Current research projects

Closes 25 April 2026

Psychologists working in everyday clinical practice usually offer clients evidence-based treatment strategies that match the psychologist's understanding of the client’s problems. Although much importance is placed on treatment planning, very little is known about how psychologists reach such decisions.

We invite psychologists with five or more years of experiencing in administering cognitive-behaviour therapy to participate in this research project to validate a new instrument – the Treatment Options Measure (TOM). 

Participation involves completing an online survey that takes about 10 minutes to complete. Participants are asked to choose the intervention strategy that would be most effective in addressing hypothesised maintaining factors of the client's difficulties. It is hoped that TOM will be used in future research to evaluate treatment planning decisions.

To participate click on the "Start the survey" link below.

If you would like further information about the project, please contact:
Professor Sunil Bhar ([email protected]).

Start the survey

Closes 31 January 2026

Recruitment for research study into psychodynamic psychotherapy for complex trauma or C-PTSD

• Are you a registered mental health clinician residing in Australia? 
• Are you trained and practice in Contemporary (Relational) Psychodynamic Psychotherapy?
• Treat complex trauma disorders &/or C-PTSD?

You are invited to take part in a Qualitative project exploring your perspectives & experiences on diagnostic systems and therapeutic practice using Relational Psychodynamic Psychotherapy approaches for treatment of complex trauma disorders &/or C-PTSD.

This research is conducted by Ms Stacey-Kim Coleman under the supervision of Dr. Lynlee Howard-Payne of the Discipline of Psychological Science at the ACAP University College. Stacey-Kim is completing her research as part of her BPsychSc(Hons) degree at ACAP University College.

You can take part in this research if you: 

• Are a registered psychiatrist, psychologist, psychotherapist or other allied health clinician. 
• Have trained at minimum at a master’s level clinical training in any psychodynamic/psychoanalytical modality; or post grad, for a 1-year relational psychodynamic psychotherapy training program; or a 2-year relational psychodynamic registrar program; or a full four to five-year psychoanalytic training program for psychoanalysts; or anything in-between.
• Work with complex trauma &/or C-PTSD.
• Reside in Australia.
• Have no personal relationship with the researchers.

If you are interested, you would complete a 45 – 60-minute interview with Stacey via Zoom with wait room and passcode enabled. 

If you would like more information please e-mail Stacey-Kim Coleman [email protected] and I will send you an information pack! 

This research has been approved by the ACAP University College Human Research Ethics Committee (EC00447) (Approval Number: 959281025). For concerns about ethical aspects of this research, please contact the ACAP University College HREC: [email protected]

Closes 30 April 2026

What is this study about?
Coaching helps address work and life challenges that may arise for individuals at some point in their lives. This study aims to survey individuals who have received coaching and those who have not. The study will explore the type of coaching that is provided to individuals, whether this is done at a personal or team level, and explore the tools, approaches, techniques, and models that coaches use when interacting with their clients. 

Who can participate?
Individuals are invited to participate if they:

• have or have not received coaching
• are employed for 2 days or more per week and
• are 18 years and older.

What is involved?
If you agree to participate, you will be asked to complete an online survey that will take approximately 30 to 40 minutes of your time. 

To participate or for further information click on the "Start the survey" link below.

Start the survey

Closes 30 January 2026

Healthcare Professional Survey

Invitation to complete a survey regarding care after sudden cardiac arrest in the young (<50 years).

You are invited to join our research study IMPROVE SCA; Improving outcomes and survivorship following sudden cardiac arrest in the young. This study aims to understand the current services available to individuals and families after sudden cardiac arrest regardless of the outcome.

We invite you to complete a survey for healthcare professionals to identify current clinical pathways and any potential barriers to services.

The survey should take approximately 20 minutes to complete.

If you are interested in participating, please click the "Start the survey" link below which will take you to the online participant information sheet and electronic consent form prior to the survey. 

If you have further questions, please contact Laura Yeates at [email protected].
Thank you in advance.

Start the survey

Closes 31 December 2025

This research aims to explore the experience of early career psychologists to further understand their challenges and their use of self-compassion. We hope this study adds to existing research informing changes to the postgraduate curriculum by including a greater focus on the stresses and challenges of becoming a psychologist and by incorporating self-compassion training workshops.

We invite Australian psychologists (who have received their full registration from AHPRA in the last 5 years) to participate. Provisionally registered psychologists are not eligible for this particular study (due to potentially confounding effects of their study commitments).

If you agree to participate, you will be directed to complete an initial online survey which will ask for demographic information and for preferred contact details. A member of the research team will then contact you to arrange a suitable time for an online interview to be conducted via Microsoft Teams (expected to take approximately 45-60 minutes.)

