Sarah Hernandez

With over twenty-five years of dedicated practice in the mental health, social services, and behavioral health fields, my career is a testament to a deep and evolving commitment to healing and empowerment. My journey began with foundational work in behavioral modification and community support, which seamlessly transitioned into comprehensive case management and program training within the public social services sector. My passion for social justice was solidified while earning my Master of Social Work, supported by the prestigious Title IV-E stipend. During this time, I gained crucial experience in Child Welfare, serving as a court officer and performing high-stakes emergency response investigations. This work cultivated a strong ability to assess complex family dynamics, determine risk and protective factors, and passionately advocate for the best interest of the child during court proceedings—whether pursuing reunification or termination of parental rights. Following a relocation to Idaho Falls, I channeled my expertise into the field of addiction treatment. I provided intensive counseling services for clients in District 7 Drug Court before stepping into a key management role at a private agency. Here, I successfully developed and oversaw both adult and juvenile substance abuse treatment programs, demonstrating leadership in facilitating a wide range of therapeutic groups, including trauma, parenting, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and relapse prevention. Recognizing that unresolved trauma is often the root cause of mental health and substance abuse symptoms, I made a decisive shift to specialize in trauma-focused treatment. I have sought advanced training, including specialized instruction in Prolonged Exposure (PE) from Dr. Edna Foa, further enhanced by training in EMDR and other somatic approaches. To fully address the impact of distress, I also trained in couples therapy, enabling clients to improve connection, enhance communication, and build a greater sense of safety within themselves and their relationships. In 2018, Insight and Empowerment, LLC was formed, however, in 2021, driven by the escalating mental health crisis, I officially opened the doors of Insight and Empowerment, LLC. We are a premier trauma-informed agency dedicated to meeting the growing demand for specialized care. Our mission is to provide a safe, authentic, and confidential space where self-compassion is nurtured and lasting insight, growth, hope, and connection are made possible for individuals, couples, and families on their healing journey.