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At the Forefront of Mental & Behavioral Health

We offer lifelong learning and academic knowledge, while serving our community.

PAU's strength has always been our people.

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Meet the Faculty

Our faculty bring groundbreaking research and real-world expertise into every classroom.

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Visit PAU

Take a virtual tour and experience PAU’s vibrant academic community.

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Connect with Alumni

PAU’s Alumni Association brings together and supports alumni, fostering lifelong relationships.

 

 

"PAU Was the Best Fit for My Training Goals"

“After the interview weekend, it was obvious Palo Alto University was the best fit for my training goals. PAU was ultimately my school of choice because of the university’s dedication to diversity studies, opportunities for clinical practice with monolingual Spanish speakers, and because of the faculty who are groundbreaking researchers within the diversity literature.”

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Monique Cano, PhD Former Student, PhD in Clinical Psychology

"Strong Internships Placements and Industry Connections"

“PAU came highly recommended for its strong internship placements and industry connections, which made it an easy choice for me.”

Maggie Tsai

Maggie Tsai PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision Student & Alumna of the MA Counseling program

"Small Cohort Where You Have a Great Student to Faculty Ratio"

“The reason I chose PAU is because I found a true sense of belonging here, and there's this focus on a small cohort where you have a great student to faculty ratio. And to me, that was quite important. That's the support I needed. You're made to feel welcome from day one. ”

David Rouxel

David Rouxel PhD in Clinical Psychology Student

"Living Up to Their Mission"

“The hope PAU gave me. It has been indescribable, because I didn't think I would be where I am today and, thanks to PAU, like PAU made that happen. So they're definitely living up to their mission.”

Javi Garces

Javi Garces BS in Psychology and Social Action Student

"A Sense of Community is One of the Major Assets"

“We have a culture here in the University of support among cohorts and students and even across different cohorts. That is something that also is very helpful. And I think that the university actively stimulates these types of spaces. Having a sense of community is one of the major assets that you get here at PAU.”

Michel Rattner

Michel Rattner PhD in Clinical Psychology Student

Excellence in Research, Academics & Training

Founded in 1975, PAU is a non-profit university offering accredited programs in behavioral health.

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Number of Years as a Leading Institution in Behavioral Health

100%

PsyD APA-Accredited
Internship Match Rate

500k+

Total Clinical Hours
Served Annually

15K+

Client Visits to The Clinics
@ PAU Annually

550+

Continuing & Professional
Studies Programs

100%

National Counselor
Certification Rate for MA Students

Faculty & Research

At PAU, faculty are leading researchers, clinicians, and mentors who create a learning environment grounded in real-world experience, evidence-based practice, and student support.
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Renowned Faculty

Our faculty are global experts delivering 1:1 mentorship and driving cutting-edge research.
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Research

Our research labs equip students with the advanced skills needed to address complex challenges.
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Hands-On Clinical Practice

Get real-world experience by participating in supervised internships with The Clinics @ PAU.
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Upcoming Events

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4
LIVE: Risk Assessment
Forensic

LIVE: Risk Assessment

This presentation will provide an overview of risk assessment in the context of forensic and clinical psychology. This t...

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Clock Icon 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM PST
$200 Register Now!
dec
5
LIVE: Restoration of Competency to Stand Trial in Community Settings
Forensic

LIVE: Restoration of Competency to Stand Trial in Community Settings

This program covers aspects of outpatient competency restoration, with a focus on community-based restoration. The train...

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Clock Icon 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM PST
$200 Register Now!
dec
8
LIVE: Correctional Psychology
Police & Public Safety

LIVE: Correctional Psychology

This program provides an introduction to the core principles and practices of correctional psychology. Participants will...

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Clock Icon 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM PST
$100 Register Now!
dec
11
LIVE: Intersection Between the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Criminal Trial Process
Forensic

LIVE: Intersection Between the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Criminal Trial Process

This program will consider the application of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) (42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq.) to s...

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Clock Icon 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM PST
$100 Register Now!
jan
15
LIVE: The
Clinical

LIVE: The "No Cap" Generation Z Culture: A Candid Update For Boomers, Gen-X, and Millennials

Generation Z’s post-pandemic culture includes rapid technological advances and mind-boggling trends that baffle mental h...

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Clock Icon 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM PST
$150 Register Now!
jan
20
LIVE: Using the MMPI-3 for Psychologists in Personal Injury/Disability and Family Court Matters
Forensic

LIVE: Using the MMPI-3 for Psychologists in Personal Injury/Disability and Family Court Matters

This training introduces the 335-item MMPI-3, the most recent version of the MMPI instruments, for use in psychological ...

