Shadi Beshai

Dr. Shadi Beshai is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychological Science at Kennesaw State University and director of the Mindfulness Engagement and Cultural Adaptation (MECA) Lab. His research focuses on culturally adapting evidence-based psychological treatments for depression and anxiety, particularly for underserved populations such as Indigenous communities, educators, and law enforcement. He has led large-scale trials assessing mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in diverse international settings, including Canada, the UK, and Iran, funded by organizations like the Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR) and Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF).

Education: Dr. Beshai holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology (2015) from the University of Calgary, an M.Sc. in Clinical Psychology (2010), and a B.A. (Honors) in Psychology (2008) from York University. He is a registered doctoral clinical psychologist in Saskatchewan (since 2018).

Research Interests: Dr. Beshai prioritizes bridging mental health disparities through scalable interventions. Key areas include treatment adaptation mechanisms (e.g., self-compassion, cultural beliefs), public literacy about interventions, and digital platforms for accessibility. His work emphasizes reducing stigma via psychoeducation framing and improving intervention messaging.

Editorial Roles: He serves as Associate Editor for Mindfulness (Springer) and the International Journal of Cognitive Therapy. His lab (MECA) explores cultural adaptation strategies, digital mental health tools, and resilience in high-stress professions like public safety.

Grants & Partnerships: His research has been supported by CIHR and SHRF. Collaborations include projects with Canadian public safety personnel and international teams in Iran and the UK.