MERCEDES HERNANDEZ, Ph.D., LCSW The University of Texas at Austin Steve Hicks School of Social Work 1925 San Jacinto Blvd Stop D3500 Austin, TX 78712 mercedeh@utexas.edu EDUCATION 2015-2016 Postdoctoral Scholar, Research Associate University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts & Sciences Department of Psychology 2014-2015 Postdoctoral Research Fellow University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Serious Mental Illness Research Cluster PhD University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 2014 MSW California State University Long Beach, Long Beach, CA 2000 School of Social Work BA Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA 1997 Sociology and Chicano Studies Licensure 2005 Licensed Clinical Social Worker (California, LCS 22592) Research Interests Mental and behavioral health disparities; development of culturally competent evidence-based care for individuals with serious mental illness and their families; Latino mental health ACADEMIC APPOINTMENTS 2016- Assistant Professor The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX Steve Hicks School of Social Work
Hernandez 2 2017- Courtesy Faculty Appointment The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX Dell Medical School Department of Psychiatry 2017- Faculty Affiliate The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX LLILAS Benson Latin American Studies and Collections 2017- Faculty Fellow The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX Institute for Urban Policy Research & Analysis AWARDS/HONORS 08/16 Competitively selected to attend the National Institute of Mental Health New Investigators Workshop 06/13 Portland Summer Quantitative Methods Scholarship 05/12 Qualifying Examination, Completed with Distinction 08/11-07/13 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Minority Fellowship Program Award 05/00 Phi Alpha Social Work Honor Society 05/96 Deans List, Loyola Marymount University RESEARCH SUPPORT 08/17-06/19 Award Recipient National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Research Supplement to Promote Diversity, $304,129 Principal Investigator, Mary M. Velasquez, Ph.D., R01 AA022924 Title: Tablet-based intervention to prevent substance-exposed pregnancy in primary care 06/17-08/17 Principal Investigator The University of Texas at Austin Office of the Vice President of Research Special Research Grant, $750 Title: Family involvement in treatment initiation among Latinos with firstepisode psychosis 08/13-07/14 Principal Investigator National Institute of Mental Health, R36 MH102077, $40,000 Title: The role of protective factors on outcomes for Latinos with schizophrenia
Hernandez 3 08/13-05/14 Principal Investigator University of Southern California Graduate School Research Enhancement Fellowship, $35,000 Title: Protective factors and outcomes among Latinos with schizophrenia RESEARCH EXPERIENCE 07/15-07/16 Postdoctoral Scholar, Research Associate, Reducing the Duration of Untreated Psychosis through Community Education (National Institute of Mental Health-funded R01 Study), University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA; PI: Steven R. Lopez, Ph.D. 08/14-06/15 Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Serious Mental Illness Research Cluster, School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA. 08/13-07/14 Principal Investigator, The Role of Protective Factors on Outcomes for Latinos with Schizophrenia (National Institute of Mental Health-funded R36 Study), University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA. 05/12-06/15 Research Assistant, Informed Consent for Latinos with Schizophrenia Project, (National Institute of Mental Health-funded R01 Study) University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA; Co-PIs: Concepción Barrio, Ph.D., and Barton Palmer, Ph.D. 05/10-08/11 Research Assistant, Enhanced Geriatric Depression Treatment in ADHC Project, (National Institute of Mental Health-funded R21 Study), University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA; PI: Maria P. Aranda, Ph.D. 08/09-06/15 Research Assistant, Culturally-Based Family Intervention for Mexican Americans Project, (National Institute of Mental Health-funded R34 Study), University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA; PI: Concepción Barrio, Ph.D. 08/08-02/09 Lead Group Facilitator, Culturally-Based Family Intervention for Mexican Americans Project, (National Institute of Mental Health-funded R34 Study), University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA; PI: Concepción Barrio, Ph.D. PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS Hernandez, M., & Barrio, C. (2017). Families and medication use and adherence among Latinos with schizophrenia. Journal of Mental Health, 26(1), 14-20. doi: 10.1080/09638237.2016.1222061 Hernandez, M., Barrio, C., Lim, C., & Brekke, J. S. (2017). The relationship between social
