About Dr. Sara Clancy Hernandez
Clientele seen
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Families
Adults (25-64)
Couples
Seniors (65+)
Groups
Treatment approaches
Attachment-based
Coaching
Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Clinical Supervision and Licensed Supervisors
Compassion Focused
Identity
Gender
FemaleLanguages spoken
English
Getting to know Dr. Sara Clancy Hernandez
You know how to navigate hard things, but times arise when thoughts spiral and emotions flood. The more you try to pull yourself out, the more stuck you feel—especially in systems that invalidate your experience.
I want you to know you are not alone.
I provide a warm, diversity-affirming space welcoming all identities, cultures, and relationship orientations. Reaching out for support when you’ve been struggling in silence takes incredible courage, and looking for a therapist means you've taken that vital first step. I would be honored to walk alongside you, navigate life's challenges together, and help you find your way back to yourself.
Here is a bit about me:
Professional & Academic Background
Licensed Psychologist, CA (PSY26590)
Research & Assessment: Stanford University, Department of Psychiatry
Ph.D., Washington State University
Postdoctoral Fellowship: University of California, Irvine Counseling Center
Clinical Leadership: Former Clinical Director & Licensed Staff Psychologist, OMID Multicultural Institute for Development
Expertise & Advanced Certifications
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP): Post-traumatic stress, relational trauma, and complex trauma recovery.
Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP): Generalized anxiety, panic, life transitions, and obsessive-compulsive tendencies.
Mindfulness-Informed Professional (MMTCP): Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), grounding, and present-moment awareness.
Body Image & Eating Concerns: Fostering compassionate relationships with food and body.
Dance & Performance Psychology: Specialized support for dancers, athletes, and performers navigating perfectionism, stress, and injury recovery.
Life Transitions & Identity: Academic and career stress, grief, adjustment, and systemic pressures.
I also love to dance and teach ballet, flow through yoga, enjoy a nice hike through nature, play a mean game of chess (and it is mean!), and spend quality time with my family, cat, and dog.
What should a new client know about working with you?
*My Philosophy: You Are the Expert on You*
The process of therapy, in my eyes, is about both you and me.
I have deep honor and respect for what you bring to therapy—the strengths and the wisdom that you have developed and adapted through your life. Even when you feel lost or disconnected from who you are, at the core, you know yourself better than anyone ever can.
While I have learned much through formal education and honed my skills as a scientist-practitioner, I have learned one thing above all else: when I sit in your presence—whether in my office or on my screen—when I open my eyes, my ears, my mind, and my heart, what I learn from you is the most important part of all. YOU are the most important part of all.
*Creating a Safe, Collaborative Space*
I offer a holistic, integrative approach tailored to your unique needs—blending Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), CBT, ACT, mindfulness, and somatic practices. Upon request, I also provide corporate and community consultations, retreats, seminars, and guided meditations. Together, we'll process complex emotions, build practical tools, and reconnect you to your mind, body, and purpose.
One way I like to look at this is: when you find yourself deep in a hole, I will crawl in with you. However, you can trust that I'll always have my hand on the end of a rope that can help guide us both out.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
My approach generally integrates Mindfulness, Emotion-Focused, and Interpersonal therapeutic approaches, while incorporating cognitive and behavioral techniques within these framework areas.
As a dancer as well as a psychologist, I honor the healing power of body awareness and movement. Depending on your unique goals, our sessions may incorporate:
Mindfulness meditations & present-moment grounding
Stress management & relaxation coaching
Somatic body awareness & movement techniques
Through a process of pausing, slowing down, using non-judgment, and finding patience, you can find your grounding in the here and now. This present-focus supports us in achieving awareness and clarity of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors—and actually helps create a new relationship with them. This is where freedom, balance, compassion, and fulfillment begin to emerge. This is how we can become unstuck.
All of this being said, my approach truly is our approach. It is always tailored and adapted to how you think and feel as we move forward together.
Is this doctor in your insurance network?
Enter your insurance carrier and plan
choose insurance
In-network insurances
Dr. Sara Clancy Hernandez has 50+ in-network plans.
Don’t see your insurance?
It’s common for mental health providers to be out-of-network. Many insurance plans offer out-of-network coverage, so you may get partially reimbursed. Learn more
Office location
Dr. Sara Clancy Hernandez, PhD also offers online video visits for patients
Iris Psychological and Wellness Services
4000 Barranca Pkwy,, Ste 250, Irvine, CA 92604
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- WSU Pullman, Doctor of Philosophy
- University of California, Irvine (Post-Doctoral Fellowship)
- University of California, Irvine (Pre-Doctoral Internship)
Professional memberships
- American Psychological Association
NPI number
1003205642
How soon can I make an appointment with Dr. Sara Clancy Hernandez?
Generally, Dr. Sara Clancy Hernandez has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Dr. Clancy Hernandez's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Dr. Sara Clancy Hernandez accepting new patients?
Dr. Sara Clancy Hernandez generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Dr. Clancy Hernandez's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Dr. Sara Clancy Hernandez accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Dr. Clancy Hernandez is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Dr. Sara Clancy Hernandez online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Dr. Clancy Hernandez using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Dr. Sara Clancy Hernandez work with?
Where is Dr. Sara Clancy Hernandez's office located?
Dr. Sara Clancy Hernandez has 2 office locations in Irvine, view full addresses on Dr. Clancy Hernandez's profile.
What are common reasons for patients to see Dr. Sara Clancy Hernandez?
Dr. Sara Clancy Hernandez frequently sees patients for Pain Management Consultation, Psychiatry Consultation, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Sleep Problems. You can see other visit reasons for Dr. Sara Clancy Hernandez on their profile.
What languages does Dr. Sara Clancy Hernandez speak?
Dr. Sara Clancy Hernandez speaks English.