About us

We pioneer breakthroughs in mental health

Mental health is one of the biggest global health problems facing society today. We are the most productive and influential mental health research institution in England (bibliometric analysis by RAND Europe, 2015) and one of the largest departments specialising in this area in the UK, with over 160 staff. 

We address clinical problems in order to achieve benefits for patients and public health, using insights from basic science. We also deliver innovative teaching, relevant to clinical practice, which is informed by our research. Our research programme is wide ranging and has strengths that include epidemiology, randomised controlled trials, health services research and molecular genetics and includes research into psychosis, depression and intellectual disability.

We have an inclusive, fair and respectful environment in which we support all staff and students to achieve their career goals.

We have active research programme funding from NIHR, MRC, ESRC and medical charities including Alzheimer’s UK.

Our vision is to facilitate and advance ‘bench to bedside’ translational research

From basic science and applied research we aim to have an impact improving clinical practice.

Many of our staff members are practicing clinicians in our partner NHS Mental Health Foundation Trusts. However, at the UCL Division of Psychiatry we do not deliver direct patient care. For further information about the Trusts or if you are seeking clinical help in any capacity, please follow the links below.

• North London NHS Foundation Trust (NLFT): offers mental health, substance misuse and learning disabilities services across north-central London boroughs (Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey, Islington).
• North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT): NELFT provides mental health and community services for people living in the London Boroughs of Waltham Forest, Redbridge, Barking & Dagenham and Havering as well as in south west Essex.
• East London Foundation NHS Trust: Established as a mental health trust covering East London, the Trust now also delivers a range of specialist and community-based health services in Newham.