Some examples of the type of questions you will be asked include:
•What does self-compassion mean to you in your role?
•Can you tell me about any professional challenges you’ve experiences in your first x years of practice?
•Are there particular coping strategies you use as an early career psychologist?

To participate click on the "Start the survey" link below or for further information see contact details.

Researcher contact details
Stacey Freebody, CMI academic: [email protected]

Start the survey

Closes 31 December 2025

We’re looking for psychologists and other mental health clinicians who work with adolescents (ages 13–18), and have a wait time of at least two weeks to take part in research.

This study, led by Flinders University researchers, aims to understand what clinicians think adolescents and their families need while waiting to begin mental health treatment. 

We want to hear your views about what support would be most helpful to adolescents during this time. Your insights will help guide better practices and service improvements. 

What is involved?

Participation involves a 30-minute interview via Microsoft Teams.
You’ll be asked about:
 *The impact of wait times on you, your adolescent clients, and their families.
 *The types of supports your adolescent clients and their families may benefit from receiving during the wait.
Participants will receive a $50 gift voucher.

This project has been approved by the Flinders University Human Research Ethics Committee (Project ID: 8819).

For more information and to express your interest in an interview, please click “Start the survey” below.

If you have any questions about the study, you can contact us at [email protected]

Start the survey

Closes 31 December 2025

Do you facilitate programs for autistic children aged 10-14?

We want to hear about your experiences with autism programs. We are conducting a study to understand what is working, and what’s not, in programs for autistic children. Your insights are invaluable in shaping better support for the future.

What’s involved?
• Step 1: Complete an anonymous online survey (approx. 30 minutes)
• Step 2 (Optional): Participate in an online interview via Zoom to share more about your experiences (approx. 30 minutes)

Participants who complete the study will go into a draw to win 1 of 6 $50 gift cards. We’re offering 4 gift cards for survey participants and 2 for interview participants.

To participate click on the "Start the survey" link below.

Start the survey

Closes 31 December 2026

We are inviting clinicians involved in the prescription or implementation of digital psychological interventions (e.g., mobile applications, online modules, virtual reality, AI chatbots) for people with chronic pain, to share their experiences as part of a research study.

We hope these findings will help us better understand how these treatments can be of value to clinicians and be effectively integrated into routine care.

Interested in taking part? Please complete the short screening questionnaire via the "Start the survey" link below, or feel free to contact me if you'd prefer to discuss it over the phone: [email protected] 

Start the survey

Closes 31 December 2025

We are inviting individuals working in high-pressure, high-performance, or high-stress environments to participate in a national PhD research study exploring how people perform, adapt, and thrive under pressure.

This study examines the psychological resources that support performance and wellbeing, particularly Mental Toughness (MT), Psychological Capital (PsyCap), and personality characteristics – aiming to develop a unified psychological model relevant to demanding occupational settings.

If you work in sectors such as aviation, elite sport, defence, high-level corporate or leadership roles, emergency services (e.g. paramedics, fire and rescue, police), healthcare (e.g. emergency, ICU, surgery), or other high-performance roles – your insights are highly valuable.

The study is approved by the Bond University Human Research Ethics Committee (BUHREC) and participation is voluntary and anonymous.

The online survey takes approximately 15-20 minutes to complete and includes a brief explanation and informed consent at the beginning.

Your contribution will support psychological science and the development of practical tools to improve resilience, performance, and mental wellbeing in high-pressure settings.

To take part click on the "Start the survey" link below.

For further information contact:
Jennifer Dorling (PhD Candidate, Bond University)
[email protected]

Start the survey

Closes 31 December 2025

I am a clinical psychologist and Board-approved supervisor currently completing my PhD, which aims to better understand and improve the use of LGBTQA+ inclusive practices within supervision.

We need early-career psychologists - provisional and registrar - to participate in an online survey (~15 minutes). You do not need to have specific LGBTQA+ expertise - all experiences are welcome!

We’re looking for participants who:
✓ are provisional or registrar psychologists
✓ are currently training or practising in Australia
✓ have received a minimum of 12 hours over 3 months (or part-time equivalent) of individual and/or group supervision with a Board-approved supervisor

Participants can opt in to win one of two $100 gift cards.

If you meet the eligibility criteria, please follow the "Start the survey' link below! If you know others who might be interested in participating, please share!

