Nicola Cogan completed her Ph.D. in psychology and social policy/social work (University of Glasgow). She went on to work in specialist mental health services for children and young people before completing a professional doctorate in clinical psychology (University of Edinburgh). She has over 15 years of experience working at the front line of adult mental health services within NHS Scotland, most recently as a consultant clinical psychologist/clinical lead for a specialist veteran service. She is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Strathclyde in psychological sciences in health.