Jennifer R. Jones-Damis, Psy.D., LPC
Title: Director of CAPS
Education: PsyD, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey; MA, Regent University; BA, University of Virginia; LPC
Pronouns: She, Her, Hers
Dr. Jennifer R. Jones-Damis is a licensed psychologist in New York and New Jersey and a Licensed Professional Counselor in New Jersey. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Women & Gender Studies from The University of Virginia; a Master’s Degree in School and Community Counseling from Regent University; and a Doctorate Degree in School Psychology from Rutgers University. Dr. Jones-Damis completed a highly competitive, two-year Postdoctoral Fellowship in Traumatic Stress at Mount Sinai Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City where she administered evidence based treatment to youth in the juvenile justice system, coordinated staff trainings in evidence-based interventions and facilitated follow up consultation with state agencies. Dr. Jones-Damis was the Associate Director of Mental Health for the Young Adult (18-21) population at Riker’s Island Correctional Facility where she spear headed the mental health aspect of the Alternative to Solitary Confinement Program. She then became the Mental Health Director of the largest jail in New Jersey, Essex County Jail. Currently, Dr. Jones-Damis is the Director of Counseling, ADAP, and Psychiatric Services at Rutgers University.
Dr. Jones-Damis is an active participant with the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN), particularly on the School’s Committee Work Group and the Justice Consortium Committee. Dr. Jones-Damis spearheaded a new sub-committee, which combined the School, Community Violence, and Cultural Committees of NCTSN in order to address how educators and counselors respond to race and trauma in the classroom and therapeutic settings. Furthermore, Dr. Jones-Damis holds positions on the state and national boards of The Association of Black Psychologists, where she continues to advocate for the mental health needs of the Black community.
Dr. Jones-Damis co-authored a new book entitled Racial Trauma in Black Clients: Effective Practice for Clinicians. Her research interests focus trauma in the individual and in systems. She has presented her research at national conferences such as the American Psychological Association, The Association of Black Psychologists, and the National Association of School Psychologists. Dr. Jones-Damis co-authored a chapter on classroom management for the International Handbook of Student Achievement and has published articles concerning Black students and school discipline. She offers her ideas and tips for dealing with racial trauma on her Psychology Today Blog.
