Dr Hollie Burnett
Senior Lecturer in Clinical Psychology
Biography
I am a Clinical Psychologist, researcher, and lecturer with over 20 years’ experience supporting individuals living with neurological, neurodevelopmental, and mental health conditions. Alongside my clinical role within NHS Scotland, I hold a teaching-focused Senior Lecturer position in the School of Psychology and Neuroscience at University of St Andrews.
I completed my Clinical Psychology Doctorate at The University of Edinburgh and a PhD at University of Hull, funded by the European Science Foundation, exploring how autistic adults think and process information. I have also completed specialist ADHD and autism assessment training at the Autism Research Centre, The University of Cambridge, and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder training at The University of Edinburgh.
Alongside teaching and research, I supervise complex assessments, deliver therapy, and lead the development of post-diagnostic and therapeutic programmes implemented across multiple Scottish health boards. Through my private practice, I provide specialist neurodevelopmental assessments and therapy for adults using a collaborative, compassionate, and neuro-affirming approach.
I am also a proud mother to three sons with neurodevelopmental and complex health conditions, and this lived experience strongly informs my commitment to advocacy, inclusion, and person-centred care.
Teaching and Research Interests
My clinical research focuses on cognitive and emotional differences in autism, neurodiversity, and neurodevelopmental conditions across the lifespan. I have a particular interest in the experiences of women and girls; FASD, ARFID, health inequalities, and the overlap between neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions.
At University of St Andrews, I teach modules on clinical psychology, neurodevelopmental conditions, neuropsychological assessment, mental health, and health inequalities, with a focus on connecting psychological theory to compassionate, evidence-based clinical practice.
Supervision
Due to ongoing clinical commitments and the nature of the work I do within secondary care mental health services, I am unable to supervise students individually or provide internships- although I am happy to provide specialist clinical input to students who already have an academic supervisor in place. I run regular workshops and career sessions for students wanting to learn more about clinical psychology and advice on gaining relevant experience