Talking Mental Health Careers Palo Alto University

Join Dr. Patricia Zapf as she interviews experts Dr. Monique Coleman and Dr. Virginia Barber Rioja on their career paths and insights into forensic and correctional psychology. In this episode, "Pathways to Impact: Careers in Forensic and Correctional Psychology," Dr. Patricia Zapf discusses the world of forensic and correctional psychology with experts. Dr. Virginia Barber Roja and Dr. Monique Coleman, with extensive experience in the field, share insights into addiction, mental health, and the legal system. From their unique career trajectories to daily activities and ethical considerations, listeners will gain invaluable knowledge about the intersections of psychology and law. This episode highlights the multifaceted realm of forensic psychology and its profound impact on individuals and society.
About our Host 
Dr. Patricia A. Zapf, Ph.D. is Vice President for Business Innovation & Strategic Advancement at Palo Alto University (PAU). Prior to coming to PAU, she was a professor of psychology at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York (CUNY) for 16 years. During that time, she was instrumental in the development of a new doctoral program in clinical psychology with an emphasis on forensic psychology. She served as the program’s first Director of Clinical Training. Prior to her time at CUNY, she was on the psychology and law faculty at the University of Alabama. In 2009, Dr. Zapf founded CONCEPT Professional Training to elevate the practice level in psychology and related professions. In 2018, Dr. Zapf brought CONCEPT Professional Training to Palo Alto University to further its mission of continuing professional studies in partnership with Palo Alto University.
About our Guests
Dr. Virginia Barber Rioja obtained her Ph.D. in clinical forensic psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice of the City University of New York. For 7 years, she worked in the NYC jail system holding the positions of Co-Chief and Clinical Director of Mental Health, and Assistant Chief of Forensic Services for Correctional Health Services/NYC Health + Hospitals, which provides mental health treatment to the NYC jails and forensic assessment services to the NYC courts. She is also an adjunct assistant professor in the Psychology Department of New York University and the Department of Counseling and Clinical Psychology of Teachers College, Columbia University.
With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Coleman is the owner and CEO of Comprehensive Psycholegal Services, and is an expert witness, with experience conducting comprehensive psycholegal evaluations in criminal and civil forensic psychological cases for adults and juveniles. She has expertise in such areas as criminal competency, criminal responsibility, death penalty mitigation, and pre-trial & post-conviction mitigation. She works with individuals of all cultures and backgrounds



Episode Resources 
http://www.cps-ga.com http://www.cps-la.com https://ap-ls.org/

In this episode of "Talking Mental Health Careers," Dr. O'Connor delves into the topic of human rights and social justice, offering key insights for those aspiring to make an impact in mental health fields. Our guests discuss topics from trauma and healing to policy advocacy at the UN, and community psychology's role in supporting refugees. This episode highlights diverse career paths, focusing on how education, research, and training in psychology can support human rights and promote social justice.
Checkout our Host: 
Maureen O’Connor, Ph.D., J.D is the president of Palo Alto University (PAU) which specializes in Psychology and Counseling. Prior to joining PAU, Dr. O’Connor held multiple roles at the City University of New York (CUNY) in New York City over a period of 18 years. Dr. O’Connor completed a Ph.D. and J.D. in a dual degree program in psychology, law, and policy at the University of Arizona and clerked for the late Honorable Patricia Wald, then Chief Judge of the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals prior to launching her academic career. An American Psychological Association (APA) Fellow, she has held numerous governance roles in APA, including as Chair of its Task Force on Human Rights. She has been active in the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues (SPSSI/APA Division 9) for many years, including serving as its President. Recent work focused on evidence-based pedagogy development for doctoral students, and on innovative mentoring strategies. Her 2019 book, Teaching Psychology: An Evidence-Based Approach (2019), with co-authors Drs. Jill Grose-Fifer and Patricia Brooks, was published by Wiley Press. She is a member of the 39th class of the American Leadership Fellows program in Silicon Valley and serves on the Executive Committee of the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities.
 
