Matt O’Brien, Senior Children’s Wellbeing Practitioner and Clinical Studies Officer
Biography
I worked as a Senior Clinician in a Mental Health Support Team (MHST) linked with primary & secondary schools and further education for two and a half years prior to this role. I worked in these settings to support children, young people, parents and members of school staff to develop understanding around mental health problems. This was through delivery of consultation and training with school staff, psychoeducational classes, workshops and assemblies with students & and direct evidence based interventions one to one and in small group settings.
Prior to this role, I trained with Northumbria University as a Children’s Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner. I have worked in community CAMHS for two years, providing evidence based low intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. I also completed a post graduate certificate in Clinical Supervision with Northumbria University. In this time I have participated in the Alleviating Specific Phobia Experienced by Children Trial (ASPECT) as a practitioner, providing some of the treatment sessions as part of this research.
Before working in Child and Adolescent Mental Health, I worked with young people and families for the City of York Council. I worked closely with young people and their families in communities across the city to improve outcomes. In this time I worked collaboratively with community groups and third sector organisations to develop and deliver targeted support through youth projects.
Role on ComBAT
Matt will provide teaching around Behavioural Activation to professionals and undertake clinical and caseload supervision. He will also identify recruitment sites and help the wider Research & Development team with the recruitment process.