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Kate Dando,
MSW, LICSW, IMH-E

"Together we’ll explore, heal, and strengthen the connections that matter most"
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Hi, I'm Kate Dando!

Nurturing you, nurturing connection is the heart of my practice. I love working with people who care deeply, even when they feel like they’re barely holding things together. You might be navigating pregnancy or postpartum changes, adjusting to life with a new baby, or trying to understand your child’s big feelings. You may be wondering whether you’re “doing it right,” or wishing parenting felt less heavy and more joyful. If any of this sounds familiar, you’re exactly the kind of person I feel honored to support.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stretched thin, or unsure how to support your needs in addition to supporting your little one’s emotional world, you’re not alone. Many of the parents and caregivers I meet come in carrying a quiet mix of love, worry, exhaustion, and hope. They want to feel more confident, more connected, and more grounded — both in themselves and in their relationship with their child.

About Me

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, walking, music, boating, capturing photos of special memories and beautiful nature, restorative yoga, gardening, and being near water.  These activities help me stay grounded, connected, and appreciative of life’s simple moments.

 

What is my background?

I am an endorsed Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist. My career began as a licensed Early Childhood Family Educator and dedicated staff supporting parents at the Minnesota chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America. In 2002, I earned my master’s degree in clinical social work at the University of St. Thomas and the College of St. Catherine. From there, I spent more than two decades at St. David’s Developmental and Therapeutic Services in a variety of prevention and treatment roles, including both in‑home and outpatient mental health services for children ages birth to nine — always with a focus on strengthening the parent–child relationship. Recently, I spent three years providing therapy at a perinatal mental health clinic, where I received training through Postpartum Support International to deepen my support for new and expectant parents. Reflective consultation has been a meaningful part of my own development, and I’m committed to paying that forward by offering reflective consultation to parents, professionals, and pre‑licensed therapists who are seeking a thoughtful, supportive space to grow.

Areas of Special Focus

  • Pregnancy & postpartum emotional health, and perinatal stress, including postpartum depression and anxiety

  • Birth trauma and grief/ loss

  • The transition to parenthood

  • Infant and early childhood play therapy (ages 0-9)

  • Parent–child relationship support

  • Developmental Guidance

  • Trauma-informed support for children and adults

  • Reflective practice for parents and professionals

  • Emotional regulation and Executive Functioning coaching for big emotions, anxiety, ADHD, grief, and significant life stress.

  • Making slime

Therapeutic approach

My style is gentle, relational, and collaborative. I meet you exactly where you are — with compassion, curiosity, and respect — and together we make sense of what’s happening beneath the surface: in your body, your emotions, and your relationships. Our work creates space for healing, confidence, and deeper connection.

I support parents, caregivers, and young children in strengthening their relationships by slowing down, tuning in, and understanding what behaviors and emotions are communicating. Through play, reflection, and supportive conversation, I help you feel more grounded, connected, and capable. My focus is always on helping you feel seen and supported, never judged or overwhelmed.

Whether we’re exploring your child’s emotional world or your own, I prioritize safety, trust, and clarity. I believe healing happens in relationships — and therapy is one of those relationships. You don’t have to navigate this alone.

My work with children incorporates developmentally appropriate play therapy, which allows children to express feelings, process experiences, and practice new skills through their natural language of play.  Through play, children can safely explore worries, frustrations, relationships, and life experiences in ways that make sense to them.

Technical Jargon

I am a registered Parent Facilitator with Circle of Security International and rostered in Child Parent Psychotherapy. Other clinical training that informs my work includes: Trauma-Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Attachment Bio-Behavioral Catch-Up, Play Therapy, Perinatal Mood Disorders, and Matrescence.  I am passionate about my niche to offer both perinatal and infant mental health therapy, hand in hand.

Services & Fees

Services

I offer individual and family therapy, as well as shorter term developmental consultations and school observations. I strongly recommend regular parents-only sessions to allow us to further assist your child’s progress and growth. My areas of specialty are listed above.

MN Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy-Approved Supervisor for both LPC and LPCC.

MN Board of Social Work, Approved Supervisor for LGSW and LICSW

Fees

I am a fee – for -service provider, which means I do not accept insurance.  To support accessibility and sustainability, I offer a sliding fee scale when requested. You may be reimbursed by your insurance company for my services if you choose to request out-of-network reimbursement. Please verify the specific requirements for reimbursement with your insurance provider, and I will be happy to provide you with the appropriate receipt, billing codes, and diagnosis if needed (keep in mind, insurance will not reimburse if there is no diagnosis). Superbills are available for transparency.

 

Payments are due at the time of service. I accept cash, check, or credit card payments, including Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Savings Account (FSA) card payments.

SERVICES & FEES

  • Individual therapy sessions $225

  • Family therapy sessions $225

  • Reflective Consultation for Parents $150

  • Reflective Consultation for Professionals $150

  • Licensure Supervision $100

Forms & Useful Info

Schedule Now

763-355-5488
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