- Samra, R., Lucassen, M.F.G., Núñez‐García, A., Brown, K.E., Rimes, K.A. and Wallace, L.M. (2024). Adult stakeholders' perspectives on supporting or undermining the mental health of sexual and gender minoritised adolescents. Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice. doi:10.1111/papt.12548.
- Bohr, Y., Hankey, J., Thomas, A., Abdelmaseh, M., McCague, H., Barnhardt, J. … Weiss, J. (2024). A Nunavut Community-Directed Inuit Youth Mental Wellness Initiative: Making I-SPARX Fly. International Journal of Circumpolar Health.
- de Alcântara Mendes, J.A., Lucassen, M., Adams, A., Martin, L., Aicardi, C., Woodcock, R. … Jirotka, M. (2024). Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) and Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) approaches in mental health projects involving young people: a scoping review protocol. Research Involvement and Engagement, 10(1). doi:10.1186/s40900-024-00591-1.
- Brown, K., Lucassen, M.F.G., Núñez-García, A., Rimes, K.A., Wallace, L.M. and Samra, R. (2024). A Web-Based Intervention to Support the Mental Well-Being of Sexual and Gender Minority Young People: Mixed Methods Co-Design of Oneself. JMIR Formative Research, 8. doi:10.2196/54586.
- Garcia, C., Grant, E., Treharne, G.J., Arahanga-Doyle, H., Lucassen, M.F.G., Scarf, D. … Rapsey, C. (2024). ‘We’ll be okay together’: navigating challenges as queer university students in Aotearoa New Zealand. Kōtuitui: New Zealand Journal of Social Sciences Online, 19(2), pp. 190–206. doi:10.1080/1177083x.2023.2235388.
- Witney, T., Gabb, J., Aicken, C., Di Martino, S. and Lucassen, M. (2024). Configuring the digital relationship landscape: a feminist new materialist analysis of a couple relationship app. Families, Relationships and Societies. doi:10.1332/20467435y2024d000000015.
- Khan, K., Hall, C.L., Babbage, C., Dodzo, S., Greenhalgh, C., Lucassen, M. … Hollis, C. (2024). Precision computerised cognitive behavioural therapy (cCBT) for adolescents with depression: a pilot and feasibility randomised controlled trial protocol for SPARX-UK. Pilot and Feasibility Studies, 10(1). doi:10.1186/s40814-024-01475-7.
- Gabb, J., Aicken, C., Di Martino, S., Witney, T. and Lucassen, M. (2023). More–than–relationship quality: A feminist new materialist analysis of relationship quality and the potential of digital couple interventions. Journal of Family Theory & Review, 15(4), pp. 685–705. doi:10.1111/jftr.12509.
- Guntupalli, A.M., Lucassen, M.F.G., Fenaughty, J., Fleming, T., Peiris-John, R., Farrant, B. … Clark, T.C. (2023). Wellbeing and healthcare access for sexuality and gender minority secondary school students with long-term health conditions. Children and Youth Services Review, 155, pp. 107281–107281. doi:10.1016/j.childyouth.2023.107281.
- Garcia, C., Grant, E., Treharne, G.J., Arahanga-Doyle, H., Lucassen, M.F.G., Scarf, D. … Rapsey, C. (2023). ‘Is it worth potentially dealing with someone who won't get it?’: LGBTQA+ university students’ perspectives on mental health care. Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand. doi:10.1080/03036758.2023.2235297.
- Bevan Jones, R., Hussain, F., Agha, S.S., Weavers, B., Lucassen, M., Merry, S. … Rice, F. (2023). Digital technologies to support adolescents with depression and anxiety: review. BJPsych Advances, 29(4), pp. 239–253. doi:10.1192/bja.2022.3.
- Lucassen, M.F.G., Stasiak, K., Fleming, T., Shepherd, M. and Merry, S.N. (2023). Enhancing an online cognitive behavioural therapy intervention for depression: Harnessing the feedback of sexual and gender minority youth to help improve SPARX. Australasian Psychiatry, 31(3), pp. 247–254. doi:10.1177/10398562231153061.