Checkout our Guests:
Guest 1 | Gabriel Twose, PhD
Gabriel Twose is the Senior International Affairs Officer and Main Representative to the United Nations (UN) at the American Psychological Association (APA), where he works to advance and apply psychology globally, with a particular focus on human rights. UN priorities include global mental health, climate change, and anti-racism efforts. He previously worked as a lobbyist for APA and for the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues, using psychological science to advocate for civil rights-related issues. Relevant publications include the edited International Handbook of Peace and Reconciliation and a chapter in the recent Cambridge Handbook of Psychology and Human Rights. He received his PhD in social psychology from Clark University, where his research focused on post-conflict societal reconciliation, particularly through the implementation of truth commissions.
Guest 2 | Kirby Huminuik, PhD
Kirby Huminuik is a Registered Psychologist and the Director of Counselling Services at the University of British Columbia. She is responsible for the integration and delivery of mental health services across Student Health and Wellbeing at UBC. She also provides oversight of Master’s and Doctoral training programs while providing clinical supervision for doctoral trainees. Dr. Huminuik’s research and community-based work is focused on the intersection between counselling psychology and human rights, and she has published academic and community-based research on refugee mental health. Having earned the Global Mental Health Certificate from the Harvard Medical School in 2014, she maintains a specialization in this area of practice. She has been responsible for international psychosocial human rights projects funded by the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture and the Canadian International Development Agency. She provides pro-bono psychological assessment for refugee claimants and consultation, program development, and professional training services for refugee supporting agencies in Vancouver.
Guest 3 | 

Join Dr. Erika Cameron as she interviews experts Dr. Michele Kerulis and Dr. Pete Economou on their career paths and experiences in Sports and Performance Psychology.
In this episode of Talking Mental Health Careers, Dr. Erika Cameron and our influential guests, Michele Kerulis and Dr. Pete Economou, dive into sports psychology career paths, highlighting the importance of mental health in athletics, cultural humility, and the impact of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals on athletes. Our guests discuss overcoming barriers in sports psychology, the role of mental wellness in athletic performance, and the significance of cultural sensitivity in coaching and team dynamics.
About our Host 
Erika Cameron, Ph.D., is the Provost and Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs at Palo Alto University. Prior to joining Palo Alto University, she was the Department Chair at the University of San Diego’s Department of Counseling & Marital and Family Therapy. She earned her Ph.D. in Counselor Education from the University of St. Louis, Missouri, in 2009. Her M.Ed. is in Counseling and Guidance from the University of Hawaii, Manoa, and her B.S. is in Graphic Design from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, where she was a Division I volleyball player.
Dr. Cameron has worked as a counselor where she provided mental health support to children, adolescents, and their families in a variety of settings, including primary, middle, and secondary schools, residential treatment facilities, and community agencies. She is an active counselor educator who enjoys teaching in creative and innovative ways. Her research interests include qualitative research methods, multicultural issues in counselor preparation, counselor professional development, individual psychology, and international education.
 
About our Guests 
Michele Kerulis, LCPC, CMPC is an associate professor of counseling and Director of Community Engagement with The Family Institute at Northwestern University. She developed a passion for counseling during her years of clinical practice serving a variety of populations, including children and adolescents in residential treatment, young adults experiencing life transitions, and athletes experiencing sport-related and mental-health-related challenges. In addition to her clinical and university work, Dr. Kerulis is the mental health and sport psychology consultant for U.S. Soccer Federation. She is certified through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology, a member of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee Sport Psychology Registry, and was named a 2021 Fellow with the Association for Applied Sport Psychology. She is a content expert in counseling ethics and sport and exercise.
Peter J. Economou, Ph.D., ABPP earned a Ph.D. in counseling psychology and is Board Certified in Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and he is a certified mental performance consultant (CMPC) from the Association of Applied Sport Psychology (AASP). Dr. Pete completed post-doctorate clinical training in neuropsychology and sports psychology before entering academia for 15 years both in non-tenure and tenure positions. He has been a leader in program development, relationships, well-being, and more. Dr. Pete completed many international relief projects, which included working with children and adults with developmental disabilities in the Caribbean, and individuals with HIV and AIDS throughout Africa. Studying at Seton Hall University, and before earning the Ph.D., Dr. Pete was conferred a B.S. in Biology, studied Neuroscience at the graduate level, and was conferred a M.A. and an Ed.S. in counseling and psychological studies and mental health counseling.
Episode Resources 
Thoughtful Counselor - Healthy Body, Healthy Mind The Family Institute Sporting Moments When East Meets West Mindfulness Workbook for Beginners Meditation Journal for Anxiety