Any questions about this study or the broader project can be directed to [email protected]

Start the survey

Closes 31 December 2030

Seeking participants for a research study exploring power in the access and provision of mental health services. Mental health service users frequently report a need for greater authority over their treatment. However, to date, there has been little research on how power dynamics manifest in the clinician and service user therapeutic relationship. Through this research we hope to better understand how power dynamics operate in psychological services from the unique perspective of people who have experience of being both a mental health service provider and a mental health service user.

We are looking for participants who:
• Are an AHPRA registered psychologist (with or without an area of practice endorsement) 
• Are currently working directly with clients 
• Are willing to fill in an online survey taking up to 10 minutes and participate in a 30 to 60 minute interview at a time and place of your convenience 
• Are willing to be audio-recorded throughout your interview 
• Have previous and/or current experience accessing a mental health service in a voluntary and/or involuntary capacity. Access of a mental health service involves contact with one of the following services to address a mental health need: a) admitted patient care in hospital and/or other residential care, b) community mental health care services, c) consultations with specialist medical practitioners, general practitioners (GPs), psychologists, peer workers and/or other allied health practitioners.
• Identify racially as non-white

Participation would involve completing a survey about your experiences accessing mental health services and participation in an interview exploring your experiences and perspectives of power in the access and provision of mental health services. The survey is approximately 10 minutes in length and the interview will be 30 to 60 minutes. Participation in the study would take place online through Qualtrics and via video conference.

Participants in this study will receive a $50 prepaid debit card as a token of appreciation for your time and energy.

Contact Leanna Azoury ([email protected]) with any enquiries, which will remain confidential. 

This research project has been approved by the Swinburne University Human Research Ethics Committee.

Closes 8 March 2026

Do you find your child is watching television while playing on their iPad?
Or Using an iPad while completing their homework?
Do you worry that engaging with many digital devices impacts your child’s learning and focus?

This study aims to understand how factors, such as a child's level of self-control, can influence their use of digital devices and impact their ability to carry out school-based tasks.

By carrying out this study, we will attempt to identify what influences a child’s engagement with screens to better support their development and learning within their environment.

I am currently seeking participants in grades 3-6 in Sydney. 

For further information go to the "Start the survey" link below or contact Ella Tremaine (0430 044 705) or [email protected] or [email protected]

Start the survey

Closes 31 December 2025

Dear APS Psychologists,

Our team at Australian Catholic University (ACU), consisting of Prof Joseph Ciarrochi, Assoc. Prof Baljinder Sahdra, and Farah Gulamoydeen are conducting a survey to explore the use of assessment measures among therapists like you—whether you use them regularly or not at all.

As mental health professionals, you play an important role in shaping the therapeutic landscape. Yet, we know the gap between psychotherapy research and clinical practice can sometimes feel wide, with researchers often focusing on evidence-based tools, while practitioners navigate the complexities of real-world client needs, time constraints, and practical applicability. We want to bridge that gap, and your voice is essential. This is your opportunity to share your experiences, challenges, and insights so we can better understand how assessment tools fit into real-world practice.

To be eligible to participate in this study, you will need to meet the following criteria:
•    You are able to take part if: You are qualified to practice psychological therapy, including those in-training.
•    You will not be able to take part if: You are not qualified to practice psychological therapy, or if you are qualified to practice psychological therapy but did not actively practice.
If you agree to participate, you will be asked to complete a survey that will be conducted online and will be anonymous that will take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete.

For further information and a full description about the study go to the "Start the survey" link below.

As a thank you for your participation and time, you will have the opportunity to win a gift voucher.

This study has been approved by the ACU Human Research Ethics Committee, and the ethics number is: 2024-3852.

Please contact Farah Gulamoydeen who is the Student Researcher via email ([email protected]) if you have any questions about the research. 

Start the survey

Closes 18 December 2025

Do you struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep? 

We are currently recruiting participants to join our free trial of internet-delivered Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for Insomnia. Our Sleep Course is a free, evidence based, 8-week online program designed to support people experiencing sleep difficulties. Built on CBT techniques, this course offers practical tools to improve sleep and mood. 

Learn more and apply via the "Register your interest" link below.

To talk to a researcher about the course, you can email us at: [email protected]

Register your interest

Closes 17 September 2026

The University of Sydney is conducting a trial of a psychological treatment for co-occurring posttraumatic stress and substance use issues in adolescents and young adults aged 12-25 years.

• Eligible participants will be randomly allocated to receive therapy in person or via telehealth.
• Both methods of treatment delivery involve up to 16, one-on-one sessions with a psychologist.
• Sessions are once a week and take about 60-90 minutes and all sessions are provided free of charge.
• In person sessions are delivered at the University of Sydney in Darlington. Telehealth sessions are delivered via video conferencing using the participant’s device.
• Participants can continue seeing their regular health care providers while in the trial when indicated.
• All information provided will remain anonymous and confidential.

