Jessica Cruz, PhD

At Bienestar, we honor your sovereignty. Evaluation services that supports your unique journey toward well-being and your best life. NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION SERVICES We provide comprehensive neuropsychological assessments and consultation for adults and children experiencing cognitive, behavioral, and/or functional difficulties that impact their quality of life. A neuropsychological evaluation is recommended for individuals of any age having trouble with cognitive, emotional, and/or adaptive functioning. Common symptoms include forgetfulness, changes in behavior or personality, difficulty concentrating, confusion, language difficulties, and other challenges that impact daily life. These evaluations provide diagnostic clarification and inform personalized treatment planning to establish the best course of care. ABOUT NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL TESTING The goal of a neuropsychological evaluation is to assess brain functioning, including the influence of mental health conditions (e.g., depression) on cognition. The process involves a one-on-one clinical interview to review personal and medical history, interactive testing tasks assessing various domains (e.g., intelligence, academic skills, emotional and adaptive functioning), and feedback with recommendations. Evaluations generally range from three to six hours and may be scheduled across two or more appointments. On testing days, please bring sensory aids (glasses, hearing aids), prior cognitive testing records, and a list of current medications. CURRICULUM VITAE AS OF FEBRUARY 2026 EDUCATION Ph.D. Fielding Graduate University (APA Accredited) 2021 Clinical Psychology, Neuropsychology, and Forensic Psychology Dissertation: Clarifying the Construct of Mindfulness: An Investigation of Dispositional Mindfulness and the Attention Network Test – Vigilance (ANTI-Vea) M.A. Antioch University 2010 Psychology, Mental Health Counseling, and Art Therapy B.A. Portland State University 2002 Psychology and Graphic Design POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS 2023 – 2025 Pacific Rehabilitation Centers Puyallup, Washington Training Emphasis: Neuropsychology and Rehabilitation Psychology 2021 – 2022 Kaiser Permanente Portland, Oregon Training Emphasis: Neuropsychology DOCTORAL PSYCHOLOGY INTERNSHIP 2020 – 2021 Alexandria Veterans Affairs Healthcare System (APA Accredited) Pineville, Louisiana Training Emphasis: Neuropsychology and Health Psychology DOCTORAL PSYCHOLOGY PRACTICA 2017 – 2018 Western State Hospital Lakewood, Washington Training Emphasis: Neuropsychological and Forensic Assessment 2017 – 2018 Joy and Wellness Center Puyallup, Washington Training Emphasis: Individual Psychotherapy Services 2016 – 2017 Child Study and Treatment Center Lakewood, Washington Training Emphasis: Psychological Assessment and Intervention 2015 – 2016 Neuropsychological Services of the South Sound Tumwater, Washington Training Emphasis: Neuropsychological and Rehabilitation Services CLINICAL EXPERIENCE 2026 – Present: Rainier School Residential Habilitation Center Lead Psychologist: Behavior planning, functional assessment, neuropsychological services, and supervision 2026 – Present: Bienestar Neuropsychological Services, PLLC Neuropsychological evaluation services (e.g., Forensic, Labor & Industries, Veteran's Affairs, etc.) 2025 – 2026 Joy and Wellness Center Neuropsychological services across the lifespan and intern supervisor 2022 – 2025 Western State Hospital Forensic psychological services and violence risk assessment 2018 – 2020 Harborview Medical Center and University of Washington Medical Center Psychometric test administration, inpatient and outpatient 2014 – 2017 Rainier School Residential Habilitation Center Psychological assessment, individual and group therapy 2012 – 2013 Western State Hospital Forensic admissions 2010 – 2012 Pierce Regional Support Network Crisis intervention and mental health counseling 2009 – 2010 Peterson Therapy Services Individual and family therapy 2009 – 2010 St. Joseph Medical Center and St. Francis Hospital Crisis intervention and mental