Clinical Focus


  • School Mental Health
  • Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
  • Cultural aspects of pediatric health
  • Wellbeing Promotion in Youth and Young Adults
  • Therapeutic Alliance in Pediatric Health
  • Faculty development in Postgraduate Medical Education

Academic Appointments


Administrative Appointments


  • Advisory Board Member, Jed Foundation (2020 - Present)
  • Human Biology ( HUMBIO) Curriculum Committee, Stanford University (2019 - Present)
  • Undergraduate Advisory Council, Office of the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education, Stanford University (2019 - Present)
  • Advisory Board Member, National Center for School Mental Health (2018 - Present)
  • Organizational Liaison, Executive Council on School Health, American Academy of Pediatrics (2017 - Present)
  • IntroSem Advisory Board, Stanford University (2016 - Present)
  • Co-chair, Workgroup on Consultation and Feedback, American Assocation of Directors of Psychiatric Residency Training (AADPRT) (2016 - 2019)
  • Faculty Research Fellow, Center for Comparative Studies in Race and Ethnicity (CCSRE), Stanford University (2016 - 2017)
  • Councilor-at-Large, American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) (2015 - 2018)
  • Affiliate Faculty, Center for Comparative Studies in Race and Ethnicity (CCSRE) (2013 - Present)
  • Chair, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Caucus, American Association of Directors of Psychiatric Residency Training (AADPRT) (2013 - 2016)
  • Associate Chair: Education Leadership & Integration Committee, Stanford Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences (2013 - 2015)
  • Co-chair, Schools Committee, American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) (2012 - Present)
  • Director of Training, Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (2003 - Present)
  • Director of School Mental Health Services, Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital (2000 - Present)

Honors & Awards


  • The Roberts Award for Inspirational Mentorship in Academic Psychiatry, The Association for Academic Psychiatry (2018)
  • The Award for Excellence as a Career Role Model, Graduating Fellows 2018; Div of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry; Stanford Univ School of Medicine (2018)
  • The Tall Tree Award, for Exceptional Civic Contributions and Service to the Community, The City of Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce (2018)
  • The Nancy C.A. Roeske Award for Excellence in Teaching Medical Students, American Psychiatric Association (2017)
  • The Sidney Berman Award for the School-based Study of Learning Disorders and Mental Illness, American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (2016)
  • Distinguished Fellow, American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (2015)
  • The Irma Bland Award for Excellence in Teaching Residents and Fellows, American Psychiatric Association (2013-2014)
  • The Award for Outstanding Seminar Series, Stanford School of Medicine, Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (2014)
  • Honorary Service Award (Suicide Prevention and Health Promotion), Palo Alto Unified School District PTA Council, and California State Assembly (2012)
  • Member, American College of Psychiatrists (2012)
  • The Mental Health Provider Hero Award, Santa Clara County Mental Health Board (2012)
  • The Unsung Hero Award, Stanford University Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (2012)
  • Outstanding Faculty Award, San Mateo County Hospital General Psychiatry Training Program (2011, 2006)
  • Award of Distinction for Inspired Mentorship, Committee on Medical Students and Residents, American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (2011)
  • Community Partnerships Award (with Project Safety Net), Stanford University (2011)
  • Outstanding Mentor Award, American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (2009)
  • Teaching Scholar: Harvard-Macy Institute, American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry; Harvard Medical School (January 2007-May 2008)
  • Award for Excellence in Teaching, Stanford University Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (June 2005)
  • Future Leaders in Psychiatry, Emory University (April 2004)

Boards, Advisory Committees, Professional Organizations


  • Panel Member, CA State Superintendent's Student Mental Health Policy Work Group (2012 - Present)
  • Co-Chair, Schools Committee, American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (2012 - Present)
  • Co-Chair, Data Work Group, Santa Clara County Suicide Prevention Oversight Committee (2012 - Present)
  • Steering Committee, Project Safety Net, Palo Alto (2009 - Present)
  • Executive Committee, Health Care Alliance for Response to Adolescent Depression (HEARD) (2009 - Present)