- Samra, R., França, A.B., Lucassen, M.F.G. and Waterhouse, P. (2023). A network approach to understanding distance learners’ experience of stress and mental distress whilst studying. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 20. doi:10.1186/s41239-023-00397-3.
- Bohr, Y., Litwin, L., Hankey, J.R., McCague, H., Singoorie, C., Lucassen, M.F.G. … Barnhardt, J. (2023). Evaluating the Utility of a Psychoeducational Serious Game (SPARX) in Protecting Inuit Youth From Depression: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Serious Games, 11. doi:10.2196/38493.
- Litwin, L., Hankey, J., Lucassen, M., Shepherd, M., Singoorie, C. and Bohr, Y. (2023). Reflections on SPARX, a self-administered e-intervention for depression, for Inuit youth in Nunavut. Journal of Rural Mental Health, 47(1), pp. 41–50. doi:10.1037/rmh0000218.
- Twiner, A., Lucassen, M. and Tatlow-Golden, M. (2022). Supporting children's understanding around emotions through creative, dance-based movement: A pilot study. Learning, Culture and Social Interaction, 37. doi:10.1016/j.lcsi.2022.100659.
- Clark, T.C., Ball, J., Fenaughty, J., Drayton, B., Fleming, T.T., Rivera-Rodriguez, C. … Crengle, S. (2022). Indigenous adolescent health in Aotearoa New Zealand: Trends, policy and advancing equity for rangatahi Maori, 2001–2019. The Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific, 28. doi:10.1016/j.lanwpc.2022.100554.
- Bradshaw, H., Howells, K. and Lucassen, M. (2022). Abandoned to manage the post-Olympic blues: Olympians reflect on their experiences and the need for a change. Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health, 14(5), pp. 706–723. doi:10.1080/2159676x.2021.1993974.
- Lucassen, M.F.G., Núñez-García, A., Rimes, K.A., Wallace, L.M., Brown, K.E. and Samra, R. (2022). Coping Strategies to Enhance the Mental Wellbeing of Sexual and Gender Minority Youths: A Scoping Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(14). doi:10.3390/ijerph19148738.
- Ugueto, A.M. and Lucassen, M.F.G. (2022). Differences in suicidality and psychological symptoms between sexual and gender minority youth compared to heterosexual and cisgender youth in a psychiatric hospital. Children and Youth Services Review, 138, pp. 106504–106504. doi:10.1016/j.childyouth.2022.106504.
- Waterhouse, P., Samra, R. and Lucassen, M. (2022). Distance education students’ satisfaction: Do work and family roles matter? Distance Education, 43(1), pp. 56–77. doi:10.1080/01587919.2021.2020622.
- Lucassen, M.F.G., Samra, R., Rimes, K.A., Brown, K.E. and Wallace, L.M. (2022). Promoting Resilience and Well-being Through Co-design (The PRIDE Project): Protocol for the Development and Preliminary Evaluation of a Prototype Resilience-Based Intervention for Sexual and Gender Minority Youth. JMIR Research Protocols, 11(2). doi:10.2196/31036.
- Lucassen, M.F.G., Stasiak, K., Fleming, T., Frampton, C., Perry, Y., Shepherd, M. … Merry, S.N. (2021). Computerized cognitive behavioural therapy for gender minority adolescents: Analysis of the real-world implementation of SPARX in New Zealand. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 55(9), pp. 874–882. doi:10.1177/0004867420976846.
- Lucassen, M.F.G., Perry, Y., Frampton, C., Fleming, T., Merry, S.N., Shepherd, M. … Stasiak, K. (2021). Intersex adolescents seeking help for their depression: the case study of SPARX in New Zealand. Australasian Psychiatry, 29(4), pp. 450–453. doi:10.1177/1039856221992642.
- Coughlan, T., Lister, K. and Lucassen, M. (2021). Representing the Unseen with “Our Journey”: a Platform to Capture Affective Experiences and Support Emotional Awareness in University-Level Study. Journal of Formative Design in Learning, 5, pp. 39–52. doi:10.1007/s41686-021-00055-9.
