Dr. Paul Fernandez, CA Psychologist 19972

ACT
CBT
Emotion-focused work

About Paul

Dr. Paul Fernandez is a CA Psychologist (license 19972) with 30 years of clinical experience working in California. He focuses on anxiety, stress, addiction, relationship and family concerns, trauma and grief, self-esteem, career pressures, and coping with life changes. He offers services in both English and Spanish and has long experience with Latino and Hispanic communities.

Paul’s work often looks at how culture, family expectations, faith, and immigration shape feelings and behavior. He listens for the role of traditions, language, and generational differences, and brings those factors into conversations when they matter to the person in front of him. He is comfortable talking about spirituality and family values alongside other mental health concerns.

In sessions he combines practical skills and talk-based work. He helps people spot patterns that keep them stuck, test new ways of handling situations, and build simple coping tools for stress, cravings, or difficult emotions. For relationship problems he focuses on clearer communication and healthier boundaries.

When substance use is part of the picture, he treats it as one piece of a broader life story. He looks at triggers, coping strategies, and the stresses that feed use, and works on steps toward greater stability rather than labels or blame. His approach emphasizes realistic strategies people can use between sessions.

Paul also supports those dealing with grief, chronic illness concerns, caregiver strain, or major life transitions. He aims to move at a pace that feels manageable for each person and to centre what matters most to them.

How his approaches can work online

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on noticing thoughts and feelings without getting ruled by them, and helping people act in ways that align with their values. It can be useful when anxiety or avoidance interfere with everyday life. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) breaks problems into thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and tests small changes to shift unhelpful patterns; it suits issues like anxiety, stress, and certain habit changes. Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) centers on how emotions shape interactions and connection, and it can help improve communication and repair relationship strains.

Choosing an approach often unfolds over the first few sessions. He works collaboratively to figure out which methods fit a person's goals and preferences, and may combine techniques from different models as needed. Clients and the therapist review progress and adjust the plan together rather than sticking rigidly to one method.

The practical benefits of online work include fitting sessions into a busy life and reducing travel time. The biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm current options before booking. When formats are arranged, online sessions can make it easier to schedule around work or caregiving, choose a quieter moment that suits you, or have a shorter check-in when time is limited.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflicts

Also works with

Trauma and abuse Grief Self esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommitment issues Communication problems Control issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFirst responder issuesForgiveness Guilt and shameHearing impairedHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesImpulsivity InfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / loneliness Jealousy Life purpose Men's issuesMidlife crisisMoney and financial issues Mood disorders Multicultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCD Panic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobias Post-traumatic stress Prejudice 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

Listed in

California

Languages

English, Spanish

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does he address?

He works with stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship and family concerns, trauma and grief, self-esteem, career pressures, and coping with life changes.

What is his therapeutic style like?

He uses practical talk therapy focused on identifying patterns and building coping tools, drawing on approaches such as ACT, CBT, and emotionally-focused work.

How much clinical experience does he have?

He has 30 years of experience practicing in California, including long-term work with Latino and Hispanic communities.

What are his credentials and where does he practice?

He is a CA Psychologist, license number 19972, and is based in California.

Which languages are supported?

Sessions are offered in English and Spanish.

Can international clients work with him?

He does not accept international clients at this time.

How are sessions paid for?

Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin a first session?

Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule your first session.