NORTH DINWIDDIE, VA, January 08, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Dr. Barbara A. Hernandez has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Dr. Hernandez has led a distinguished career in psychology, marked by her expertise in working with individuals experiencing severe mental illness, those acquitted as not guilty by reason of insanity (NGRI), and persons requiring treatment for complex mental health issues. Since 2020, she has served as a psychology supervisor at Central State Hospital, where she contributed significantly to the hospital's recent accreditation by the American Psychological Association for predoctoral interns. Her responsibilities include overseeing clinical training, supervising psychological assessments and interventions, and guiding new professionals entering the field.

Dr. Hernandez's most notable professional accomplishment centers on her work with the NGRI program at Central State Hospital. Providing critical support to individuals grappling with the aftermath of serious crimes they committed due to mental illness, she has guided many through recovery and supported their reintegration into society. This work has been deeply fulfilling for her, as she has witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of comprehensive mental health care on the lives of her patients and their families.

During her tenure at Central State Hospital, Dr. Hernandez spent approximately seven years in private practice, where she delivered therapeutic services to a diverse clientele. Her private practice work further honed her skills in treating depression, anxiety, eating disorders, body image issues and sexual deviant behavior. She also gained significant experience by testifying in court regarding patient readiness for release and participating in forensic civil trials.

Elsewhere in her career, Dr. Hernandez has held various positions at community-based hospitals and with the community services board. Serving as an intake counselor and therapist for both adult and adolescent units, she has provided therapy for individuals exhibiting sexual behaviors and contributed to specialized intervention programs. In her role on the community services board, she conducted emergency crisis assessments to determine whether individuals required nonvoluntary hospital admission due to posing a danger to themselves or others or being unable to care for themselves.

Dr. Hernandez also served as a trainer at the Department of Corrections, leading mental health interventions across correctional centers throughout the State of Virginia. Additionally, she provided therapy within prison settings where inmates could enroll in college classes related to mental health, gaining valuable education and learning opportunities.

Also sharing her knowledge and clinical approach with future generations of psychologists, Dr. Hernandez has taught as an adjunct instructor at a community college, where she led courses in developmental psychology, abnormal psychology and introductory psychology. At Virginia State University, she supervised a testing laboratory and taught similar courses while mentoring students in psychological assessment techniques.

Dr. Hernandez's early professional journey included work at District 19 in several capacities, through which she provided in-home care and mental health services after completing her undergraduate studies. In these roles, she assisted adults who were diagnosed with mental illnesses and intellectual disabilities within community settings.

Dedicated to the ideals of continuous learning, Dr. Hernandez earned a Doctor of Philosophy in clinical health psychology with a focus on eating disorders from Virginia State University in 2014 as part of the inaugural cohort of the university's doctoral program — a milestone that remains a source of pride for her. She previously completed a Master of Science in clinical psychology in 2003 and obtained a Bachelor of Science in 2001, also from Virginia State. To augment her credentials, she is licensed to practice psychology by the State of Virginia.

Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Hernandez is civically engaged as a board member on the physical and mental health committee of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., where she participates in community service initiatives such as preparing gift baskets for teenagers, feeding the homeless, reading books to elementary school children and promoting mental health awareness. She has also been recognized as a speaker for one of Delta Sigma Theta's programs at Virginia State University, highlighting her reputation as a thought leader.

Reflecting on her storied journey, Dr. Hernandez attributes her success to the unwavering support of her family as well as her faith. The challenges she faced during her predoctoral internship at San Antonio State Hospital — particularly leaving her children behind while relocating across the United States — required significant perseverance and strength.

Happily married and a proud mother of three — notably, she gave birth to her eldest child while pursuing academic excellence during her final undergraduate year at Virginia State — Dr. Hernandez enjoys weightlifting and cardio exercises, shopping and traveling to places like Jamaica and Costa Rica.

Looking to the future, Dr. Hernandez aims to expand her private practice to include group therapy offerings and additional psychological testing services while continuing her work at Central State Hospital. She values maintaining direct patient contact alongside training new clinical psychologists — a balance that allows her to pursue her passion for teaching while supporting others through their recovery journeys with compassion and expertise.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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