Dr. Karla Heredia, PsyD.
LMFT 92394

Certified Autism Specialist CAS172372

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I graduated from Mount St. Mary’s University, where I received my bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Child Development. I then began to work as an elementary teacher. I furthered my education and received a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Loyola Marymount University. After three years working as a classroom elementary teacher, I decided to continue to my educational journey and earned a second Master’s degree from Alliant International University in Marital and Family Therapy.

I furthered my education by earning a Doctorate of Psychology, in Couple and Family Therapy from Alliant International University. My dissertation topic was on the Narratives of Resilient Latino Mothers who have a child diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. My clinical interests include working with couples & families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder. Current research interest includes family dynamics including parents coping skills, marital satisfaction and resilience in the marriage. Other interests include the influence of Autism with different members in the family including siblings and their relationship with the family member diagnosed with Autism. 

I am passionate about working with children, parents and families who are influenced by the Autism Spectrum Disorder. I have an extensive background in working with the population including ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) and Traditional Psychotherapy. I work with individuals, couples and families in supporting and understanding ASD with the mind, body, and emotions.I am also passionate about working with couples in all stages including premarital counseling, communication enrichment and working on a variety of family dynamics. I am trained in a variety of marital & couple programs including Prepare and Enrich, Relationship Enhancement: Mastering the Mysteries of Love & Working with Step Families and Gottman Level 1. As a bilingual therapist, I have experience working with children and their families in various clinical settings including school based counseling, behavior therapy and family therapy. I also have experience with Applied Behavior Analysis, services to children who are diagnosed Autism and PDD as a clinical ABA supervisor and direct interventionist.

I am also certified through NAMA (National Association of Anger Management) and CAAMP (California Association of Anger Management Providers) as an anger management specialist and can provide you with approved documentation for mandated individuals. I run a group of up to 5 individuals in understanding and empathizing primary and secondary emotions related to anger, sadness, hurt and disappointment. Mindfulness, guided imagery including safe place is a primary practice used to understand our emotions. The class focuses in increasing empathy, patience and effective communication skills.

Other professional experiences include working with substance abuse & mandated clients. I also have experience working with clients diagnosed with depression and anxiety due to a variety of a medical illness including diabetes, arthritis, heart disease and autoimmune diseases. I worked in a variety of clinics in a clinical therapeutic setting including:

1. The Gary Center: OC Health Care Agency
2. SACS (Substance Abuse Counseling Systems) in Santa Ana
3. NOCRHF (North Orange County Regional Health Foundation) in Fullerton
4. Lestonnac Free Clinic of Orange County in Orange and Los Alamitos

If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to get in contact with me. Thank you.