Larry Fernandez Licensed Clinical Social Worker

(he/him)

Accepting Clients

Larry Fernandez, LCSW, founder of Ascend & Thrive, provides compassionate therapy to help clients overcome challenges and build resilience.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker in , CA

Free Initial Consultation

Request consultation

Free 15-minute call, no obligation.

Services

  • Individual
  • Couples
  • Family
  • Adolescent/Teen

About My Clients

Our clients are children, adolescents, adults, older adults, and couples seeking support through life’s challenges. They may be experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction recovery, relationship concerns, grief, stress, or major life transitions. At Ascend & Thrive Counseling Services, Inc., we welcome people from diverse backgrounds throughout California and provide compassionate telehealth therapy in English and Spanish to help each client heal, grow, and thrive.

My Background and Approach

Larry Fernandez is a licensed clinical social worker and his background includes clinical social work, education, leadership, and supporting diverse individuals and families through emotional, relational, and life challenges. Larry’s approach is compassionate, collaborative, culturally responsive, and grounded in each client’s unique experiences and strengths. He works to create a safe, respectful environment where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to speak openly. Rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach, Larry tailors therapy to each client’s needs, goals, culture, and stage of life. He helps clients recognize patterns, develop practical coping and communication skills, strengthen relationships, and build resilience. Larry believes meaningful change begins through trust, self-awareness, and a supportive therapeutic partnership that helps clients move toward healing, personal growth, and a more fulfilling life.

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

As a Latino therapist, professor, and clinical social worker, I believe our personal experiences, culture, relationships, and communities shape how we understand ourselves and the world around us. Professionally, I believe therapy should be compassionate, culturally responsive, collaborative, and free of judgment. Every client deserves to feel seen, heard, respected, and empowered throughout the healing process. Personally, I value family, connection, education, growth, and authenticity. Being married has strengthened my appreciation for communication, patience, partnership, and the continued work required to maintain healthy relationships. As a professor, I am committed to learning, teaching, mentoring, and helping others recognize their potential. I also believe self-care is essential—not selfish. Creating time to rest, reflect, establish boundaries, and care for our emotional and physical well-being allows us to be more present for ourselves, our families and our work.

Techniques I Use

Specialties

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Culturally Sensitive Therapy Solution Focused Brief Therapy

Other Techniques

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Addiction Counseling
  • Anger Management Therapy
  • Attachment Theory
  • Coaching
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Couples Counseling
  • Culturally Sensitive Therapy
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  • Family Systems
  • Harm Reduction Therapy
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Solution Focused Brief Therapy

Issues I Treat

Specialties

Addiction Anxiety Depression

Other Issues

  • Abuse
  • Addiction
  • ADHD Therapists
  • Aging Concerns
  • Anger Issues
  • Anxiety
  • Attachment
  • Bipolar
  • Burnout
  • Career Counseling
  • Codependency
  • Depression
  • Divorce
  • Domestic Violence or Intimate Partner Violence
  • Grief or Loss
  • Immigration/Acculturation
  • LGBTQ-Friendly Therapists
  • Marriage Counseling
  • Men's Issues
  • Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Relationship Issues
  • Self-Esteem
  • Sexual Problems
  • Suicidal Thoughts
  • Teen Issues
  • Women's Issues

Client Focus

Age
Pre-teens (12–14), Teens (14–18), Adults, Elders (65+)
Participants
Individuals, Couples, Families
Languages
English, Español

Qualifications

License
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, State of California · #29009
Education
Masters of Social Work, California State University Long Beach
Additional credentials
clinical supervisor training certificate
Supervision
Provides supervision to apprentice therapists · currently accepting supervisees
Years in practice
24 years

I offer online counseling in the following states:

Hours & Availability

Monday 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
SundayClosed
New clients welcome
Currently accepting new clients
Telehealth
Available

At A Glance

  • Experience: 24 years of practice
  • Languages: English, Español
  • Rate: $85 - 150/session
  • Sliding scale: Available on request

Reach out to Larry