Professional Education


  • Residency: Albert Einstein College of Medicine Office of the Registrar (1998) NY
  • Residency: Albert Einstein College of Medicine Office of the Registrar (1995) NY
  • Internship: Albert Einstein College of Medicine Office of the Registrar (1994) NY
  • Medical Education: Baylor College of Medicine Registrar (1993) TX
  • Board Certification: Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (2002)
  • Board Certification: Psychiatry, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (2001)
  • Bachelor of Science, University of Texas @ Austin, Psychology (1988)

Community and International Work


  • Student Mental Health Policy Workgroup, Sacramento

    Topic

    K-12 School Mental Health Policy

    Partnering Organization(s)

    State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Cal MHSA,

    Populations Served

    All California Youth, ages 5-19

    Location

    California

    Ongoing Project

    No

    Opportunities for Student Involvement

    No

  • Suicide Prevention Oversight Committee, Santa Clara County

    Topic

    Data Wkgrp Co-chair

    Partnering Organization(s)

    Santa Clara County

    Populations Served

    Santa Clara County

    Location

    International

    Ongoing Project

    Yes

    Opportunities for Student Involvement

    No

  • Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS) in SFUSD, San Francisco Unified School District

    Topic

    Structured group psychotherapy intervention

    Partnering Organization(s)

    SRI, Int'l; UCLA; US Dept. of Education

    Populations Served

    Middle school children at 8 schools in SFUSD

    Location

    Bay Area

    Ongoing Project

    Yes

    Opportunities for Student Involvement

    Yes

  • HEARD Alliance (Healthcare Alliance Response to Adolescent Depression)

    Topic

    Access to care, stigma reduction, mental health education,

    Partnering Organization(s)

    LPCH, PAMF, many other local primary care and mental health providers

    Location

    Bay Area

    Ongoing Project

    Yes

    Opportunities for Student Involvement

    Yes

  • Project Safety Net

    Topic

    City of Palo Alto-Palo Alto Unified School District Community Task Force on Suicide Prevention

    Partnering Organization(s)

    Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, AFSP

    Populations Served

    Students in PAUSD and neighboring school districts

    Location

    Bay Area

    Ongoing Project

    Yes

    Opportunities for Student Involvement

    Yes

  • School Mental Health Consultation Service, Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, Mountain View, Los Altos, San Jose, San Francisco

    Topic

    School Psychiatry

    Partnering Organization(s)

    Achievekids, EPA Acad HS, Palo Alto Unif Sch Dist, MtnView-Los Altos Sch Dist

    Populations Served

    Children, teens, and young adults with developmental disabilities

    Location

    International

    Ongoing Project

    Yes

    Opportunities for Student Involvement

    Yes

Research Interests


  • Adolesence
  • Child Development
  • Diversity and Identity
  • Higher Education
  • Immigrants and Immigration
  • Parents and family issues
  • Poverty and Inequality
  • Professional Development
  • Psychology
  • Religion
  • Social and Emotional Learning
  • Special Education
  • Teachers and Teaching

Current Research and Scholarly Interests


Dr. Joshi's teaching and research focuses on increasing knowledge and effectiveness of school mental health, youth wellbeing, positive psychology, pediatric psychotherapy and medication interventions. Areas of study include: the therapeutic alliance in medical care, structured psychotherapy interventions, cultural issues in pediatrics, wellbeing promotion and suicide prevention in schools settings, and faculty development in graduate medical education.

