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Sandra Weineland

Adjunct Senior Lecturer

Department of Psychology
Mail
sandra.weineland@psy.gu.se
Visiting address
Haraldsgatan 1
41314 Göteborg
Postal address
Box 500
40530 Göteborg

Adjunct Senior Lecturer

School of Public Health and Community Medicine
Mail
sandra.weineland@psy.gu.se
Visiting address
Guldhedsgatan 5 A, plan 4
413 20 Göteborg
Postal address
Box 453
40530 Göteborg

About Sandra Weineland

Background

I am a licensed psychologist with a PhD awarded in 2012 and specialist certification in clinical psychology since 2013. I am an Associate Editor for the scientific journal Cognitive Behaviour Therapy.

From 2016 to 2024, I held a central role as a managment advisor and research leader within primary care in Västra Götalandsregionen (VGR), where I was instrumental in developing structures for the management of mental health issues. My work has spanned both clinical care and research, with a consistent focus on placing the patient at the center. Prior to and following my psychology degree, I have worked in psychiatry, social psychiatry, habilitation, health units, treatment centers, and health care centers.

As chair of the Mental Health Council in Södra Älvsborg VGR, I have led efforts to improve access to psychological treatment and successfully implemented internet-based CBT, which has reduced wait times and contributed to a long-term strategy for the professional development of psychologists. As the research platform leader for mental health within Primary Care Research and Development (FoU), I have led several research projects funded by national and regional grants, and I have supervised doctoral students as well as specialists in training.

In addition to my regional role, I have contributed nationally as an expert in the National Board of Health and Welfare’s work on guidelines for eating disorders and obesity, and I have collaborated internationally to advance Swedish mental health care.

My research is characterized by interdisciplinary collaboration, aiming to develop evidence-based, patient-centered interventions that enhance care for individuals with mental health challenges.

Research Focus

My research is centered on health psychology, behavioral medicine, and digital psychology. I focus on the development and scientific evaluation of digital psychological interventions, particularly in areas such as obesity, mental health, and behavior change. This research also involves psychometric analyses to ensure the validity and reliability of measurement instruments. A key aim is to create theoretical models that underpin new treatment methods and to evaluate their effectiveness in patients, both children and adults, who suffer from somatic conditions, eating disorders, pain, migraines, anxiety, and depression.

Teaching

I supervise doctoral students in the areas of psychological treatment and behavioral medicine, and I teach scientific methodology and cognitive behavioral therapy, with a particular emphasis on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).

Current research projects

I lead and participate in several ongoing research projects within both child and adult psychology, funded by sources such as the Kamprad Family Foundation, the Swedish Research Council (VR), and Forte. Some of my current projects include person-centered digital psychological treatment, internet-based CBT for insomnia, treatment of depression in the elderly, children with functional abdominal pain and migraines, as well as the parent education program AFFEKT for children with externalizing behaviors. My ongoing research also includes work on migraines and PTSD.