Health Sciences
Susan Metcalfe
Visiting Research Fellow
Profile
Biography
Senior Children’s Wellbeing Practitioner & Clinical Studies Officer
Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust | Associate, University of York
Susan is an experienced Senior Children’s Wellbeing Practitioner (SCWP) and Clinical Studies Officer specializing in the development, delivery, and dissemination of low-intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for children and young people. With a career spanning frontline CAMHS teams and Mental Health Support Teams (MHST), she now bridges the gap between clinical excellence and academic research through her dual roles at TEWV NHS Foundation Trust and the University of York.
Research & Intervention Development
Susan has been a key figure in the ComBAT study (Community-based Behavioural Activation Training) over the last five years. Collaborating with Professor Lina Gega, she co-developed a specialized low-intensity psychological intervention for adolescents (ages 12–18) experiencing depression. Beyond development, Susan led the training and clinical supervision of research sites while maintaining a specialist caseload of study participants.
Currently, Susan is pivoting her expertise in Behavioural Activation to the BEACH study (Behavioural Activation for Haemodialysis), working alongside Dr Claire Carswell and Professor Gega to support recruitment and intervention delivery for patients in renal care.
Specialisms & Dissemination
A passionate advocate for evidence-based treatments for specific phobias, Susan was a clinician for the ASPECT trial (Alleviating Specific Phobias Experiences by Children). Following the study’s success, she has been disseminating findings and providing expert training to CAMHS professionals in One Session Treatment (OST) for specific phobias.
Education & Professional Leadership
- Postgraduate Training: Low Intensity Psychological Interventions (Northumbria University).
- Clinical Leadership: Trained in IAPT Clinical Supervision, providing oversight to junior practitioners and research staff.
- Core Expertise: Low-intensity CBT, adolescent depression, specific phobias, and the integration of research into routine clinical practice.
Qualifications:
- Low intensity Psychological Interventions- Northumbria University (2019)
- CYP-IAPY Clinical Supervision- Northumbria University (2021)
Research
Overview
Susan's research interests are in Children’s mental health - Depression & Anxiety Disorders
Projects
- ComBAT Research project