Rebecca M. Pasillas

Dr. Rebecca M. Pasillas is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), within the College of Liberal Arts. She is a licensed psychologist in both Maryland and Texas and is recognized as a National Register Health Service Provider in Psychology. Her work centers on improving mental health outcomes through evidence-based practices, particularly for Latinx populations and individuals with serious mental illness.

Her research interests include dissemination and implementation science, program evaluation, cultural adaptation of psychosocial interventions, integrated care models, and behavioral activation and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). She has focused on adapting these interventions to be more effective and accessible for underserved communities, especially Spanish-speaking clients.

The recent publications highlight a strong trend in applying and evaluating third-wave cognitive-behavioral therapies in diverse and severe mental illness populations. Her work spans depression among Latinos, psychosis, schizophrenia, PTSD in veterans, and cultural competence in mindfulness-based treatments. These studies reflect an interdisciplinary and implementation-oriented approach, often involving systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and clinical adaptations.

Dr. Pasillas has contributed to key resources such as the PORT (Psychosocial Treatment) guidelines and toolkits for counseling Spanish-speaking clients, demonstrating her commitment to both clinical practice and training. While no formal scientific awards are listed in the provided text, her publications in reputable journals and edited volumes reflect scholarly recognition.

She has collaborated with interdisciplinary teams and has experience managing large datasets and data dashboards in clinical research settings. Though no specific students or grant funding are mentioned, her role as a research-focused faculty member suggests involvement in research teams and potential mentorship. She is affiliated with UTEP’s psychology research initiatives, particularly those focused on behavioral health equity and implementation science.