Therapist profile
Abel Fernandez, LCSW
California
LCSW focusing on stress and codependency-related concerns
Continue with AbelWhere Abel stands
- Credentials
- LCSW
- License
- LCSW, California / 11015
- NPI
- 1336281948
- Experience
- 30 years
- Languages
- English, Spanish
- Location
- California
About
- CBT techniques
- Mindfulness practice
- Motivational interviewing
About Abel
Abel Fernandez is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California with 30 years of experience. He works with adults facing stress, anxiety, depression, parenting challenges, motivation and self-esteem concerns. He also helps people dealing with relationship strain, grief, trauma and abuse, anger, career transitions, and ADHD.
Abel starts from the view that each person knows their story best and brings strengths into sessions. He uses straightforward conversations to identify habits and thoughts that get in the way. He helps clients practice new ways of responding rather than relying on old patterns that leave them drained or overwhelmed.
His work often focuses on practical skills. That can mean learning tools from cognitive behavioral approaches to change unhelpful thinking. It can also involve mindfulness exercises to reduce reactivity and build calm. Motivational interviewing is used when people want to find reasons to change and to build small steps toward goals.
Sessions are paced to match what a person can manage. Abel talks through concrete options for setting boundaries, managing people-pleasing, and coping with another person’s drinking or moods. He also supports clients facing life transitions, grief, and career shifts with direct problem-solving and emotional processing.
He offers therapy in English and Spanish. To start, prospective clients use the site flow to answer a brief matching questionnaire and schedule a first session. Fees vary by location and use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How sessions work
How his approaches guide online work
Abel uses cognitive behavioral techniques to help identify patterns of thought and behavior that contribute to stress, anxiety, or people-pleasing. CBT exercises aim to break down problems into manageable steps and teach practical strategies for change.Mindfulness therapy in his work focuses on simple attention and breathing practices to reduce reactivity and increase calm. These practices support managing strong emotions and staying present during difficult conversations or triggers.
Motivational interviewing is used to clarify what matters most and to build small, realistic steps toward change. It helps when someone feels stuck or unsure how to begin shifting long-standing habits around caretaking or boundary-setting.
Finding the right approach is part of the process. Abel works collaboratively to see which methods fit a person’s goals, needs, and preferences. He will talk through options and adjust techniques based on what feels useful during the first sessions.
Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. Many people find online sessions fit into busy schedules, make it easier to attend between work or caregiving tasks, and allow shorter check-ins when time is limited. Talk with him about scheduling and session length so therapy fits into everyday life.
Areas of focus
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
30+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English, Spanish
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does he work with?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, parenting struggles, self-esteem, relationship and family concerns, trauma and abuse, grief, anger, career changes, ADHD, and related issues including codependency.
What is his therapy style like?
He uses practical, conversational methods and focuses on skills you can use between sessions. His approach draws on cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing.
How much experience does he have?
He has 30 years of professional experience in social work and clinical practice in California.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in California and practices from that state.
Does he offer sessions in other languages?
Sessions are offered in English and Spanish.
Can international clients work with him?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions paid for and what do they cost?
Fees vary with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin therapy with him?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule your first session through the site.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are not safe at home, use the crisis and helpline numbers.