapeutic approaches I often use and find highly effective is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT helps individuals understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. With guidance from a therapist, clients learn to recognize cognitive distortions and replace them with more balanced, realistic thoughts—leading to improved mood and behavior over time. I also incorporate supportive therapy to create a compassionate, non-judgmental space that offers validation, encouragement, and normalization of experiences. Additionally, I enjoy using Family Systems Therapy when working with couples or families. This approach allows me to assess relationship dynamics, identify unhealthy patterns, and support the development of more positive and functional interactions among family members.
A common theme I’ve observed in many of the individuals I work with is the absence of a strong support system, limited healthy coping skills, and a lack of a structured plan to address the challenges they face. Gaining a deep understanding of how mental health conditions uniquely present in each person allows me to tailor treatment plans that integrate both their individual personality and the specific symptoms that need attention. Psychotherapy offers a safe, non-judgmental space where individuals can receive support, understanding, and care. I recognize that seeking help is not always easy—it takes courage to admit when support is needed. However, taking that first step is a powerful move toward healing and meaningful, lasting change.
My experience spans working with individuals affected by domestic violence, including survivors, children, other family members, and perpetrators. Through education and the use of effective therapeutic tools, I help clients process trauma, promote healing, and work toward meaningful, lasting change. I also have a passion for working with teenagers who may be struggling with communication, identity, and acceptance. While working with couples can present challenges, I find it deeply rewarding to help partners break negative cycles and build healthier communication patterns. In addition, I have experience treating a range of mental health diagnoses, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and more. My goal is always to provide support that is compassionate, collaborative, and tailored to each individual’s unique needs.
I identify as
Cash - $75 per session
Aetna
Aetna - Allied Benefits
Aetna - ASR Health Benefits
Aetna - Luminare
Aetna - Moda
Aetna - WebTPA
Aetna – HealthEZ
All Savers
Amerihealth Administrators
Anthem
Arlo
AvMed
Blue Cross
Blue Shield
Blue Shield of California - Medi-Cal
Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan (Medi-Cal)
CalViva Health (Medi-Cal)
Carelon Behavioral Health (Commercial)
Centivo
Central California Alliance for Health (Medi-Cal)
Cigna
Cigna - HealthEZ
Community Health Plan of Imperial Valley (Medi-Cal)
EAP:Cigna
EAP:Evernorth
EAP:UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Evernorth
Gold Coast Health Plan (Medi-Cal)
Golden Rule
GTEB
Harvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcare
Health Net (Commercial)
Health Net (Medi-Cal)
Health Plan of San Joaquin/Mountain Valley Health Plan – Medi-Cal
IHSS Healthy Workers
Independence Administrators
Independence Blue Cross
L.A. Care Covered
L.A. Care Covered Direct
L.A. Care Health Plan (Medi-Cal)
L.A. Care PASC-SEIU
Optum
OptumHealth Complex Medical Conditions
Oscar
Oxford
Partnership HealthPlan of California (Medi-Cal)
San Francisco Health Plan (Medi-Cal)
Santa Clara Family Health Plan - Medi-Cal
Scripps Health Plan
Sharp Health Plan
Surest (formerly Bind)
Sutter Health Plan
Tufts Health/Cigna
United Medical Resources
UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance
UnitedHealthcare Shared Services
UnitedHealthcare StudentResources
UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have been practicing CBT for 12 years to help clients overcome intrusive thinking patterns affecting how they feel and behave.
EMDR
This is a newer approach I have been using in order to help clients overcome trauma.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
Current approach being practiced in short term treatment to provide support and goal orientation.
2 ratings with written reviews
February 27, 2026
Cristina Hernandez is Amazing. She listened to me and didn't judge me. I felt very comfortable talking to her.
March 19, 2025
Cristina is a great listener and easy to talk to. She did a great job of taking my experience and help me see the deeper meaning that I couldn't see for myself. It was a big victory that I needed amid the challenges that I am faced with. I look forward to our next session.