Who we are
The Kidman Centre
We are a non-profit organisation dedicated to the understanding, prevention and reduction of mental health problems in young people aged 5 to 25, so that they can thrive through their formative years.
We undertake ‘real world’ research to both validate and improve the evidence-based mental health treatments available to young people. We know that getting evidence-based psychological support to young people early is the key to preventing the onset of more complex mental health problems down the track.
Our work
- Delivering preventative mental health presentations to students, staff and parents in school settings.
- Providing evidence-based psychological treatment to young people and their families.
- Evaluating treatments through the application of quality research in ‘real world’ community settings.
- Disseminating our research through community outreach, presentations and training other health professionals.
Our history
- The Kidman Centre was established in 1985 under the auspices of UTS by the late Professor Antony Kidman AM. Professor Kidman ran the Centre from its inception until he passed away in 2014.
- Originally known as the Health Psychology Unit UTS, it was renamed in 2018 in recognition of Professor Antony Kidman’s substantial legacy in the area of youth mental health and his commitment to evidence-based treatments.
- Professor Kidman's vision of "an Australia where no child falls through the cracks" continues to guide us in our work today, led by Dr Rachael Murrihy.
- Dr Murrihy, a clinical psychologist who joined The Kidman Centre in 2006, took on the role of Director following Professor Kidman's passing.
Professor Antony Kidman AM
A formidable leader, an enduring legacy
Professor Antony Kidman AM (1938-2014) established The Kidman Centre UTS in 1985, and served as Director of the Centre for approximately 30 years, until his sad passing in 2014.
Professor Kidman had a deep understanding and appreciation of the importance of early intervention in mental health. Under his leadership, the programs and the research conducted by the Centre over the years have focused on youth mental health, including HSC stress management programs, bullying interventions and delivering Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to young people experiencing psychosis. His most recent and ambitious undertaking before he passed away was securing funding to begin research into early intervention for children and adolescents experiencing disruptive behaviour problems.
Professor Kidman was a charismatic man and a talented fundraiser. He raised tens of millions of dollars over the years to support the work of the The Kidman Centre. Professor Kidman was also a clinician and researcher, with internationally renowned clinicians, Professors Aaron and Judy Beck, noting:
Tony was instrumental in the dissemination of CBT to practitioners around Australia through the direct delivery of training, as a researcher and in his role as Founder and Editor of the Clinical Psychologist, the official journal of the clinical college of the Australian Psychological Society. Colleagues around the world will miss him.
In 2005, Professor Kidman was made a Member of the Order of Australia for his contribution to clinical psychology. His academic achievements include 154 journal articles and nine books as well as regular presentations at conferences internationally. He was an early advocate of the self-help movement, translating psychological science into accessible books for the community.
Professor Kidman’s contribution to The Kidman Centre, and to the field of mental health science, was significant, and we continue to honour his legacy today through our work in mental health prevention and early intervention.
