Tammie Kwek | Psychology | Innovation Trailblazer Award

Ms. Tammie Kwek | Psychology | Innovation Trailblazer Award

Senior Clinical Psychologist at Institute of Mental Health, Singapore

Tammie Kwek Rong Rong, Senior Clinical Psychologist at the Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, is a leading innovator in mental health care, specializing in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and psychiatry. Holding a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from the National University of Singapore, she has pioneered the implementation of the Bergen 4-Day Treatment and Internet-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for OCD, significantly enhancing treatment accessibility and outcomes. Actively involved in multiple local and international research collaborations, her work spans novel therapy delivery models, clinician training, and patient-centered care, with publications in reputed journals such as Frontiers in Psychology and Journal of Behavioural and Cognitive Therapy. A recognized leader and mentor, she serves as Secretary of OCD Network Singapore and has received multiple awards for innovation, adaptability, and excellence in healthcare delivery.

Professional Profile

Orcid Profile | Scopus Profile

Education

Tammie Kwek Rong Rong earned her Master’s in Clinical Psychology from the National University of Singapore, where she developed advanced competencies in psychotherapy, psychological assessment, and research methodologies. She also holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences with Honours in Psychology  from the same institution, establishing a strong foundation in mental health theory and evidence-based practice. Her academic training encompassed diverse therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Schema Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Emotion-Focused Therapy. Tammie has further strengthened her expertise through numerous specialized clinical certifications, covering areas such as OCD treatment, psychosis interventions, trauma therapies, and neurodevelopmental assessments. This rigorous academic preparation has equipped her with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for driving impactful research and delivering innovative, patient-centered mental healthcare solutions.

 Experience

As Senior Clinical Psychologist at the Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Tammie Kwek co-leads pioneering services, including the Bergen 4-Day Treatment and Internet-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for OCD. Her responsibilities encompass delivering psychotherapy across diverse clinical populations, conducting complex psychological assessments, supervising clinical staff and interns, and leading specialized service teams. She has played a pivotal role in integrating innovative therapy models into mainstream practice, improving treatment accessibility and outcomes. Tammie also serves on hospital committees, contributes to clinician training, and develops therapy programs for conditions including psychosis and trauma. Previously, she served as Senior Psychologist, overseeing triage services and co-developing group therapy interventions. Her professional journey reflects a balance of clinical excellence, leadership, and research-driven innovation, positioning her as a transformative force in Singapore’s mental healthcare landscape.

Research Interest

Tammie’s research interests focus on advancing mental health treatment accessibility, efficacy, and delivery models. She specializes in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), psychosis, and trauma, with a particular emphasis on innovative interventions such as the Bergen 4-Day Treatment and Internet-based CBT. Her projects explore novel therapy delivery mechanisms, transdisciplinary approaches, clinician training, and patient outcome optimization. She is currently involved as Co-Principal Investigator in studies on adaptive behavior assessments, predictors of therapy success, and mechanisms of OCD treatment. Additionally, she engages in research on trauma therapies, psychosis management by non-specialists, and digital mental health interventions. Her work bridges research and practice, translating evidence-based findings into scalable, real-world solutions. Tammie’s focus reflects a commitment to leveraging research as a driver for systemic change in mental healthcare delivery.

Award and Honor

Tammie has been recognized for her exceptional contributions through multiple awards. These include the Best Adaptor Medal (Team) at the National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals, the COVID-19 Resilience Medal, and the Allied Health Professional Young Achiever Award. She has also received institutional honors such as the Sayang Award and Excellence in Action Award, acknowledging her dedication to patient care and innovation. Her selection for the prestigious Ministry of Health In-Service Scholarship underscores her academic and professional excellence. These accolades reflect both her adaptability in rapidly evolving healthcare contexts and her commitment to implementing impactful, evidence-based solutions. Collectively, her awards affirm her status as a leader and innovator whose contributions significantly advance clinical practice and mental health research.

Research Skills

Tammie possesses advanced research skills spanning the full spectrum of the scientific process, including study design, ethics approval, grant applications, participant recruitment, and qualitative and quantitative data analysis. She has expertise in randomized controlled trials, intervention efficacy studies, and therapy outcome evaluations. Proficient in conducting structured interviews, focus groups, and psychometric assessments, she integrates robust methodological approaches with clinical insight. Her publication record in peer-reviewed journals, along with her roles as peer reviewer for Digital Health and research project panelist, demonstrate her scholarly credibility. She is adept at translating research into clinical protocols, ensuring evidence-based practices are applied in real-world healthcare settings. Her collaborative research approach, often involving multidisciplinary and international partners, enhances the breadth, quality, and applicability of her work.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Effectiveness and acceptability of Internet-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for individuals with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in Singapore
Authors: T. R. R. Kwek, J. H. E. Yim, E. Andersson, O. Suendermann, M. Subramaniam, E. Yadin, J. Vaingankar, B. Gupta
Year: 2024
Citation: J. Behav. Cogn. Ther. 34(2), 100487

Title: Improving responses to challenging scenarios in therapy: A randomized controlled trial of a deliberate practice training program
Authors: D. Chow, S. H. X. Lu, T. R. R. Kwek, S. D. Miller, A. Jones, M. A. Hubble, G. C. Y. Tan
Year: 2024
Citation: Train. Educ. Prof. Psychol. 19(1), 1–13

Title: A Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) of Clinician-guided Internet-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (iCBT) for Depressed Patients in Singapore
Authors: S. H. Lu, H. A. Assudani, T. R. R. Kwek, S. W. H. Ng, G. C. Y. Tan
Year: 2021
Citation: Front. Psychol. 12, 2833

Conclusion

Tammie Kwek Rong Rong exemplifies the qualities of a clinical innovator and research leader. Her career reflects a rare integration of advanced academic preparation, diverse clinical expertise, pioneering service development, and impactful research. By spearheading initiatives such as the Bergen 4-Day Treatment and Internet-based CBT for OCD, she has improved treatment accessibility and set new benchmarks in mental healthcare delivery. Her leadership roles, mentorship, and contributions to professional networks further demonstrate her influence within the field. Recognized nationally and internationally for her achievements, Tammie continues to shape the future of mental health through evidence-based innovation. With her proven track record and forward-looking vision, she is exceptionally well-positioned to drive meaningful change in both research and clinical practice.