Join Dr. Maureen O'Connor as she interviews experts Dr. Lisa Brown, Dr. Jessica Walsh, and Dr. Flora White-Cooper on their career paths and experiences relating to Trauma-Informed Care.
In this episode of Talking Mental Health Careers, Dr. Maureen O'Connor sits down with three influential PAU alumni – Dr. Lisa Brown, Dr. Jessica Walsh, and Dr. Flora White-Cooper to explore their individual journeys in the specialized field of trauma-informed care.
From educational experiences to pivotal career decisions, Dr. Brown, Dr. Walsh, and Dr. White-Cooper reveal how they found themselves drawn to trauma-focused work and the events and considerations that shaped their paths. From work in a university setting to the front lines of major disasters, from working with veterans with PTSD and with those dealing with intergenerational trauma, these experts shed light on the myriad ways professionals can approach trauma-related challenges and the evolution of their understanding over time. Our guests discuss the word "trauma" itself, its casual usage, and the deeper meanings, nuances, and implications it carries. This episode promises profound insights into the complexities of trauma from those at the forefront. 
About our Host
Maureen O’Connor, Ph.D., J.D. is the president of Palo Alto University (PAU) which specializes in Psychology and Counseling. Prior to joining PAU, Dr. O’Connor held multiple roles at the City University of New York (CUNY) in New York City over a period of 18 years. Dr. O’Connor completed a Ph.D. and J.D. in a dual degree program in psychology, law, and policy at the University of Arizona and clerked for the late Honorable Patricia Wald, then Chief Judge of the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, prior to launching her academic career. An American Psychological Association (APA) Fellow, she has held numerous governance roles in APA, including as Chair of its Task Force on Human Rights. She has been active in the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues (SPSSI/APA Division 9) for many years, including serving as its President. Recent work focused on evidence-based pedagogy development for doctoral students and on innovative mentoring strategies. Her 2019 book, Teaching Psychology: An Evidence-Based Approach (2019), with co-authors Drs. Jill Grose-Fifer and Patricia Brooks, were published by Wiley Press. She is a member of the 39th class of the American Leadership Fellows program in Silicon Valley and serves on the Executive Committee of the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities. 
 
About our Guests
Lisa M. Brown, Ph.D., ABPP, is a Professor and the Director of the Trauma Program at Palo Alto University and an Adjunct Clinical Professor, at Stanford University School of Medicine who is a licensed clinical psychologist and boarded in geropsychology. She graduated from the Pacific Graduate School of Psychology in 2002. Prior faculty positions have been in the School of Aging Studies, the University of South Florida, and the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, Tampa, Florida. She is the former President of Division 20, Adult Development and Aging, American Psychological Association (2020-2021), and the founder of the Disasters and Older Adults Special Interest Group, Gerontological Society of America.

Jessica Walsh, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist at the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center. She serves as the Technology Innovations Coordinator, a role which involves supporting the VA, both clinically and administratively, in the design, implementation, evaluation, and sustainability of telemental health innovations implementation, operations, and planning. Clinically, she specializes in PTSD and couples therapy.

Flora White-Cooper, Ph.D., strives to combine her education, training, work experiences, and interests to create a career that reflects "never growing tired." She is an Army Veteran and retired Correctional Officer. She co-created and operated an

Join Dr. Afik Faerman as he interviews experts Dr. Daniele Levy and Dr. Helen Ma on their Integrated Behavioral Health (IBH) career paths. This episode delves into the real-world aspects of building a career in integrated medical and behavioral health settings. Our expert guests share their career journey, experiences, and lessons learned while discussing the importance of clinical skills, empathy, and even a touch of humor in the realm of health psychology. We'll also explore how psychology integrates into broader healthcare settings and the personal growth that comes with a career in this specialty. 
Checkout our Host: 
Afik Faerman, Ph.D., is a clinical neuropsychology postdoctoral scholar and an incoming NIMH T32 fellow at Stanford University. He completed his clinical training at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and Baylor College of Medicine and earned his Ph.D. in clinical psychology with an emphasis in neuropsychology from Palo Alto University. His research centers on the modulation of consciousness and its clinical relevance. His work has been acknowledged and supported by the American Psychological Association (APA), the Sleep Research Society (SRS), the Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis (SCEH), the American Society for Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH), and more. He is the Membership Chair of the APA Division 30 and the past chair of the Student Committee at the Association for the Scientific Study of Consciousness (ASSC).
 
