- Focus our research on preventing and reducing harms to mental health and wellbeing鈥�
- Target our research at real-world application
- Prioritise research on vulnerable population groups, particularly young people who are in a critical lifestage for effective prevention鈥�
- Connect with end-users to co-create and translate our research鈥�
- Utilise multidisciplinary collaboration in our research projects鈥�
- Undertake research relevant to the Canberra regional community鈥�
The Mental Health Harm Prevention (MhhP) research group focuses on harnessing prevention to improve mental health by identifying early risk, strengthening protective factors, and informing effective, real鈥憌orld interventions. Our work responds to the growing demand on mental health services by shifting the focus upstream鈥攖owards prevention, early intervention, and harm reduction across the lifespan.
Our research spans five key thematic areas: early intervention and indicated prevention; risk behaviours (e.g., substance use); environmental stressors and supports (e.g., climate anxiety); parenting and wellbeing; and workforce and system capacity. We place a strong emphasis on young people, families, and those facing increased vulnerability, while also supporting the wellbeing and capacity of the mental health workforce. By employing an interdisciplinary approach to studying real鈥憌orld experiences and evaluating practical interventions, our goal is to inform better prevention, earlier intervention, and healthier communities.
Our team prioritises a multi-disciplinary approach, with our foundation in psychological science. We have expertise in counselling, nursing, occupational therapy, psychology, social work, and sport and exercise science.
Our research is driven by a collective passion to improve the mental health and wellbeing of people in the ACT region and wider Australian communities.
Contact us
Mental health harm Prevention (MhhP)
Faculty of Health
University of Canberra
MhhP@canberra.edu.au
