Palo Alto University

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Palo Alto University (PAU), is a private, nonprofit university dedicated to advancing human understanding through innovative education, groundbreaking research, and impactful practice in behavioral science. Founded in 1975 as the Pacific Graduate School of Psychology, Palo Alto University (PAU) is dedicated to reducing suffering and improving lives through education and research anchored in psychology, clinical training and practice in a diversity of cultures, and service to communities around the world.

10/20/2026

Everyone has their own reasons for choosing the path they're on, and we love hearing what brings our students to Palo Alto University.

Today, we're introducing Rachel, a student in our PhD in Clinical Psychology program!

Rachel shares what inspired her to pursue clinical psychology, how she'd describe PAU to others, and her thoughts on what it means to be human.

Take a moment to get to know Rachel and hear about her journey in her own words.

10/18/2026

Meet Briana Cousins, a student in our MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program!

We love getting to know the people who make up our PAU community, and today we're introducing you to Briana.

In this video, she shares what she loves about PAU, how she'd describe the university to someone new, and why human understanding matters to her.

Take a moment to get to know Briana and hear about her experience in her own words.

10/15/2026

A proud moment for PAU student Tracy L. Hayes!

Tracy, who is pursuing her MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, recently presented her poster, Not a Deficit: Supervising for Neuro-Affirming ADHD Care, at the 2026 Western Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (WACES) Conference in Reno, Nevada.

Her poster explores how counseling supervision can better prepare future counselors to support people with ADHD through neuro-affirming approaches that look beyond deficits.

Tracy shared that WACES was a very positive experience that left her with a million more ideas to pursue. She also expressed her gratitude for PAU faculty member Dr. Donna Sheperis, whose encouragement and continued support have made a meaningful difference in her career.

"I am loving the journey," Tracy shared.

We're proud of Tracy for sharing her work and excited to see where her ideas take her next! 💙👏

10/13/2026

What does it mean to be human? We asked people across the PAU community.

A smile for someone in the grocery store. Checking that the people you work with are having a good day. Being open and curious about other people’s stories.

10/11/2026

Every student brings their own story and perspective to PAU, and we love getting the chance to share them.

This time, we're hearing from Ryan Ramos, a student in our MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. Ryan talks about how he'd introduce PAU to someone who's never heard of us, what makes it different, and what he's enjoyed along the way.

We're glad you're part of our community, Ryan! 💙

10/08/2026

We're proud to see our Palo Alto University counseling community so well represented at the 2026 Western Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (WACES) Conference this week, October 8–10 in Reno, Nevada! 💙

Our faculty and doctoral students are presenting on topics ranging from bilingual counseling and immigration-related trauma to neurodiversity-affirming care and innovative approaches to counselor education.

We're also excited to recognize six members of our PAU community serving in WACES leadership: Dr. Donna Sheperis (President), Dr. Shreya Vaishnav (Past President), Dr. Darlene Chen (Secretary), Dr. Sara Al-Khedairy (Conference Coordinator), and doctoral students Jennifer Kiehl and Selena Zeng (Graduate Student Representatives).

We love seeing our faculty and students share their work, connect with colleagues, and contribute to a field dedicated to understanding and helping others. Check out the schedule: https://paloaltou.edu/pauatwaces

Wishing everyone a wonderful conference!

10/06/2026

Palo Alto University launched a Center for Translational Research in Behavioral Science.

The Center will connect PAU faculty and students with community organizations, healthcare partners, government, and industry to apply behavioral science to challenges people face every day. Its work will include new research initiatives, expanded support for grants and student researchers, and research on how technology, including AI, affects the way people live and connect.

Interested in partnering with the Center? Learn more: https://hubs.ly/Q04zj_3M0

10/04/2026

We had such a great time at NAMIWalks! 💚

President Farouk Dey joined the day as Honorary Chair and speaker, and members of the PAU community came out to walk and support mental health together.

We loved seeing current students and alumni, catching up with community partners, visiting the booths, and meeting new people throughout the day. Thank you to everyone who came out and made the day such a great one!

10/01/2026

Congratulations to PAU Clinical Psychology PhD students Alyán (Yan) A. Layug and Prabhleen Gill, who were selected for the 2026 Asian American Psychological Association Graduate Leadership Institute.

Yan and Prabhleen are part of a 10-person cohort selected from the Institute’s largest applicant pool to date. This week, they’ll participate in leadership development programming and attend the AAPA Convention, taking place October 2–3.

Their work reflects a shared commitment to culturally responsive and equitable mental health care, from trauma-informed systems and advocacy to improving access for immigrant communities.

Congratulations, Yan and Prabhleen! We’re excited to see you representing Palo Alto University this week.

09/29/2026

The new academic year is underway, and Provost Christie Chung has a special welcome back for our PAU community.

In her message, Provost Chung shares some of what students can look forward to this year, from learning alongside our faculty and participating in research to hands-on training and opportunities to connect across the university.

To everyone beginning or continuing their journey at PAU, welcome to the 2026–27 academic year. We’re glad you’re here.

Address

1791 Arastradero Road
Palo Alto, CA
94304

Website

http://www.paloaltou.edu/

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