Stanford Advisees


  • Med Scholar Project Advisor
    Cara Lai

All Publications


  • An Exploratory Survey of Career Choice, Training, and Practice Trends in Early Career Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists and Fellows. Academic psychiatry : the journal of the American Association of Directors of Psychiatric Residency Training and the Association for Academic Psychiatry Mann, A., Tarshis, T., Joshi, S. V. 2020

    Abstract

    A pilot survey was created to sample early career child and adolescent psychiatrists (CAPs) and fellows to identify factors contributing to recruitment, satisfaction, and general practice trends.A 44-item survey was developed based on a previous study of early career CAPs and discussion at an early career forum. Participants were recruited at a professional meeting and through emails sent to all 125 US training program directors.Only 184 out of 2209 responses were received. Approximately two-thirds were female and one-third had completed fellowship. Most decided to pursue a career in child psychiatry during medical school and expected full time salaries between $175,000 and $250,000 after fellowship. Forty-five percent owed more than $150,000 in educational debt. The top reasons for pursuing a career in child psychiatry included the following: working with children, working in an interesting field, and helping society. Males (x = 85.7, SD 22.9) compared with females (x = 77.5, SD 25.3) were more interested in pursuing full time work. A higher proportion of participants were confident in prescribing medications (x = 79.9, SD 17.1) compared with providing psychotherapy (X = 63.3, SD 23.9).The vast majority of early career CAPs were recruited during medical school, motivated by altruistic reasons, and rated high confidence in their career choice despite significant student loan debt. Training directors should consider increasing competency in psychotherapeutic skills. Early child psychiatry exposure and a means of addressing physician debt are needed to improve recruitment to this specialty.

    View details for DOI 10.1007/s40596-019-01167-y

    View details for PubMedID 31900876

  • Low-Resource Project-Based Interprofessional Development with Psychiatry Faculty. The Psychiatric clinics of North America Shoemaker, E. Z., Myint, M. T., Joshi, S. V., Hilty, D. M. 2019; 42 (3): 413–23

    Abstract

    Projects done in interprofessional groups can foster faculty development with minimal resources beyond what is already available at the university or medical center. Each project can yield multiple "wins" in individual faculty growth while meeting the needs of academic medical centers. These projects can build collaborative skills and a sense of community among faculty, trainees, and staff. The combination of low costs, high yields, and improvements in team skills make these approaches appealing and sustainable in resource-constrained medical centers. The authors describe 4 sample projects and their teams, needed resources, and outcomes.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.psc.2019.05.011

    View details for PubMedID 31358121

  • Teaching Well-Being: From Kindergarten to Child Psychiatry Fellowship Programs. Child and adolescent psychiatric clinics of North America Rettew, D. C., Satz, I., Joshi, S. V. 2019; 28 (2): 267–80

    Abstract

    Psychiatric training for medical students, residents, and fellows can integrate well-being principles to improve mental health. From preschool to college, principles of wellness and health promotion are increasingly prevalent and are showing promising results. Courses on happiness and well-being have been embraced at colleges and universities. Well-being is now a required component of child and adolescent psychiatry training. Training residents and fellows in emotional and behavioral well-being requires incorporation into clinical supervision and the overall culture and infrastructure of the training program.

    View details for PubMedID 30832957

  • The Use of Technology by Youth: Implications for Psychiatric Educators ACADEMIC PSYCHIATRY Joshi, S. V., Stubbe, D., Li, S. T., Hilty, D. M. 2019; 43 (1): 101–9
  • Guest Editors' Introduction to Special Issue on Advancing our Understanding of Suicide among Asian Americans Asian American Journal of Psychology Leong, F. T., Chu, J., Joshi, S. V. 2019; 9 (4): 247-251
  • Developmental approaches to professional development. Psychiatric Clinics of North America Teshima, J., Seritan, A., Joshi, S. V., Hilty, D. 2019; in press
  • Summer support in SBHC’s for students with mental health need needs AAP Council on School Health Joshi, S. V., Ladegard, K. 2019; in press
  • Youth Depression in School Settings: Assessment, Interventions, and Prevention. Child and adolescent psychiatric clinics of North America Joshi, S. V., Jassim, N., Mani, N. 2019; 28 (3): 349–62

    Abstract

    In this article, the authors make a compelling case that all clinicians who treat youth with depressive disorders should embrace strategies to engage with school staff to best serve their patients in the classroom. Because these disorders have a high incidence in the school population (13% of US teens experienced at least 1 major depressive episode in 2016), this can affect learning, social interactions, and classroom engagement. Several approaches are highlighted for assessment of depressive symptoms, intervention and treatment in school settings, and prevention strategies, including depression education curricula and programs promoting subjective well-being, such as positive psychology and mindfulness.

