Current Environment: Production

Medical Services

Programs & Services

Languages

  • English

Education

Medical School

Loma Linda University

1974, Loma Linda, CA

Internship

Loma Linda University Medical Center

1975, Loma Linda, CA

Graduate School

School of Public Health

University of California Los Angeles

1981, Los Angeles, CA

Residency

Preventive Medicine

University of California at Los Angeles Medical Center

1981, Los Angeles, CA

Residency

General Psychiatry

New York University Medical Center/Bellevue Hospital Center

1986, New York, NY

Fellowship

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center/New York State Psychiatric Institute

1988, New York, NY

Professional History

Reflecting her training in both preventive medicine/public health and child and adolescent psychiatry, Dr. Walter’s clinical innovations have focused on expanding access to health care for children and adolescents through education, consultation, and service delivery in primarily underserved community-based settings. In New York City, she created and evaluated school-based, teacher-delivered preventive interventions to reduce the risk for the future development of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and HIV/AIDS. Subsequently, she focused on the integration and evaluation of preventive, early intervention, and clinical behavioral health services in schools and pediatric primary care in Chicago and Boston.

Dr. Walter has been board certified in public health and general preventive medicine, psychiatry, and child and adolescent psychiatry. She has served as director of school psychiatry at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center in New York, medical director of psychiatric outpatient services at Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago, chief of child and adolescent psychiatry and vice-chair of psychiatry at Boston Medical Center, medical director for behavioral health at the Pediatric Physicians’ Organization at [Boston] Children’s [Hospital], and medical co-director for the Massachusetts Child Psychiatry Access Program. Dr. Walter also chaired the Committee on Quality Issues for the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), which during her tenure published 30 clinical practice guidelines that were disseminated nationally through the Journal of AACAP. For her contributions to the field of child and adolescent psychiatry, AACAP honored Dr. Walter with the Simon Wile Leadership in Consultation Award, the Catchers in the Rye Award, and Distinguished Life Fellow.

Dr. Walter currently has more than 170 print and media publications pertaining to clinical education and community-based participatory research. She attained the rank of Professor of Psychiatry at Northwestern Feinberg and Boston University medical schools, and currently is Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and Senior Attending Psychiatrist at Boston Children’s Hospital. Her current work focuses on the development, dissemination, and evaluation of a new Boston Children’s Hospital website – Building Bridges of Understanding – that provides readily accessible evidence-based behavioral health education to pediatric primary care practitioners, behavioral health clinicians working in pediatric settings, and pediatric patients and their families.

Media

Building Bridges of Understanding

Publications

  1. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor Prescribing Within an Integrated Pediatric Primary Care Behavioral Health Program. Acad Pediatr. 2025 Mar; 25(2):102596. View Abstract

  2. Considerations for Behavioral Health Integration Program Implementation in Pediatric Primary Care Settings: A Qualitative Study. Acad Pediatr. 2023 Oct 27. View Abstract

  3. Pediatric Primary-Care Integrated Behavioral Health: A Framework for Reducing Inequities in Behavioral Health Care and Outcomes for Children. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2023 08; 70(4):775-789. View Abstract

  4. Virtual Collaborative Behavioral Health Model in a Community Pediatric Network: Two-Year Outcomes. Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2023 11; 62(11):1414-1425. View Abstract

  5. Impact of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic on Mental Health Visits in Pediatric Primary Care. Pediatrics. 2022 12 01; 150(6). View Abstract

  6. Clinical Practice Guideline for the Assessment and Treatment of Children and Adolescents With Major and Persistent Depressive Disorders. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2023 05; 62(5):479-502. View Abstract

  7. Utilization and Outcomes of Direct Consultation in a Child Psychiatry Access Program. Psychiatr Serv. 2023 01 01; 74(1):100-103. View Abstract

  8. Clinical Update: Collaborative Mental Health Care for Children and Adolescents in Pediatric Primary Care. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2023 02; 62(2):91-119. View Abstract

  9. Clinical Update: Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Care in Community Systems of Care. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2023 04; 62(4):367-384. View Abstract

  10. Five-Phase Replication of Behavioral Health Integration in Pediatric Primary Care. Pediatrics. 2021 08; 148(2). View Abstract

  11. Clinical Practice Guideline for the Assessment and Treatment of Children and Adolescents With Anxiety Disorders. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2020 10; 59(10):1107-1124. View Abstract

  12. Practice Parameter for the Assessment and Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders in Children and Adolescents With Intellectual Disability (Intellectual Developmental Disorder). J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2020 04; 59(4):468-496. View Abstract

  13. Five-Year Outcomes of Behavioral Health Integration in Pediatric Primary Care. Pediatrics. 2019 07; 144(1). View Abstract

  14. Three-Year Outcomes of a School-Hospital Partnership Providing Multitiered Mental Health Services in Urban Schools. J Sch Health. 2019 08; 89(8):643-652. View Abstract

  15. Factors That Predict the Use of Psychotropics Among Children and Adolescents With PTSD: Evidence From Private Insurance Claims. Psychiatr Serv. 2018 09 01; 69(9):1007-1014. View Abstract

  16. Fostering the initiation of discretionary psychotropic medication reviews by child welfare caseworkers. Child Welfare. 2018; 4(96):23-45.