- Jones, E., Samra, R. and Lucassen, M. (2021). Key challenges and opportunities around wellbeing for distance learning students: the online law school experience. Open Learning: The Journal of Open, Distance and e-Learning, 38(2), pp. 117–135. doi:10.1080/02680513.2021.1906639.
- Fleming, T., Lucassen, M., Stasiak, K., Sutcliffe, K. and Merry, S. (2021). Technology Matters: SPARX – computerised cognitive behavioural therapy for adolescent depression in a game format. Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 26(1), pp. 92–94. doi:10.1111/camh.12444.
- Samra, R., Waterhouse, P. and Lucassen, M. (2021). Combining and managing work-family-study roles and perceptions of institutional support. Distance Education, 42(1), pp. 88–105. doi:10.1080/01587919.2020.1869530.
- Waterhouse, P., Samra, R. and Lucassen, M. (2020). Mental distress and its relationship to distance education students’ work and family roles. Distance Education, 41(4), pp. 540–558. doi:10.1080/01587919.2020.1821606.
- Merry, S.N., Hopkins, S., Lucassen, M.F.G., Stasiak, K., Weisz, J.R., Frampton, C.M.A. … Crengle, S. (2020). Effect of Clinician Training in the Modular Approach to Therapy for Children vs Usual Care on Clinical Outcomes and Use of Empirically Supported Treatments. JAMA Network Open, 3(8). doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.11799.
- Fleming, T.M., Stasiak, K., Moselen, E., Hermansson-Webb, E., Shepherd, M., Lucassen, M. … Merry, S.N. (2019). Revising Computerized Therapy for Wider Appeal Among Adolescents: Youth Perspectives on a Revised Version of SPARX. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 10. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00802.
- Mavoa, S., Lucassen, M., Denny, S., Utter, J., Clark, T. and Smith, M. (2019). Natural neighbourhood environments and the emotional health of urban New Zealand adolescents. Landscape and Urban Planning, 191, pp. 103638–103638. doi:10.1016/j.landurbplan.2019.103638.
- Fenaughty, J., Lucassen, M.F.G., Clark, T. and Denny, S. (2019). Factors Associated with Academic Achievement for Sexual and Gender Minority and Heterosexual Cisgender Students: Implications from a Nationally Representative Study. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 48(10), pp. 1883–1898. doi:10.1007/s10964-019-01124-w.
- Lucassen, M.F.G., Guntupalli, A.M., Clark, T., Fenaughty, J., Denny, S., Fleming, T. … Utter, J. (2019). Body size and weight, and the nutrition and activity behaviours of sexual and gender minority youth: findings and implications from New Zealand. Public Health Nutrition, 22(13), pp. 2346–2356. doi:10.1017/s1368980019001149.
- Leenaars, C.H.C., Lucassen, M.F.G., Borger, N., Houben, E. and Kalsbeek, A. (2019). Social Jet-Lag in Tertiary Students Following a Modern Curriculum with Few Time-Tabled Contact Hours: A Pilot Study. Clocks & Sleep, 1(3), pp. 306–318. doi:10.3390/clockssleep1030026.
- Chiang, S.-.Y., Fenaughty, J., Lucassen, M.F.G. and Fleming, T. (2019). Navigating double marginalisation: migrant Chinese sexual and gender minority young people’s views on mental health challenges and supports. Culture, Health & Sexuality, 21(7), pp. 807–821. doi:10.1080/13691058.2018.1519118.
- Jones, E., Samra, R. and Lucassen, M. (2019). The world at their fingertips? The mental wellbeing of online distance-based law students. The Law Teacher, 53(1), pp. 49–69. doi:10.1080/03069400.2018.1488910.
- Lucassen, M., Samra, R., Iacovides, I., Fleming, T., Shepherd, M., Stasiak, K. … Wallace, L. (2018). How LGBT+ Young People Use the Internet in Relation to Their Mental Health and Envisage the Use of e-Therapy: Exploratory Study. JMIR Serious Games, 6(4). doi:10.2196/11249.
