Fiona Thomas

Dr. Fiona Thomas is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), Faculty of Arts. Her work bridges clinical psychology and public mental health, with a strong emphasis on culturally-informed practice and community engagement. She is actively involved in research addressing mental health disparities among marginalized and post-conflict populations.

• PhD in Clinical Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University
• MSc in Health, Community and Development, London School of Economics and Political Science
• Predoctoral Residency, London Clinical Psychology Residency Consortium
• Postdoctoral Fellowship in Implementation Science and Evidence-Based Trauma Interventions, joint project between Stanford University and TMU

Dr. Thomas’ research focuses on culturally responsive and sustainable mental health interventions, particularly for communities affected by war, displacement, and structural inequities. She employs qualitative, quantitative, and participatory methodologies to understand trauma, resilience, and implementation challenges in diverse global contexts. Her work emphasizes adapting evidence-based therapies to fit sociocultural realities in both local (e.g., Toronto) and international (e.g., Sri Lanka, Nepal) settings.

Her recent publications highlight a consistent trend in trauma-focused research, particularly examining PTSD, displacement stressors, and culturally adapted interventions in post-conflict regions. She has contributed significantly to understanding how war exposure and ongoing stressors affect mental health, with a special focus on children, refugees, and women of color. Her work often involves mixed methods and international collaboration, reflecting a deep commitment to global mental health equity.

Dr. Thomas has received several scientific awards and research funding, including:

• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship (SSHRC)
• Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplement (SSHRC)
• RBC Immigrant Diversity and Inclusion Project

She is actively involved in mentoring and training psychology students, particularly through reflective supervision practices that support equity and inclusion. Her grants support research on trauma intervention implementation, immigrant mental health, and capacity building in community health centers. Dr. Thomas collaborates with interdisciplinary teams across North America and South Asia, including labs at Stanford University and research groups in Sri Lanka and Nepal, working to improve mental health systems through community-led innovation and evidence-based practice.