Mr Lee Knight

Lee Knight is a formally trained Clinical Nurse Consultant (CNC) who specialises in the field of forensic psychiatry. Currently, Lee is the Academic Program Director for the Mental Health Practice Program at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and serves as a Senior Lecturer in Forensic Mental Health. Lee has over 20 years of experience in the field, including a significant role as the Clinical Coordinator of a large, randomised control study at UNSW from 2013 to 2023. Additionally, Lee holds leadership positions, such as Board Director and Chair of the Clinical Governance and Operations Committee for the Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation (AKKF).

Career Overview: Lee has extensive experience in forensic mental health, combining clinical practice, academic roles, and research leadership. Lee has 16 peer-reviewed publications, and his work has been cited 145 times. He holds specialist qualifications in mental health and forensic mental health, he has managed and led multiple research projects, including a world-first trial on psychopharmacotherapy for violent offenders. Lee’s career encompasses teaching, program coordination, and clinical practice. Lee’s capability is also demonstrated by significant contributions to professional organisations and a robust track record in developing and implementing complex research protocols.

Research Impact: Lee's contribution to innovative trials on psychopharmacotherapy treatment for impulsive and violent behaviours has provided critical insights for novel intervention strategies that can complement traditional criminal justice approaches. His research on predicting attrition among men with a history of violence in clinical trials has informed future study design and retention strategies. His research on the physical health status of individuals convicted of sexual offenses and on self-harm and suicidality among sex offenders underscored the need for targeted interventions. This body of work collectively enhances the understanding and management of mental health and behavioural issues within the criminal justice system to promote better health outcomes and inform evidence-based protocols and policies.

Demonstrated Experience Involving Consumers: Lee has extensive experience engaging consumers, particularly within the criminal justice system. For instance, as Clinical Coordinator for the ReINVEST trial, he worked directly with violent offenders, ensuring their active participation and adjusting strategies appropriately. In his clinical practice, Lee also regularly provides treatment and management for clients with both general mental health issues as well as complicated, unusual or forensic mental health needs. As part of his clinical and research positions, Lee also has excellent working relationships with both public and private mental health providers, legal organisations, researchers and academic institutions.

Professional Leadership: Lee holds leadership positions through roles in academia, clinical practice, and professional organisations. During the ReINVEST trial, Lee was responsible for training the trial clinical team in general and forensic mental health assessment, referral, treatment, trial design, data collection and prioritising needs. He was the lead clinician tasked with determining the follow up needs of participants, which may be outside the scope of the research, whilst maintaining safe and ethical boundaries. As the Academic Program Director for the Mental Health Practice Program and Senior Lecturer in Forensic Mental Health at UNSW, he convenes and teaches several clinical courses in forensic mental health. Lee's leadership extends to significant contributions to professional bodies, such as the Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation and the Australian Association for Primary Mental Health Nurses, where he has led clinical governance and operations.