- Chiang, S.-.Y., Fleming, T., Lucassen, M.F.G., Fouche, C. and Fenaughty, J. (2018). From secrecy to discretion: The views of psychological therapists on supporting Chinese sexual and gender minority young people. Children and Youth Services Review, 93, pp. 307–314. doi:10.1016/j.childyouth.2018.08.005.
- Howells, K. and Lucassen, M. (2018). ‘Post-Olympic blues’ –The diminution of celebrity in Olympic athletes. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 37, pp. 67–78. doi:10.1016/j.psychsport.2018.04.008.
- Utter, J., Denny, S., Lucassen, M. and Dyson, B. (2018). Who is teaching the kids to cook? Results from a nationally representative survey of secondary school students in New Zealand. International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health, 30(3). doi:10.1515/ijamh-2016-0064.
- Fleming, T., Bavin, L., Lucassen, M., Stasiak, K., Hopkins, S. and Merry, S. (2018). Beyond the Trial: Systematic Review of Real-World Uptake and Engagement With Digital Self-Help Interventions for Depression, Low Mood, or Anxiety. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 20(6). doi:10.2196/jmir.9275.
- Gulliver, P., Fanslow, J., Fleming, T., Lucassen, M. and Dixon, R. (2018). Uneven progress in reducing exposure to violence at home for New Zealand adolescents 2001–2012: a nationally representative cross‐sectional survey series. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 42(3), pp. 262–268. doi:10.1111/1753-6405.12775.
- Utter, J., Lucassen, M., Denny, S., Fleming, T., Peiris-John, R. and Clark, T. (2017). Using the Internet to access health-related information: results from a nationally representative sample of New Zealand secondary school students. International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health, 0(0). doi:10.1515/ijamh-2017-0096.
- Samra, R., Cox, T., Gordon, A.L., Conroy, S.P., Lucassen, M.F.G. and Griffiths, A. (2017). Factors related to medical students’ and doctors’ attitudes towards older patients: a systematic review. Age and Ageing, 46(6), pp. 911–919. doi:10.1093/ageing/afx058.
- Lucassen, M.F.G., Stasiak, K., Samra, R., Frampton, C.M.A. and Merry, S.N. (2017). Sexual minority youth and depressive symptoms or depressive disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis of population-based studies. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 51(8), pp. 774–787. doi:10.1177/0004867417713664.
- Chiang, S.-.Y., Fleming, T., Lucassen, M., Fenaughty, J., Clark, T. and Denny, S. (2017). Mental Health Status of Double Minority Adolescents: Findings from National Cross-Sectional Health Surveys. Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, 19(3), pp. 499–510. doi:10.1007/s10903-016-0530-z.
- Burford, J., Lucassen, M.F.G. and Hamilton, T. (2017). Evaluating a gender diversity workshop to promote positive learning environments. Journal of LGBT Youth, 14(2), pp. 211–227. doi:10.1080/19361653.2016.1264910.
- Sundram, F., Hawken, S.J., Stasiak, K., Lucassen, M.F.G., Fleming, T., Shepherd, M. … Merry, S.N. (2017). Tips and Traps: Lessons From Codesigning a Clinician E-Monitoring Tool for Computerized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. JMIR Mental Health, 4(1). doi:10.2196/mental.5878.
- Fleming, T.M., Bavin, L., Stasiak, K., Hermansson-Webb, E., Merry, S.N., Cheek, C. … Hetrick, S. (2017). Serious Games and Gamification for Mental Health: Current Status and Promising Directions. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 7. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2016.00215.
- Lucassen, M.F.G., Fleming, T.M. and Merry, S.N. (2017). Tips for research recruitment: The views of sexual minority youth. Journal of LGBT Youth, 14(1), pp. 16–30. doi:10.1080/19361653.2016.1256246.
- van Lier, L.E., Utter, J., Denny, S., Lucassen, M., Dyson, B. and Clark, T. (2017). Home Gardening and the Health and Well-Being of Adolescents. Health Promotion Practice, 18(1), pp. 34–43. doi:10.1177/1524839916673606.