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Clock Icon 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM PST
$350 Register Now!
jan
22
LIVE: Evaluations of Mental State at the Time of the Alleged Offense (Insanity/Criminal Responsibility)
Forensic

LIVE: Evaluations of Mental State at the Time of the Alleged Offense (Insanity/Criminal Responsibili...

This training will review the history and evolution of the insanity defense and criminal responsibility evaluations broa...

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Clock Icon 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM PST
$600 Register Now!
jan
28
LIVE: Treating Problematic Screen & Internet Use
Digital Mental Health

LIVE: Treating Problematic Screen & Internet Use

This training provides mental health professionals with a comprehensive framework for identifying, assessing, and treati...

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Clock Icon 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM PST
$175 Register Now!
jan
28
LIVE: Neurodiversity 101: Understanding Neurodiversity
Clinical

LIVE: Neurodiversity 101: Understanding Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity is the concept that individuals perceive and engage with the world in a multitude of unique ways. It shou...

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Clock Icon 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM PST
$125 Register Now!
feb
5
LIVE: Conducting Parenting Plan Evaluations in Family Law Cases
Forensic

LIVE: Conducting Parenting Plan Evaluations in Family Law Cases

This program provides an introduction and overview of custody and parenting evaluations and addresses advanced topics: r...

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Clock Icon 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM PST
$600 Register Now!
Nov
7
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Admissions

PsyD and PhD in Clinical Psychology

Discover PAU’s doctoral programs — PhD and PsyD pathways — and connect with our two Program Directors and admissio...

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Clock Icon 12:00 PM – 01:00 PM PST
Register Now
Nov
7
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APASA: Diwali Celebration

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Clock Icon 05:30 PM – 11:00 PM PST
Nov
8
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Community

UNITS: Fall Connection Picnic

Join the Union of International Students for an afternoon of laughter, connection, and cozy fall vibes! Bring your frien...

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Clock Icon 12:00 PM – 03:00 PM PST
Register
Nov
10
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Community

Ethical Research Writing: Strategies to Avoid Plagiarism

This session equips students with practical strategies to maintain academic integrity throughout the research writing pr...

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Clock Icon 11:00 PM PST
Join Session
Nov
12
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Admissions

Admission Drop In-Session

Get answers about any of our programs, the application process, and resources to support your journey.

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Clock Icon 02:00 PM – 03:00 PM PST
Register Now
Nov
13
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Community

Information Literacy Workshop

This workshop introduces essential information literacy skills for academic success. Participants will learn to evaluate...

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Clock Icon 12:00 PM – 01:00 PM PST
Join Session
Nov
13
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Admissions

MS in Psychology & MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Discover PAU’s MA and MS programs, admissions process, flexible options, and career pathways at our info session.

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Clock Icon 05:15 PM – 06:00 PM PST
Register Now
Nov
16
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Community

Dissertation Writing: Overcoming Writer’s Block

This session addresses one of the most common challenges doctoral students face: getting words on the page when writing ...

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Clock Icon 06:00 PM – 08:00 PM PST
Join Session
Nov
17
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Community

Diaspora: Pause for the Soul

Join Diaspora as we take a pause before finals with mindfulness exercises, activities, music, snacks, and a safe space t...

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Clock Icon 02:00 PM – 04:00 PM PST
Nov
18
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Community

Designing Writing-Intensive Assignments

This session explores how to create writing assignments that deepen student learning while remaining manageable to asses...

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Clock Icon 02:00 PM – 03:00 PM PST
Join Session

Latest News

Christie K. Chung smiles at the camera. She is wearing a bright pink blazer over a light top, standing with her arms crossed in a softly lit indoor space.
October 30, 2025

Palo Alto University Welcomes Dr. Christie K. Chung as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affai...

Palo Alto University welcomes Dr. Christie K. Chung as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, beginning January 2026.

The Second Phase of My Life
October 24, 2025

The Second Phase of My Life

After a successful career in journalism and brand communications in China, Maggie Tsai found a new calling in counseling at Palo Alto University. Her journey…

Finding the Balance Between Pragmatism and Idealism
October 24, 2025

Finding the Balance Between Pragmatism and Idealism

From defying convention in the 1970s to shaping inclusive training models today, Dr. Peter Goldblum’s legacy at Palo Alto University reflects a lifelong…

Build Your Own Adventure
October 22, 2025

Build Your Own Adventure

From first-generation student to U.S. Navy clinical psychologist and national LGBTQ health leader, Dr. Nick Grant (PhD ’15) credits Palo Alto University and…

Opening Day
September 09, 2025

Opening Day 2025: Launching PAU’s 50th Year with Innovation, Connection, and Design Thinking

Palo Alto University launched its 50th Anniversary year at Opening Day 2025, celebrating innovation, connection, and a shared vision for the future.

