Sean F. Harper

Dr. Sean F. Harper is an Honorary Lecturer in the Nursing Division at Queen Margaret University (Edinburgh), specializing in psychological services for psychosis and complex mental health (PCMH). He holds dual roles as Programme Director for the South of Scotland Postgraduate Masters Training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and as a Consultant Clinical Psychologist/Professional Lead for Psychosis and Complex Mental Health Services. With 25 years of clinical experience, his work focuses on developing inpatient mental health psychology services, evidence-based interventions, and training programs in CBT and clinical supervision.

His research integrates clinical practice with academic inquiry, addressing the aetiology of psychosis, psychological therapies, and service delivery innovations. Key contributions include pioneering CBT training for remote/rural practitioners, developing Scotland’s national Psycho-social Interventions for Psychosis training, and advancing mental health literacy in educational settings. His publications span CBT efficacy, schema theory in psychosis, and barriers to therapy implementation, emphasizing practical solutions for healthcare systems.

Sean has authored/co-authored over a dozen peer-reviewed articles and presented at national conferences (BABCP, BPS). His training initiatives have trained ~200-250 CBT therapists and expanded access to non-traditional professions like physiotherapy. He remains active in evaluating therapeutic outcomes and improving access to evidence-based care across Scotland.