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About

Dr. Yanira Hernández
¡Hola! I’m Dr. Yanira Hernandez (she/ella), a proud First-Generation daughter of Mexican immigrants, and the Founder of Pa’lante Therapy, Inc. My journey into this work is deeply personal, shaped by my own lived experiences navigating bicultural identity, intergenerational trauma, and the challenges and strengths of being First-Gen.

Although my journey in the helping profession began in childhood, supporting my monolingual Spanish-speaking immigrant parents as they navigated systems not built for them, my professional path has been deeply shaped by those early experiences of advocacy, resilience, and love.
Let’s Work Together Towards Your Healing And Self-Discovery.

My Journey And Education

As the first in my family to graduate college, I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Women’s Studies and Education Studies from UCLA, and later my Master’s in Social Work and Doctorate in Education with an emphasis in Educational Psychology from USC. My education was not just about degrees, it was about creating pathways of healing and representation for communities like mine.

For over 13 years, I’ve walked alongside individuals, families, and communities as a bilingual, bicultural trauma-focused Licensed Clinical Social Worker, consultant, speaker, and educator. My work is rooted in a trauma-focused decolonial and anti-oppressive framework, weaving together clinical expertise with ancestral wisdom and culturally responsive practices. 

I specialize in supporting BIPOC and immigrant communities, with a heart for First-Gen professionals, Latine families, and those carrying the weight of generational wounds. My passion lies in helping people move beyond survival- toward healing, joy, and reclaiming their wholeness.

Through Pa’lante Therapy, I provide individual therapy, immigration psychological evaluations, clinical supervision, and consultation to schools, nonprofits, and community organizations. I also lead trainings and workshops on topics like intergenerational trauma, decolonizing therapy and mental health, and cultivating resilience in immigrant communities. Alongside my therapy practice, I am deeply committed to mentorship. I support First-Gen Latine through femtorship coaching, training master’s-level social work trainees, and providing bilingual clinical supervision to associates working in schools and community-based settings. These spaces of mentorship are where I help the next generation of providers bridge their personal and professional growth while staying rooted in cultural pride and community care.

At the core of everything I do is this belief: our ancestors carried wisdom, resilience, and love that lives within us. Healing is not just possible, it’s our birthright.

When I’m not in the office, you’ll find me savoring quality time with my husband, family, and amigxs. I have a few superpowers too – weight-training, traveling, dancing, and indulging in morning cafecito!

… y como dice nuestra gente, siempre Pa’lante!

How To Get In Touch

SCHEDULE A
CONSULTATION
I’m Here To Help.

It takes great courage and strength to seek mental health support. If you wish to move forward and would like to work together towards your healing and journey of self-discovery, please schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation by clicking on the link below:

You may also call or send an email:
(424) 261-1572 yanirahernandez@palantetherapy.com
AVAILABLE FOR
Speaking Engagements
peer
Consultation Services
Dr. Yanira Hernandez EdD LCSW PPSC founder of Palante Therapy smiling in an elegant office setting embodying healing and the reclaiming of nuestras raices scaled

Previous partnerships and collaborations

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Reclaim Your Worth And Restore To Your Authentic Self!

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