Pedro Hernández

Pedro Hernández, Ph.D., LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker and clinical assistant professor at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Social Work. He earned his Ph.D. in Social Work from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, TX, and brings over twelve years of clinical and academic experience to his work with children, adolescents, and families.

Pedro’s clinical practice centers on helping young people navigate anxiety, grief, life transitions, and the emotional effects of family disruption. He is bilingual in English and Spanish, and his therapeutic approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), family systems work, and mindfulness-based interventions—always grounded in cultural humility and the belief that healing happens within a safe, nonjudgmental relationship.

His research focuses on the experiences of DACA recipients and undocumented communities, social determinants of health, healthcare disparities in the Latinx population, and culturally informed approaches to grief and loss. He has presented his work nationally and contributes to the growing body of scholarship on immigrant mental health.

Education

Ph.D., Social Work — Our Lady of the Lake University, San Antonio, TX
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) — State of Texas

Publications

Meza, C., Ortiz, V., & Hernandez, P. (2024). Mental health impacts of COVID-19 on U.S. young adults: A thematic analysis of depression, anxiety, and PTSD experiences. National Social Science Journal, 62(2), 157–195.

Research Interests