Ricardo Araya

Ricardo Araya is a Professor in the Department of Population Health at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health. His research spans multiple continents with significant contributions to global mental health, particularly in low- and middle-income countries including Chile, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, and India.

• London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (2012-present)
• Extensive collaborative work with institutions in Chile, Africa, and South Asia
• Principal investigator on multiple international mental health trials

Araya's research focuses on innovative approaches to mental health service delivery in resource-limited settings, with particular emphasis on depression treatment. His work explores task-shifting models where non-specialists deliver evidence-based psychological interventions, school-based mental health programs, and digital mental health solutions. He has made significant contributions to understanding the implementation challenges and effectiveness of mental health interventions across diverse cultural contexts, with a strong commitment to generating evidence that can inform policy and practice in global mental health.

His publication record shows a consistent focus on depression treatment and prevention across different populations and settings. The research demonstrates methodological rigor with numerous randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and implementation studies. His work often addresses the intersection of mental health with other social determinants and health conditions, including HIV, substance use, and adolescent development.

Araya has received recognition through substantial research funding and extensive international collaboration. His work has influenced mental health policy and practice in multiple countries, particularly through the development and testing of scalable interventions that can be implemented in primary care and community settings.

As a mentor and collaborator, he has worked with numerous early-career researchers across multiple continents, contributing to capacity building in global mental health research. His leadership in initiatives like LATIN-MH demonstrates commitment to strengthening research infrastructure in low- and middle-income countries.