Research & media · Great Neck, NY
Research & media
Dr. Ortiz publishes and speaks on Independence Therapy, child anxiety, parenting, and building real-world independence. He is Associate Professor at LIU Post and Adjunct Assistant Professor at New York University.
This page collects research profiles, writing, and selected media — for journalists, colleagues, students, and families who want the source material behind the clinical work.
Essays
Popular press
Essays and reported pieces for a general audience.
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The Secret to Parenting: Do Less of It
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This Simple Fix Could Help Anxious Kids
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Timeouts get a bad rap, but they work — when used correctly
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Articles
My writing
Articles by Camilo Ortiz, Ph.D., ABPP, a board-certified clinical psychologist in Great Neck, NY, on parenting, child anxiety, and building independence. Browse all articles.
ParentingWhy Parenting Less Hands-On Can Be a Strength: What Independence Research Says
I'm a board-certified clinical psychologist. Here is why stepping back can help children grow, and where to find support at Cognitive Behavioral Associates.
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AnxietyAnxiety in Children: Why Avoidance Feels Helpful and What Research Suggests Instead
I'm a board-certified clinical psychologist. Here is how avoidance can keep child anxiety going, and why independence is a focus of my research.
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IndependenceRaising Independent Kids: Five Everyday Ways to Build Confidence
Ideas for building child independence, from a board-certified clinical psychologist who co-developed Independence Therapy at CBA in Great Neck.
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About the author
Camilo Ortiz, Ph.D., ABPP
Board-certified clinical psychologist, partner at Cognitive Behavioral Associates in Great Neck, NY, and Associate Professor at LIU Post. Co-developer of Independence Therapy.
Research
Academic publications
Peer-reviewed research, listed on Google Scholar and ResearchGate.
Figures as shown on each public profile on October 5, 2026. Counts differ between services because each indexes a different set of sources.
Child anxiety · Independence TherapyJournal of Anxiety Disorders · 2024
A novel independence intervention to treat child anxiety: A nonconcurrent multiple baseline evaluation
In a five-session treatment built on fun, parent-free “independence activities” — not exposure tasks — children showed medium to large improvements in anxiety and avoidance.
Read the paper →Cognitive and Behavioral Practice · 2024
Intensive group behavioral treatment for older youth with selective mutism: An open trial
Sixteen youth ages 10–17 completed a 5-day intensive group program; parent- and self-reported selective mutism symptoms dropped significantly.
Read → Parent trainingCurrent Opinion in Psychology · 2026
Does Behavioral Parent Training Benefit from Cultural Adaptations? A Critical Analysis
Decades of studies show parent training works equally well across ethnic groups; the bigger need is removing barriers to families taking part.
Read → Elimination disordersClinical Child and Family Psychology Review · 2026
A Novel Application of Inhibitory Learning Theory: Pediatric Retentive Encopresis
Proposes treating retentive encopresis with inhibitory-learning principles borrowed from anxiety treatment, aiming for more effective behavioral care.
Read → Training cliniciansProfessional Psychology: Research and Practice · 2020
Pilot study of an online parent-training course for disruptive behavior with live remote coaching
An online course plus live remote coaching gave 22 clinicians large gains in parent-training knowledge and skill.
Read → Adult anxietyCognitive and Behavioral Practice · 2026
The utility and application of exposure and response prevention for religious scrupulosity in Orthodox Jews
A review of psychology research and primary Judaic sources concludes that exposure and response prevention — the recommended treatment for religious scrupulosity, a form of OCD — can be used effectively with Orthodox Jews, with some modifications.
Read →Press & appearances
Media & appearances
Interviews, appearances, and coverage of Independence Therapy.
Science of Perception Box · 2026
How Much Risk Should Kids Take?
Season 2 premiere: Dr. Ortiz joins neuroscientists Heather Berlin and Christof Koch on why shielding kids from every risk can backfire, and how Independence Therapy builds confidence.
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The Lila Rose Show · 2026
The Lila Rose Show — "Stop Protecting Your Kids From These 4 Things" (2026)
CBS
CBS / Mission Unstoppable — child independence
Podcast
Dad Saves America — interview
Aspen Ideas Festival
Aspen Ideas — speaker profile
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