Sarah Hernandez, MD is a Psychiatrist practicing at her clinic in San Antonio, TX, dedicated to providing comprehensive Psychiatric care to all ages. She is a registered provider with The Texas Medical Board, practicing under the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Medical Practice Act). Psychiatrists are medical doctors specializing in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders, managing psychiatric medications, and performing advanced treatments like TMS and ECT, often working collaboratively with primary care physicians to provide comprehensive patient care. Dr. Hernandez brings over 10 years of dedicated experience, a wealth of clinical knowledge, and a deep commitment to her patients. She is Board Certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology, and earned her degree from Baylor College Of Medicine in 2011, followed by an internship at University Of South Florida Morsani College Of Medicine (2012) and residency training in Psychiatry at University Of South Florida, and University Of South Florida Morsani College Of Medicine (2015). Dr. Hernandez is currently welcoming new patients and encourages them to call (210) 960-4352 to schedule an appointment. As a San Antonio native, Dr. Hernandez founded Cantera Psychiatry to create a safe and supportive environment for her patients, particularly the LGBTQIA+ community, offering assistance with gender confirmation and providing cutting-edge interventions like transcranial magnetic stimulation and spravato (esketamine). Her mission is to provide a safe space for personal growth and effective treatment for a wide range of psychiatric conditions, including depression, anxiety, mania, and substance recovery. She also offers consultations in Spanish.
A strong patient-provider partnership is the foundation of effective healthcare. Dr. Hernandez is committed to being a partner in your health journey, focusing on practical strategies to protect your health and well-being.
Dr. Hernandez provides comprehensive psychiatric care, focusing on building strong patient relationships. She employs evidence-based treatments, including medication management and advanced therapies like TMS and ECT, to effectively address mental health concerns. Her collaborative approach, working closely with primary care physicians, ensures patients receive holistic and integrated care, leading to improved outcomes and overall well-being.
By working together, you and Dr. Hernandez can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- APCN Choice POS II
- Aetna
- Aetna HMO
- Ambetter
- Blue Advantage HMO
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN
- Blue Choice
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
- Blue Essentials HMO
- BlueCard PPO
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
- Choice Care Network PPO
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice POS
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Cigna HMO
- Cigna PPO
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
- HMO Premier HMO
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Humana
- LocalPlus
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS
- National POS
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice PPO
- Preferred PPO
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- Signature Administrators PPO
- Superior Health Plan
As your primary healthcare provider, Dr. Hernandez offers expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of common health conditions. Common areas of focus include:
- Tobacco Use Disorder: Psychiatrists play a role in treating tobacco use disorder, a form of addiction, by providing evidence-based treatments that might include medication to reduce cravings and behavioral therapies to change smoking habits.
- Alcoholism (Alcohol Dependence): If you're struggling with alcohol dependence, meaning you can't stop drinking despite wanting to, a psychiatrist can assess your situation, prescribe medication to help manage cravings and withdrawal, and recommend additional support.
- Schizoid and Schizotypal Personality Disorder: Schizoid and schizotypal personality disorders are conditions where someone has persistent difficulties with social interaction and relationships, often showing limited emotional expression and unusual thoughts or behaviors; a psychiatrist can help diagnose these and explore treatment options.
- Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD): Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition where someone spends a lot of time worrying about flaws in their appearance that others can't see, and a psychiatrist can help manage symptoms with medication and therapy.
- Nondependent Alcohol Abuse: Nondependent alcohol abuse means a person drinks alcohol in a way that's harmful, but they don't meet the criteria for full-blown alcohol dependence; a psychiatrist can help assess the severity and develop a treatment plan.
- Psychosis Due to Mental Illness: Hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking are symptoms of psychosis, often stemming from a mental illness. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating these conditions.
- Borderline Personality Disorder: If you struggle with intense emotional swings, impulsive actions, and unstable relationships, you may have borderline personality disorder; a psychiatrist can assess and develop a treatment plan.
- Gender Dysphoria: If you're experiencing discomfort or distress because your gender identity doesn't align with your assigned sex, you may have gender dysphoria; a psychiatrist can offer support, treatment options, and guidance.
- Personality Disorders: Psychiatrists diagnose and treat personality disorders, offering therapy and medication to help individuals manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
- Conduct Disorder: Conduct disorder is a mental health condition in which children or teens consistently ignore rules, show aggression toward others, and have little regard for the feelings of others, and a psychiatrist can help diagnose and manage the disruptive behaviors.
- Schizophrenia: People with schizophrenia experience distorted perceptions of reality, and a psychiatrist works to stabilize their condition through medication and other treatments.
- Chronic Depression (Dysthymia): Dysthymia is a long-term form of depression where you feel down or hopeless most of the time, and a psychiatrist can diagnose it and develop a treatment plan.
This list represents some of the common conditions treated. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional.
To provide comprehensive and patient-centered care, Dr. Hernandez offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and treat various health concerns:
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): If medication and therapy haven't fully helped your depression, TMS may be an option; it uses magnetic pulses to stimulate parts of your brain to improve mood and function.
- Psychiatric Evaluation: A psychiatric evaluation involves a thorough interview and sometimes includes medical tests to rule out physical causes of your symptoms.
- Psychopharmacologic Treatment: Medication management is a core part of psychiatric care, aiming to find the right medication and dosage to help you feel better.
