Nikolaos Boumparis, PhD

About My Work

My research combines technology and mental health care, exploring how digital tools can improve treatment approaches in addiction science. I develop and test evidence-based interventions to reduce the burden of addiction and mental health issues, especially among vulnerable populations. By finding what actually works and why, I aim to create practical solutions with real impact.

I hold a Psychology degree from the University of Crete, a Research Master's in Clinical and Developmental Psychopathology from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, and a Ph.D. from the same university, where my research focused on digital mental health interventions.

Current Positions

• Since 2021, I've been a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Swiss Research Institute for Public Health and Addiction (ISGF) in Zurich. Here, my work centers on evaluating digital interventions targeting addictive behaviors through methods like randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses.
• In 2024, I became the Co-Head of Research and Quality Assurance at the Centre for Child and Youth Forensics (ZKJF), University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich. This position expands my focus to include youth forensic mental health, investigating the effectiveness of therapeutic approaches for young people within the justice system.

My Research Focus

Digital Health Interventions & Addiction

At the ISGF, I evaluate digital tools designed to help individuals modify harmful behaviors and enhance their wellbeing. My interest lies in identifying the factors that contribute to the effectiveness of these interventions and exploring strategies to maintain user engagement over time. My work encompasses both substance use and behavioral dependencies, utilizing clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses to determine treatment efficacy.

Youth Forensic Mental Health

Since joining the Centre for Child and Youth Forensics in 2024, a significant portion of my research focuses on young people in forensic mental health settings. This challenging intersection of youth development, mental health, and legal contexts presents unique research questions that drive my work. I'm particularly interested in addressing addictive behaviors among justice-involved youth, which research shows is highly prevalent: approximately 84% of youth in juvenile facilities report having used drugs at some point and around 60% meet the criteria for a substance use disorder in the year prior to entering custody. Despite these high rates, only about 28% of detained adolescents have ever utilized treatment services. These statistics highlight the critical need for targeted interventions that address the complex relationship between substance use, mental health, and criminal justice involvement in this vulnerable population.

Let's Work Together

I am always keen to connect with fellow researchers, clinicians, and innovators who share interests in digital health, addiction science, and youth forensic mental health. If you have ideas for collaboration or wish to discuss this work, please reach out to me.