Professor Frances Kay-Lambkin
President, Society of Mental Health Research
Professor Frances Kay-Lambkin is a registered Psychologist and mental health researcher. She holds a number of concurrent leadership roles including interim Pro Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation at the University of Newcastle and Director for the NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence (PREMISE). Professor Kay-Lambkin’s research program has been instrumental in demonstrating the transformative impact of digital technologies in bringing integrated treatments to the point of care for people with mental health and substance use problems.
Over the past 15 years Prof Kay-Lambkin has worked in a clinical research capacity with people experiencing a range of mental health and alcohol and other drug use problems. These include: psychotic disorders, depression, personality disorders and anxiety.
She has specific experience in the use of cognitive behavioural therapy, motivational interviewing and mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques for people with co-occurring mental health and alcohol/other drug problems.
Prof Kay-Lambkin’s main research activity has focussed on the development and clinical trials of computer and technologically-delivered treatments for people with mental health and substance use problems. Her aim is to bring high quality, evidence-based treatment for multiple health problems directly to the person – to ensure that the right person receives the right intervention at the right time.