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Dr. Paul Fernandez

Therapist profile

Dr. Paul Fernandez

California

Understanding, practical mental health support

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Review online therapy options and next steps on BetterHelp.

  • Stress and anxiety
  • Addiction recovery
  • Men's wellbeing

About Paul

Dr. Paul Fernandez brings a practical, down-to-earth approach to therapy. He is a California psychologist with 30 years of experience. He focuses on helping people manage stress, anxiety, addiction, grief, and changes in work or relationships. He also offers care around self-esteem, trauma, and common life transitions.

He writes plainly and listens closely to understand each person’s background and values. He has long experience working with Latino and Hispanic communities in Southern California, and often considers culture, faith, family roles, and immigration experiences when they matter to the person in the room. He is comfortable using Spanish when it helps the conversation.

In sessions he combines clear problem-solving with emotional exploration. He helps people notice patterns that cause pain and then builds simple, usable tools to cope better. That might include communication skills, ways to manage cravings or urges, and strategies to reduce worry and anger.

He aims to create a respectful space where people can discuss hard topics without judgment. He will meet each person at their pace and, when appropriate, bring cultural or spiritual values into the work.

Across decades of practice he has come to expect that problems are often more layered than they first appear. He focuses on what matters most to the client and on small, realistic steps toward change.

How his approaches shape online sessions

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, helps people notice painful thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them. It focuses on values and small actions that move life in a meaningful direction. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at how thoughts and behaviors interact and builds practical strategies to reduce anxiety and change unhelpful habits. Emotionally-Focused Therapy concentrates on emotional patterns in close relationships and can help improve communication and connection.

Deciding on an approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, preferences, and what has or hasn’t worked before. Together they pick methods that fit the person and the concerns being addressed, and they adjust the plan as needed.

If you are considering online therapy, confirm the current session options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, and allow check-ins from different locations. They can also support regular, focused work on skills like managing anxiety, coping with cravings, improving communication, and planning life changes. Licensed professionals, including this therapist, can help you decide how to use sessions in ways that match your day-to-day life.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflicts

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHearing impairedHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaTraumatic brain injuryVisually impairedWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Existential TherapyGottman MethodMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems

Experience

30+ years

Credentials

California

Languages

English, Spanish

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does this therapist help with?

Focus areas include stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship and family issues, trauma and abuse, grief, self-esteem, career challenges, and coping with life changes.

How would you describe the therapeutic style here?

The style is compassionate, straightforward, and practical, combining emotional work with skills and tools to manage everyday problems.

What is the therapist's background and experience?

He is a California psychologist with 30 years of clinical experience working with a wide range of concerns and communities.

Where is the therapist based and what credential is held?

He practices in California and holds the credential CA Psychologist 19972.

Which languages are supported for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English and Spanish.

Are international clients accepted for online work?

International clients are not currently accepted.

How are sessions priced?

Cost varies by location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

What are the steps to begin therapy?

Click the Start Therapy button, fill out a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions based on the therapist's availability.

Dr. Paul FernandezContinue with Paul