To be eligible, participants:

• Must be aged 12-25 years
• Had a lifetime exposure to at least one traumatic event
• Meet criteria for subthreshold or full PTSD
• Have used alcohol or other drugs in the past month and have a history of problematic use
• Be fluent in English
• Be able to travel to attend sessions in Sydney
• Have access to a device for video conferencing

To register click on "Register your Interest" below.

For further information or if you or someone you know is interested in participating, please contact us.

Call or text 0494 394 093 or email [email protected]

Register your Interest

Closes 19 December 2025

Are you a registered Provisional Psychologist or Psychologist (with or without endorsement) who would like to learn more about the emotion of disgust and its contribution to psychological distress?

If so, you are invited to take part in an online study exploring clinicians’ existing knowledge of disgust and offering a 30-minute educational presentation on the topic of disgust and its role in psychopathology. 

The study is expected to take approximately 35-45 minutes to complete. Upon completion, you can enter the draw to win one of three $200 gift vouchers.

I am a Combined PhD/Masters of Psychology (Clinical) student at the University of New South Wales, and this study is part of my PhD research under the supervision of Professor Rick Richardson. If you would like more information, please contact me at [email protected].

To participate click on the 'Start the Survey' link below.

Please also feel free to share the link with any colleagues who may be interested in participating. Thank you!

This study has the approval of the UNSW Human Research Ethics Advisory Panel for the School of Psychology, UNSW.

Start the Survey

Closes 31 December 2025

Orygen is seeking to understand the learning needs of the youth mental health workforce, and we’d love to hear from you!

If you’re a mental health professional who works with young people aged 12 to 25, please share your thoughts in our short survey.

You’ll be helping shape the future of professional development in youth mental health – and you’ll enter the draw to win a $100 gift voucher!

Start the survey

Posted 28 May 2024; Closes 31 December 2026

This project aims to investigate the sociological dimensions of digital health data for sexuality and gender diverse people with complex health needs. It employs qualitative and co-design methods to engage with sexuality and gender diverse people, advocates, clinicians, decision-makers, and health data designers.

The project involves an interview and expects to generate much-needed knowledge about the participation of sexuality and gender diverse people in health data systems, with respect to trust, disclosure, stigma and prejudice.

Expected outcomes include insight for enhancing health data systems for sexuality and gender diverse people. This project should provide significant benefits for the promotion of inclusive, safe and useful health data systems. The research is funded by the Australian Research Council (DP230100245).

If you are interested in participating or wish to learn more about this study, please contact A/Prof Mark Davis at [email protected].

Posted 26 March 2024; Closes 15 February 2028

We are seeking participants with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) to participate in a study investigating the acceptability and feasibility of a stepped care cognitive-behavioural treatment.

The treatment involves two steps. In the first step participants complete an 8-week cognitive behaviour therapy workbook with email support from a psychologist.

Participants whose symptoms do not improve will progress onto the second step of the stepped care treatment. In the second step participants will receive 8 weekly cognitive behaviour therapy sessions with a psychologist delivered in real-time via a videoconferencing platform.  

To be eligible participants must be:

• Australian resident
• English speaking
• Aged 18 years or older
• Have regular access to the internet and a computer with a camera
• Meet criteria for obsessive-compulsive disorder.

The treatment is provided free of charge.

For more information, please contact the Chief Investigator of the study, Associate Professor Bethany Wootton via email: [email protected]

This study is approved by the University of Technology Sydney Health and Medical Research Ethics Committee. Approval Number: UTS HREC REF NO. ETH22-7391. Valid to: 15/02/2028

Start the survey

Posted 20 February 2024; Closes 29 January 2029

Seeking clinicians working with middle-aged and older adults: Help us better understand the role of telehealth in cognitive assessment.

The study is being conducted by researchers at the Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health at Monash University.

If you are a clinician (psychologist, allied health worker, nurse, or medical specialist) who has experience in the use of telehealth with middle-aged to older adults and/or the provision of cognitive assessment with this demographic, we would love to hear from you.

Participation involves the completion of a short (10 minute) survey and it is hoped that the results of this study will help us to better understand the barriers and facilitators impacting the use of remote cognitive assessment with middle-aged and older adults.

For more information, including a full description of the project, or to participate in the survey, please click on the survey link below.

If you have any questions about this research project please contact us via email: [email protected].

This study has been approved by the Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee (MUHREC Project ID 41057).

