Connection, Confidence, and Clinical Growth: MS Students Gather In-Person for PAU’s Clinical Intensive Week

As Mental Health Awareness Month spotlights the growing need for compassionate, skilled mental health professionals, Palo Alto University’s MS Clinical Intensive Week offers a powerful reminder of how future clinicians are being prepared—not only in theory, but in practice.

From March 24–28, second-year students in PAU’s Master of Science in Psychology, PhD Prep Track, convened on the Mountain View campus for a weeklong, immersive course designed to build and refine core clinical competencies. After more than a year of virtual coursework, this in-person intensive marked both a milestone in training and a deeply meaningful moment of connection.

Over the course of the week, students participated in hands-on learning activities led by expert faculty, including live demonstrations, role-playing scenarios, and small group breakouts focused on critical skills such as conducting intake interviews, explaining consent, developing therapeutic rapport, and creating case conceptualizations. The structure emphasized learning by doing—fostering not just technical proficiency, but professional presence and ethical care.

The intensive was engaging, interactive, fun, and insightful,” said student Shweta Kumari. “So much was learned and so many connections made in that one week. It was the best part of the MS program.”

For many students, this was their first time meeting classmates and faculty in person. The experience deepened the sense of community that’s central to the PAU experience, with social events like a class potluck, a shared painting activity, PAU trivia, and a celebratory pizza party offering time to build rapport outside the classroom.

“In person, everything changed—faces replaced screens, doubt gave way to connection,” said student Jessica Kelly. “In our shared mistakes and quiet courage, the program became real, and so did we.”

At the heart of the experience was beloved faculty member Dr. McConnell, whose teaching continues to leave a lasting impact on students.

“This class is my favorite from PAU,” said student Jonathan Kogan. “Dr. McConnell’s instruction has been exemplary. I’m eternally grateful for this opportunity.”

As the demand for behavioral and mental health professionals continues to grow across the country, experiences like PAU’s Clinical Intensive Week are essential. By blending evidence-based pedagogy with hands-on practice and a strong sense of community, PAU ensures its graduates are not only competent clinicians—but also confident, compassionate, and connected to the human side of healing.