George Michael Cuesta, PhD
George Michael Cuesta, PhD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist | Psych Associates Group
George Michael Cuesta, PhD gravitated toward his accomplished career as a clinical psychologist after an initial professional path in the military. Upon graduating from high school, he attended the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and subsequently enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1978. He was commissioned as a lieutenant in the military police, a decision influenced by his father, who was a New York City Police Department officer and a U.S. Martine Corps veteran of the Korean War.
Over the next seven years, Dr. Cuesta advanced to the rank of captain and earned a National Defense Service Medal, while realizing that law enforcement and the military were not the right fits for him professionally. To explore more suitable options, he took a class in clinical psychology, which led him to discover a strong interest in the field. Finding psychology aligned better with his values and allowed him to serve others, he decided to pursue a degree in counseling from Boston University. From 1985 to 1988, he found success as a counseling psychologist for the Vocational Rehabilitation and Counseling Division within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. He then served as a psychology intern at Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center and the University of California in the midst of earning a PhD in clinical psychology from Alliant International University, which he ultimately did in 1995.
With bolstered credentials in the field, Dr. Cuesta completed a postdoctoral residency in clinical neuropsychology at the San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center and became a staff neuropsychologist at Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center. Between 1999 and 2010, he served as the director of rehabilitation psychology and neuropsychology at Burke Rehabilitation while active for five years as a captain in the Medical Service Corps of the U.S. Army Reserve. For the next decade, he excelled at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, serving as the supervisory psychologist, vet center director, and clinical neuropsychologist, before lending his psychology expertise to the U.S. Air Force Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital in Thimphu, Bhutan in 2025.
Through all these roles, he has utilized his decades of experience to provide psychodiagnostic and cognitive behavioral psychotherapy assessment to referred patients; develop treatment plans based on testing and evaluation results; and provides guidance, mentoring and teaching to junior psychologists, psychology interns, and psychology postgraduate fellows. For nearly 25 years, too, he authored research-based articles to numerous professional texts and journals, and has been a longtime member of the International Neuropsychological Society, National Academy of Neuropsychology, and American Psychological Association.
Outside of his primary endeavors in the psychology field, Dr. Cuesta had a significant life experience in 2005 when he attended a family wedding in Thailand. The trip, which lasted two to three weeks, included a visit to a Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. The serene setting made a profound impression on him, particularly as he observed pilgrims circumambulating the stupa alongside monks and nuns. The experience sparked his interest in learning more about Buddhism. After returning to New York City, he sought a place to practice and receive teachings, which he described as “life changing.” He found Buddhist philosophy practical and down-to-earth, resonating more with his beliefs than the Catholic tradition in which he was raised and educated for 12 years, leading to his continuing role as a volunteer educator at Shantideva Meditation Center Inc. since 2008. In 2024, he attained a Master of Arts in Buddhist studies from Maitripa College.
Looking toward the future, Dr. Cuesta plans to continue serving others by pursuing roles specializing in psychological services for the elderly, maintaining his volunteer leadership at the Shantideva Center in Brooklyn and dividing his time between New York and Portugal after securing a D7 visa.
Press Release
Marquis Who’s Who Honors George Michael Cuesta, PhD, for Excellence in Education
George Michael Cuesta, PhD, is a distinguished professional in clinical psychology and neuropsychology with a decorated background in military service
NEW YORK, NY, December 19, 2025 — George Michael Cuesta, PhD, has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who’s Who. As in all Marquis Who’s Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Marked by nearly 50 years of dedicated service, education and community engagement, Dr. Cuesta has led a distinguished career in clinical psychology and neuropsychology. Also an expert in Buddhist studies and devoted learner, he has served as an education volunteer at Shantideva Meditation Center in Brooklyn since 2008 — including service on its board from 2010 to 2017 — through which he teaches courses and educates numerous students on best Buddhism and meditation practices. His passion for Buddhism began when he visited a temple in the northwestern region of Thailand during a family wedding trip; the serenity of the temple and its monks and nuns struck a chord with him as he connected with their practical, down-to-earth philosophies.
In 2025, Dr. Cuesta served as a clinical neuropsychologist at Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital in Thimphu, Bhutan. His international work reflected his passion for providing exceptional care and allowed him to engage in community service initiatives such as providing mental healthcare in Thimphu, exemplifying his commitment to helping others through everything he does.
