Dr. Pedro Areias Grilo is an esteemed Consultant Clinical Psychologist with a distinguished career spanning multiple sectors, including mental health, neuropsychology, neurorehabilitation, and neurodevelopmental services. His extensive experience encompasses work within community, residential, secure, and psychiatric intensive care settings across the private, charity, and public sectors. Through his clinical expertise, research contributions, and academic involvement, he has established himself as a leader in the field of clinical psychology.
Academic/Professional qualifications
- LicClinPsy, 2000-2005 – Porto University, Portugal
- PgDip Neuropsychology, 2005-2006 – Barcelona University, Spain
- MSc Neurosciences, 2005-2008 – Barcelona University, Spain
- DclinPsy, 2011-2013 – United Kingdom (Statement of Equivalence)
Current Roles and Leadership Responsibilities
Dr. Grilo currently holds a senior consultant post within the National Health Service (NHS), where he is responsible for overseeing psychology services across two counties in adult inpatient mental health. His role involves clinical leadership, service development, and ensuring the highest standards of psychological care for individuals with complex mental health conditions. In addition to his NHS role, he serves as a visiting consultant in the private sector, where he provides specialist psychological assessments, treatment planning, and consultancy services.
Clinical and Supervisory Expertise
Dr. Grilo’s clinical expertise spans a wide range of psychological disciplines, including:
Neuropsychology and Neurorehabilitation: His work in neuropsychology includes the assessment and rehabilitation of individuals with acquired brain injuries, neurological disorders, and cognitive impairments, utilizing evidence-based interventions to improve cognitive and functional outcomes.
Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Dr. Grilo has significant experience working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and other neurodevelopmental conditions, providing diagnostic assessments and tailored intervention strategies.
Forensic and Secure Settings: His contributions to forensic psychology involve working with individuals in secure psychiatric care, assessing and managing complex cases involving personality disorders, psychosis, and risk-related behaviors.
Psychiatric Intensive Care: In high-acuity psychiatric settings, Dr. Grilo plays a pivotal role in developing trauma-informed care approaches, crisis intervention strategies, and therapeutic programs aimed at stabilizing and rehabilitating individuals with severe mental health conditions.
As a dedicated educator and mentor, Dr. Grilo is actively involved in the supervision of trainee clinical psychologists across both clinical and forensic psychology doctorate programs. He provides expert guidance and oversight to postgraduate students, fostering the next generation of psychologists through rigorous training and professional development.
Academic Contributions and Research
Dr. Grilo is a respected academic with numerous contributions to research, including publications in peer-reviewed journals, books, and book chapters. His research interests encompass:
Neuropsychology and Cognitive Functioning: Investigating the effects of neurological conditions on cognition and behavior, as well as exploring innovative interventions to enhance neurocognitive recovery.
Neurodevelopmental Conditions: Conducting research on the assessment, diagnosis, and intervention strategies for individuals with ASD, ADHD, and related disorders.
Brain Injury Rehabilitation: Exploring best practices for the recovery and management of individuals with acquired brain injuries, including the role of psychological therapies in rehabilitation.
Mental Health and the Law: Examining the intersection between psychology, mental health legislation, and forensic assessment, contributing to the development of evidence-based practices within legal and clinical frameworks.
Academic Appointments and Teaching Roles
Dr. Grilo is actively engaged in higher education, holding esteemed positions that allow him to contribute to the academic and professional training of future psychologists:
Visiting Lecturer and Honorary Tutor, University of East Anglia: He delivers specialist lectures on clinical and forensic psychology, neuropsychological assessment, and therapeutic interventions.
Visiting Lecturer, Portuguese Institute of Psychology and Other Sciences: He provides international expertise on topics related to clinical neuropsychology, mental health interventions, and forensic risk assessment.
Commitment to Excellence in Psychology and Mental Health
Dr. Grilo is deeply committed to advancing the field of psychology through clinical excellence, academic scholarship, and leadership in service development. Whether working within the NHS, private sector, or academic institutions, he prioritizes evidence-based, patient-centered care while fostering a culture of innovation and professional growth. His dedication to integrating clinical practice with academic research ensures that his contributions remain at the forefront of psychological science and mental health services.