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.