Ruth Chao

Ruth Chu-Lien Chao, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist and tenured Full Professor of Counseling Psychology at the University of Denver’s Morgridge College of Education, where she previously served as Department Chair. She is also an assessment psychologist and maintains a private practice. Dr. Chao is a scholar, educator, clinician, and author whose work focuses on multicultural counseling, psychological well-being, racism and discrimination, diversity, and culturally responsive mental health care. Her scholarship has appeared in leading psychology and counseling journals, including Psychological Assessment, Journal of Counseling Psychology, and The Counseling Psychologist. She is the author of three books, including From Discrimination to Inclusion: A Journey of Transforming toward Embracing Diversity (2025) and Counseling: An Integrated Approach (2015). Throughout her career, Dr. Chao has received numerous awards recognizing her research, teaching, and contributions to multicultural psychology. Her work integrates research, clinical practice, teaching, and social justice with the goal of promoting psychological well-being across diverse communities.

• Ph.D., University of Missouri

• Psychologist
• Licensed Psychologist