Cindy Portugal-Fernandez, DSW, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, clinical leader, and educator with extensive experience in behavioral health, school social work, clinical practice, and organizational leadership. She earned her Doctor of Social Work (DSW) from the University of Kentucky, with a focus on administrative leadership, strengthening her expertise in program development, clinical administration, supervision, and organizational effectiveness.

Cindy’s professional background includes serving in school-based mental health and student wellness, where she supported children, adolescents, families, and school communities by addressing behavioral health needs, social-emotional functioning, crisis concerns, and barriers to academic success. Her experience in school social work has provided her with a strong understanding of the intersection between mental health, family systems, education, and community resources.

In behavioral health, Cindy has extensive experience providing clinical services, assessments and reassessments, treatment planning, case management, skills training, and therapeutic interventions for children, adolescents, adults, and families with diverse mental health needs. She currently serves in a clinical leadership role with Pathways Behavioral Health, where she provides supervision and guidance to behavioral health professionals, supports clinical documentation and quality standards, assists with staff development and training, and contributes to the overall delivery and improvement of behavioral health services.

In addition to her clinical and leadership work, Cindy has experience in higher education as an adjunct instructor, teaching future social work professionals and integrating clinical knowledge with real-world behavioral health practice. Her combined experience in clinical social work, education, school-based services, and administrative leadership reflects her commitment to developing professionals, strengthening behavioral health systems, and ensuring individuals and families receive compassionate, ethical, and evidence-informed care.