- Rossen, F.V., Lucassen, M.F.G., Fleming, T.M., Sheridan, J. and Denny, S.J. (2016). Adolescent gambling behaviour, a single latent construct and indicators of risk: findings from a national survey of New Zealand high school students. Asian Journal of Gambling Issues and Public Health, 6(1). doi:10.1186/s40405-016-0017-9.
- Clark, T.C., Lucassen, M.F.G., Fleming, T., Peiris‐John, R., Ikihele, A., Teevale, T. … Crengle, S. (2016). Changes in the sexual health behaviours of New Zealand secondary school students, 2001–2012: findings from a national survey series. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 40(4), pp. 329–336. doi:10.1111/1753-6405.12543.
- Fleming, T., Lucassen, M., Stasiak, K., Shepherd, M. and Merry, S. (2016). The impact and utility of computerised therapy for educationally alienated teenagers: The views of adolescents who participated in an alternative education‐based trial. Clinical Psychologist, 20(2), pp. 94–102. doi:10.1111/cp.12052.
- Denny, S., Lucassen, M.F.G., Stuart, J., Fleming, T., Bullen, P., Peiris-John, R. … Utter, J. (2016). The Association Between Supportive High School Environments and Depressive Symptoms and Suicidality Among Sexual Minority Students. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 45(3), pp. 248–261. doi:10.1080/15374416.2014.958842.
- Poppelaars, M., Tak, Y.R., Lichtwarck-Aschoff, A., Engels, R.C.M.E., Lobel, A., Merry, S.N. … Granic, I. (2016). A randomized controlled trial comparing two cognitive-behavioral programs for adolescent girls with subclinical depression: A school-based program (Op Volle Kracht) and a computerized program (SPARX). Behaviour Research and Therapy, 80, pp. 33–42. doi:10.1016/j.brat.2016.03.005.
- Stasiak, K., Fleming, T., Lucassen, M.F.G., Shepherd, M.J., Whittaker, R. and Merry, S.N. (2016). Computer-Based and Online Therapy for Depression and Anxiety in Children and Adolescents. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, 26(3), pp. 235–245. doi:10.1089/cap.2015.0029.
- Rossen, F.V., Clark, T., Denny, S.J., Fleming, T.M., Peiris-John, R., Robinson, E. … Lucassen, M.F.G. (2016). Unhealthy Gambling Amongst New Zealand Secondary School Students: An Exploration of Risk and Protective Factors. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 14(1), pp. 95–110. doi:10.1007/s11469-015-9562-1.
- Utter, J., Denny, S., Lucassen, M. and Dyson, B. (2016). Adolescent Cooking Abilities and Behaviors: Associations With Nutrition and Emotional Well-Being. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, 48(1), pp. 35–41. doi:10.1016/j.jneb.2015.08.016.
- Lucassen, M.F.G., Stasiak, K., Crengle, S., Weisz, J.R., Frampton, C.M.A., Bearman, S.K. … Merry, S.N. (2015). Modular Approach to Therapy for Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, or Conduct Problems in outpatient child and adolescent mental health services in New Zealand: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials, 16(1). doi:10.1186/s13063-015-0982-9.
- Lucassen, M.F.G. and Burford, J. (2015). Educating for diversity: an evaluation of a sexuality diversity workshop to address secondary school bullying. Australasian Psychiatry, 23(5), pp. 544–549. doi:10.1177/1039856215592324.
- Lucassen, M.F.G., Hatcher, S., Fleming, T.M., Stasiak, K., Shepherd, M.J. and Merry, S.N. (2015). A qualitative study of sexual minority young people’s experiences of computerised therapy for depression. Australasian Psychiatry, 23(3), pp. 268–273. doi:10.1177/1039856215579542.
- Lucassen, M.F.G., Merry, S.N., Hatcher, S. and Frampton, C.M.A. (2015). Rainbow SPARX: A Novel Approach to Addressing Depression in Sexual Minority Youth. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 22(2), pp. 203–216. doi:10.1016/j.cbpra.2013.12.008.
- Cheek, C., Fleming, T., Lucassen, M.F.G., Bridgman, H., Stasiak, K., Shepherd, M. … Orpin, P. (2015). Integrating Health Behavior Theory and Design Elements in Serious Games. JMIR Mental Health, 2(2). doi:10.2196/mental.4133.
