Rachel Jacoby

Rachel Jacoby serves as Assistant Professor and Residency Coordinator at Palo Alto University. A Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with Supervisory Endorsements, National Certified Counselor, Certified Family Life Educator, Certified Trauma Practitioner, and Autplay therapist, she specializes in child and adolescent mental health within collaborative clinical frameworks.

Her educational background includes:

• PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision, The University of Toledo (2021)
• MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Bowling Green State University (2014)
• BS in Human Development and Family Studies, Bowling Green State University (2012)

Dr. Jacoby employs an existential-humanistic framework integrated with cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy, and narrative approaches. Her clinical work focuses on neurodiverse populations and trauma survivors through collaborative partnerships with families, schools, and medical professionals. Research interests prioritize Crisis & Trauma Counseling, Child and Adolescent Counseling, Foster Care systems, Motherhood experiences, and Counseling Ethics.

Her 2018-2023 publications reveal consistent focus on social justice issues including anti-racism in counselor education, economic instability impacts, foster youth mental health, and maternal wellness. These works demonstrate interdisciplinary collaboration and practical applications for clinical training.

Professional recognition includes:

• 2023 Robert H. Rencken Emerging Professional Leader award (American Counseling Association)
• 2021 Carol Bobby Pioneer for Visionary Leadership award (CACREP)

As an educator, Dr. Jacoby integrates creative pedagogy while holding leadership positions including Past-President of the Association for Child and Adolescent Counseling (2022-2023) and ACA Ethics Committee board member. Her advocacy work spans multiple professional organizations including NCACES, AHC, OCA, and CSI. Current collaborations focus on ethical dilemmas in child welfare and cultural sensitivity in cross-cultural counseling.

Dr. Jacoby maintains active clinical partnerships with community organizations serving neurodiverse populations and trauma survivors, emphasizing integrated care models across medical, educational, and family systems.