Hernandez 4 competence, symptom severity and employment in schizophrenia. Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Mental Health, 4(2), 231-235. doi: 10.1007/s40737-017-0088-7 Barrio, C., Hernandez, M., & Gaona, L. (2016). The family caregiving context among adults with disabilities: A review of the research on developmental disabilities, serious mental illness, and traumatic brain injury. Journal of Family Social Work, 19(24), 328-347. doi: 10.1080/10522158.2016.1233923 Barrio, C., Fuentes, D., Hernandez, M., Helu-Brown, P., & Palmer, B. (2016). Bored in boardand-care and other settings: Perspectives of Latinos with schizophrenia. Psychiatric Services, 67(8), 932. doi:10.1176/appi.ps.201600064 Hernandez, M., & Barrio, C. (2015). Perceptions of subjective burden among Latino families caring for a loved one with schizophrenia. Community Mental Health Journal, 51(8), 939-948. doi: 10.1007/s10597-015-9881-5 Lim, C., Barrio, C., Hernandez, M., Barragan, A.,Yamada, A.-M., & Brekke, J. (2015). Remission of symptoms in community-based psychosocial rehabilitation services for individuals with schizophrenia. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, 39(1), 42-46. doi: 10.1037/prj0000154 Lim, C., Barrio, C., Hernandez, M., Barragan, A., & Brekke, J. (2015). Recovery from schizophrenia in community-based psychosocial rehabilitation settings: Rates and predictors. Research on Social Work Practice, 27(5), 538-551. doi: 10.1177/1049731515588597 Barrio, C., Hernandez, M., Helu Fernandez, P., & Debonis, J. (2015). Schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders. Encyclopedia of Social Work Online. National Association of Social Workers and Oxford University Press. doi: 10.1093/acrefore/9780199975839.013.1018 Hernandez, M., Barrio, C., & Yamada, A.-M. (2013). Hope and burden among Latino families of adults with schizophrenia. Family Process, 52(4), 697-708. doi: 10.1111/famp.12042 Barrio, C., Hernandez, M., & Barragan, A. (2011). Serving Latino families caring for a person with serious mental illness. In L. P. Buki and L. M. Piedra (Eds.), Creating infrastructures for Latino mental health (pp. 159 175). New York, NY: Springer. TEACHING EXPERIENCE Fall 2017 Spring 2017 SOWK 393R-Theories and Methods of Family Intervention The University of Texas at Austin, Steve Hicks School of Social Work Instructor, advanced MSSW clinical practice course SOWK 393R- Clinical Assessment and Differential Diagnosis The University of Texas at Austin, Steve Hicks School of Social Work Instructor, MSSW clinical practice course
Hernandez 5 Fall 2016 Fall 2015 Spring 2015 Spring 2015 Fall 2014 Summer 2013 & Summer 2014 Spring 2013 Spring 2011 SOWK 393R-Theories and Methods of Family Intervention The University of Texas at Austin, Steve Hicks School of Social Work Instructor, advanced MSSW clinical practice course SOWK 546-Science of Social Work MSW course guest lecturer for session on qualitative methods SOWK 612-Assessment and Diagnosis of Mental Disorders Advanced MSW mental health elective course cotaught with Concepción Barrio, Ph.D., LCSW SOWK 625-Evaluation of Research (Mental Health) MSW course guest lecturer for session on qualitative methods SOWK 645-Clinical Practice in Mental Health Settings Advanced MSW practice course cotaught with Seth Kurzban, Ph.D. Minority Health and Health Disparities International Research Training NIH/NIMHD-funded USC Department of Psychology Program designed to prepare undergraduate and graduate students for Latino mental health research; served as guest lecturer SOWK 562-Social Work Research MSW course cotaught with Ann-Marie Yamada, Ph.D. SOWK 612-Psychopathology and Diagnosis of Mental Disorders Advanced MSW mental health elective course teaching facilitator; course taught by Concepción Barrio, Ph.D., LCSW PRESENTATIONS (*Student author) Hernandez, M., Barrio, C., & *Hai, A. (2018, January). Hope as a salient resource among Latinos with schizophrenia and their family members. Poster to be presented at the Society for Social Work and Research Annual Conference, Washington, DC. Lim, C., Hernandez, M., Gaona, L., Helu-Brown, P., Barrio, C. (2018, January). Socio-demographic profile of Asian Americans treated for schizophrenia in community mental health settings: Implications for service delivery. Poster to be presented at the Society for Social Work and Research Annual Conference, Washington, DC.