- Lucassen, M.F.G., Clark, T.C., Denny, S.J., Fleming, T.M., Rossen, F.V., Sheridan, J. … Robinson, E.M. (2015). What has changed from 2001 to 2012 for sexual minority youth in New Zealand? Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, 51(4), pp. 410–418. doi:10.1111/jpc.12727.
- Shepherd, M., Fleming, T., Lucassen, M., Stasiak, K., Lambie, I. and Merry, S.N. (2015). The Design and Relevance of a Computerized Gamified Depression Therapy Program for Indigenous Māori Adolescents. JMIR Serious Games, 3(1). doi:10.2196/games.3804.
- Clark, T.C., Lucassen, M.F.G., Bullen, P., Denny, S.J., Fleming, T.M., Robinson, E.M. … Rossen, F.V. (2014). The Health and Well-Being of Transgender High School Students: Results From the New Zealand Adolescent Health Survey (Youth'12). Journal of Adolescent Health, 55(1), pp. 93–99. doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2013.11.008.
- Fleming, T.M., Clark, T., Denny, S., Bullen, P., Crengle, S., Peiris-John, R. … Lucassen, M. (2014). Stability and change in the mental health of New Zealand secondary school students 2007–2012: Results from the national adolescent health surveys. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 48(5), pp. 472–480. doi:10.1177/0004867413514489.
- Cheek, C., Bridgman, H., Fleming, T., Cummings, E., Ellis, L., Lucassen, M.F.G. … Skinner, T. (2014). Views of Young People in Rural Australia on SPARX, a Fantasy World Developed for New Zealand Youth With Depression. JMIR Serious Games, 2(1). doi:10.2196/games.3183.
- Lucassen, M.F.G., Hatcher, S., Stasiak, K., Fleming, T., Shepherd, M. and Merry, S.N. (2013). The views of lesbian, gay and bisexual youth regarding computerised self-help for depression: An exploratory study. Advances in Mental Health, 12(1), pp. 22–33. doi:10.5172/jamh.2013.12.1.22.
- Merry, S.N., Stasiak, K., Shepherd, M., Frampton, C., Fleming, T. and Lucassen, M.F.G. (2012). The effectiveness of SPARX, a computerised self help intervention for adolescents seeking help for depression: randomised controlled non-inferiority trial. BMJ, 344(apr18 3). doi:10.1136/bmj.e2598.
- Lucassen, M.F.G., Merry, S.N., Robinson, E.M., Denny, S., Clark, T., Ameratunga, S. … Rossen, F.V. (2011). Sexual Attraction, Depression, Self-Harm, Suicidality and Help-Seeking Behaviour in New Zealand Secondary School Students. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 45(5), pp. 376–383. doi:10.3109/00048674.2011.559635.
- Lucassen, M., Doherty, I. and Merry, S. (2008). Increasing child and adolescent mental health content in undergraduate occupational therapy, social work and nursing programs: Lessons learnt. Australian e-Journal for the Advancement of Mental Health, 7(3), pp. 157–165. doi:10.5172/jamh.7.3.157.
- Lucassen, M.F.G., Robinson, E. and Merry, S.N. (2007). Impact of a Workshop on Motivation to Pursue a Career in Child and Adolescent Mental Health. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 41(7), pp. 618–624. doi:10.1080/00048670701400024.
Contact details
Address
Northampton Square
London EC1V 0HB
United Kingdom
About
Overview
Mathijs (Mat) joined the School of Health and Psychological Sciences at City, University of London in January 2024. Immediately prior to starting at City he was a Senior Lecturer in Mental Health at The Open University (OU), where he was also an OU Open Media Fellow supporting BBC-OU co-productions and free learning via OpenLearn (https://www.open.edu/openlearn/). He originally trained as an occupational therapist and he has worked clinically in mental health services for a number of years in both England and New Zealand, primarily in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services.
