BEYOND TREATMENT. A PARTNERSHIP FOR HEALING.
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
Jessica Cruz, PhD
Clinical Neuropsychologist