Therapy in Fresno, CA | Counselor Johanna Lee

Fresno holds a quieter rhythm, but the emotional load many mamas carry here is anything but quiet. I support first gen and Latina mothers who feel overwhelmed, disconnected or unsure how to ask for help. Fresno’s mix of agricultural communities, hardworking families and cultural expectations often leaves women feeling obligated to be strong. Therapy becomes a place where you no longer have to push through everything alone.

How it works

We start with a gentle intake session where you can share your experiences and goals. This is where we begin to understand what you’ve been holding and what you truly need,emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.

Intake Session

Through ongoing therapy sessions, we’ll dig into your individual needs. I’ll offer tools rooted in mindfulness, self-compassion, and cultural validation,so healing feels like it fits your life, not someone else’s version of self-care.

Follow Up Sessions

We revisit how far you’ve come, name what’s changed, and create a rhythm of support for what’s next,so you leave feeling steady, not dropped.

(# of sessions will vary based on individual needs)

Integration & Reflection Session-

Explore my therapy services and specializations

  • Therapy for Postpartum

    The early months of motherhood often bring a wave of emotions that do not match the images people show from Fresno. Many mothers feel confused by the mix of love and overwhelm that hits all at once. In therapy we explore that contradiction with tenderness so you can understand what is yours, what is cultural pressure and what is simply part of this season of change.

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  • Compassion-Focused Therapy for Anxiety

    Some people in Fresno experience anxiety as a sudden rush of panic while others feel it as exhaustion from being on high alert all day. Compassion focused therapy helps you understand the roots of that fear and gently retrain your body and mind. Instead of pushing through, you learn to slow down, breathe and meet your anxiety with warmth so it loses power over your decisions.

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  • Culturally Affirming Therapy for Latina and First-Gen Moms

    Many mothers share that they feel like two people at once: the daughter who wants to honor her family and the woman who wants to create a different kind of home. Before therapy this internal conflict feels like a constant pull. After therapy there is integration. You learn to hold both truths without feeling like you are betraying either.

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  • Postpartum & Early Motherhood Therapy in San Diego

    There is a tenderness in early motherhood that can feel too raw to speak about. Even when you love your baby deeply, you may feel disconnected, irritable or overwhelmed by the weight of caring for someone who needs you constantly. Therapy supports you in navigating this emotional complexity with compassion. Together we unpack what your body is holding, honor your limits and help you build rhythms that support your mental and emotional health.

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Testimonials

I was working with a first-gen Latina client who shared that she really appreciates that I give her education and examples for different mental health concepts and this helps her think about it in her own terms throughout the week (e.g. like having a full plate and taking just a moment to set it down when we journal so that it doesn’t feel as heavy all the time).

I helped a mom advocate for herself after experiencing workplace harassment throughout her pregnancy. She felt like she was complaining but after processing a couple sessions, she realized that this was one way she could protect herself (even if in the past she wasn’t able to). 

I hosted a Baby & Me Parent Community Event focused on 1) donations/swap station for baby & mom items 2) sensory play stations 3) selena dance along 4) new parent mental health 101 & 5) guest speaker on financial education. I had a few moms come up to me during the event saying how helpful it was to get tangible resources and also information to help them in their current season. 

I serve women in Fresno

I offer virtual therapy to women in Fresno as well as surrounding areas like Clovis, Tower District, Sunnyside and the broader Central Valley. You can access support from any location in California with full flexibility.

Hello I am Johanna Lee your postpartum and early motherhood therapist in Fresno

Fresno moms sometimes arrive feeling emotionally numb or overstimulated without understanding why. In virtual therapy we slow everything down so you can make sense of your internal shifts and learn how to soothe the parts of you that feel overwhelmed. You deserve support that understands both your culture and your lived experience. I am licensed in California so therapy sessions are available to clients physically located in California at the time of each session. If you are outside California you can join my escuelita or access my non clinical resources.

Frequently asked questions

  • Is virtual therapy effective?

    Absolutely. Virtual therapy allows you to receive care from the comfort of your home no need to arrange childcare, commute, or even put on pants (lol).  Many mamas actually find it easier to open up in their own safe space.

  • How are virtual therapy sessions held?

    Sessions are held via a HIPAA-compliant video platform to protect your privacy. All you need is a private space, a stable internet connection, and a device with a camera and microphone.

  • What payment methods do you accept?

    I accept FSA/HSA, debit, or credit card for payment. I do not currently accept insurance and many clients appreciate the privacy, flexibility, and control that comes with paying directly for care (versus utilizing insurance).

  • How do I know if I really need therapy, or if this is just “normal” new mom stuff?

    That’s such a common and valid question. Yes, postpartum comes with big emotions—but feeling constantly overwhelmed, anxious, invisible, or disconnected from yourself isn’t something you have to just “push through.” If you’re struggling to feel like you again, or carrying guilt for wanting space to breathe, therapy can help. You don’t need a crisis to deserve support—you just need a safe place to land.

  • Can I bring my baby to the session?

    Yes—babies are absolutely welcome. I know it’s not always possible to find childcare, and you shouldn’t have to put your healing on hold because of that. Whether you’re nursing, rocking, or soothing during our time together, this space is made with mamá life in mind. Come as you are—messy bun, spit-up, baby in arms and all. (ps snacks are also welcome and often encouraged lol)

  • What kind of therapy do you practice?

    My approach blends trauma-informed, culturally responsive care with mindfulness, self-compassion, inner child healing, and grounding tools (yes deep breathing together CAN be part of the work too!)

  • How long is each session, and how often will we meet?

    Sessions are 55 minutes. Most clients start with weekly sessions, but we’ll collaborate to find a rhythm that fits your needs, schedule, and goals.

  • Where are you licensed to provide therapy?

    I’m licensed in California, so therapy sessions are available to clients physically located in California at the time of each session. If you're outside California, you can still join my escuelita &/or access non-clinical resources -  View here 

  • Good faith estimate

    In accordance with the No Surprises Act and ethical standards for California-licensed therapists, I provide a Good Faith Estimate to all clients who are not using insurance for services.


    This estimate outlines the expected cost of services, including session fees and potential length of treatment, so you have full clarity before starting care. While therapy is individualized and timelines may vary, this estimate helps you plan with transparency and trust.


    You’ll receive your Good Faith Estimate in writing before your first session. You can always request a new one if your needs or frequency of care change.


    For more information about your rights under the No Surprises Act, visit cms.gov/nosurprises 

  • Disclaimer Privacy Notice: Do not submit personal health information (PHI) through this site.

    This website is for informational and educational purposes only and does not provide medical or mental health advice. Therapy services are available only to individuals physically located in California and provided by Johanna Lee, LPCC (#13089). Participation in community offerings, digital resources, or workshops does not constitute a therapeutic relationship. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please call 988 or visit your nearest emergency room.

  • Therapy vs education disclaimer

    Participation in workshops, classes, memberships, or educational resources does not establish a therapeutic relationship. These services are for support, education, and community and are not a substitute for clinical therapy. Therapy services are only available to clients residing in California, provided through a separate intake and consent process.