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Advancing Human Understanding

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

PAU's strength has always been our people.

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Excellence in Research, Academics & Training

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

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50

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

Sep
16
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Admissions

Admissions Undergraduate/MA/MS Drop In-September 16th

Get answers about our Undergraduate, MA, and MS programs, the a...

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Sep
16
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Admissions

PhD in Clinical Psychology Info Session

Discover PAU’s PhD in Clinical Psychology Program. Meet w...

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Clock Icon 04:00 PM – 04:45 PM PST
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Sep
16
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Admissions

Master of Social Work Info Session-Sept 16

Discover PAU’s Master of Social Work program. Meet with Program...

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Clock Icon 05:30 PM – 06:15 PM PST
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Sep
17
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Admissions

MA in Clinical Mental Counseling Info Session-Sept 17

Discover PAU’s MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at this in-depth info-session given by Faculty & Admissions s...

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Sep
23
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Admissions

Admissions PHD/PSYD Drop In-September 23rd

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

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Sep
24
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Admissions

MS in Psychology Info Session

Join Interim Director Dr. Blanca Pineda at 5:15 pm PST to explo...

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Clock Icon 05:15 PM – 06:00 PM PST
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Sep
25
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Admissions

PsyD in Clinical Psychology Info Session

Meet with Admissions to learn about the PAU–Stanford PsyD Consortium, admissions requirements, clinical training opportu...

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Clock Icon 04:00 PM – 04:30 PM PST
Sep
30
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Admissions

Admissions MSW/PHDCES Drop In-September 30th

Get answers about our MSW and PHD CES programs, the application process, and resources to support your journey.

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Clock Icon 02:00 PM – 03:00 PM PST
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Sep
30
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Admissions

Master of Social Work Info Session-Sept 30th

Discover PAU’s Master of Social Work program. Meet with Program...

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Clock Icon 05:30 PM – 06:15 PM PST
Register Here

Latest News

PAU Counseling Faculty & Staff
September 04, 2026

PAU’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Earns Full Eight-Year CACREP Reaffirmation

CACREP has reaffirmed accreditation of Palo Alto University’s M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through October 31, 2033, following review under the…

PAU employee using LinkedIn Learning on a laptop.
August 24, 2026

PAU Expands Professional Development with LinkedIn Learning

Palo Alto University expands professional development for faculty and staff with LinkedIn Learning and the ongoing PAU Learning Series.

Palo Alto University faculty members sit under a circus tent smiling at the camera
August 21, 2026

How Play Is Reshaping the Way Some PAU Faculty Teach

What can the science of play teach us about learning? Discover how PAU faculty are creating more engaging, connected, and effective learning experiences.

Stephanie Crockett, PsyD ’16, smiling while seated in a chair.
August 14, 2026

Caring for the Caregivers

PAU alumna Stephanie Crockett, PsyD ’16, reflects on clinician well-being, trauma-informed care, and why caring for oneself is essential to caring for others.

Madison Ledda-Simmons smiling while seated on a gray sofa in a softly blurred office setting.
August 14, 2026

Learning to Show Up: The Work Behind Becoming a Therapist

PAU alumna Madison Ledda-Simmons, Class of 2022, reflects on the experiences that shaped her path as a therapist and the lessons she carries into private…

A smiling man takes a selfie while riding on a ferry under a clear blue sky.
July 28, 2026

Michael Kerner and the Miracle Phone on South Pass

From student to trustee, Dr. Michael Kerner reflects on nearly five decades of Palo Alto University history, community, and the enduring impact of a PAU…

A moderator and four panelists participate in a discussion on stage during Palo Alto University's At the Forefront event, seated in front of a PAU 50th anniversary backdrop.
July 28, 2026

At the Forefront of Addressing Youth Mental Health in a Digital World

Parents, educators, and mental health experts came together at Palo Alto University's At the Forefront event to explore youth mental health in today's digital…

PAU students Bárbara Gómez-Cáceres and Lizeth Sotelo stand beside their award-winning research poster,
July 21, 2026