    View details for PubMedID 31076113

  • Hidden Suicidal Ideation or Intent Among Asian American Pacific Islanders: A Cultural Phenomenon Associated With Greater Suicide Severity ASIAN AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY Chu, J., Lin, M., Akutsu, P. D., Joshi, S. V., Yang, L. H. 2018; 9 (4): 262–69

    View details for DOI 10.1037/aap0000134

    View details for Web of Science ID 000453232100003

  • Recognizing and Referring Children with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Guidelines for Pediatric Providers. Pediatrics in review Wilson, H. W., Joshi, S. V. 2018; 39 (2): 68–77

    View details for PubMedID 29437126

  • Social media/networking as part of e-behavioral health and psychiatric education: competencies, teaching methods, and implications. J Technology in Behav Sci Hilty, D. M., Zalpuri, I., Snowdy, C. E., Shoemaker, E. Z., Joshi, S. V., Mint, M. T., Liu, H. 2018
  • Statement Regarding the National Resident Matching Program Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Match: A Call to Uphold the Gentlepersons' Agreement ACADEMIC PSYCHIATRY Joshi, S. V., Stock, S., Adams, A., Gleason, M. M., Varley, C. K. 2016; 40 (3): 552-554

    View details for DOI 10.1007/s40596-015-0484-9

    View details for Web of Science ID 000376248800036

    View details for PubMedID 27020935

  • School-based Suicide Prevention: Content, Process, and the Role of Trusted Adults and Peers Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America Joshi, S. V., Hartley, S. N., Kessler, M., Barstead, M. 2015; 24 (2): 353-370
  • Does Early Mentorship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Make Difference? The Klingenstein Third-Generation Foundation Medical Student Fellowship Program ACADEMIC PSYCHIATRY Stein, J. A., Althoff, R., Anders, T., Davison, Y., Edwards, S., Frosch, E., Horst, R., Hudziak, J. J., Hunt, J., Josh, S. V., Kitts, R. L., Larson, J., Leckman, J., O'Brien, J., Lowenhaupt, E., Pruitt, D., Malloy, E., Martin, A., Partner, A., Sarles, R., Sikich, L., Wells, L., Kolevzon, A. 2013; 37 (5): 321-324

    Abstract

    OBJECTIVE There is a critical shortage of child and adolescent psychiatrists in the United States. Increased exposure, through mentorship, clinical experiences, and research opportunities, may increase the number of medical students selecting child and adolescent psychiatry (CAP) as a career choice. METHOD Between 2008 and 2011, 241 first-year participants of a program to increase exposure to CAP, funded by the Klingenstein Third-Generation Foundation (KTGF) at 10 medical schools completed baseline surveys assessing their opinions of and experiences in CAP, and 115 second-year participants completed follow-up surveys to reflect 1 year of experience in the KTGF Program. RESULTS Students reported significantly increased positive perception of mentorship for career and research guidance, along with perceived increased knowledge and understanding of CAP. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that the KTGF Program positively influenced participating medical students, although future studies are needed to determine whether these changes will translate into more medical students entering the field of CAP.

