Projects per year
Personal profile
Biography
I am a researcher and Clinical Psychologist who is passionate about understanding the factors that contribute to the mental health and wellbeing of all Australians. I am an innovative leader in translating knowledge into evidence-based programs for dissemination in local services and communities, evaluation and implementation science, and working collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders to achieve a high level of program delivery.
I have demonstrated experience in managing large programs of work, including the development and evaluation of evidence-based prevention programs that assist Australians manage and respond to challenges in their lives. I have also co-authored online therapeutic programs for children experiencing clinical anxiety, and for children who are victims of school bullying and experience anxiety. I have expertise in managing large and complex multisite research trials across both academic and industry settings.
In addition to an academic teaching and research focus, I have worked for fifteen years as a clinician in both university and private clinics. Prior to my career in psychology, I worked in the statutory child protection system for more than ten years.
Education/Academic qualification
PhD, The Influence of Social Cognitive Factors and Peer Friendships on Social Bullying in Schools, Macquarie University
Award Date: 20 Apr 2012
Master, Master of Clinical Psychology, Macquarie University
Award Date: 20 Apr 2012
Bachelor, Bachelor of Arts Psychology (Hons), Macquarie University
Award Date: 1 Apr 2003
Bachelor, Bachelor of Arts (Welfare Studies), Western Sydney University
Award Date: 1 Apr 1992
External positions
Conjoint Senior Lecturer, School of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Newcastle
2019 → …
Clinical Senior Lecturer, School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Newcastle
2018 → …
Affiliated Researcher, The Hunter Medical Research Institute
2018 → …
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
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SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
Projects
- 1 Active
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Global Evaluation Implementation Science Partner in Indigenous Social Emotional Wellbeing Portfolio
SALVADOR-CARULLA, L. (CI), FITZPATRICK, S. (CoI), LUKERSMITH, S. (CoI) & WOODS, C. (CoI)
9/12/24 → 30/11/31
Project: Research
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Complex Trauma and Growth in Men Who Have Been Abused as Children and Perpetrated Domestic Violence as Adults
Arrigo, J. L., Rowland, E., Fitzpatrick, S. & McCormack, L., 1 Jan 2026, In: Child Abuse Review. 35, 1, p. 1-11 11 p., e70094.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile -
Co-creating a research-based e-storybook for children coping with parental moral injury: insights from affected communities and partners
Rogers, M., Thorsteinsson, E. B., Johnson, A., Williamson, V., Murphy, D., Greenberg, N., Fitzpatrick, S., Ditton-Phare, P., Sims, M., Hilbrink, D., Jamieson, N., May, K., Coffey, Y., Hébert, M. L., Small, E., Kanard, T., Hosseiny, F., Gossner, M., Grabham, N. & Bhullar, N., 2025, In: Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties. p. 1-18 18 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access3 Link opens in a new tab Citations (Scopus) -
Designing supports for family and friends: Outcomes from an Australian lived experience of suicide workshop
Ditton-Phare, P., Skehan, J., Clark, M., Wilcox, J. & Fitzpatrick, S., 2025, In: Health Promotion International. 40, 1, p. 1-10 10 p., daae196.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
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Domestic Violence, Behavior Change Programs, Positive and Negative Outcomes: A Scoping Review
Arrigo, J. L., Taheri, M., Fitzpatrick, S. & McCormack, L., 2025, In: Psychology of Violence. 15, 2, p. 164-180 17 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile2 Link opens in a new tab Citations (Scopus)142 Downloads (Pure) -
Learning from lived experience: rural older Australians’ perspectives of mental health, wellbeing, and support
Wadsworth, D. P., Cash, B., Robson, K., Tulloch, K., Couper, R., Kolesaric, S., Schaumberg, M. A. & Fitzpatrick, S., 2025, In: Aging and Mental Health. 29, 11, p. 2086-2094 9 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile2 Link opens in a new tab Citations (Scopus)7 Downloads (Pure)
Press/Media
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Reports from Macquarie University Add New Data to Findings in Anxiety Disorders (Longitudinal Relationships Between Social Anxiety, Peer Victimisation, and Perceived Support Among Children)
2/07/26
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media: Expert Comment
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University of Canberra Reports Findings in Mental Health (Sharing knowledge on implementing mental health and wellbeing projects for veterans and first responders)
LUKERSMITH, S. & FITZPATRICK, S.
19/02/25
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media: Expert Comment
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New report shines a light on the complexity of suicide prevention
27/09/23
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media: Expert Comment
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Research on Anxiety Disorders Described by Researchers at Newcastle University (Feasibility and Acceptability of a Novel Online Program for Mental Health Carers)
17/05/23
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media: Expert Comment
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Reports on Bullying Findings from Deakin University Provide New Insights (Burden and Preference-based Quality of Life Associated With Bullying In Children)
22/03/23
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media: Expert Comment