Start the survey

Posted 20 July 2023; Closes 28 March 2028

We are seeking participants to take part in a treatment study investigating the effectiveness of remote psychological treatment for Social Anxiety Disorder.

The treatment is delivered in real-time via an online videoconferencing platform.

To be eligible participants must be:

• Living in Australia
• Aged over 18
• English speaking
• Have regular access to the internet and a computer with a camera
• Have symptoms of social anxiety disorder.

The treatment is provided free of charge and involves 8 weekly sessions with a therapist.

If you would like more information, please contact the Chief Investigator of the study, Associate Professor Bethany Wootton at [email protected].

This study is approved by the University of Technology Sydney Health and Medical Research Ethics Committee. Approval Number: UTS HREC REF NO. ETH22-7803. Valid to: 28/03/2028.

Register your interest

Posted 18 July; Closes 4 November 2026

This project aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of sexual harm in Australian nightlife venues. The project will investigate factors and correlates related to physical and verbal sexual harm victimisation in these venues. The study will examine the relationship between substance use and sexual harm, and also investigate the consequences of experiencing sexual harm within the nightlife context.

The current study will use an online survey design targeted at Australian nightlife patrons, venue workers and live music performers. The information gathered through this project will contribute to the limited knowledge of the area, particularly in relation to venue workers experience of sexual harm. Further, the findings from the proposed study will also likely be used to inform prevention and response strategies within Australian nightlife venues.

Start the survey

Posted 6 July; Closes 23 June 2027

Study description

We are seeking participants to take part in a treatment study evaluating the effectiveness of a one-day cognitive behavioural treatment for anxiety disorders. The treatment is manualised and delivered individually and in person at the University of Technology Sydney. We are pleased to offer free access to this treatment for eligible participants.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible participants must be:

• Australian resident
• Aged 18 or older
• Able to read and write English
• Meet criteria for an anxiety disorder

The treatment is provided free of charge and involves an 8 hour session with a therapist.

Participants will also be asked to complete some online questionnaires before the treatment, immediately after the treatment, and one- and three-months after the treatment. These questionnaires will take approximately 30 minutes to complete. Participants will also be required to complete a diagnostic assessment to ensure that they are suitable for the study. This diagnostic assessment may take 1-2 hours (however, some participants require more time than this).

Interested participants can read more about the study here: https://redcap.link/onedayCBT

If you would like more information, please contact the Chief Investigator of the study, Associate Professor Bethany Wootton at [email protected].

This study is approved by the University of Technology Sydney Health and Medical Research Ethics Committee. Approval Number: UTS HREC REF NO. ETH23-8102. Valid to: 23/06/2028

Register your interest

Posted 30 November; Closes 12 March 2026

Seeking men (18+) to share their story about looking after their parent/s, whilst growing up. The following statements may apply to you:  

• One or both parents brought their problems to you.
• One or both parents relied on you for guidance, assistance and/or support.
• You were treated by your parents as a ‘spouse’ and/or ‘mate’. 
• Your parent/s expected you to take sides, or resolve their arguments.
• You organised the household; performing house duties and/or looking after siblings, in excess.

If any of the above statements describe your experiences and you are: a male who looked after either your mother and/or father; a female or male who looked after their father. You qualify to participate in an online interview. 

You will receive a $20 gift voucher for your participation. 

If you answer yes to one or more of the above, and you are interested in participating in an online interview please contact Melanie Thomas on [email protected]
 

Published 17 June 2020; Closes 16 July 2027

In attempting to address the problem of increasing mental health issues, session limits on counselling have been imposed by governments, agencies and insurance companies. There has been some research on the impact of session-limited therapy on the therapeutic process and client outcomes, however, no studies to date have focussed on the experiences of therapists working within such a model.

The aim of this study is to give voice to the subjective experiences of therapists providing session-limited therapy, for the purpose of gathering rich, meaningful data to inform future planning and research.

If you are a psychologist, counsellor or social worker, and have membership of a professional body, we would love to hear from you. You must have worked or currently work with clients in a session-limited model. If you decide to participate in this study, you will be asked to volunteer for an interview, which will take 60 minutes of your time. The interview will be conducted online, using Skype, Zoom, Microsoft teams or a similar application.

To participate in this survey, please click on the button below.

Start Survey

If  you have any questions, please contact the researchers Sallyann Richards (email: [email protected]) or Charmonique Leber (email: [email protected]).

This study has been approved by Murdoch University’s Human Research Ethics Committee. If required, verification of approval can be obtained from Dr Hugo Gonzales on 08 9360 6442.