Sarah McDonald

Dr. Sarah McDonald is a Senior Lecturer and Clinical Psychologist at the University of Technology Sydney's Graduate School of Health, specializing in Clinical Psychology. With over 15 years of experience as a scientist-practitioner, she balances teaching, clinical research trials, and private practice. Her work focuses on developing and implementing virtual mental health interventions for various clinical populations including those with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, OCD, neurological conditions, and older adults.

Dr. McDonald earned both her Doctor of Clinical Psychology and PhD from the University of Sydney. Her doctoral research examined the role of body image in predicting outcomes for individuals with diabetes and/or amputation. Following her doctorates, she held post-doctoral positions at the University of Sydney, Macquarie University, and University of Technology Sydney, which helped develop her expertise in virtual mental health interventions and clinical trial management.

Her research spans multiple areas of psychological health, with a particular focus on adjustment to stressful life events, virtual mental health interventions, and staff wellbeing. She has developed expertise in preventative care, stepped care, and transdiagnostic approaches to mental health treatment. Her current research emphasizes staff wellbeing, self-care, self-regulation, and self-compassion, with plans to develop interventions addressing mental health care needs across various industries.

Dr. McDonald's extensive publication record demonstrates a strong focus on internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy, particularly for anxiety disorders and OCD. Her research shows particular interest in treatment efficacy, predictors of outcome, comparing delivery formats (guided vs. self-guided), and understanding barriers to care. Recent work has expanded into staff wellbeing interventions and transdiagnostic approaches to mental health care across chronic conditions.

She serves as Course Coordinator for the Graduate Diploma in Psychology and Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced) courses at UTS Online. Her team has received recognition from the Dean of the Faculty for their efforts in promoting Social Justice and Equity through the implementation of the UTS Indigenous Graduate Attribute.