About

 I have been through times of discontent, despair, depression, doubt, extreme stress and overwhelm. And know what it's like to feel stuck, lonely, confused, unsure and scared. Sharing what I have learned with others who like myself, know there is more to Life than what most of us are living, brings me great joy and fulfillment. Life's detours, blindsides and curveballs have been my greatest teachers, the times of most personal growth and transformation. I am here to help you navigate yours. I enjoy learning, travel, adventure, music and dance as much as I enjoy helping others!I have a bucket-list of 101 goals, which includes creating/building the next global social enterprise and helping humanity heal. What can I say, I DREAM BIG! I eat, sleep and dream personal development. I started with Stephen Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People in 1997 and currently reading The Art of Contemplation & The Gene Keys (likely to take me at least a year) by Richard Rudd. 

I received my master's degree (MSW) in 1997 from UCLA and became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in 2009. I have worked successfully with clients from all ethnicities and across all socio-economic levels. I am also bilingual/fluent in Spanish. I am licensed in California (2009) and Pennsylvania (2024).  

I am now trained/certified in IFS (Internal Family Systems)/parts work (Level 1) and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) and often incorporate these techniques into my work as well as my CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), Mindfulness and Psychodynamic (talk therapy) approach. I also completed Psychedelic Medicine/Ketamine Assisted Therapy training and offer preparation and integration sessions (not covered by insurance). 

In California I accept/in network with several insurance companies such as HealthNet (MHN), Aetna, United Healthcare (UHC), Optum and Lyra (EAP). 

I offer a $150/hour rate for those paying out of pocket or using PPO/Out of Network benefits. For coaching services (not covered by insurance) rates are between $100-$130 depending on length of session. 

To learn more about my clinical work in California and which insurances I accept, please visit my profile at Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/117450   

For Philadelphia/Pennsylvania please visit:

 Maria (Mari) (Mari) Hernandez, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, Philadelphia, PA, 19121 | Psychology Today 

If you are looking for a place to be validated, to be understood, to cry, to laugh, to have fun, a place to educate yourself, empower yourself, a place to find strength, courage, hope, meaning and ultimately identify and move towards understanding, growth, strength, resiliency, healing and transformation then I am honored to work with you and look forward to helping you on your Journey, 

 At this time services are primarily Telehealth (video or phone sessions). Many people are new and unsure about Telehealth, but rest assured the connection with clients is the same as in-person sessions.

 If you are ready to book a psychotherapy/counseling appointment, please click the Book Now button to connect with my availability calendar.  If you would like to schedule a 15-minute consultation or coaching session, please send email (below).

 Dreams without faith are fantasies. Dreams with faith become possibilities.  

Maria "Mari" Hernandez, LCSW