Hernandez 6 Lim, C., Hernandez, M., Gaona, L., Helu-Brown, P., Mendon, S. J., Barrio, C. (2017, January). Recruitment of minorities with serious mental illness for community-engaged research: Barriers, strategies, and rewards. Roundtable presented at the Society for Social Work and Research Annual Conference, New Orleans, LA. Hernandez, M. & Lopez, S. R. (2016, August). Families and duration of untreated psychosis among Latinos. Poster presented at the NIMH Conference on Mental Health Services Research, Bethesda, MD. Hernandez, M., Franco, R., Kopelowicz, A., Hernandez, M. Y., Mejia, Y., Barrio, C., & Lopez, S. R. (2016, April). Recruitment of Latinos with first-episode psychosis: Challenges and strategies. In A. Kopelowicz (Chair), Reducing the duration of untreated psychosis through community education. Symposium conducted at the Western Psychological Association Annual Convention, Long Beach, CA. Hernandez, M., Barrio, C., & Helu-Brown, P. (2016, January). Perceived barriers to employment among Latinos with schizophrenia and their family members. Paper presented at the Society for Social Work and Research Annual Conference, Washington, DC. Helu-Brown, P., Barrio, C., & Hernandez, M. (2016, January). Perceptions of marriage, parenting, and personal relationships of individuals with schizophrenia and key family members. Poster presented at the Society for Social Work and Research Annual Conference, Washington, DC. Hernandez, M., & Barrio, C. (2015, January). Families play an important role in medication adherence among Latinos with schizophrenia. Poster presented at the Society for Social Work and Research Annual Conference, New Orleans, LA. Hernandez, M., & Barrio, C. (2015, January). Family psychoeducation reduces stigma among Latino families and their loved ones with schizophrenia. Poster presented at the Society for Social Work and Research Annual Conference, New Orleans, LA. Hernandez, M., Helu Fernandez, P., & Barrio, C. (2014, January). Perceptions of subjective burden among Latino families caring for a loved one with schizophrenia. Paper presented at the Society for Social Work and Research Annual Conference, San Antonio, TX. Barrio, C., Pinto, L., Hernandez, M., Jeste, D.V., & Palmer, B.W. (2014, January). A pilot study on the informed consent process among Spanish speaking and English speaking Latinos with schizophrenia. Poster presented at the Society for Social Work and Research Annual Conference, San Antonio, TX. Barragan, A., Hernandez, M., Yamada, A.-M., & Barrio, C. (2014, January). Suicidal ideation, psychotic symptoms and belongingness: A multiethnic examination of interpersonal relationships as a protective factor for suicidal ideation. Poster presented at the Society for Social Work and Research Annual Conference, San Antonio, TX. Lim, C., Barrio, C., Hernandez, M., Barragan, A., Yamada, A.-M., & Brekke, J. (2013, January). Clinical, demographic, personal, and social predictors of symptomatic remission in a community sample of persons with schizophrenia. Paper presented at the Society for Social Work and Research Annual Conference, San Diego, CA.
