Dr Andrew Allen | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Dr Andrew Allen

PhD, MPsych(Clin), BSocSc(Psych)(Hons), BSocSc(Psych) | UniSC

  • Senior Lecturer in Clinical Psychology
  • HDR Coordinator
  • School of Health
Email
Telephone
+61 7 5456 5419
Office location
SD-T-2-2.02
Campus
Sunshine Coast

Dr Andrew Allen is a registered Clinical Psychologist and Board-Approved Supervisor under the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. Andrew has worked across public and private sectors, providing psychological interventions for individuals with psychosocial and mental-health difficulties across the lifespan. He has supervised more than 70 provisional and registered psychologists, supporting skill development, ethical decision-making, and reflective practice during internship and early-career stages. Andrew also partners with organisations to design and implement evidence-based wellbeing initiatives.

As a Senior Lecturer in Clinical Psychology at UniSC, Andrew coordinates and teaches across the Master of Psychology (Clinical) and Master of Professional Psychology programs, delivering coursework in ethics, professional practice, psychopathology, chronic disease management, psychopharmacology, cognitive-behaviour therapy, and schema therapy. He has supervised over 50 student research projects (Honours, Master’s, and PhD) to completion.

Andrew’s research advances the understanding of cognitive and emotional mechanisms underlying maladaptive and harmful behaviours, including the roles of desire-related cognitions, metacognition, and early maladaptive schemas. His work also explores resilience and the satisfaction of core psychological needs (e.g., autonomy, competence, and relatedness) as pathways to mental health and wellbeing. His publications extend to human sexuality, encompassing sexual dysfunction and harmful sexual behaviours, to promote sexual wellbeing and reduce the impact of sexual violence. Andrew has authored more than 48 peer-reviewed papers.

Professional memberships

  • Sexual Violence Research and Prevention Unit (UniSC)
  • International Society of Schema Therapy
  • Australian Psychological Society (APS)
  • APS College of Clinical Psychologists
  • Higher Education Academy

Awards and fellowships

  • Outstanding Early Career Learning & Teaching Academic, School of Health, UniSC (2024)
  • Learning & Teaching Excellence Award, Psychology Clinical Team, School of Health (2023)
  • Outstanding Publication Record, School of Health, UniSC (2022)
  • Rotary Scholarship in Postgraduate Studies (2018)
  • Rotary Scholarship in Postgraduate Studies (2015)
  • Prize for Top Fourth-Year Psychology Student, Australian Psychological Society (2014)

Research Grants

Grant/project name

Investigators

Funding body and AUD$ value

Year(s)

Focus of research grant

Review of the Youth Sexual Violence and Abuse (YSVA) Service Model

Nadine McKillop, Stephanie Price, Susan Rayment-McHugh, Lara Christensen, Andrew Allen, Laura Dodds, Bricklyn Priebe, & Dimity Adams

Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services, & Child Safety - $216,260

2025

The review aims to assess the YSVA service model’s appropriateness for diverse users, evaluate its sustainability, and provide recommendations for improvement or recommissioning.

UniSC LAUNCH Pilot Scheme/ Talking Bodies: Exploring Primary School Staff Perspectives on Body Image Promotion

Andrew Allen, Catherine Houlihan, Kathina Ali, Shelley Davidow, & Dan Fassnacht

DVCRI Internal Funding Program, UniSC - A$29,949

2025

This project aims to investigate how primary school staff address body image among students aged 6–12 to promote a positive body image in a school environment.

UniSC ACCELERATE Scheme/ Investigating the Utility of Stymie as a Harm Reduction Tool in Schools

Nadine McKillop, Susan Rayment-McHugh, Andrew Allen, Stephanie Price, Amanda Boyes, Rachel Downie, & Danielle Cathcart

DVCRI Internal Funding Program, UniSC - A$22,019

2024

This project aims to explore the utility and outcomes of Stymie within registered schools as a harm reduction tool for students.

Addressing Critical Psychology Shortages – Postgraduate Psychology Incentive Program, Round 1

Andrew Allen & Mathew Summers

Department of Health & Aged Care - A$133,000

2024

The grant aims to support higher education providers who have created additional postgraduate psychology places in courses that lead to general registration and can lead to relevant areas of practice endorsement.

 

Potential Research Projects for HDR and Honours Students

Dr Allen is open to collaboratively discussing potential research projects with students that align with his areas of expertise and interest.

 

Research areas

  • Schema Therapy
  • Sex and Sexual Behaviour
  • Mental Health and Wellbeing

Teaching areas

  • Clinical Psychology
  • Ethics and Professional Practice
  • Management of Chronic Health Conditions