Trudy Meehan

Dr. Trudy Meehan is a Lecturer and Researcher at RCSI's Centre for Positive Health Sciences, specializing in the intersection of art, creativity, and health. She holds a PhD in Social Psychology from Trinity College Dublin and a DClinPsych from the same institution. Her career spans clinical psychology, academic leadership, and healthcare innovation. Previously, she served as Academic Director of Stanford University’s Bing Overseas Study Program in Cape Town and Clinical Director of Crisis Text Line Ireland. Her research explores the therapeutic value of art in mental health, supported by the WHO’s focus on creative interventions. She has curated art exhibitions involving mental health patients and collaborated on arts-based performance projects. Her work bridges clinical practice, positive psychology, and public health policy.

Education:

• B.A. in Applied Psychology, University College Cork (1998–2021)
• PhD in Social Psychology, Trinity College Dublin (2005–2009)
• DClinPsych Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, Trinity College Dublin (2002–2005)

Research Interests: Dr. Meehan focuses on creative health interventions, including art’s role in mental health recovery and healthcare professional wellbeing. She investigates youth mental health, the psycho-social dimensions of health, and neuroscience applications. Her work aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing). Recent projects include studying blue/green spaces’ impact on wellbeing and the therapeutic potential of art in schizophrenia treatment.

Professional Contributions: As Clinical Director of Crisis Text Line Ireland, she developed clinical governance protocols for mental health tech services. Her leadership roles in Stanford’s overseas programs emphasized cultural exchange and academic rigor. She maintains fluency in Xhosa and French, enhancing her cross-cultural collaborations.

Advising & Grants: Supervised a PhD on art’s role in mental health and currently guides a professional doctorate on arts-based adolescent wellbeing research. Though no grants are explicitly listed, her work is likely funded through institutional and collaborative projects.

Labs & Teams: Active in RCSI’s Centre for Positive Health Sciences, contributing to interdisciplinary research on positive psychology and lifestyle medicine. Collaborates with Rhodes University’s Fine Art and Drama departments on arts-in-health initiatives.