Dr. Sita Patel Featured in CBS News Bay Area Mental Health Special

Dr. Sita Patel, an Associate Professor of Psychology at Palo Alto University (PAU), participated in a live, in-studio interview with anchor Elizabeth Cook on KPIX-TV, also known as CBS News Bay Area, as part of their 3 PM newscast on July 1, 2024.

The interview focused on the critical shortage of mental health professionals in the United States and California. Dr. Patel highlighted how PAU, with its 50-year specialization in behavioral health, has been contributing to bridging this gap by training psychologists and counselors with culturally-informed practices.

During the discussion, Dr. Patel shared the exciting news about how PAU was awarded a 3-year, $1.5 million Social Work Education Capacity Expansion Grant from California’s Department of Health Care Access and Information. This supports the university’s development and accreditation of a new Master’s in Social Work program specifically designed to address California's unique needs in the public behavioral health workforce.

Dr. Patel also highlighted how PAU’s hundreds of practicum sites allow our clinicians and practitioners to interface directly with community based organizations, and the Bay Area’s diverse populations in need of mental health services. 

Dr. Patel's appearance on KPIX-TV underscores PAU's commitment to addressing the mental health professional shortage and its ongoing efforts to provide innovative, culturally-informed education in the field of behavioral health.

To watch the full interview, please click here.