Hilda Hernandez

I am a proud bilingual and bicultural, first-generation Latina, the eldest daughter of immigrants, and the first in my family to graduate from college. I earned my degrees from Loyola University Chicago. I am a Licensed Social Worker and I am currently working toward my Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) credential. My lived experience at the intersection of race, class, and gender deeply informs my work and gives me a unique lens into the challenges faced by “First Gens”—not only in education and professional spaces, but also in navigating cultural expectations and forging new paths while honoring ancestral roots. I know firsthand the weight of cultural and familial pressures, and the courage it takes to prioritize your own healing. That’s why I’ve dedicated my career of over 15 years to walking alongside individuals as they navigate their own journeys of growth, resilience, and transformation. I absolutely love being a therapist. It is my honor to create a space where people feel seen, heard, and empowered. My approach to therapy is compassionate, holistic, and trauma-informed. I center culturally responsive care and believe in thoughtful collaboration to support your healing. Whether you're new to therapy or continuing your journey, I commend you for investing in yourself. Together, we’ll explore your experiences, build on your strengths, and develop tools to help you thrive. I specialize in working with children, adolescents, young adults, and adults. I draw from a variety of evidence-based modalities and work in collaboration with you on the best treatment plan—you are the expert of your life. My areas of focus include anxiety, depression, trauma (including first-generation trauma), self-esteem, academic stress, relationships, communication, emotional regulation, and life transitions. I am deeply passionate about empowerment, diversity, equity, and inclusion, the immigrant and “first-gen” experience, promoting well-being and self-care practices, and ongoing professional learning. I believe healing is possible—and I’m here to support you every step of the way.