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.

Upcoming Events

oct
16
LIVE: Ethics in the Practice of Forensic Psychology: Protecting and Releasing Records, Data, and Other Information
Forensic

LIVE: Ethics in the Practice of Forensic Psychology: Protecting and Releasing Records, Data, and Oth...

Forensic mental health evaluators are often short-sighted, misinformed about, and/or have a misunderstanding of their ri...

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Clock Icon 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM PST
oct
17
LIVE: Advanced Topics in the Assessment of Competency to Stand Trial - Part 3
Forensic

LIVE: Advanced Topics in the Assessment of Competency to Stand Trial - Part 3

Part 3 of the three-part workshop series will continue to focus on factors that are seldom addressed in training on comp...

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Clock Icon 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM PST
nov
6
LIVE: Evaluating Juveniles for Competency to Proceed in Delinquency Matters
Child & Adolescent

LIVE: Evaluating Juveniles for Competency to Proceed in Delinquency Matters

In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on the competence to proceed of juveniles being adjudicated in juven...

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Clock Icon 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM PST
dec
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Oct
7
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Admissions

Attending 2025 Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES)

Visit our Admissions Team booth at ACES conference.

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Clock Icon 09:00 AM – 05:00 PM PST
Oct
7
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Community

Practical Approaches for Scaffolding Writing Assignments

Drop-In via Zoom

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Clock Icon 02:00 PM – 03:00 PM PST
Oct
8
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Admissions

Admissions Drop-In Hour: Join our live online drop-in session.

Have questions about applying to Palo Alto University? Join our live online drop-in session hosted by

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Clock Icon 02:00 PM – 03:00 PM PST
Oct
15
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Admissions

Admissions Drop-In Hour: Join our live online drop-in session.

Have questions about applying to Palo Alto University? Join our live online drop-in session hosted by

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Clock Icon 02:00 PM – 03:00 PM PST
Oct
15
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Admissions

Master in Social Work

Register for our LIVE Information Session.

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Clock Icon 05:30 PM – 06:15 PM PST
Oct
16
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Admissions

Bachelor's in Science in Psychology and Business Psychology

Register for Live Information Session. Learn about transfer credits, admissions process, and career pathways.

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Clock Icon 05:15 PM – 06:00 PM PST
Oct
18
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Community

Dissertation Writing: Time Management and Organization Skills

Drop-In via Zoom

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Clock Icon 06:00 PM – 07:00 PM PST
Oct
21
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Admissions

PhD Counselor Education and Supervision

Prepare for leadership in academia, clinical practice, or supervision — register for our PhD CES info session.

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Clock Icon 03:00 PM – 04:00 PM PST
Oct
22
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Admissions

Admissions Drop-In Hour: Join our live online drop-in session.

Have questions about applying to Palo Alto University? Join our live online drop-in session hosted by

Calendar Icon
Clock Icon 02:00 PM – 03:00 PM PST
Oct
23
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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

Latest News

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…

Dr. Farouk Dey Appointed as President of Palo Alto University
March 11, 2025

Dr. Farouk Dey Appointed as President of Palo Alto University

Farouk Dey appointed as President of Palo Alto University, bringing innovation and strategic growth to elevate PAU's impact in psychology and behavioral health…

Double Impact: Nicole Brown's Dual Legacy as PAU Alumna and Staff Leader
March 07, 2025

Double Impact: Nicole Brown's Dual Legacy as PAU Alumna and Staff Leader

Nicole Brown's inspiring journey at PAU highlights resilience, mentorship, and advocacy for mental health, impacting students, staff, and the broader community.

Celebrating Women Leaders in Mental & Behavioral Health at PAU
March 06, 2025

Celebrating Women Leaders in Mental & Behavioral Health at PAU

Celebrating the achievements of women leaders in mental and behavioral health at PAU, showcasing their inspiring journeys, groundbreaking work, and…

Stronger Together: How Professional Organizations Help Shape Mental Health Policy
March 06, 2025

Stronger Together: How Professional Organizations Help Shape Mental Health Policy

Discover how professional organizations empower mental health advocacy, enabling collective action to shape policies and create meaningful change for…

Spotlighting Leaders Advancing Black Excellence at PAU
February 08, 2025

Spotlighting Leaders Advancing Black Excellence at PAU

Celebrating leaders advancing Black excellence at PAU through education, research, and advocacy, fostering a more inclusive and supportive community for all.

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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.