Therapy in Riverside, CA | Counselor Johanna Lee

Riverside is full of families who work hard and love hard, yet many mothers here carry stress that others overlook. I support women navigating postpartum anxiety, cultural guilt and identity shifts in a city where everyone seems busy and overwhelmed. Riverside’s pace can make you feel unseen even in your own home. Therapy becomes a space where your emotions matter and your story is honored.

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

    There are moments after birth when the world feels too loud and in Riverside that intensity can push mamas into shutting down. Therapy offers a refuge where you can express the racing thoughts, the sensory overwhelm and the quiet dread that sometimes appears. You deserve a gentle reset instead of carrying the weight alone.

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  • Compassion-Focused Therapy for Anxiety

    Anxiety in Riverside can feel like a tightness you carry everywhere: in your shoulders, your stomach or your breath. Compassion focused therapy teaches you to approach your symptoms with curiosity instead of frustration. You learn how to soften the tension, calm the internal alarms and reconnect with a sense of safety that anxiety has been blocking.

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  • Culturally Affirming Therapy for Latina and First-Gen Moms

    There is a specific heaviness that comes from growing up con mucha responsabilidad emocional. Before therapy you may feel resentful, tired or ashamed of wanting softer care. After therapy your nervous system finally feels safer. You learn to give yourself the tenderness you were never taught to receive.

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  • Postpartum & Early Motherhood Therapy in San Diego

    When the world tells you motherhood should feel natural it becomes even harder to admit when it does not. Early motherhood therapy gives you permission to be honest about the confusion, the loneliness and the frustration that sit beneath the surface. Together we create emotional safety so you can move through the fog, integrate this new identity and rebuild a sense of stability that feels like yours again.

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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 Riverside

My virtual therapy services support women in Riverside along with neighboring communities like Moreno Valley, Corona, Jurupa Valley and the Inland Empire. You can receive care from any part of California without needing to travel.

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

Some women in Riverside come into virtual therapy carrying stress in their bodies before they can name it in words. Together we unpack that tension and explore how early motherhood impacts your nervous system, your emotions and your sense of self. My approach supports healing that is both culturally grounded and compassionate. 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.