- Ketamine and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Combination Therapy: This combined treatment uses ketamine, a medication, alongside TMS, a non-invasive brain stimulation technique, to help people struggling with treatment-resistant depression or other severe mental illnesses.
- Psychiatric Medication Therapy: Medication therapy is often a key part of a comprehensive treatment plan for mental illness, working alongside other therapies like talk therapy to achieve optimal results.
- Psychological Evaluations Prior to Bariatric Surgery: A psychiatrist conducts a psychological evaluation to determine if you're mentally and emotionally prepared for bariatric surgery and its potential effects.
- Alcohol or Substance Misuse Screening and Counseling: Counselors will assess your alcohol and substance use to understand its impact on your life and provide support.
- Psychological Evaluation: This assessment helps your psychiatrist determine the nature and severity of your mental health concerns, guiding the choice of appropriate treatment such as medication or therapy.
- Outpatient Psychiatry: If you need help with a mental health issue and don't need to stay in the hospital, outpatient psychiatry offers appointments for assessment and ongoing care.
- Dementia or Depression Screening: A screening for dementia and depression helps your doctor understand your mental state and whether further testing or treatment is necessary.
- Medication Management: Through medication management, your psychiatrist helps you understand your medications, how they work, and what you can expect, empowering you to actively participate in your care.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps you identify and change negative thinking patterns and behaviors that contribute to mental health challenges.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for their professional license in Texas.
Dr. Hernandez is dedicated to partnering with patients to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how proactive care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- After receiving a comprehensive treatment plan, a patient successfully reduced their tobacco use and experienced significant improvements in their overall health and well-being. This patient now feels empowered to maintain a healthier lifestyle.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and personalized treatment plan, a patient successfully managed their alcohol dependence, leading to improved daily life and reduced cravings. By consistently attending therapy sessions and taking prescribed medication, the patient regained control and stability.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
5805 Callaghan Rd Ste 300, San Antonio, TX, 78228
Phone: (210) 960-4352
View on Map - Practice
85 NE Loop 410 Ste 420, San Antonio, TX, 78216
Phone: (210) 960-4352
View on Map
- UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA (Residency Hospital)
- University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine (Residency Hospital) - 2015
- University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine (Internship Hospital) - 2012
- Rice University Jones School Of Business (Other Education) - 2011
- Baylor College of Medicine (Medical School) - 2011
- University Of The Incarnate Word (Undergraduate School) - 2006
- University Of The Incarnate Word, San Antonio, Tx (Undergraduate School) - 2006
- American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology (Psychiatry)
Here are answers to some common questions about receiving Psychiatric care with Dr. Hernandez:
- What is the main difference between a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist?
- Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MDs or DOs) who can prescribe medication, while psychologists (PhDs or PsyDs) specialize in psychotherapy and psychological testing. While their approaches differ, they often collaborate to provide comprehensive care.
- Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist?
- While a referral from your primary care doctor can be helpful, many insurance plans don't require one. It's always best to check with your specific insurance plan to confirm coverage and referral requirements before scheduling an appointment.
- Can you help with addiction or substance use problems?
- Yes, Dr. Hernandez is experienced in treating substance use disorders. Psychiatrists are trained to diagnose and manage these conditions. She can provide a comprehensive evaluation, manage withdrawal, and prescribe medications like Suboxone® to help reduce cravings and support recovery.
- Can a psychiatrist help with ADHD in adults?
- Yes, psychiatrists are experts in diagnosing and treating adult ADHD. Dr. Hernandez can perform a thorough evaluation to confirm the diagnosis and manage both medication (stimulant and non-stimulant options) and therapeutic strategies to help improve focus and daily functioning.
- Do all psychiatrists only prescribe medication? Do you also provide therapy?
- While a psychiatrist's primary expertise is medication management, many, including Dr. Hernandez, also incorporate psychotherapy into their sessions or offer therapy-only appointments. The treatment plan is personalized and may involve medication, therapy, or a combination of both, depending on the individual needs of the patient.
- What is the difference between anxiety and an anxiety disorder?
- Feeling anxious is a normal human response to stress. An anxiety disorder, however, involves excessive and persistent worry that's difficult to control and interferes with daily life. Dr. Hernandez can help determine if your symptoms meet the criteria for a disorder and require treatment.
- Will I have to be on medication forever?
- The duration of medication is highly individualized and depends on your specific condition and response to treatment. Some conditions may require short-term medication, while others may benefit from long-term maintenance. We will discuss this with you regularly to determine the best approach for your needs.
- What should I expect during my first psychiatric evaluation?
- Your first appointment with Dr. Hernandez will involve a comprehensive discussion of your symptoms, medical history, family history, and current life circumstances. This allows Dr. Hernandez to gain a full understanding of your situation and develop an accurate diagnosis. It's a collaborative conversation, the first step toward creating a personalized treatment plan.
5805 Callaghan Rd Ste 300
San Antonio TX 78228
Phone: (210) 960-4352
Sarah Hernandez, MD is regulated by the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Medical Practice Act) in Texas and is licensed by The Texas Medical Board.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1063702637
Registration can typically be verified through The Texas Medical Board website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by kellysearch.com, is for informational purposes to help you connect with local healthcare providers. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the provider named. Healthcare providers like Dr. Sarah Hernandez are trained to manage a wide range of health concerns. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.