As of July 2025, APH researcher Annet Kleiboer is the new program leader of the Mental Health program (MH), where she will take over the role from Arne Popma.
Annet is an Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology at the Department of Clinical, Neuro, and Developmental Psychology at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, where she has worked since 2011. She obtained a PhD in Health Psychology from Utrecht University and received specialized training on randomized controlled trial methodology during her postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Edinburgh.
Her expertise lies in evidence-based digital mental health interventions. This is a rapidly evolving field with significant potential to make psychological care more accessible and affordable by reaching larger and more diverse populations compared to traditional face-to-face therapies.
In her research, Annet focuses on designing novel evidence-based digital interventions that empower individuals to self-manage their mental health. Using strategies such as participatory research and cultural adaptation, she is committed to make these interventions relevant and beneficial for populations that are still not being effectively reached. To evaluate the effectiveness of digital mental health interventions, she applies rigorous research methods including the Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) framework, and leverages advancements in data science approaches such as machine learning and network analysis.
In addition to her research, Annet is passionate about education. She is the program director of the Master’s in Psychology and teaches courses on randomized controlled trials, clinical interviewing, and psychopathology & prevention. She is dedicated to foster talent and inspire students and young researchers interested in pursuing research or careers as mental health practitioners in the field of digital mental health.