Kara Cattani
Executive Director of Mental Health Services and Director of Counseling & Psychiatric Services
I grew up in Arizona and earned my doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Florida State University. I love sunshine and heat—so I wouldn’t survive in Boston without a space heater in my office! With over two decades in college mental health, my work spans administration, consulting, clinical practice, graduate student training, and research. I’m passionate about working with college students and feel honored to be part of the BU community, where students are exceptionally bright, thoughtful, and caring. As a dedicated advocate for Compassionate Leadership, I strive to promote policies and structures that support mental health, foster inclusive and resilient cultures, and lay the foundation for overall well-being. Outside of work, I love time with my family and time in the outdoors. I can be spotted around Boston, walking my very spoiled English Golden Retrievers.
Personal Hobbies
Hiking, Road Biking, Folk Music, Sunshine & Beaches, Grey’s Anatomy, Walks with my Golden Retrievers!
Education & Training
PhD, Florida State University
MS, Florida state university
BS, Brigham Young University
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
International Affiliate, Compassionate Mind Foundation (Clinical Trainer and Researcher)
Inclusive Leadership
Special Interests
Compassionate leadership and consultation, including navigating complex interpersonal and team dynamics. Adult outpatient counseling with individuals exhibiting a wide range of difficulties, including anxiety (particularly generalized anxiety and trauma), depression, identity development challenges, religious trauma and faith transitions. I have extensive training and provide clinical supervision in Compassion Focused Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Emotion Focused and Interpersonal Therapies.
SHS Committees
BU Behavioral Intervention Team
Noteworthy publications & presentations
Griner, D., Beecher, M., Burlingame, G.M., Erekson, D.M., & Cattani, K.I. (2022). Compassion focused therapy in groups. In G. Simos & P. Gilbert (Eds), Compassion Focused Therapy in Clinical Practice, London: Routledge. Cattani, K.I., Griner, D., Erekson, D.M., Burlingame, G.M., Beecher, M., & Alldredge, C. (2021). Compassion Focused Group Therapy for University College Counseling Centers: A Clinician’s Guide, NewYork: Routledge. Lundgreen, R., Alldredge, C., Cattani, K.I., Griner, D., Erekson, D.M., Burlingame, G.M., & Beecher, M. (2021). Compassion Focused Therapy Participant Workbook, NewYork: Routledge. Steffen, P.R., Fox, J., Cattani, K.I., Alldredge, C., Austin, T., & Burlingame, G.M. (2020). Impact of a 12-week Group Based Compassion Focused Therapy Intervention on Heart Rate Variability. Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10484-020-09487-8
Campus Involvement
TerrierF1RSTS Advocate, BU Newbury Center