health counseling 2009 – 2010 Recovery Response Center Crisis intervention and mental health counseling 2008 – 2009 Pierce County Human Services Chemical dependency assessment, individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, and mental health counseling 2008 – 2009 New Traditions Chemical dependency groups 2006 – 2008 Perinatal Treatment Services Chemical dependency assessment, individual and group therapy RESEARCH EXPERIENCE Research Associate Associations Among Neurological Symptoms, Mood Disorders, 2021 – 2024 Inflammatory Markers, and Cortisol in Long-Term Non-Hospitalized COVID-19 Survivors Fielding Graduate University PI: Laura Thompson, Ph.D. Research Associate Mindfulness Research Group: Mindfulness Interventions 2019 – 2021 Fielding Graduate University and Harvard Medical School PI: Asimina Lazaridou, Ph.D. Research Associate Multicultural Student Association Mentoring Project 2016 – 2017 Fielding Graduate University PI: Anthony Green, Ph.D. Research Extern Adult Developmental Disabilities Project 2014 – 2015 State of Washington Department of Health and Human Services PI: Constance Sharp, Ph.D. Research Study Assistant Twin Study of Chronic Widespread Pain 2009 – 2010 University of Washington PI: Eric Stratton, Ph.D. Volunteer Research Assistant Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention Study 2007 – 2008 University of Washington PI: Alan Marlatt, Ph.D. Research Study Assistant Outcomes in Pain Measurement Study 2006 – 2007 University of Washington PI: Kurt Johnson, Ph.D. Volunteer Research Assistant Alcohol Thought Suppression Study 2006 – 2006 University of Washington PI: Alan Marlatt, Ph.D. Research Study Assistant Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Outcomes Study 2003 – 2006 University of Washington PI: Sarah Holt, Ph.D. Student Research Assistant Brain Imaging Project 2002 – 2003 Portland State University PI: Jacob Driesen, Ph.D. POSTER PRESENTATION Piller, J. L. (2016, August). Fragile X and Autism Spectrum Disorder: Symptom Considerations. Poster Presented at the American Psychological Association Convention, Denver, CO. TEACHING EXPERIENCE Adjunct Professor, Department of Psychology Doctoral Program Antioch University 2026 Clinical Neuropsychology Adjunct Professor, Department of Psychology Pacific University 2021 Lifespan Development Undergraduate Teaching Assistant, Department of Psychology Portland State University 2003 The Psychology of Sensation and Perception 2002 Neuropsychology and Cognition CONSULTING/TRAINING 2021 (May) Alexandria Police Department, Alexandria, LA Trainer: Psychosis versus Substance Induced Psychosis: De-escalation and Intervention Strategies. 2021 (January) Alexandria Police Department, Alexandria, LA Trainer: Psychosis versus Substance Induced Psychosis: De-escalation and Intervention Strategies. 2020 Alexandria Police Department, Alexandria, LA Trainer: Psychosis versus Substance Induced Psychosis: De-escalation and Intervention Strategies. 2017 – 2018 Metropolitan Development Council, Tacoma, WA Consultant: Design and implementation of a recovery model group therapy didactic for an inpatient psychiatric unit 2012 State of Washington Peer Counselor Certification, Tacoma, WA Trainer: Promoting and Maintaining Safety in Mental Health Settings 2011 State of Washington Peer Counselor Certification, Tacoma, WA Trainer: Promoting and Maintaining Safety in Mental Health Settings HONOR SOCIETIES 2002 Psi Chi, National Honor Society in Psychology PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATION 2015 American Psychological Association 2015 American Board of Professional Psychology 2015 Clinical Neuropsychology, Division 40, APA 2024 National Academy of Neuropsychology, Inc. 2024 Pacific Northwest Neuropsychological Society 2024 The International Neuropsychology Society CERTIFICATION 2021 Cognitive Processing Therapy Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs LICENSURE 2023 Psychologist License, Washington PY61220365 2023 Psychologist License, Oregon 3687 2025 Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) PSYPACT 23685 2026 Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) CP60063896