Dr Leigh Harrington

PhD, PG Dip Clin Psych, MNZCCPsych
Registered Clinical Psychologist

Leigh graduated in 2002 from Victoria University of Wellington with a Post-Graduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology and graduated with his PhD in psychology in 2003.  He has clinical psychology experience working in youth specialty, chronic pain, correctional, and inpatient settings, and has recently begun contracting work with a Primary Health pilot scheme providing clinical psychology input through GP practices in Wellington. In these contexts he has worked with individuals and their support networks living with suicidal ideation and behaviour, including the development and implementation of risk management plans and the coordination of input from a variety of different services.

Leigh has been a contractor for the Toward Well Being (TWB) programme since April 2003. This programme involves the provision of clinical expertise to social workers regarding the identification, assessment and management suicide risk in a high-risk population.  It includes both prevention and postvention components of suicide risk management, as well as promoting overall wellbeing of young people receiving CYF input through training and supervision of social workers.

Leigh has delivered numerous training seminars on suicide assessment and management with both practicing and trainee social workers, and worked with welfare and mental health agencies to enhance understanding and coordination of their respective services. He has a strong research background and has presented internationally at conferences in the areas of cognitive neuropsycholgy and suicide risk assessment.  He also has experience as a university tutor and has worked closely with individuals and with larger groups in both professional and community settings.

Leigh is involved with several community development projects in a Wellington City Council housing complex and has worked with Māori, Pacific Island, Asian and East-African refugee families in this community. Leigh is committed to living and working in a bi-cultural context: he has completed courses in Māori language, society and culture at Victoria University and makes annual weekend stays at a local marae.  He also has experience working as a CYF caregiver.