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Carla Hernandez

LCSW (she/her)7 years of experience
5.0 (7)
Empowering
Solution oriented
Direct

Hi, I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 7 years of experience supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds. I have had the privilege of working with a variety of populations, including children, adolescents, adults, and families facing a wide range of emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges.

By balancing empathy with thoughtful challenge, I encourage growth through meaningful self-reflection, empowering clients to make positive, lasting changes in their lives.

I’m passionate about creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel heard, empowered, and supported on their journey toward healing and growth.

First session

In our first session, we'll start with a brief introduction and focus on building rapport so that you feel comfortable and supported. It’s important to me that you feel at ease, as this will be the foundation of our work together. We’ll then explore the reason you are seeking therapy. I’ll ask questions to better understand what brings you in and what you're hoping to achieve. We will take time to identify any challenges, triggers, or self-doubts you might be experiencing, and work together to understand how they’re impacting you.

Strengths

I’ve learned that the most effective therapeutic work happens in the here and now, which is why I focus on creating a space where clients can feel fully present and supported. I strive to cultivate a welcoming, energetic, and empathetic environment in every session, where individuals feel safe and heard as they navigate life’s challenges. My approach is grounded in compassion and clinical insight. I work with clients to help them process their experiences and identify cognitive distortions that may be affecting their well-being. By balancing empathy with thoughtful challenge, I encourage growth through meaningful self-reflection, empowering clients to make positive, lasting changes in their lives. I believe that therapy should be a dynamic and collaborative process, where clients not only feel supported but are also encouraged to confront and reframe their thoughts in a way that leads to personal transformation.

Ideal clients

Welcome, You’ve already made the first step by seeking help, and that’s something to be proud of. My role as a therapist is to meet you where you are, providing a safe, comfortable, and nonjudgmental space for you to explore the challenges you face. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, or trauma, my goal is to help you move toward a place of normalization, self-awareness, and empathy toward yourself. I am here to support you in navigating the difficulties of life and my approach is tailored to address your unique needs and experiences.

Treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) into my therapeutic approach to help clients navigate the complex relationship between their thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and life circumstances. I have seen firsthand how CBT empowers individuals to identify and challenge unhelpful thinking patterns, shift behavioral responses, and gain greater control over symptoms related to anxiety, depression, and self-doubt.

Dialectical Behavior (DBT)

Helping clients develop the skills necessary to manage emotional, behavioral, and cognitive instability. I use DBT to support individuals in improving mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness—core areas that are essential for building a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Family Therapy

I love working with families and am deeply committed to helping them rebuild connection by exploring family dynamics, identifying triggers, and working through current conflicts. In sessions, I create a space where all voices are heard, emotions are validated, and new patterns of communication can take root. My goal is to help families break through cycles of misunderstanding and tension so they can reconnect with greater empathy, trust, and clarity.

Location

Virtual sessions

Identifies as

Top specialties

Serves

Licensed in

Reviews and ratings

5.0 rating (7)4 reviews
May 6, 2026

Carla has a great energy, confident, direct, and not afraid to ask important questions. I prefer that approach, and she guided the session in a really helpful way. Her questions felt thoughtful and relevant, and her recap showed she was truly listening and understood what I shared. Overall, I think she’s a great therapist and I’m very happy to be working with her.

Verified client, age 45-54Review shared after session 1 with Carla
December 3, 2025

Fabulous!

Verified client, age 35-44Review shared after session 5 with Carla
November 7, 2025

She's wonderful in every way. So understanding and warm and knowledgeable. I feel so lucky to have found her!

Verified client, age 35-44Review shared after session 1 with Carla

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