Recognized for his extraordinary contributions to psychology, neuropsychology, higher education, and mental health rehabilitation, Dr. Cuesta has dedicated nearly five decades to helping individuals heal, grow, and thrive. His career is marked by an unwavering commitment to clinical excellence, teaching, military service, and community engagement. Blending evidence-based psychological care with a profound understanding of contemplative practices and Buddhist philosophy, Dr. Cuesta has touched countless lives through his compassionate approach to healing the mind. 
    In 2025, Dr. Cuesta expanded his global impact while serving as a clinical neuropsychologist at Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital in Thimphu, Bhutan. There, he provided mental healthcare and participated in community service initiatives, underscoring his commitment to delivering meaningful care across cultures and settings. 
   His career also includes service with the United States Air Force from 2021 to 2022 at RAF Alconbury in England, where he delivered psychological services and cognitive behavioral therapy to active-duty service members. Prior to this role, Dr. Cuesta served as a clinical neuropsychologist with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in New York City, providing specialized care for veterans and contributing to advancements in psychotherapy. 
    Within the VA system, Dr. Cuesta held dual leadership roles as Supervisory Psychologist and Director of the Manhattan Vet Center Program. In these positions, he led multidisciplinary teams focused on mental health rehabilitation for veterans coping with traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress. 
   From 1999 to 2010, he served as Director of Rehabilitation Psychology and Neuropsychology at Burke Rehabilitation Hospital in White Plains, New York. There, he oversaw comprehensive rehabilitation programs, improved patient outcomes, and mentored psychology practicum students and postdoctoral fellows. 
  Earlier in his career, Dr. Cuesta worked as a staff neuropsychologist at Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center in Brooklyn following a postdoctoral residency at San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center.

​

His foundational training also included internships at the University of California and Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center, as well as service as a counseling psychologist with the Veterans Benefits Administration’s Vocational Rehabilitation & Counseling Division. 
   Academically, Dr. Cuesta’s achievements reflect a lifelong dedication to learning. In 2022, he earned a Master of Arts in Buddhist Studies from Maitripa College, returning to formal study after years of independent exploration. He holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology from Alliant International University–San Francisco Bay, a Master of Education in Counseling from Boston University, and a Bachelor of Science in General Engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point. He also holds graduate certificates from Harvard University in Teaching and Learning Strategies for Higher Education and from CUNY in Disability Studies. Licensed as a psychologist in New York since 1996, he continues to uphold the highest professional standards.   
   Professionally affiliated with the American Psychological Association, the National Academy of Neuropsychology, and the International Neuropsychological Society, Dr. Cuesta has contributed scholarly work on brain injury, cognitive impairment, and dementia to leading journals, including Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology and the Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society. Beyond his professional life, Dr. Cuesta has remained deeply committed to service and exploration. From 2022 to 2024, he volunteered with Meals on Wheels in Portland. A lifelong traveler, he finds fulfillment in studying Buddhist philosophy, visiting temples worldwide, and immersing himself in diverse cultures. 
   Looking ahead, Dr. Cuesta plans to further specialize in psychological services for elderly populations while continuing his volunteer leadership at Shantideva Meditation Center. With plans to divide his time between New York City and Portugal, his next chapter remains rooted in the values that have guided his life—compassion, lifelong learning, and service to others.