Stefan Westermann

Prof. Dr. Stefan Westermann is a full Professor and Chairholder of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy IV at the University of Witten/Herdecke's Faculty of Health. His academic journey includes a PhD from Philipps-Universität Marburg and habilitation at the University of Bern. With extensive international experience, he has conducted research at Stanford University, UC Berkeley, and Max-Planck-Institut für Mathematik through prestigious fellowships.

His research program focuses on:

• Formal modeling and simulation of psychological processes
• Development of internet/mobile-based interventions
• Interpersonal dynamics in clinical contexts
• Emotion regulation in mental disorders
• AI applications in psychotherapy training
• Psychological mechanisms in psychosis and depression

Recent publications demonstrate his work in computational clinical psychology, with studies on affiliative interpersonality modeling, motive network analysis, and digital interventions for mental health. His research consistently examines how technology and formal modeling can advance psychological treatment approaches.

Professional recognition includes:

• Advanced Postdoc.mobility Fellowship from Swiss National Science Foundation
• Over €1.5 million in secured research funding
• Editorial board membership for Journal of Experimental Psychopathology

As a licensed psychotherapist since 2013, he maintains clinical expertise in behavioral therapy while supervising research associates. He coordinates the DFG-funded Computational Clinical Psychology network and leads international collaborations to advance computational approaches in mental health research.