Checkout our Guests: 
Dr. Daniele Levy is a licensed clinical psychologist with a private practice in Menlo Park, CA. Dr. Levy specializes in providing cognitive and behavioral therapy to adults struggling with an array of emotional and interpersonal concerns, including stress, anxiety, depression, work problems, and relationship difficulties.  She is a Level 5 Master Clinician and Trainer in TEAM-CBT, an innovative framework for delivering evidence-based psychotherapy developed by Stanford University’s Dr. David Burns, and is trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), CBT for Insomnia (CBT-I), and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). She was previously chief of Integrated Behavioral Health at the San Mateo Medical Center, where she led all clinical operations and an APA-accredited training program in addition to providing psychiatric services in primary and specialty care. She is the recipient of San Mateo County's Excellence in Leadership Award, among other recognitions. She also practiced in college counseling, community mental health, and at the VA. Her psychology career follows a prolific business career where she led diverse organizations for global brands and start-ups. You can learn more about her background at cbttherapy.com.
Dr. Helen Ma is a pain psychologist working at the Loma Linda VA, where she completed her internship and postdoctoral residency in clinical health psychology. She has conducted suicide research in Hong Kong and in the United States and pursued training in diversity and cultural issues. Her clinical interests include health psychology, Asian American mental health, cultural adaptations of psychological treatments, and reducing mental health care disparities for minority and underserved communities. She has always had a passion for culture and was in global brand management prior to switching to a career in psychology. 
 
Episode Resources: 
Overview of Behavioral health in primary care Comprehensive review of the operating model for IBH Provider competencies needed in IBH   Training: Integrated Behavioral Health Certificate (50 hours) Training: Integrated Behavioral Health: An Overview Center for Integrated Primary Care Division 38: Society for Health Psychology  
 

Join Dr. Patricia Zapf as she interviews experts Dr. Deonte Williams and Dr. Nicholas Grant on their career paths and lived experiences as Military Psychologists. 
"Career Paths in Military Psychology: Navigating Professional Roles and Lived Experiences" explores the world of military psychology with Dr. Deonte Williams and Dr. Nicholas Grant. Our guests dive into diverse topics, including career paths in military mental health, service impact, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and unique challenges within the military mental health landscape. Gain insights to the intricacies of military service and psychology, and understand the evolving landscape of mental health in military settings.
Checkout our Host: 
Dr. Patricia A. Zapf, Ph.D. is Vice President for Continuing & Professional Studies at Palo Alto University (PAU). Prior to coming to PAU she was a professor of psychology at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York (CUNY) for 16 years, during which time she was instrumental in the development of a new doctoral program in clinical psychology with an emphasis in forensic psychology and served as the program’s first Director of Clinical Training. Prior to her time at CUNY, she was on the psychology and law faculty at the University of Alabama. In 2009, Dr. Zapf founded CONCEPT Professional Training with the mission of elevating the level of practice in psychology and related professions. In 2018, Dr. Zapf brought CONCEPT Professional Training to Palo Alto University to further its mission of continuing and professional studies in partnership with Palo Alto University. Dr. Zapf is a past President of the American Psychology-Law Society (AP-LS; Division 41 of the American Psychological Association). In 2006, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the science and profession of forensic psychology, she was named a Fellow of the American Psychological Association (APA) and a Distinguished Member of the American Psychology-Law Society (AP-LS). She has served on the board of directors for the International Association of Forensic Mental Health Services, as an associate editor for Law and Human Behavior and as editor of the American Psychology-Law Society book series, as well as the International Perspectives on Forensic Mental Health book series. She has published 9 books and manuals and over 100 articles and chapters, mainly on the assessment of criminal competencies and forensic evaluation.
Checkout our Guests: 
LT Grant currently serves as the Group Psychologist for Commander, Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific where he oversees the psychological care for the Sailors assigned to all surface ships homeported in Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. His leadership roles include Department Head of the Embedded Mental Health Department and Mental Health Advisor to the Commander. Additionally, he serves as faculty in the Tripler Army Medical Center Clinical Psychology Postdoctoral Residency Program, supervising an interservice clinical rotation serving surface warfighters. In 2022, LT Grant was selected by the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations’ 21st Century Sailor Office as a Fellow in the International Career Advancement Program.  LT Grant completed his first tour at Naval Medical Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) San Diego from 2019 to 2021 where he served as the Division Officer of the Mental Health Unit of the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego. In addition to this role, he co-led the base’s Psychological Health Committee. He additionally served as the chair of the Grand Rounds Committee for NMRTC San Diego’s Directorate of Mental Health and co-chair of the Naval Medical Forces Pacific Transgender Care Team. In the fall of 2019, LT Grant deployed to the USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN during its time in the Fifth Fleet. He served as the lead for a Mental Health Augmentation Team, which spent the final three months of the ship’s record-breaking deployment supporting the crew. In the spr