  17. Enhancing Pediatricians' Behavioral Health Competencies Through Child Psychiatry Consultation and Education. Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2018 07; 57(8):958-969. View Abstract

  18. Forward to the Future: Clinical Updates and Clinical Practice Guidelines. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2017 10; 56(10):811-812. View Abstract

  19. Clinical Update: Telepsychiatry With Children and Adolescents. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2017 Oct; 56(10):875-893. View Abstract

  20. Practice Parameter for the Assessment and Treatment of Children and Adolescents With Reactive Attachment Disorder and Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2016 11; 55(11):990-1003. View Abstract

  21. Receipt of Evidence-Based Pharmacotherapy and Psychotherapy Among Children and Adolescents With New Diagnoses of Depression. Psychiatr Serv. 2016 Mar; 67(3):316-23. View Abstract

  22. Practice parameter for the assessment and management of youth involved with the child welfare system. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2015 Jun; 54(6):502-17. View Abstract

  23. Practice parameter for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with eating disorders. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2015 May; 54(5):412-25. View Abstract

  24. Collaborative care for children with ADHD symptoms: a randomized comparative effectiveness trial. Pediatrics. 2015 Apr; 135(4):e858-67. View Abstract

  25. Practice parameter for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2014 Feb; 53(2):237-57. View Abstract

  26. Practice parameter for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with tic disorders. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2013 Dec; 52(12):1341-59. View Abstract

  27. Practice parameter on disaster preparedness. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2013 Nov; 52(11):1224-38. View Abstract

  28. Practice parameter for cultural competence in child and adolescent psychiatric practice. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2013 Oct; 52(10):1101-15. View Abstract

  29. Practice parameter for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with schizophrenia. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2013 Sep; 52(9):976-90. View Abstract

  30. Practice parameter on gay, lesbian, or bisexual sexual orientation, gender nonconformity, and gender discordance in children and adolescents. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2012 Sep; 51(9):957-74. View Abstract

  31. Practice Parameter for psychodynamic psychotherapy with children. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2012 May; 51(5):541-57. View Abstract

  32. Practice parameter for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with obsessive-compulsive disorder. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2012 Jan; 51(1):98-113. View Abstract

  33. Practice parameter for child and adolescent forensic evaluations. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2011 Dec; 50(12):1299-312. View Abstract

  34. A pilot demonstration of comprehensive mental health services in inner-city public schools. J Sch Health. 2011 Apr; 81(4):185-93. View Abstract

  35. Practice parameter for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with posttraumatic stress disorder. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2010 Apr; 49(4):414-30. View Abstract

  36. Practice parameter on the use of psychotropic medication in children and adolescents. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2009 Sep; 48(9):961-973. View Abstract

  37. Practice parameter for the psychiatric assessment and management of physically ill children and adolescents. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2009 Feb; 48(2):213-33. View Abstract

  38. Practice parameter for telepsychiatry with children and adolescents. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2008 Dec; 47(12):1468-83. View Abstract

  39. Practice parameter for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with depressive disorders. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2007 Nov; 46(11):1503-26. View Abstract

  40. Practice parameter for the assessment of the family. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2007 Jul; 46(7):922-37. View Abstract

  41. Practice parameter for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2007 Jul; 46(7):894-921. View Abstract

  42. Practice parameter for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with anxiety disorders. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2007 Feb; 46(2):267-83. View Abstract

  43. Practice parameter on child and adolescent mental health care in community systems of care. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2007 Feb; 46(2):284-99. View Abstract

  44. Practice parameter for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with oppositional defiant disorder. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2007 Jan; 46(1):126-141. View Abstract

  45. Practice parameter for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with bipolar disorder. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2007 Jan; 46(1):107-125. View Abstract

  46. Teachers' beliefs about mental health needs in inner city elementary schools. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2006 Jan; 45(1):61-68. View Abstract

  47. Practice parameter for psychiatric consultation to schools. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2005 Oct; 44(10):1068-83. View Abstract

  48. School-based prevention of problem behaviors. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2001 Jan; 10(1):117-27, ix. View Abstract

