Sunshine Coast Mind & Neuroscience Thompson Institute

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Professor Jim Lagopoulos is a world renowned neuroscientist and clinical researcher. He is most recognised for his brain imaging research across a range of neuropsychiatric conditions in both children and adults.
Protecting the health and wellbeing of adolescents is the focus of Dr Bridie Scott-Parker’s research, and the team she leads at the Adolescent Risk Research Unit (ARRU). They are currently working on interventions to develop smarter, safer young drivers.
USC PhD candidate Ben Isbel is working with Associate Professor of Neuropsychology and Mental Health Mathew Summers to find a drug-free treatment for dementia, comparing computer-based cognitive training with mindfulness training

Integrating mental health research, clinical services and teaching

The Sunshine Coast Mind and Neuroscience – Thompson Institute is developing into a world-class facility for mental health and neurological research, teaching and clinical services. The institute will enable USC to make a major contribution to the understanding, diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the brain and mind and be at the forefront of vital research for the Sunshine Coast in the areas of ageing, dementia and mental health issues relating to youth and adolescents.

Clinical Services

Psychological services are available to adults, adolescents and children from age 6. The Psychology Clinic team are happy to provide assessments and recommendations in collaboration with GPs, clinicians and other therapists who may continue to work with the children, adolescents or adults who attend the clinic.

A range of psychological problems can be managed by the clinic team including depression, anxiety, grief, trauma and substance misuse. Learn more about the USC Psychology Clinic

Education

The Sunshine Coast Mind and Neuroscience – Thompson Institute functions as an advanced teaching, training and research facility for postgraduate students (Provisional Psychologists) in the Master of Psychology (Clinical) and Master of Professional Psychology programs at USC. Through their training in the Psychology Clinic, Provisional Psychologists develop knowledge and skills necessary to work as professional clinical psychologists.

"Our clinics will provide services based on latest evidence," said Professor Jim Lagopoulos, Founder and Director, "and we will be educating the next generation of brain scientists and specialist doctors."

Advocacy

The Sunshine Coast Mind and Neuroscience – Thompson Institute will advocate for the wellbeing of vulnerable people, including those with mental health issues and their carers by establishing a unique, all-encompassing consumer centre that provides information and pathways to care for patients and carers. The consumer centre will also provide online resources for families and GPs, National youth programs and access to the latest electronic mind tools and resources.

Research

The work conducted at the Thompson Institute is focused around four central themes: (i) The provision of clinical services, (ii) advocacy for patients and their carers, (iii) conducting ground breaking translational research and (iv) education and teaching. This unique integration of themes at the Thompson Institute has been designed to facilitate efficient and fast translation of research breakthroughs into clinical practice.

The Longitudinal Adolescent Brain Study (LABS) is a five-year research project to better understand the adolescent brain.