We wish to extend a warm welcome to Lena Quilty, PhD, C Psych, who has joined the HRI team as Collaborating Clinical Scientist.
Dr. Quilty is a Senior Scientist and Director of Research Training in the Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. She is also an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto.
Dr. Quilty’s applied research program focuses on the role of personality and cognition in depression and addiction. She has led and contributed to numerous studies exploring the efficacy and causal mechanisms of psychological treatments for complex psychiatric concerns, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), motivational enhancement, and compatible approaches. While her early work focused on in-person therapies for depression, her research has since expanded to include digital interventions, including CBT and mindfulness, in patients with a range of co-occurring disorders.
Dr. Quilty has led studies investigating risk and resilience factors related to mental health outcomes, and she has contributed to projects aimed at improving access to evidence-based treatment, particularly for those who face barriers to standard care pathways. To increase the impact of applied research within the health system, Dr. Quilty also contributes to the development of guidelines, training, and other knowledge mobilization efforts. Her work frequently incorporates evaluation, knowledge-user feedback, and lived experience perspectives.