Hernandez 7 Hernandez, M. (2012, September). Latino older adults perceptions of new citizenship status: Findings from a qualitative study. Poster presented at the 2012 International Conference on Aging in the Americas (ICAA): National, International, and Comparative Studies of Hispanic Aging and Related Methodological Challenges, Los Angeles, CA. Hernandez, M., & Barrio, C. (2012, May). The integration of spirituality in working with Latino families coping with schizophrenia. Paper presented at the U.S. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association Annual Conference, Minneapolis, MN. Lim, C., & Hernandez, M. (2012, February). A review of adapted cognitive-behavioral therapy for religious individuals with severe mental illness: What is the evidence? Paper presented at the Annual Southern California Spirituality and Social Work Conference, Los Angeles, CA. Hernandez, M., Barrio, C., & Brekke, J. (2012, January). Clinical and social factors contributing to employability in schizophrenia. Poster presented at the Society for Social Work and Research Annual Conference, Washington, DC. Hernandez, M., & Vega, W. A. (2011, June). International perceptions of mental illness stigma: Effects of cultural context among racial and ethnic minorities. Poster presented at the International Conference on Social Sciences, Honolulu, HI. Hernandez, M., & Barrio, C. (2011, February). Spirituality as a culturally congruent resource for Latino families living with schizophrenia: Qualitative findings from a culturally based intervention study. Paper presented at the Annual Southern California Spirituality and Social Work Conference, Los Angeles, CA. Hernandez, M., Barragan, A., & Mao, W. (2011, February). Botanicas and curanderismo: Alternative counseling and treatment. Poster presentation at the Annual Southern California Spirituality and Social Work Conference, Los Angeles, CA. SERVICE 2017- The University of Texas at Austin, Steve Hicks School of Social Work Executive Committee 2017- The University of Texas at Austin, Institutional Review Board 2016- The University of Texas at Austin, Steve Hicks School of Social Work MSSW Committee 2016- The University of Texas at Austin, Steve Hicks School of Social Work Clinical Concentration Committee AD HOC REVIEWER 2016- Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease
Hernandez 8 PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE 11/06-06/09 Psychiatric Social Worker, Los Angeles Unified School District, School Mental Health Services, Los Angeles, CA 07/07-06/09 Clinical Social Worker, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, California Children s Services, El Monte, CA 11/05-11/06 Psychiatric Social Worker II, Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, Emergency Outreach Bureau/Psychiatric Mobile Response Team, El Monte, CA 07/05-11/06 Psychiatric Social Worker II, Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, Latino Access Program, Los Angeles, CA 09/00-07/05 Psychiatric Social Worker I, Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, Compton Mental Health Center, Compton, CA 08/00-03/03 Foster Family Social Worker, Concept 7 Foster Family Agency, Commerce, CA ADVANCED TRAINING 08/16 National Institute of Mental Health New Investigators Workshop, Bethesda, MA 11/14 Using STATA Workshop, Los Angeles, CA 10/14 Getting Started with NVivo for Windows eworkshop 07/13 ATLAS.ti Advanced, Web-Conferencing Workshop 06/13 ATLAS.ti Introduction, Web-Conferencing Workshop 06/13 Mediation Analysis, Summer Quantitative Methods Series, Portland, OR 05/13 Missing Data, Statistical Horizons, Los Angeles, CA 06/12 Multilevel Regression Models and their Application, Summer Quantitative Methods Series, Portland, OR 05/12 Introduction to Structural Equation Modeling Using M-Plus, Statistical Horizons, Los Angeles, CA 06/11 Hierarchical Linear Modeling: Introduction, ICPSR Summer Workshop, Amherst, MA 01/10 Conducting Qualitative Secondary Analysis from Start to Finish, SSWR Annual Conference, Preconference Workshop, San Francisco, CA PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS Member, Council for Social Work Education Member, National Association of Social Workers Member, Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association Member, Society for Social Work and Research