Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Mental Health Education
Founded in 1975, Palo Alto University has established itself as a leader in mental and behavioral health education. Our mission centers on addressing pressing societal issues through rigorous academic programs, cutting-edge research, and extensive hands-on clinical practice. With a faculty of renowned researchers and practitioners, we prepare students to become confident, competent professionals who make meaningful contributions to their communities. Our programs span undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education, offering flexible online, hybrid, and residential options to accommodate diverse learner needs. Accredited by WASC since 1986, our doctoral psychology programs hold APA accreditation while our counseling programs meet industry-specific standards.Through community partnerships with institutions like Stanford School of Medicine and the Department of Veterans Affairs, we provide low-cost mental health services while training future professionals. Our research centers focus on critical areas including child mental health, LGBTQ care, diversity initiatives, and digital healthcare solutions. With over 50,000 alumni across 95 countries, we maintain a 97% internship match rate for doctoral students and offer 550+ continuing education programs annually. Our Silicon Valley location positions us at the intersection of innovation and tradition in behavioral health education.
Services
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Digital Mental Health Training
Forensic Psychology Programs
Continuing Education Credits
Student Internship Programs
Details
- Year established: 1975
Highlights and features
- We offer 550+ continuing education programs across behavioral health specialties
- Our faculty includes global experts providing 1:1 mentorship and driving research
- We maintain a 100% APA internship match rate for PsyD students
- Our teaching clinics provide 500,000+ annual clinical hours to the community
- We've trained professionals across 95 countries since 1975
Associations and certifications
- WASC Senior College and University Commission
- American Psychological Association (APA)
What people say
Dedicated faculty
Strong internship placements
Supportive community
Diversity focus
Practical training
Services
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Our MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program prepares graduates for licensure through evidence-based training in therapeutic techniques, crisis intervention, and multicultural competency. Students complete supervised practicum experiences in community mental health settings while developing specialized skills in areas like trauma-informed care and substance abuse treatment. The program maintains a 100% national counselor certification rate for graduates.
Digital Mental Health Training
We offer flexible digital learning options including self-paced courses and live virtual training sessions. Our digital mental health programs cover emerging technologies, telehealth best practices, and internet-based therapeutic interventions. Continuing education offerings include specialized training in problematic screen use treatment and digital behavioral health implementation for professionals.
Forensic Psychology Programs
Our forensic psychology training includes specialized certificate programs in correctional mental health, competency assessment, and violence risk evaluation. Students learn from practicing forensic psychologists through live workshops and case study analysis. Continuing education programs cover advanced topics in forensic assessment and courtroom testimony preparation.
Continuing Education Credits
We provide over 550 continuing education programs annually for mental health professionals. Our offerings include live virtual events, on-demand courses, and certificate programs with APA, CLE, and other professional credit options. Specialized tracks focus on clinical skills enhancement, legal compliance, and emerging mental health treatment modalities.
Student Internship Programs
Our students complete supervised internships through The Clinics @ PAU and community partnerships. The training includes hands-on experience with diverse populations, weekly supervision from licensed professionals, and specialized tracks in areas like child custody evaluation and forensic assessment. Doctoral students maintain a 97% match rate at APA-accredited internship sites.
People
Farouk Dey
President
Dr. Farouk Dey brings extensive leadership experience in higher education and behavioral health. He focuses on strategic growth initiatives while maintaining PAU's commitment to excellence in mental health education and community service.
Maureen O'Connor
Former President
Dr. Maureen O'Connor led PAU for nine years, expanding its research capabilities and strengthening community partnerships. She championed innovation in mental health education and oversaw significant program development.
Nicole Brown
Alumna and Staff Leader
Dr. Nicole Brown exemplifies PAU's impact through her dual role as both graduate and staff member. She advocates for mental health equity and mentors students while contributing to institutional diversity initiatives.
Questions
What mental health specializations does PAU offer?
PAU provides programs in clinical psychology, counseling, social work, forensic psychology, and digital mental health. Our continuing education offerings cover 6 specialty areas including DBT, child custody evaluation, and violence risk assessment.
Are PAU's programs accredited?
Yes, we're accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission. Our doctoral psychology programs hold APA accreditation, and our counseling programs meet CACREP standards through partnership agreements.
Do you offer online learning options?
We provide flexible online, hybrid, and residential formats across all degree programs. Continuing education includes both live virtual training and on-demand self-paced courses with CE credit options.
What research opportunities exist for students?
Students work with faculty on research projects through our centers focusing on child mental health, LGBTQ care, diversity initiatives, and internet-based healthcare solutions. Research participation begins in the first year of study.
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