Palo Alto University

Palo Alto University is a private, nonprofit university located in Palo Alto, California, in the heart of Silicon Valley. Founded in 1975, the institution focuses on behavioral and mental health disciplines, including psychology, counseling, and related social sciences. Palo Alto University offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs, with options that include residential, hybrid, and online study. The university follows a practitioner-scholar training model that integrates academic coursework, research, and supervised clinical experience. It maintains partnerships with community organizations and healthcare institutions, including collaborations in the Stanford area. Students drawn to Palo Alto University often seek specialized training in clinical psychology, counseling, and behavioral health fields that emphasize both scientific foundations and hands-on professional preparation.

Palo Alto University was founded in 1975 as the Pacific Graduate School of Psychology (PGSP) in Palo Alto, California. Established by faculty and students seeking advanced professional education in clinical psychology, the institution began with a focus on practitioner-oriented doctoral training, and Robert Kantor served as its first president. In 1986, PGSP received accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, strengthening its academic standing. During the late 1980s, the institution expanded its clinical training operations and earned accreditation from the American Psychological Association for its PhD program. In 2002, PGSP partnered with Stanford University to launch the PGSP-Stanford Psy.D. Consortium. In August 2009, PGSP was re-incorporated as Palo Alto University, reflecting broader academic offerings. Since then, Palo Alto University has expanded undergraduate and master’s programs while maintaining its focus on mental and behavioral health education.