Dr Afsana Faheem is an Assistant Professor at the University of Birmingham (Dubai campus) where she specializes in clinical psychology. Her teaching portfolio has a strong emphasis on culturally responsive care and evidence-based practice. Currently, Dr Faheem's research interest focuses on Artificial Intelligence and Mental Health.
Dr Faheem's academic journey includes a PhD in the UK, where she evaluated the effectiveness of psychological interventions delivered through the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme. Her research focused on cross-cultural considerations and the cultural competence of therapists working with ethnic minority communities.
Prior to her current role, Afsana was part of the Department of Psychology at the University of Bath, where she taught on the MSc in Applied Clinical Psychology. She developed and led modules on diversity and cultural competence and co-led a mentorship scheme aimed at supporting aspiring clinical psychologists from ethnic minority backgrounds.
Her research collaborations span several high-impact projects, including the REFUEL-MS clinical trial with King’s College London, the ROSHNI-2 Trial with the University of Manchester, and work with the Diabetes Research Centre at the University of Leicester. She maintains active ties with the British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) and continues to contribute to the development of IAPT services.
Dr Faheem is deeply committed to inclusive mental health practices and continues to champion equity, innovation, and cultural sensitivity in psychological research and education.
