Bridging the gap in mental health care
Dallas Murphy named a 2024 Vanier Scholar
It’s a concerning trend seen in health care systems around the world and Dallas Murphy is hoping to find a solution.
The doctoral psychology student aims to resolve the “treatment gap” that sees more people suffering from challenges with their mental health than are being treated. This is especially apparent among marginalized communities due to barriers like cost, limited access, and stigma.
“Improving the mental health of others is the reason I chose to pursue a career in clinical psychology,” explains Murphy. “Many people close to me have suffered from challenges with mental health, and I’ve seen the consequences of not receiving adequate care play out in front of me much too often.”
“In this field, it is impossible to ignore the reality that it is extremely difficult to access evidence-based treatment. This inspired me to turn my attention towards developing interventions that that are accessible and cost-effective for broad communities of individuals that are suffering.”
One way to reduce barriers to care and the mental health treatment gap is through online low-intensity self-guided evidence-based treatment programs. The lab of Murphy’s supervisor, Dr. Corey Mackenzie, has developed such a program called CBTm.
It has seen success in reducing symptoms of mental disorders, but it has also encountered challenges common among low-intensity treatments: higher drop out and lower engagement when compared to traditional face-to-face therapy.
For his PhD dissertation, Murphy intends to develop and test a pre-CBTm booster intervention with the goal of increasing engagement, reducing drop out, and consequently improving the reach and benefits of this accessible mental health treatment.
Murphy was recently awarded a Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship, awarded to Canada’s top graduate students for their academic excellence, research potential and leadership. As Vanier Scholar, he will receive $150,000 over three years towards his research.
“When I first attended university, I had to take two years off as I barely made it through my first-year classes,” says Murphy. “At the time I doubted my ability to ever succeed at a post-secondary level. To receive the Vanier Scholarship has made every trial and tribulation along the way feel worth it, and has proven the value of strong mentorship and support.”