Forensic and Correctional Mental Health Counseling

Rebecca Jackson, Ph.D.

Director of Master’s Program in Forensics/Correctional Psychology

Dr. Jackson joined the faculty of Palo Alto University as the director of the forensic psychology program in 2004.  She has a passion not only for forensic and correctional psychology, but also for the opportunity that an online learning institution provides.  She believes "dreams shouldn't be limited by geography."  

In addition to teaching, Dr. Jackson is an active researcher, consultant, clinician and trainer in forensic and correctional environments.  She has provided training to mental health professionals in a variety of prison and forensic contexts and recently published a textbook titled "Learning Forensic Assessment." She is a research consultant to the Special Commitment Center, Washington state's sex offender civil commitment program, and serves on the leadership board of the Sex Offender Civil Commitment Programs Network (SOCCPN).  In 2008, she received the Theodore Blau Award for outstanding early career contributions to clinical psychology from the American Psychological Association and the American Psychological Foundation.

Her approach to teaching is basic — and one that fits well with Palo Alto's philosophy —   believing students excel when given engaging, exciting and didactic learning opportunities. 

Dr. Jackson received her PhD from the University of North Texas and completed her internship at the University of Washington School of Medicine with a focus on public behavioral health and justice policy.

Contact Information

bjackson@paloaltou.edu