Kaitlyn Kaus, Ed.D., LPCC
Kaitlyn Kaus, Ed.D., LPCC is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at Minnesota State University, Mankato, which is particularly meaningful to her as both her undergraduate and doctoral alma mater. Returning to the university where her academic journey began allows her to come full circle, now shaping the education and professional development of the next generation of psychologists. This is her first year in a tenure-track professor role. Before joining the tenure track, she spent three years in private practice specializing in pediatric neuropsychology, providing comprehensive clinical assessments, diagnosis, treatment planning, and supervision. She also served as an adjunct professor at Minnesota State University, Mankato, balancing her teaching responsibilities with private practice, with a particular focus on expanding mental health access in rural communities.
Dr. Kaus has a deep commitment to both teaching and clinical practice. She primarily teaches undergraduate students while mentoring them in research projects and professional development. Her areas of expertise include clinical assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, supervision, and evidence-based counseling techniques. Even as she dedicates herself to teaching, she continues her work as a psychological evaluator in private practice, ensuring that her clinical experience remains current and informs her classroom instruction. Her approach integrates research, clinical knowledge, and real-world applications, creating meaningful learning experiences that prepare students for careers in psychology, counseling, and related fields.
Outside of her professional work, Dr. Kaus pursues her passion for reformer Pilates, which she teaches as a dedicated instructor. She and her husband are actively engaged in the Mankato community through the United Way, where they have achieved Tocqueville status, the organization’s highest level of giving. For over eight years, they have contributed both financially and through volunteer service, demonstrating their strong commitment to supporting local initiatives and fostering positive change. Dr. Kaus describes herself as deeply passionate about her work and her community, and she takes pride in combining her professional, academic, and personal interests to make a meaningful impact in the lives of students and those around her.
• Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)
• Student Success Advising Academy - Advanced
• Minnesota State University, Mankato - EdD, Counselor Education and Supervision
• Argosy University - MA, Clinical Psychology
• Minnesota State University, Mankato - BA, Psych
• United Way of Southern Minnesota - Tocqueville status donor and volunteer
What do you attribute your success to?
I would attribute my success to a lot of pieces around where I've gotten to today. Honestly, at a young age, graduating with my doctorate, it's my environment I was in, right? The support system I had at a university level, family, friends, the mentorship I had along the way. It's the people that brought me here. I couldn't have done it by myself. It truly, truly takes a village. And just wanting to be hardworking and prove to myself I can do it. I think all of that together, that's what I attribute all of my success to. It's definitely not just me and what I've done. I couldn't have done it without the support I have had along the way.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The biggest piece of advice I could give is to honestly just keep going. I think in the psychology world, it can feel so heavy, and it can feel like there's so many hurdles to get there. Just keep your motivation high, and you can do it. I mean, you just keep your head down, you work hard, you can do it. I have calls all the time with students who are like, I want to go to graduate school, I want to do it, I don't think I can do it. You can do it. Find your support system, find your team, and you can do it.