Ruth Melia

Dr. Ruth Melia is an Associate Professor in Clinical Psychology at the University of Limerick, holding concurrent roles in the Department of Psychology, Data-Driven Computer Engineering Research Centre, and Health Research Institute. She also serves as Clinical Lead and Senior Clinical Psychologist with the HSE Mid West. Her expertise spans digital mental health, suicide prevention, and mobile health (mHealth) interventions. Dr. Melia holds advanced degrees from Trinity College Dublin (Masters in Applied Psychology, Doctorate in Clinical Psychology) and Maynooth University (undergraduate degree), alongside a Masters in Healthcare Management and Leadership.

Her research focuses on leveraging technology to enhance mental health outcomes, including AI-driven suicide prevention strategies and mobile app-based interventions. She leads the SafePlan Research Project, funded by the National Office for Suicide Prevention, and has contributed to national policy through roles on the Sharing the Vision Digital Mental Health Specialist Group and as Chair of Jigsaw’s Quality and Safety Committee. Dr. Melia’s work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals addressing mental health and well-being (SDG 3).

Her recent studies include analyzing crisis text messaging data during the pandemic, evaluating mobile safety planning apps for youth, and investigating suicide risk factors among military personnel. She is a two-time Fulbright Scholar (2016–2017 at Stanford University’s Suicide Prevention Research Lab and 2022–2023 via the HRB HealthImpact Award). Professional roles include editorial work for Clinical Psychology Today and clinical supervision across primary care, CAMHS, and disability services.