Sneha Parikh
4th Year | PsyD Program | Health Emphasis
Email | pari9919@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution | University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
Hometown | Phoenix, AZ
Why I chose Pacific | I chose °ÅÀÖÊÓƵ because of its strong emphasis on both clinical training and research experience. I was especially drawn to the Health emphasis because of its opportunities to train in integrated care settings. The experiences I have gained from Pacific’s program so far have been invaluable and I’m grateful for the support I’ve received from my mentors, colleagues, and community. On top of that, the campus and the PNW are truly beautiful, which has made my experience here even more amazing!
Favorite thing about the program | One of my favorite aspects of the PsyD program at Pacific is the wide range of training opportunities available in both clinical and research settings. The variety has allowed me to explore my interests thoughtfully and tailor my training toward my professional goals. I’ve valued the supportive faculty and collaborative culture, which creates a learning environment where we learn from one another and grow together, both personally and professionally.
Favorite PsyD course | Brief Psychotherapies:
In this course, I learned many practical clinical tools that I was able to directly use in my work with patients. It also emphasized the importance of making psychological support accessible through a person-centered, brief intervention approach. Also, Dr. Antick’s passion for the subject makes it an extremely special course.
Tips for getting observation hours/exposure to psychology | When seeking observation hours, it can be helpful to reach out to local clinics, hospitals, or community organizations that align with your interests. Expressing enthusiasm for learning and gaining practical experience can make a significant difference, as many professionals are eager to help students who show genuine interest. Also, networking with professors and fellow students can also lead to valuable connections.
Career goal | My career goals include working with underserved communities and advocating for improved access to mental health resources, while collaborating within interdisciplinary teams to provide equitable, whole-person care.
Hobbies | I enjoy spending my free time reading and painting. I also love exploring the city, including its adorable coffee shops. I’m excited to keep exploring and discovering its hidden gems.
Haila Rosero
4th Year | PsyD Program | Health Emphasis
Email | haila.rosero@pacificu.edu
Undergrad | University of La Verne, La Verne, CA
Hometown | Hesperia, CA
Why I chose Pacific | I chose °ÅÀÖÊÓƵ for many reasons. The first is the Health Emphasis. I have very strong interests in Geropsychology, end-of-life care, and working in a health care setting. I knew that this emphasis would effectively prepare me for post-grad training and work in these areas. Additionally, the sense of community really drew me to Pacific. The mentoring opportunities, student committees, and interprofessional opportunities within the College of Health Professions stood out to me. I also appreciate the strong relationships Pacific has built with its community.
Favorite thing about the program | My favorite thing about the PsyD program has been its connections with the community. The practicum experiences I’ve have so far have been amazing, thanks to the longstanding relationships the program maintains with the community clinicians. The outreach opportunities within the community have helped me develop my clinical interests and professional network as well.
Favorite PsyD course | Group Interventions: I took this class with Dr. Holly Hetrick who made this class so fun and interesting. She teaches this course in an experiential way, which is something that helps me learn and retain information. It was a valuable experience to learn from my peers and grow alongside them throughout the term.
Tips for getting observation hours/exposure to psychology | I would suggest finding mental health providers in your area that provide different types of services. Shadowing different roles within the mental health field could help clarify your interests and goals for your career. As far as psychology experience, don’t limit yourself to roles that are explicitly psychology or mental health focused. Jobs that work closely with other humans provide valuable learning opportunities that are applicable to the field. For example, I worked as an activities coordinator at an assisted living facility, which isn’t necessarily psychology related but it gave me experience with the population I now want to work with.
Career goal | I plan to become a board certified geropsychologist later in my career. Ideally I would split my time between a medical setting, such as a VA or state hospital, and my own private practice. The private practice would have a focus on consulting with long-term care facilities/nursing homes/assisted living facilities to provide therapy services for their residents and ensure the residents are receiving quality care.
Hobbies | In my free time I enjoy exploring cute local libraries and coffee shops. I also enjoy creative writing, reading, and video games.