From 2021 to 2022, Dr. Cuesta was a licensed clinical psychologist with the United States Air Force at Alconbury in England, where he leveraged his adaptability and expertise to deliver psychological services and cognitive behavioral therapy to active duty service members. Prior to that, he contributed as a clinical neuropsychologist at the United States Department of Veterans Affairs in New York City, where he provided specialized care for veterans and advanced the field of psychotherapy through his clinical acumen.
Dr. Cuesta’s tenure with the Department of Veterans Affairs also included the dual roles of Supervisory Psychologist and Director of the Manhattan Vet Center Program. In these capacities, he led teams dedicated to supporting veterans’ mental health and rehabilitation needs in the wake of traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress.
From 1999 to 2010, Dr. Cuesta was the Director of Rehabilitation Psychology and Neuropsychology at Burke Rehabilitation Hospital in White Plains, New York, overseeing comprehensive programs that improved patient outcomes and providing comprehensive teaching, mentorship and supervision for psychology practicum students and postdoctoral fellows.
Gaining valuable early experience in serving veterans through clinical assessments and treatments, Dr. Cuesta was a staff neuropsychologist at Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center in Brooklyn from 1997 to 1999 after completing a postdoctoral residency in clinical neuropsychology 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 an earlier role as a counseling psychologist with the Veterans Benefits Administration’s Vocational Rehabilitation & Counseling Division.
Outside of his teaching and hospital roles, Dr. Cuesta’s career is equally notable for the breadth and impact of his military service. He served as Captain in the Medical Service Corps of the United States Army Reserve from 1999 to 2004, including deployment to Kuwait and Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. Earlier, he was a commissioned officer — rising from Second Lieutenant to Captain — in the United States Army on active duty from 1978 to 1985, with assignments at Fort McClellan in Alabama, Fort Myer in Virginia and postings in Augsburg and Garmisch, Germany.
Dr. Cuesta’s exemplary service saw him recognized through numerous military honors, including two National Defense Service Medals, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon and the Meritorious Service Medal. Additionally, he was presented with the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, a Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
Much of Dr. Cuesta’s professional trajectory stems from his equally impressive academic achievements. He earned a Master of Arts in Buddhist Studies from Maitripa College, returning to school in 2022 after his enduring interest in Buddhism was sparked nearly 15 years earlier. Earlier on, he completed a postdoctoral residency in clinical neuropsychology at San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center in California in 1997 after earning a Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology from Alliant International University-San Francisco Bay in 1995.
Dedicated to the ideals of lifelong learning, Dr. Cuesta obtained a Master of Education in counseling from Boston University in Massachusetts in 1985 and a Bachelor of Science in General Engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1978. He also completed internships at the University of California and Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center, further solidifying his foundation in psychology.
To augment his knowledge and credentials, Dr. Cuesta holds several certifications that underscore his commitment to professional excellence. He has been licensed as a psychologist by The University of the State of New York Education Department Office of the Professions since 1996 and holds graduate certificates in Teaching and Learning Strategies for Higher Education from Harvard University as well as in Disability Studies from the City University of New York (CUNY) School of Professional Studies.
Reflecting on his remarkable journey, Dr. Cuesta attributes much of his success to the early influence of his parents — his mother’s patience, kindness and wisdom, along with his father’s perseverance and determination — as well as the guidance of numerous teachers and mentors who generously shared their knowledge throughout his educational endeavors. Though he initially pursued a military career out of respect for his father’s legacy as a New York City Police Department officer and Marine Corps veteran, he discovered his true calling after taking the Strong Interest Inventory assessment and enrolling in a class on clinical psychology.
To share his expertise and remain engaged with advancements within his field, Dr. Cuesta is professionally affiliated with the American Psychological Association, the National Academy of Neuropsychology and the International Neuropsychological Society. He has also contributed a wealth of scholarly articles to advance discussions on brain injuries, cognitive impairment and dementia, with his works appearing in influential publications such as Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology and Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society.
Beyond his professional and writing endeavors, Dr. Cuesta has also demonstrated significant civic involvement through volunteer work with Meals on Wheels in Portland from 2022 to 2024. An avid world traveler throughout his life, he continues to take great fulfillment in practicing Buddhism, studying Buddhist philosophy, visiting temples around the world and exploring new destinations and cultures.
Looking to the future, Dr. Cuesta intends to continue serving others by specializing further in psychological services for elderly populations while maintaining volunteer leadership roles at Shantideva Meditation Center. He also plans to divide his time between New York City and Portugal after securing a D7 visa, continuing his lifelong journey defined by compassion, continuous learning and service to those in need across world cultures.