    View details for Web of Science ID 000323916200007

    View details for PubMedID 24026370

  • Ethical issues in child & adolescent psychiatry Focus: The Journal of Lifelong Learning in Psychiatry Goldsmith MD, Joshi SV 2012; X (3): 315-320
  • Culture and Development in Children and Youth Child & Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America Pumariega AJ, Joshi SV 2010; 19 (4): 661-680
  • Cultural issues in pediatric mental health (Collected volume of papers) Child & Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America Joshi SV, Pumariega AJ (eds.) 2010; 19 (4; October)
  • Culturally adapted pharmacotherapy and the integrative formulation Child & Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America Malik M, Lake J, Lawson W, Joshi SV 2010; 19 (4): 791-814
  • The supporting alliance in child and adolescent treatment: enhancing collaboration among therapists, parents, and teachers. American journal of psychotherapy Feinstein, N. R., Fielding, K., Udvari-Solner, A., Joshi, S. V. 2009; 63 (4): 319-344

    Abstract

    Research indicates that the therapeutic alliance between therapist and pediatric patient is most effective in the context of a productive supporting alliance--an alliance encompassing the network of relationships among therapists, parents and teachers. In this essay, we develop a model of the supporting alliance, arguing that the child's primary relationships with various parties (therapists, teachers, and parents) imply a set of secondary relationships among those parties (parent-therapist, therapist-teacher, parent-teacher). We review the literature on these secondary relationships, focusing on their nature and discussing the benefits of and obstacles to establishing productive collaborations in each case. We also describe three sorts of pathology that can afflict the supporting alliance as a whole, and discuss the importance of patient autonomy and therapist-patient confidentiality relative to the supporting alliance. Finally, we identify directions for future research and highlight implications for practice.

    View details for PubMedID 20131741

  • Subtypes of pediatric delirium: A treatment algorithm PSYCHOSOMATICS Karnik, N. S., Joshi, S. V., Paterno, C., Shaw, R. 2007; 48 (3): 253-257

    Abstract

    Delirium in adult populations of hospitalized patients has been well characterized into hyperactive, hypoactive, and mixed subtypes. The degree to which these subtypes apply to pediatric populations has yet to be fully demonstrated. In this case report, the authors present two cases of delirium that serve as examples of the hyperactive and hypoactive/mixed types and then discuss treatment. They find marked differences in the response of different delirium subtypes to haloperidol and risperidone and theorize as to the neurochemical pathways by which these pharmacological agents might work. This framework provides an algorithm for the treatment of pediatric delirium.

    View details for Web of Science ID 000246210400010

    View details for PubMedID 17478595

  • Teaching evidence-based psychotherapies CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRIC CLINICS OF NORTH AMERICA Thienemann, M., Joshi, S. V. 2007; 16 (1): 183-?

    Abstract

    Currently our field is actively involved in developing new ways to characterize and treat children and adolescents with psychiatric disorders and in evaluating the effects of our therapies. We also are beginning to examine the effectiveness of our teaching methods. This article presents evidence for, ideas about, and a philosophy to guide individuals who are privileged to train child psychiatrists in psychotherapies. Specifically, it discusses the issues of the evidence base for diagnosis and for nonspecific and specific active elements of child psychotherapy. Evidence for methods of training is presented. The article addressed the need for supervising psychiatrists to keep abreast of developments in teaching methods so that we can best train competent, curious, and compassionate child psychiatrists.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.chc.2006.09.004

    View details for Web of Science ID 000243016300012

    View details for PubMedID 17141124

  • Psychiatric Medications for the Treatment of Pruritus Psychosomatic Medicine Shaw, R. J., Dayal, S., Good, J., Bruckner, A. L., Joshi, S. V. 2007; 69 (9)
  • Teamwork: The therapeutic alliance in pediatric pharmacotherapy CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRIC CLINICS OF NORTH AMERICA Joshi, S. V. 2006; 15 (1): 239-?

