Damien Ridge

Professor Damien Ridge is a leading academic in health studies and a practicing psychotherapist at the University of Westminster, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Life Sciences. He is recognized for his qualitative research on the lived experience of chronic health conditions, mental health, and patient-centered care. His work has significantly influenced national health policy, particularly through NICE adoption of his research on depression recovery conducted at the University of Oxford’s Health Experiences Research Group (HERG).

Education and Academic Background:

• Originally trained in medicine before transitioning to social sciences
• Developed expertise in qualitative methodologies and patient experience research
• Established a national and international reputation in mental and chronic illness research

Research Interests:
Damien Ridge’s research spans mental health and recovery, chronic conditions (including HIV, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Long-COVID), masculinities and health, sexual health, and sensitive qualitative methods. His work critically examines patient experiences, therapeutic relationships, and the social dimensions of illness. He employs in-depth interviews, narrative analysis, and ethnographic methods to explore complex health phenomena such as benzodiazepine withdrawal, ECT experiences, and mindfulness in men.

Recent Research Trends:
His recent publications and funded projects reveal a strong trajectory in digital health (e.g., AI chatbots for STI advice), health inequalities (e.g., long-COVID in ethnic minorities), and innovative psychological interventions (e.g., integrating Islamic psychology into therapy). His work increasingly focuses on marginalized populations and the intersection of identity, culture, and health.

Scientific Awards and Recognition:

• H-index of 33 and i10-index of 67
• Over 100 peer-reviewed publications and two books
• Research cited in national clinical guidelines (NICE)
• Extensive funding from NIHR, MRC/ESRC, Wellcome Trust, and other major bodies

Advising and Grants:
Damien Ridge has led numerous high-value research projects, including a £2.5 million NIHR-funded study on cancer rehabilitation (SURECAN) and multiple projects on long-COVID, mental health in men, and digital health interventions. He frequently collaborates with multidisciplinary teams across institutions. While student advisees are not listed, he supervises MSc Psychology projects and contributes to postgraduate training. His research emphasizes participatory and patient-centered approaches.

Labs and Research Teams:
He is affiliated with the Centre for Psychological Sciences and the Supporting Patients with Long-term Health Conditions research group at the University of Westminster. These teams focus on qualitative evaluation of health services, mental health interventions, and the psychosocial aspects of chronic illness. His work is deeply collaborative, often involving partnerships with NHS services, community organizations, and international researchers.