Conversations that INVITE possibility

Sometimes problems block us from the path we want to take in life. These challenges don’t need to define you. Let’s work together to reclaim your story.

Available for telehealth sessions in California.

Fernando Barcelona MA, LMFT

Approach

As a therapist, my approach is centered on non-judgmental conversations and therapeutic modalities that invite possibility.

I will work with you to help map out problems and tap into your unique strengths. I like to invite the power of connection, community, and storytelling into our conversations.

It is my hope that together we will co-create tools that feel relevant to your world, based on your experiences and aligned to your goals.

In-Person Sessions | Los Angeles and Palm Springs

Telehealth Sessions | All of California

  • I have a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University Los Angeles.

    I am trauma-informed, LGBTQI+ affirming and use an array of post-modern modalities, Narrative Therapy and Internal Family Systems. I am also trained in EMDR and as a ADHD Clinical Service Provider.

    Prior to becoming a therapist, I also worked as a creative professional in the advertising and entertainment worlds. I understand the challenges of writing scripts, managing productions and pleasing clients with impossible demands.

    I have also worked with non-profits as a communication director and public health advocate. Some of the issues I have experience with include: advocacy for foster care youth. LGBTQIA+ rights, HIV/AIDS, substance abuse, first-generation acculturation, and anti-racism movements.

  • American Association of Marriage and Families Therapist

    California Association of Marriage and Families Therapists

    ADHD- Certified Clinical Service Provider

    Be Strong Families, Board Member (Marketing Chair) - (2016-2020)

    Health Initiatives for Youth, Board Member (2004-2007)

    Californian Art Scholar - Creative Writing (1997, 1999)

AREAS Of FOCUS

Regardless of the issue, I strongly believe that therapy shouldn’t feel like a one-size-fits-all situation. Each session should be tailored to the needs of clients at their pace and with their goals always in mind. Below are some of the areas I have experience working with and have had advanced training and certififications.

  • Mood Disorders

    Dealing with anxiety, depression or a diagnosis of bi-polar can be overwhelming. We can feel trapped, alone or even confused where to go next with these problems. They sneak up on us, sometimes affecting our work, our relationships and even dimming the dreams we once had for ourselves. Through our work we will try to understand where you stand with these challenges, learn how these problems work in your life, and find ways in which you can reclaim your story with new possibilities.

  • Challenges with Attention

    Whether you have been diagnosed with Adult ADHD, or identify as neurodivergent, or just feel “scattered”, we will work together to disrupt the cycle of blame and shame. I am trained as an ADHD Clinical Service Provider who likes to go beyond strategies and work with clients to re-author new narratives around motivation, productivity and career.

  • RELATIONAL ISSUES

    Problems can get in the way with how we communicate and show up in our relationships. I work with individuals, couples, friends and adult siblings to go beyond debate and find ways to foster real conversation. Whether you have trouble dealing with people in your professional or personal life, our work will be focused on helping you feel less stuck in what may feel like endless cycles of miscommunication and misunderstandings. I am well informed how to work with all types of relationships including monogamous, non-monogamous, kink, polyamorous and platonic.

  • LGBTQIA+ ISSUES

    Being part of the LGBTQIA+ community goes beyond who we attracted to. It affects how we are perceived by our families, workplace and everyday communities. Our relationships, personal struggles and successes can sometimes exist outside dominant heteronormative narratives .This can make us feel sometimes unseen and unheard . As a therapist my work with with queer folks is always informed, non-judgmental and affirming.

  • OCD / REPETITIVE THINKING

    Although my work is centered in narrative therapy, I also borrow from exposure response prevention (ERP) and cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) to work with folks who have unwanted repetitive thinking or behaviors. Together we will get to know what is behind these loop cycles, rituals and phobias and author ways to escape them.

  • CREATIVE CAREER ISSUES

    I worked as a creative professional in the advertising and entertainment industries for almost two decades. This experience familiarized me with the specific stressors these professions. From writer’s block and feeling undervalued by an employer to dealing with rejection and imposter syndrome, I understand how complicated these paths can be and how easily one can internalize these challenges.

SERVICES AND FEES

Reach out for a free 15 min consultation.

  • Sessions cost $200 and are 50 mins long (In-Person or VIrtual).

    I have a few sliding scale slots based on need and availability.

  • Sessions cost $225 and are 50 mins long (In-person or virtual). Longer sessions are available for an additional cost.

  • Sessions cost $250 and are 50 mins long (in-person or vIrtual). Longer sessions are available for an additional cost.

  • Group therapy fees vary from $25-$75 based on the group. To find out what groups are currently available click on the group therapy tab in the header.

  • I do not accept insurance but can provide superbills and work with you to navigate out-of-network benefits so you can receive partial reimbursement. Many people who have PPOs don’t realize this is an option.

    A good first step to find out your options is to call your insurance (the number on the back of your card) and ask:

    1. Do you accept superbills

    2. Can I use an out-of-network provider?

    3. How do I submit them (i.e.online, mail, etc.)?

    4. How much will you reimburse?

  • You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health 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 expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services.

    You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services. You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a 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 FaithEstimate.

    For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate,

    visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.

Location

444 N Larchmont Blvd
Suite 203
Los Angeles, CA
90004

213-986-5752