Alberto Cabrera

Assistant Professor of Social Work/Assistant Field Director
Arts and Sciences
Alberto Cabrera

Dr. Alberto Cabrera is a professor, therapist, and researcher with extensive experience as a licensed clinical social worker, board-approved supervisor, field instructor, and director in diverse mental health settings. He has also served as an adjunct professor at the University of Houston and Baylor University, teaching graduate students in clinical practice, practicum supervision, and evidence-based intervention courses.

Dr. Cabrera's research focuses on improving mental health access and reducing stigma within Latino communities, with particular emphasis on empirically supported treatments for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). As a scholar-practitioner, Dr. Cabrera bridges the gap between clinical practice and research to advance culturally responsive care. His scholarly work has been published in leading journals and presented at national and international conferences.

Drawing from clinical experience across inpatient psychiatric hospitals, medical settings, and community practice, Dr. Cabrera's research aims to address mental health disparities and improve treatment outcomes for individuals living with OCD and related conditions.

Dr. Cabrera has been recognized with multiple awards, including the American Psychological Association's Doctoral Interdisciplinary Minority Fellowship and "Best in Patient Satisfaction" honors.

He received his bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Houston, master's degree in social work from Baylor University, and completed his doctoral degree in social work at the University of Houston.

Education History

2025 - PhD in Social Work, University of Houston

2017 - Master of Social Work, Baylor University

2014 - BA in Psychology, University of Houston

Scholarly Activities

2025: 

  • Olson, L., Cabrera, A., Bickel, J., Robinson, A., Eigege, C., Blanchard, K., Mandiberg, J. M., & Gearing, R. E. (2025). Medical social workers in hospitals: Burnout and secondary trauma during the COVID-19 pandemic. Social Work in Public Health. https://doi.org/10.1080/19371918.2025.2545831
  • Gearing, R. E., Washburn, M., Brewer, K. B., Torres, L. R., de la Cruz, P., Yu, M., Giraldo-Santiago, N., Cabrera, A., & Garcia Andres, A. (2025). Suicide stigma in a cross-cultural context: Comparison between Mexican and Mexican American communities. Journal of Latinx Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1037/lat0000296
  • Vazquez, C. E., Rote, S., Antequera, F., Cabrera, A., Cantu, P., & Angel, J. L. (2025). Cohort and gender differences in stability over five years among Mexican-origin caregivers to older adults living with cognitive impairment. Research on Aginghttps://doi.org/10.1177/01640275241310518

2023:

  • Washburn, M., Brewer, K.B., Cabrera, A., Yu, M., & Torres-Hostos, L. R. (2023). Pathways to Mental Health Care: Latinos’ Help-Seeking Preferences. Journal of Latinx Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1037/lat0000237

Professional Experience

2021-2022: Director of Quality Assurance & Performance Improvement, Behavioral Hospital of Bellaire

2019-2021: Assistant Director of Clinical Services, Houston Behavioral Healthcare Hospital

2017-2019: Mental Health Therapist, Houston Behavioral Healthcare Hospital

 

Education History

2025 - PhD in Social Work, University of Houston

2017 - Master of Social Work, Baylor University

2014 - BA in Psychology, University of Houston

Scholarly Activities

2025: 

  • Olson, L., Cabrera, A., Bickel, J., Robinson, A., Eigege, C., Blanchard, K., Mandiberg, J. M., & Gearing, R. E. (2025). Medical social workers in hospitals: Burnout and secondary trauma during the COVID-19 pandemic. Social Work in Public Health. https://doi.org/10.1080/19371918.2025.2545831
  • Gearing, R. E., Washburn, M., Brewer, K. B., Torres, L. R., de la Cruz, P., Yu, M., Giraldo-Santiago, N., Cabrera, A., & Garcia Andres, A. (2025). Suicide stigma in a cross-cultural context: Comparison between Mexican and Mexican American communities. Journal of Latinx Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1037/lat0000296
  • Vazquez, C. E., Rote, S., Antequera, F., Cabrera, A., Cantu, P., & Angel, J. L. (2025). Cohort and gender differences in stability over five years among Mexican-origin caregivers to older adults living with cognitive impairment. Research on Aginghttps://doi.org/10.1177/01640275241310518

2023:

  • Washburn, M., Brewer, K.B., Cabrera, A., Yu, M., & Torres-Hostos, L. R. (2023). Pathways to Mental Health Care: Latinos’ Help-Seeking Preferences. Journal of Latinx Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1037/lat0000237

Professional Experience

2021-2022: Director of Quality Assurance & Performance Improvement, Behavioral Hospital of Bellaire

2019-2021: Assistant Director of Clinical Services, Houston Behavioral Healthcare Hospital

2017-2019: Mental Health Therapist, Houston Behavioral Healthcare Hospital

 

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