Kai Primus-Dawson, MA

Kai Primus-Dawson, MA, is a psychology extern in the ADHD and Behavioral Disorders Center at the Child Mind Institute’s. Kai specializes in therapy and assessment for children, adolescents, and young adults dealing with behavioral challenges, social skills deficits, executive functioning concerns, anxiety, and mood disorders. Drawing on evidence-based approaches, Kai incorporates techniques grounded in cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based approaches.

Kai has experience working with various behavioral therapies, including social skills training, general parent training, exposure therapy, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and acceptance commitment therapy (ACT).  She offers personalized therapeutic services that account for each client’s individual differences. Before joining the Child Mind Institute, Kai provided therapy, social skills groups, diagnostic assessments, and parenting work in outpatient clinical and school settings, including the Child and Family Institute in New York, the Hoboken public school district in New Jersey, and Kean Psychological Services in New Jersey.

In her current position at the Child Mind Institute, Kai provides evidence-based therapies and participates in diagnostic assessments under the supervision of licensed psychologists in the ADHD and Behavior Disorders Center.  Kai’s approach empowers clients to develop coping strategies, enhance emotional regulation, and build healthy relationships. Kai values collaboration, trust, and providing a safe space for clients to feel validated and supported throughout their therapeutic journey.

Training

• Extern, The Child and Family Institute
• Extern, Hoboken Public School District
• Student Clinician, Kean Psychological Services

Education

• PsyD, Clinical and School Psychology, Kean University (expected 2026)
• MA, Educational Psychology, Kean University
• BA, Psychology, University of Miami