Dr. Luis G. Cruz-Ortega

Professional Background

Welcome! I am a licensed counseling psychologist in Columbus, Ohio, offering individual counseling and psychological services to adults in-person and online (telehealth via secure video call) to residents of Ohio, Florida & several states (PSYPACT). I am fully bilingual and offer services in English and/or Spanish.

In counseling, I aim to create a safe, collaborative space for growth. As an integrative psychotherapist, I tailor evidence-based therapeutic models to meet my clients' unique needs and goals. For example, I draw from dynamic relational therapy to identify and transform unhelpful patterns in relationships with self and others. Additionally, I incorporate acceptance and commitment therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction to enhance psychological flexibility, coping skills, and well-being. Existential-humanistic models help clients explore meaning, authenticity, and creativity in their lives.

My diverse clientele reflects the rich tapestry of Columbus, encompassing various racial and ethnic backgrounds, gender identities, sexual orientations, and family structures. My clients' meaning making is informed by diverse spiritual traditions and/or philosophical values and I often support them in exploring their relevance during stressful times and their search for significance. Understanding how these identities, values, and experiences intersect in oppressive and empowering ways to inform a person's unique journey can enlighten the counseling process.

I earned a doctorate (PhD) in Counseling Psychology from Andrews University and completed an internship and postdoctoral residency at The Ohio State University's Counseling and Consultation Service. I am licensed as a psychologist (LP) and supervising professional clinical counselor (LPCC-S) in Ohio, registered as a telehealth psychologist in Florida and in states participating in the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (List of PSYPACT states), and credentialed by the National Register of Health Service Psychologists. As a member of the American Psychological Association, the National Latinx Psychological Association, and the Ohio Psychological Association, I stay connected with my professional community.

With over 20 years of experience in university counseling centers and private practice, including senior positions at The Ohio State University, Andrews University, and the University of Central Florida, I bring a wealth of expertise to my practice. Additionally, I have designed and instructed graduate-level professional counseling courses.

​Beyond counseling and psychotherapy, I offer consultation and supervision for mental health professionals and training for organizations on culturally competent healthcare. My research interests lie at the intersection of culture, spirituality, and psychosocial adjustment.

Originally from Puerto Rico, I cherish spending time there with family and friends, rejuvenating amidst its mountains and beaches. In my downtime, I indulge in road trips, landscape photography, movies, and quality family time.​​

Credentials

• State of Ohio
  • Psychologist
  • Supervising Professional Clinical Counselor
• State of Florida
  • Telehealth Psychologist
    • For more information: https://flhealthsource.gov/telehealth
• PSYPACT Commission
  • The Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT) is an interstate compact which offers a voluntary expedited pathway for practice to qualified psychologists who wish to practice in multiple states. For a complete list of states participating in PSYPACT visit https://psypact.org/page/psypactmap​
  • Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT # 10820). Granted by the PSYPACT Commission. Issue Date: 05/02/2022. 
  • Temporary Authorization to Practice (Authority to conduct temporary in-person practice in PSYPACT states) (TAP # 10820). Granted by the PSYPACT Commission. Issue Date: 08/02/2022 
• National Register of Health Service Psychologists
  • Health Service Psychologist, Credential # 55979

Publications

McCabe, B. E., Escoto, E. R., Cruz-Ortega, L. G., Munoz-Rojas, D., & Gattamorta, K. (2017). Translation and psychometric properties of a Spanish version of the College Alcohol Problems Scale. Addictive Behaviors. doi: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2017.06.023

Gutierrez, D., Barden, S. M., Ali, S., & Cruz-Ortega, L. G. (2016). Perspectiva masculina: An exploration of intimate partners of Latina breast cancer survivors. The Family Journal: Counseling and Therapy for Couples and Families. doi: 10.1177/1066480716648690

​Gutierrez, D., Barden, S. M., Gonzalez, J., Ali, S., & Cruz-Ortega, L. G. (2016). Coping with Breast Cancer Semi-Structured Interview [Database record]. APA PsycTests. doi: 10.1037/t56068-000​

*Cruz-Ortega, L. G., Gutierrez, D., & Waite, D. (2015). Religious orientation and ethnic identity as predictors of religious coping among bereaved individuals. Counseling and Values, 60, 67-83. doi: 10.1002/j.2161-007X.2015.00061.x

Cruz-Ortega, L. G. (November, 2007). Religious expressions in times of stress: A brief review of the psychology of religious coping and its applications in clinical settings. ACPA Commission for Counseling and Psychological Services Newsletter.

Awards

​*ASERVIC's Biggs-Pine Award for outstanding scholarly contribution to the journal Counseling & Values (2014-2015)

Luis G. Cruz-Ortega, PhD, LP, LPCC-S
​​Counseling Psychologist
t | 614.859.0499
@ | [email protected]

Appointments are available Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays from 12:00 pm ET to 7:00 pm ET.

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