Nationally Recognized Student Research Is Helping Shape Institutional Improvement at PAU

PAU students, faculty, and staff earned national recognition at WSCUC for research demonstrating how student voices help improve academic quality and student…

Speaker presenting while holding a microphone and presentation remote, standing against an abstract blue and purple wave graphic background.
July 18, 2026

Rethinking the Future of Mental Health Care: Beyond the 50 Minute Session

Eduardo Bunge, PhD, explores how AI can extend mental health care beyond the therapy session, supporting parents in real time while keeping clinicians at the…

Palo Alto University Celebrates the Investiture of President Farouk Dey
July 09, 2026

Palo Alto University Celebrates the Investiture of President Farouk Dey

Palo Alto University celebrated the investiture of President Farouk Dey and introduced its new vision, A future shaped by human understanding.

Palo Alto University Celebrates 50 Years of Impact at Anniversary Gala
July 09, 2026

Palo Alto University Celebrates 50 Years of Impact at Anniversary Gala

From founders to students, PAU's sold-out 50th Anniversary Gala told five decades of history in the voices who lived it, and launched a new scholarship.

PAU employees stand together in a group shot
July 09, 2026

Palo Alto University Celebrates Faculty and Staff Excellence During 2026 Employee Awards Celebration

Palo Alto University honored faculty and staff during the 2026 Employee Awards Celebration, recognizing excellence in teaching, leadership, research,…

image of Oracle Park baseball field looking over the San Francisco Bay
July 02, 2026

PAU Night at the Ballpark Brings Community Together During 50th Anniversary Celebration Week

More than 120 alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends gathered at Oracle Park for Palo Alto University's 2026 Night at the Ballpark, celebrating…

wide angle image of the ceremony guests at Mountain Winery
July 02, 2026

Palo Alto University Celebrates the Class of 2026 at 47th Commencement Ceremony

Palo Alto University celebrated more than 380 graduates during its 2026 Commencement Ceremony, honoring the Class of 2026 as they prepare to advance mental…

Five Palo Alto University students pose together during the 2026 PAU Stars Celebration, with two recipients holding award certificates in front of a PAU 50th anniversary backdrop.
July 02, 2026

PAU Stars Awards Celebrate the Students Shaping the Future of Behavioral Health

Palo Alto University honored outstanding students during the 2026 PAU Stars Awards, celebrating leadership, research, service, and academic excellence as part…

Members of the Palo Alto University community gather for the 50th Anniversary Community Luncheon during Celebration Week, sharing lunch and conversation on the Allen Calvin Campus.
July 01, 2026

PAU Community Comes Together to Celebrate 50 Years

Celebrate PAU's 50th Anniversary Community Luncheon as students, faculty, staff, alumni, and partners gathered to reconnect and honor the people behind the…

PAU Masterclass Opens 50th Anniversary Celebration Week with a Conversation About the Future of Humans and AI
June 30, 2026

PAU Masterclass Opens 50th Anniversary Celebration Week with a Conversation About the Future of Huma...

Palo Alto University launched its 50th Anniversary Celebration Week with a masterclass exploring AI, ethics, human connection, and the future of human…

Volunteers stand outside at teh cneter of LifeMoves Mountain View Homekey location
June 30, 2026

PAU Community Comes Together in Service at LifeMoves Mountain View

During PAU's 50th Anniversary Celebration Week, volunteers partnered with LifeMoves Mountain View to serve the community through connection, service, and…

Shirin Aghakhani poses in front of a Palo Alto University backdrop holding an
June 05, 2026

Shirin Aghakhani Named Palo Alto University's Inaugural Student Commencement Speaker

Doctoral Candidate Zahra Aghakhani Named PAU's First Student Commencement Speaker

Professional headshot of Dr. Christie Chung smiling and facing the camera, wearing a blue patterned jacket and black top against a neutral gray background.
June 04, 2026

Palo Alto University's Dr. Christie Chung Named Recipient of the 2026 Chang-Lin Tien Leadership in E...

Palo Alto University Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Christie Chung has been named the 2026 recipient of the Chang-Lin Tien Leadership in…

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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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