Tara Hernandez, MHC-LP
Supervised by Dr. Schreyer-Hoffman
Tara Hernandez, MHC-LP
Supervised by Dr. Schreyer-Hoffman
Specialties
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Anxiety Disorders
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OCD
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Depressive Disorders
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Sports Performance
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Performance Anxiety
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Self-esteem
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Relational problems
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ADHD
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Autism
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Disordered Eating
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Eating Disorders
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Grief and loss
Tara is a warm, collaborative, and passionate therapist who specializes in anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, relationship challenges, performance enhancement, self-esteem and major life transitions as well as emotional regulation, and disordered eating in athletes. With a strong background in evidence-based treatments, Tara creates a nonjudgmental and empowering space where clients feel safe to explore challenges and build the skills necessary for lasting change.
Tara tailors each session to her clients’ unique needs, pulling from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Positive Psychology, Executive Coaching, and Strength-Based Therapy. She emphasizes mindset, motivation, and goal-setting, helping clients overcome internal barriers, build resilience to confidently navigate personal and professional challenges.
With advanced training in performance psychology and a background as a former NCAA Division I athlete, Tara has a deep understanding of the mental and physical demands placed on high performers. She supports clients in managing performance anxiety, improving focus, and optimizing their well-being in competitive environments—whether in sports, academics, or professional settings. Her ongoing doctoral research in performance psychology explores the psychological factors that influence motivation, emotional health, and success.
Tara is also committed to athlete mental health advocacy and volunteers with The Hidden Opponent, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting student-athletes. Additionally, she works with fitness programs for individuals with Parkinson’s disease, further reinforcing her commitment to helping people maintain an active and fulfilling lifestyle across all stages of life.
Tara’s clinical experience spans a wide range of populations, including children, adolescents, adults, and older adults. She is especially skilled in supporting individuals with executive functioning challenges—helping clients improve time management, organization, emotional regulation, and goal achievement through personalized, evidence-based strategies.
Whether helping clients boost productivity, navigate transitions, or enhance performance at any level, Tara’s approach is grounded in compassion, collaboration, and a belief in each person’s potential for growth and change through consistency and balance.
Training & Experience
Tara earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Wellness from Long Island University Brooklyn, where she also competed as a Division I athlete. Her time as a student-athlete fostered a lasting interest in the connection between physical and mental well-being and laid the foundation for her future specialization in performance psychology and mental health in athletic populations.
She continued her education at Long Island University Brooklyn, where she completed her Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling. Throughout her graduate training, Tara gained extensive clinical experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and older adults Her clinical work focused on anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, and disordered eating, and she developed a strong interest in helping individuals strengthen executive functioning and self-regulation skills.
Tara is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in General Psychology with a specialization in Performance Psychology. Her doctoral research explores how motivation, mindset, and emotional well-being affect performance in high-pressure environments, including athletics, academics, and professional life. This advanced training allows her to integrate cutting-edge performance psychology principles into her clinical work with high achievers, athletes, and individuals navigating transitions or performance-related stress.
Tara’s academic and professional background reflects her deep commitment to understanding the complex interplay between mental health, motivation, productivity, and personal growth. She strives to help every client unlock their potential, enhance their quality of life, and achieve meaningful success—both inside and outside the therapy room.