A recent study of suicide deaths in Northern California conducted by researchers at Palo Alto University, the County of Santa Clara Behavioral Health Services Department, and the County of Santa Clara Office of the Medical Examiner / Coroner, could have important implications for culturally-informed suicide prevention strategies, assessment, and risk management.     The study published in the journal of Death Studies analyzed 1,145 suicide deaths by method and l

Megan Frank was attending high school in Berkeley, CA when she learned that her grandmother, who was raising her, had Alzheimer’s (AD). With limited knowledge of the disease, Megan began to research its causes and treatments and in so doing learned about other neurodegenerative diseases like frontotemporal dementia and atypical Parkinson’s disease which sparked her interest in an academic career in neuropsychology.

Palo Alto University is pleased to welcome five new faculty members this fall. Each brings unique perspectives and research areas to the Counseling and Psychology Departments, as well as a strong commitment to student-centered education.   Alayna Park

Dear Students:

Welcome to (and back to for most of you) the 2020-21 academic year at PAU.  In times like no other in modern history, we are so grateful that you have continued your education as part of the PAU community.

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) has named Ricardo F.

As COVID-19 takes its toll on the mental health of seniors living in isolation in retirement communities, a team of Palo Alto University psychology students are providing essential mental health services to older adults residing in independent living facilities in Daly City, Portola Valley, and Palo Alto. In doing so, the team of budding psychologists have learned to sharpen their digital mental health skills and gain valuable clinical experience while overcoming the language barriers and technology challenges of communicating with the residents.

A new suicide prevention training program developed by a team from Palo Alto University and the County of Santa Clara Behavioral Health Services Department aims to better prevent suicide by being more culturally aware of the populations it serves.     “Be Sensitive, Be Brave” includes a set of workshops offered by a team of community trainers.

Palo Alto University (PAU) faculty members, students and alumni were invited to present posters at this year's 128th annual American Psychology Association (APA) Virtual Convention in August. Here is a selection of posters from the Convention.

Update: The Foster 5K, held on September 13th, welcomed nearly 400 participants and raised more than $32,000. Participants checked in from California, Montana, Michigan, and New Jersey. Also, PAU Team Knowledge captain Nicole Khauli submitted the winning photo for the Most Festive Award (photo below).    On Sunday, September 13th, hundreds of individuals will run, walk, or bike the “Foster 5K” to raise funds for Child Advocates of Silicon Valley.

PAU alumnus, trustee, and faculty member Jorge Wong, Ph.D., will receive the 2020 Outstanding Psychologist Award from Division 31 (State, Provincial and Territorial Psychological Association Affairs) of the American Psychological Association. “I was thrilled to learn that Dr. Wong will receive the Outstanding Psychologist Award from Division 31. His commitment to the field of psychology is extraordinary, from his advocacy work on the state and local levels to his role as a community mental health leader and educator," said PAU President Maureen O’Connor.