Cameron Ortega

Cameron Ortega, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Practice in the Department of Counseling at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) within the College of Education and Human Development. Specializing in addiction counseling, mental health, and neurodivergent-affirming care, her work emphasizes harm reduction, behavioral health equity, and culturally responsive interventions for neurodivergent individuals with substance use disorders.

• Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Counseling, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
• M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling, University of Texas–Pan American
• B.F.A. in Fine Arts, University of Texas–Pan American

Her research bridges clinical practice and social justice, focusing on marginalized populations such as LGBTQIA+ communities and neurodivergent individuals. Recent publications (2024–2025) explore intersections of gender diversity, behavioral addictions, and cultural competence in healthcare. She actively contributes to conferences like the Texas Association of Addiction Professionals and the Association of Recovery in Higher Education.

• Terry D. Hale Addiction Professional of the Year, 2023

Dr. Ortega teaches courses in Addiction Counseling, Diagnosis and Pharmacology, Counseling Skills, and Couples and Family Counseling. While no formal advisees are listed, her work on biculturalism and familismo in Hispanic college students highlights her commitment to multicultural rehabilitation. Personal interests include art and maintaining over 85 houseplants.