Fabian Lenhard

Dr Lenhard is a psychologist and PhD with a primary research aim to increase the availability of effective, evidence-based psychological treatments.

1. Internet CBT for obsessive compulsive disorder in youth
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common mental health problem in childhood and youth. Unfortunately, the recommended first-line treatment, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), is not broadly available. To bridge this gap, we develop and evaluate internet CBT (ICBT), as an accessible and resource-effective solution to reach more children and adolescents in need for effective treatment.

2. Measurement-based care, benchmarking and continuous quality improvements in mental healthcare
Measurement-based care (MBC) is the practice of regularly using mesurements with clients to track and, if needed, adjust the treatment process. There are numerous advantages to MBC, such as better treatment outcomes, fewer drop outs, higher patient satisfaction and better treatment adherence. Aggregated data from MBC enables services to benchmark and compare their outcomes and continuously improve their results. However, implementation rates of MBC are low. The aim of my research in this area is to study the potential of MBC in regular mental healthcare enviroments, with a focus on improvement of treatment outcomes. 

3. Environmental psychology and sustainable behavior change
Representative surveys show that the majority of us are worried about climate change and its current and projected consequences. The aim of this research area is to better understand how environmental changes such as climate change affect mental health as well as to study facilitators of sustainable behavior change.

Dr Lenhard lectures on the topics of measurement-based care, behavioral interventions and the interplay of mental health and sustainable development. He is a lecutrer on the course "Introduction to social, economic and environmental sustainability and health" (KI-31006).