Ana Bernardino, MS, LMFT

Ana Bernardino is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist at Advanced Health Care. She earned both her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Master’s degree in Psychology: Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University, Chico.   

Ana has experience providing therapy to individuals, groups, couples, and families. She began her clinical work at the WellCat Counseling Center offering biopsychosocial assessments, crisis intervention, referrals and connection to resources, and psychotherapy services to college students. She worked with students navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, stress, life transitions, personal growth, academic challenges, and interpersonal difficulties. Ana also has experience supporting couples in navigating relationship challenges, helping partners strengthen connection, manage conflict, and improve communication.

She approaches therapy with empathy, warmth, and curiosity, creating a collaborative and supportive space where clients can feel understood without judgement. Her approach is rooted in cognitive behavioral therapy, while also drawing from person-centered, solution-focused, acceptance and commitment, mindfulness-based interventions, and relationship-focused modalities. Ana has completed Gottman Method Level Two training to further help couples tackle life’s stressors, learn effective conflict management skills, deepen friendship and intimacy, and create shared meaning.  

Ana believes therapy is not only about coping with challenges, but also about helping clients better understand themselves, break unhelpful patterns, and move toward the life and relationships they want. In therapy, clients can expect to build insight, develop practical tools for managing emotions and stress, improve communication and boundaries, increase self-compassion, and strengthen confidence in navigating difficult situations. Whether someone is feeling stuck, overwhelmed, disconnected, or uncertain about the next step forward, Ana works collaboratively with clients to help them create meaningful and lasting change. Her goal is for clients of all backgrounds to leave therapy feeling more empowered, emotionally connected, and equipped to live a healthier and more fulfilling life. 

Outside of work, Ana can often be found curled up with a novel, exploring the outdoors on a nature walk or coastal hike, and chasing the perfect sunset. She loves traveling the world, soaking in new sights and cultures, and cherishes time at home with her husband and her playful poodle, Atlas.