Meet Dr. Cindy
As an experienced trauma psychotherapist, Dr. Cynthia D. Hernandez, PhD, LCSW serves CA, VA, & DC residents who have experienced complex trauma and dissociation beginning in childhood and throughout their lifespan, in both the English and Spanish languages. In order to heal PTSD-related triggers, symptoms, and issues tailored to each unique individual, she utilizes various therapeutic approaches, such as EMDR 2.0—working memory taxation based on cutting edge research in standard EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), along with Brainspotting, Parts Work, Somatic Approaches, and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) in partnership with medical organizations serving CA, VA, and DC.
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is a holistic modality in which ketamine is used as a complement to psychotherapy to help eligible patients experience more frequent breakthroughs and sustained improvement in symptoms. I take on the psychotherapy portion of the experience, while the medical team supports you on all medical aspects. This includes determining eligibility, developing a custom treatment plan, prescribing the medicine and monitoring outcomes. Please contact me for further details, as I would love to connect and share more with you.
My Qualifications
Licensure & Education:
-
Serving the Public Since: 2006
-
Licensed Since: 2017
-
Multi-State Licensure:
-
California / LCSW #76664
-
Virginia / LCSW #0904010131
-
District of Colombia (DC) / LCSW #LC200003120
-
-
Education:
-
PhD in International Psychology, 2022
-
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
-
-
Master of Social Work (MSW), 2008
-
Dominican University
-
-
Additional Credentials:
-
Board Certified Clinical Supervisor (Virginia)
-
Membership: EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) / 57669073
-
EMDR Consultant, 2025
-
EMDR Consultant-in-Training (CIT), 2023
-
EMDR 2.0 Advanced, 2023
-
EMDR 2.0 Basic, 2022
-
EMDR Certified, 2021
-
EMDR Trained, 2019
-
-
Membership: National Association of Social Workers (NASW) / 886477792
Who I Help
Seeing Children, Youth, and Adults ~ Ages 5 and Up
Dr. Cindy has been working with individuals, couples, and families of all ages since 2006, in both the English and Spanish languages, and finds this to be extremely rewarding work.
Issues, Therapeutic Approaches, & Trauma Specialties
FAQs
1) How long is each individual session?
Typically, 50 minutes; however, a customized program can be tailored for your specific needs and goals. Please see the section below, Opening Hours, for a review of my schedule.
2) How are services offered?
I currently offer services via telehealth or mobile service, meaning I can travel to you for an additional fee and mileage reimbursement, as long as we are meeting in a safe and private location. In-person services will be implemented upon opening a work office location in Martinsville, VA. Please visit the website for updates.
3) What are your fees?
Details about fees, in addition to determining together if we are an excellent match, can be discussed during a free, 15-minute complimentary call. A Good Faith Estimate, which is a document that delineates the total cost for therapy on a weekly basis for 1 year, will be electronically sent to you before our first session.
4) Do you take insurance?
At this time, I do not take insurance; however, I can provide superbills for insurance reimbursement. It is recommended that you call your insurance company prior to your complimentary call or scheduling an appointment. A credit card (including debit and HSA) will be securely stored on file and charged on the same day of our session. Cash and Zelle options are also available.
5) What is adjunct?
In addition to seeing your primary talk therapist, we can work together on your trauma recovery. Goals will be clearly defined to avoid confusion. You do not need to stop seeing your talk therapist while we work together.
6) What is your cancellation policy?
A unique time slot will be reserved for you each week. Flexibility is built into this model as long as we communicate in advance. Therefore, a 48-hour cancellation notice via text or email, using the contact information below, is required; otherwise, the minimum full session fee will be charged for late cancellation or no shows. Rare emergencies will be accommodated at a maximum of once or twice per calendar year per our agreement.
7) What do I do in case of a crisis or emergency?
Due to my limited office hours, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached any time by dialing 988. Other resources, including chat options, are available on their website at www.988lifeline.org. I typically respond to emails or texts as soon as I can; however, generally speaking, within 1-2 business days.
Volunteer EMDR Work
Humanitarian Crisis Assistance
Since 2019, Dr. Cindy has been serving first responders, hospital personnel, law enforcement, military, school officials, and refugees who have undergone events such as:
-
natural disasters
-
civil unrest and/or war
-
mass shootings
-
death by suicide of loved ones
-
community violence
Contact Us
Areas We Serve
Serving CA, VA, & DC Residents
Reach Out
424.279.3177
Opening Hours
Tuesday - Saturday
10:00 am – 7:00 pm (EST)
or
7:00 am – 4:00pm (PST)
and
Intensives (By Appointment Only)