Palo Alto University (PAU) is dedicated to research that advances knowledge in the behavioral and social sciences, improves lives, and provides PAU students with opportunities to participate in research and gain scientific knowledge that benefits society. PAU strives to inspire faculty and student researchers to make lasting impacts on society and the field of psychology through research pursuits that address relevant, critical, and prominent issues of today.

PAU aims to expand the frontiers of psychological science and practice. The University maintains several international collaborations and is in partnership with many community organizations, including Stanford School of Medicine, the Department of Veterans Affairs, Palo Alto Medical Center, and other mental health care organizations.

PAU’s commitment to scientific and professional rigor, a broad range of degree offerings, and opportunities for students to serve local and global communities make it well suited for students who aspire to improve the human condition.

PAU’s research initiatives cover a wide range of areas. These include, but are not limited to:

• Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Mental Health
• Cognitive Behavioral Approaches to Childhood Anxiety Disorders
• Pediatric Psychology
• Neuropsychological Conditions of Older Adults
• Minority Groups and Suicide
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Alcoholism and Comorbid Disorders
• Mental Health Needs of Veterans
• Assessment and Treatment of Juvenile Offenders
• Gender Issues
• Smoking Cessation
• Treatment for Trauma Survivors

PAU manages affiliated research centers and clinics that support research work. These include:

The Early Intervention Clinic
A research clinic dedicated to developing and evaluating different methods of treatment for trauma survivors.

The Center for Excellence in Diversity Established in September 2010 as an umbrella organization at the University to initiate, promote, and coordinate activities pertinent to diversity. Diversity refers to heterogeneity of people in society based on many different characteristics. Although diversity can encompass many different characteristics, particular attention is paid to ethnic minority, LGBTQ, and gender issues.

The Center for the Study and Treatment of Anxious Youth (CSTAY) A research lab emphasizing a cognitive behavioral approach to childhood anxiety disorders. CSTAY seeks to integrate clinical service, research, and training.

Institute for International Interventions for Health (i4Health) The Institute’s humanitarian mission is to develop, evaluate, and disseminate digital health interventions worldwide at no charge for all who want to use them.

Center for LGBTQ Evidence-Based Applied Research (CLEAR) The vision of CLEAR is that every person — adult or child — will have access to the social and psychological resources necessary to construct affirming identities congruent with their deepest selves.