The Power of Giving: PAU Innovart Research Grant Propels Student Research Momentum
August 02, 2025

The Power of Giving: PAU Innovart Research Grant Propels Student Research Momentum

When Maggie Tsai enrolled in Palo Alto University’s Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, she was in the midst of a personal reinvention. A…

Community Message | President Dey's First Week at PAU
July 11, 2025

Community Message | President Dey's First Week at PAU

President Dey reflects on his first week at PAU, highlighting the welcoming community, design thinking-inspired empathy tour, and his commitment to the…

A Commencement to Remember: Launching a Lifetime of Leadership and Service
July 02, 2025

A Commencement to Remember: Launching a Lifetime of Leadership and Service

Celebrating the achievements of Palo Alto University’s Class of 2025 at their memorable commencement ceremony, highlighting leadership, dedication, and…

Celebrating Staff Contributions and Milestones
July 02, 2025

Celebrating Staff Contributions and Milestones

Celebrating PAU staff contributions, milestones, and excellence with heartfelt recognition and awards during our annual Staff Appreciation Celebration.

Honoring Student Excellence at the 2025 PAU Stars Awards
July 02, 2025

Honoring Student Excellence at the 2025 PAU Stars Awards

PAU honors outstanding students at the 2025 Stars Awards, celebrating excellence in academics, service, and leadership in a night of recognition and…

Honoring Faculty Impact and Leadership: 2025 Faculty Distinction Awards
July 02, 2025

Honoring Faculty Impact and Leadership: 2025 Faculty Distinction Awards

Honoring PAU faculty's exceptional contributions in teaching, research, and service at the 2025 Faculty Distinction Awards.

A Night at the Ballpark with the PAU Community
July 02, 2025

A Night at the Ballpark with the PAU Community

PAU community enjoys a memorable night at Oracle Park, fostering connections and celebrating lifelong relationships during a Giants vs. Braves game.

Gratitude for What Was and What Will Be - Maureen's Farewell Message
July 02, 2025

Gratitude for What Was and What Will Be - Maureen's Farewell Message

President Maureen O’Connor bids farewell to PAU, reflecting on leadership and sharing a poem to inspire new beginnings under Dr. Farouk Dey’s leadership.

President Maureen O'Connor to Address the Graduating Class of 2025
June 06, 2025

President Maureen O'Connor to Address the Graduating Class of 2025

President Maureen O'Connor to deliver 2025 Commencement address, marking the end of her impactful tenure at Palo Alto University.

A Legacy Rooted in Teaching and Learning
June 06, 2025

A Legacy Rooted in Teaching and Learning

Celebrating nine years at PAU, President reflects on the growth of the Center for Educational Excellence and its future through a new endowment campaign.

Lessons Learned from PAU’s 2025 Alumni Panel
May 02, 2025

Lessons Learned from PAU’s 2025 Alumni Panel

Insights from PAU’s 2025 Alumni Panel on leadership, personal growth, and overcoming challenges in the mental health field. Learn from Dr. Crockett, Madison…

PAU @ WPA Convention 2025: Advancing Mental Health Research
May 02, 2025

PAU @ WPA Convention 2025: Advancing Mental Health Research

PAU faculty and students share groundbreaking mental health research at WPA 2025, showcasing their commitment to advancing mental and behavioral health science.

Connection, Confidence, and Clinical Growth: MS Students Gather In-Person for PAU’s Clinical Intensive Week
May 02, 2025

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

PAU's Clinical Intensive Week fosters clinical skills, community, and confidence among MS Psychology students through immersive, hands-on learning and…

Monthly Message from President O’Connor - May 2025
May 01, 2025

Monthly Message from President O’Connor - May 2025

Transition and resilience at Palo Alto University: President O’Connor discusses leadership changes, the onboarding of Dr. Farouk Dey, and the search for a new…

Monthly Message from President O’Connor - April 2025
April 03, 2025

Monthly Message from President O’Connor - April 2025

Palo Alto University prepares for a leadership transition, reflecting on its rich history and looking forward to a promising future under incoming President…

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Take the Next Step

Our Admissions Counselors are ready to guide you through the application process. Schedule a 1:1 advising meeting to learn more about how our programs fit your goals, discuss career paths, and collaborate on a game plan.

Questions? Request Information Now. An Admissions Counselor will follow up with you as soon as possible.

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