  49. The development, reliability, and validity of a risk factor screening survey for urban minority junior high school students. J Adolesc Health. 1996 Sep; 19(3):171-8. View Abstract

  50. Characteristics of users and nonusers of health clinics in inner-city junior high schools. J Adolesc Health. 1996 May; 18(5):344-8. View Abstract

  51. Carrying and using weapons: A survey of minority junior high school students in New York City. Am J Public Health. 1996 Apr; 86(4):568-72. View Abstract

  52. School-based health care for urban minority junior high school students. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 1995 Nov; 149(11):1221-5. View Abstract

  53. Sexual, assaultive, and suicidal behaviors among urban minority junior high school students. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 1995 Jan; 34(1):73-80. View Abstract

  54. Prevalence and correlates of AIDS-related behavioral intentions among urban minority high school students. AIDS Educ Prev. 1994 Aug; 6(4):339-50. View Abstract

  55. Prevalence and correlates of AIDS-risk behaviors among urban minority high school students. Prev Med. 1993 Nov; 22(6):813-24. View Abstract

  56. Comparison of three theoretical models of substance use among urban minority high school students. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 1993 Sep; 32(5):975-81. View Abstract

  57. AIDS risk reduction among a multiethnic sample of urban high school students. JAMA. 1993 Aug 11; 270(6):725-30. View Abstract

  58. Factors associated with AIDS-related behavioral intentions among high school students in an AIDS epicenter. Health Educ Q. 1993; 20(3):409-20. View Abstract

  59. Factors associated with AIDS risk behaviors among high school students in an AIDS epicenter. Am J Public Health. 1992 Apr; 82(4):528-32. View Abstract

  60. Self-efficacy for AIDS preventive behaviors among tenth grade students. Health Educ Q. 1992; 19(2):187-202. View Abstract

  61. High school students' perceptions of AIDS risk: realistic appraisal or motivated denial? Health Psychol. 1992; 11(5):307-16. View Abstract

  62. Psychosocial influences on acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-risk behaviors among high school students. Pediatrics. 1991 Oct; 88(4):846-52. View Abstract

  63. Risk factors for substance use among high school students: implications for prevention. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 1991 Jul; 30(4):556-62. View Abstract

  64. Steroid use among adolescents: another look. AIDS. 1991 Jan; 5(1):112-3. View Abstract

  65. The association between physical fitness and cardiovascular disease risk factors in children in a five-year follow-up study. Int J Epidemiol. 1989 Dec; 18(4):830-5. View Abstract

  66. Primary prevention of cancer among children: changes in cigarette smoking and diet after six years of intervention. J Natl Cancer Inst. 1989 Jul 05; 81(13):995-9. View Abstract

  67. Cardiovascular risk factor prevention in black schoolchildren: two-year results of the "Know Your Body" program. Am J Epidemiol. 1989 Mar; 129(3):466-82. View Abstract

  68. Primary prevention of chronic disease among children: the school-based "Know Your Body" intervention trials. Health Educ Q. 1989; 16(2):201-14. View Abstract

  69. The development, implementation, evaluation, and future directions of a chronic disease prevention program for children: the "Know Your Body" studies. Prev Med. 1989 Jan; 18(1):59-71. View Abstract

  70. Cardiovascular risk factors among black schoolchildren: comparisons among four Know Your Body studies. Prev Med. 1989 Jan; 18(1):113-32. View Abstract

  71. Modification of risk factors for coronary heart disease. Five-year results of a school-based intervention trial. N Engl J Med. 1988 Apr 28; 318(17):1093-100. View Abstract

  72. Socioeconomic status, ethnic origin, and risk factors for coronary heart disease in children. Am Heart J. 1987 Mar; 113(3):812-8. View Abstract

  73. Blood pressure and physical fitness in children. Hypertension. 1987 Feb; 9(2):188-91. View Abstract

  74. Coronary heart disease prevention in childhood: one-year results of a randomized intervention study. Am J Prev Med. 1986 Jul-Aug; 2(4):239-45. View Abstract

  75. Primary prevention of chronic disease in childhood: changes in risk factors after one year of intervention. Am J Epidemiol. 1985 Nov; 122(5):772-81. View Abstract

  76. Screening for risk factors as a component of a chronic disease prevention program for youth. J Sch Health. 1985 May; 55(5):183-8. View Abstract

My professional life has been guided by my quest to bring the highest quality preventive and clinical care to society’s most vulnerable yet most promising citizens – its children. I am grateful to have been afforded the opportunity throughout my career to help our children build happy, healthy, and successful lives, and to help close the gap between youth needing health care services, and those receiving them.

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