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Scalable Digital Mental Health Solutions for All
Our research is dedicated to enhancing the psychological well-being of individuals affected by dementia and older adults. We design and evaluate scalable digital interventions aimed at improving access to care and addressing the increasing demands of this population. Our programmes predominantly draw on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and self-compassion-based approaches, empowering individuals to clarify their values, take meaningful action, and embrace difficult thoughts and emotions with self-kindness. We are also committed to promoting inclusivity by reaching underserved ethnic minority groups, who often receive limited formal support.
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Group Leader: Naoko Kishita
View my online research profileI am a clinical psychologist with a PhD in Psychology, specialising in mental health for family carers of individuals with dementia and older adults.
Postgraduate Opportunities
Please get in touch if you would like to discuss potential PhD opportunities.
iACT4CARERS: Empowering Dementia Family Carers with ACT-Based Support
iACT4CARERS is an innovative, eight-session self-help programme designed to support dementia family carers. Rooted in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), the programme guides participants through self-directed activities, complemented by support from NHS staff.
Our initial single-arm feasibility and acceptability studies, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) (PB-PG-0418-20001), demonstrated strong feasibility, with over 100 carers referred in just six months. More than 70% of participants completed at least seven of the eight online sessions. Early efficacy signals showed promising reductions in anxiety and depression, with greater impact on carer anxiety. Acceptability studies also confirmed that iACT4CARERS is culturally appropriate and effectively meets the needs of carers from both White British and ethnic minority backgrounds, helping to overcome barriers to in-person support.
Building on this success, we are now conducting a full-scale randomised controlled trial across England to evaluate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of iACT4CARERS. Funded by the NIHR (NIHR150071), this trial aims to assess the programme’s effectiveness in reducing anxiety, cost efficiency, and its scalability across different healthcare settings. With over 900 carers referred within 14 months—meeting our recruitment target six months ahead of schedule—the study is progressing ahead of expectations. Final results are anticipated in early 2026.
Recent Publications
Kishita, N., Gould, R. L., McCracken, L. M., Khondoker, M., Turner, D. A., Ashford, P.-A., Flanagan, E., Czyznikowska, B., Richmond, E., Riggey, M., Trucco, A. P., Hammond, M., Nautiyal, A., & Farquhar, M., 2024, In: Contemporary Clinical Trials.
Kishita, N., Czyznikowska, B., Riggey, M., Van Hout, E., Richmond, E., Gould, R. L., McCracken, L. M., & Farquhar, M., 2024, In: Cognitive Behaviour Therapist.
Kishita, N., Gould, R. L., Farquhar, M., Contreras, M., Van Hout, E., Losada, A., Cabrera, I., Hornberger, M., Richmond, E., & McCracken, L. M., 2022, In: Aging & Mental Health.
Contreras, M., Van Hout, E., Farquhar, M., McCracken, L. M., Gould, R. L., Hornberger, M., Richmond, E., & Kishita, N., 2022, In: International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being
Contreras, M., Van Hout, E., Farquhar, M., Gould, R., McCracken, L., Hornberger, M., Richmond, E., & Kishita, N., 2021, In: Cognitive Behaviour Therapist.