    Abstract

    All child psychiatrists' interactions with patients and families have important potential meanings, and the act of prescribing medication is no exception. As psychopharmacologic practice has increased in child psychiatry, facility with psychotherapeutic skills, such as establishing an alliance, identifying and treating symptoms, and promoting adherence must follow to enhance clinical outcomes. This article addresses the role of the therapeutic alliance in pediatric work, the psychologic implications of administering medications, developmental issues altering psychopharmacologic efforts, the role of the dual alliance (allying both patients and parents), and recommendations for clinical practice and further research.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.chc.2005.08.004

    View details for Web of Science ID 000234522400013

    View details for PubMedID 16321733

  • ADHD: Assessment and Treatment across the Lifespan American Society of Clinical Psychopharmacology (ASCPP) Model Psychopharmacology Curriculum, 4th ed., Glick I (ed.) Joshi SV 2006: 504.1-504.22
  • School Consultation and Intervention Handbook of Mental Health Interventions in Children and Adolescents: An Integrated Developmental Approach, Joshi SV 2004: 885-916
  • Psychostimulants, atomoxetine, and alpha-agonists in the treatment of ADHD Handbook of Mental Health Interventions in Children and Adolescents: An Integrated Developmental Approach, Joshi SV 2004: 258-287
  • Psychological aspects of pediatric medication management Handbook of Mental Health Interventions in Children and Adolescents: An Integrated Developmental Approach Joshi SV, Khanzode LA , Steiner H 2004: 465-481
  • Characteristics and perceived. needs of mothers with serious mental illness PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES Joseph, J. G., Joshi, S. V., Lewin, A. B., Abrams, M. 1999; 50 (10): 1357-1359

    Abstract

    This cross-sectional survey determined the prevalence of motherhood among severely mentally ill women hospitalized in an inner-city facility and examined the demographic characteristics and perceived needs of the 32 mothers who were identified. Slightly less than one-quarter of these mothers had seen their children within the last week, and only about 20 percent maintained full custody of their children. However, none of the respondents reported feeling that it was unimportant whether they continued mothering their children. Approximately half described needing help in dealing with their sadness about their children. The pilot data presented in this paper suggest that motherhood is common among severely mentally ill and hospitalized women and that issues relevant to mothering remain important to them.

    View details for Web of Science ID 000082941600017

    View details for PubMedID 10506308

  • Children’s Participation in Live Crisis Drills and Exercises. Pediatrics Pediatrics Lerner, M., Committee on School Health, T. 2019; in press
  • School-based Health Centers and Pediatric Practice. Pediatrics Lerner and the Committee on School Health, M., et al 2019; in press
  • The Berman Award Lecture: Cultural Considerations in School Mental Health-Lessons Learned From Diverse Settings American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Annual Meeting 2016 Joshi, S. V. 2016
  • ADHD and Other Disorders of Attention Regulation Steiner H (ed.), Handbook of Developmental Psychiatry Steiner H, Stemmle P, Joshi SV, Patel P 2011: 271-315
  • America's New Kids Preface CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRIC CLINICS OF NORTH AMERICA Joshi, S. V., Pumariega, A. J. 2010; 19 (4): XV-XVII

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.chc.2010.08.001

    View details for Web of Science ID 000284507200002

    View details for PubMedID 21056339

  • Medical assessment and laboratory testing in child and adolescent psychiatry Poustka F, Lehmkuhl D, Steiner H , eds: Lehrbuch der Kinder - und Jugendpsychiatrie. Traver D, Joshi SV 2008
  • Teaching about School Psychiatry American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry News Bostic JQ, Joshi SV 2007; February
  • The Resident as Teacher and Learner: Utilizing Principles of Adult Learning Theory American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry News Joshi SV, Hunt J 2007; December
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Ferri's Clinical Advisor: Instant Diagnosis and Treatment Misakian AM, Louie A, McBurnett K, Joshi SV 2006
  • ADHD, growth deficits, and relationships to psychostimulant use. Pediatrics in review Joshi, S. V. 2002; 23 (2): 67-68

    View details for PubMedID 11826259

  • Fever and Acute Foot Pain in an 8-year Old Boy Emergency and Office Pediatrics Joshi SV 1996; 9: 92-94