Dr Lou Farrer is a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Mental Health Research in the National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health at the ANU. She graduated with a PhD in Clinical Psychology in 2011. Her thesis examined the effectiveness of Internet-based cognitive behaviour therapy among users of Lifeline’s crisis counselling service.

Dr Farrer’s primary research interests are in the development, evaluation, and implementation of digital mental health interventions. Her research has focused on conducting trials of automated, online therapy programs targeting depression and anxiety disorders. As a clinically-trained researcher, Dr Farrer is interested in the intersection of technology, clinical service delivery, and research, namely, exploring different methods of supporting users of digital interventions, examining factors that predict response and adherence to these programs, and investigating models of disseminating and implementing online interventions in different settings. Dr Farrer previously held an Australian Research Council Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA) to examine how digital mental health interventions are implemented in clinical practice in Australia (2019-2024).

Dr Farrer also has expertise in the mental health of higher education students, and currently leads a program of research involving the evaluation and implementation of digital tools for improving university student mental health. She also conducts research examining the prevalence, correlates, and trajectories of mental health problems in university students.