Mat's research is designed to help inform others about the mental health needs of under-served populations (e.g., LGBTQ+ people), and to contribute towards enhancing the mental wellbeing of young people, past work has included:
- Various research projects with the University of Auckland's Adolescent Health Research Group (AHRG), where Mat is an AHRG member. The AHRG have conducted the Youth'2000 survey series, which consist of population-based surveys of the health and wellbeing of over 27,000 New Zealand secondary school students, conducted to date in 2001, 2007, 2012 and 2019. Mat's work has involved co-authoring government commissioned reports and authoring peer-reviewed journal articles together with the AHRG team.
- Mat is part of the core team that created SPARX (which has primarily been funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Health). SPARX is a serious game-based form of cognitive behavioural therapy for the treatment of adolescent depression. It was originally developed in New Zealand and it has been tested and enhanced for use in diverse communities and populations. Following clinical trials, it was made freely available in New Zealand in 2014 (https://landing.sparx.org.nz/). Since its launch in New Zealand Mat has been involved in SPARX-related studies in a range of countries including for completed trials in Canada and the Netherlands and for studies currently underway in Australia and the UK (https://digitalyouth.ac.uk/research/research-projects/sparx-developing-precision-digital-cognitive-behavioural-therapy-for-young-people-with-depression/).
- The TrACY Study (funded by the Health Research Council of New Zealand). Mat was the study manager and a post-doctoral research fellow for the TrACY study, which was an exciting collaboration between the University of Auckland and Harvard University and consisted of a rigorous real world clinical trial to test whether training in MATCH-ADTC (Modular Approach to Therapy for Children with Anxiety, Depression, Trauma or Conduct problems) results in the delivery of more evidence-based therapy and better mental health outcomes for children and adolescents than usual care.
- The PRIDE Project (funded by the UK's Medical Research Council) involved co-creating a prototype novel online resource to support the mental wellbeing of LGBTQ+ adolescents. Mat led this study which was completed in December 2023.
Qualifications
- PhD, University of Auckland, New Zealand, 2012
- MHSc (Hons 1st), The University of Auckland, New Zealand, 2005
- PGDipHSc (Child and Adolescent Mental Health), University of Auckland, New Zealand, 2004
- BOccTher (Distinction), Otago Polytechnic, New Zealand, 1997
- Senior Fellow (Reference PR163319), Higher Education Academy, United Kingdom
- Certificate in Tertiary Teaching, Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand
Employment
- Reader in Mental Health, City, University of London, Jan 2024 – present
- Senior Lecturer in Mental Health, The Open University, Aug 2018 – Dec 2023
- Lecturer in Mental Health, The Open University, Aug 2015 – Jul 2018
- Honorary Academic, University of Auckland, Jul 2015 – present
- Lecturer & Research Fellow, The University of Auckland, Aug 2011 – Jun 2015
- Tutor & PhD Student, The University of Auckland, Mar 2008 – Jul 2011
- Service Coordinator & Intern Supervisor, Auckland District Health Board, Sep 2007 – Feb 2008
- Lecturer, Auckland University of Technology, Jan 2005 – Aug 2007
- Occupational Therapist, (Various Trusts in London and Auckland District Health Board, New Zealand), Jan 1997 – Dec 2003
Publications
Publications by category
Book
- JONES, E., GRAFFIN, N., SAMRA, R. and LUCASSEN, M. (2020). Mental Health and Wellbeing in the Legal Profession. Bristol University Press. ISBN 978-1-5292-1074-3.
Chapter
- Fleming, T., Sutcliffe, K., Lucassen, M., Pine, R. and Donkin, L. (2022). Serious Games and Gamification in Clinical Psychology. Comprehensive Clinical Psychology (pp. 77–90). Elsevier. ISBN 978-0-12-822232-4.
Conference paper/proceedings
- Borgstrom, E., Lucassen, M., Jones, R., Amoah, S., Axtell-Powell, G. and Cooke, G. (2020). 8 Life or death decisions: online engagement using film to explore advance care planning. Accepted Oral and Poster Abstract Submissions, The Palliative Care Congress 1 Specialty: 3 Settings – home, hospice, hospital 19–20 March 2020 | Telford International Centre. doi:10.1136/spcare-2020-pcc.29