Science has always been the foundation of my journey in working with eating disorder patients, beginning with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health at the University of Richmond where my background of nutrition and health behavior was established. In graduate school at the University of Illinois at Chicago, I earned Masters of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Clinical Psychology with an early focus on health behavior change in diet and activity, and I later focused on the connection between eating disorder and anxiety disorder pathology.

My research has been published in top peer-reviewed journals. My Master’s thesis research explored the relationship between depression and overeating and was published in Neuropsychobiology. My Preliminary Exam paper examined a possible link between Bulimia Nervosa and OCD by extensively reviewing the current literature, and was published in Clinical Psychology Review. My doctoral dissertation explored psychophysiological correlates and shared mechanisms of co-occurring mental disorders, Bulimia and OCD, and was published in Journal of Abnormal Psychology. I have co-authored over 15 other peer-reviewed journal articles. I have also presented her research at several national conferences, including the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, Association for Psychological Research, Society for Research in Psychopathology, and the Eating Disorders Research Society. I have been invited to provide talks and lectures at several universities including The Ohio State University, West Virginia University, Case Western Reserve University, University of Illinois at Chicago and Spalding University.

My clinical expertise and interests align with my research accomplishments. I strongly believe in using evidence-based treatments while understanding the unique needs of my patients, and providing collaborative treatment. I have been intensively trained in evidence-based treatment of all eating disorders since 2006, including Enhanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT-E), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for eating disorders and related disorders. Additionally, I have been extensively trained in evidence-based treatments for depression and anxiety disorders. I have completed intensive training in Prolonged Exposure and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and am a national CPT provider. I have provided individual and group evidence-based treatments in outpatient private and hospital programs, and managed the Dialectical Behavior Therapy Intensive Outpatient and Partial Hospitalization Programs at the Cleveland Center for Eating Disorders from 2011-2013. I have been involved in the development of programs throughout my training. In addition, I have consulted in inpatient settings for individuals with eating disorders.

In addition to patient care and research, I have a passion for teaching and training in psychology and evidence-based treatments. During my tenure at the Cleveland Center for Eating Disorders, I trained and supervised staff and doctoral students in DBT and eating disorder treatment. Most recently, as Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, I was the Director of CBT Training (2016-2018) for the psychiatry residency program, which included coordination, education and supervision in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for psychiatry residents and social work trainees. I also supervised doctoral students and psychology interns in CBT and DBT- based groups for body image and eating disorders.

• Adjunct Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
• Academy of Eating Disorders
• Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies
• International Association for Eating Disorder Professionals (IAEDP)
• Ohio Psychological Association

Integration and Application. (April 2017). Invited panelist at Applying a New Understanding of Brain and Behavior into Ongoing Eating Disorder Treatment Hosted by The Center for Balanced Living, Worthington, OH.

Psychological Therapeutic Interventions for Clients with Eating Disorders. (August 2016). Invited speaker at Collaboration: A Multi-Disciplinary Eating Disorder Treatment Training. Hosted by The Ohio State University, Office of Student Life, Counseling and Consultation Service and Student Health Services.

The Risk and Development of Psychological Disorders Post-Bariatric Surgery. (August 2014). Invited speaker at The Care of the Bariatric Surgery Patient Conference. Hosted by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

Evaluation of an Intensive Outpatient Program for Patients with Multidiagnostic Eating Disorders. (November 2012) In A. Davis (symposium chair). DBT for Eating Disorders: Current Status and Directions for Treatment Development. Symposium conducted at the annual meeting of Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, Washington, D.C.

Altman, S. E., Campbell, M.L, Nelson, B.D., Faust, J.P, & Shankman, S.A. (2013). The Relation between Symptoms of Bulimia Nervosa and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Startle Investigation. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 122, 1132-1141.

Segal, K.E., Altman, S.E., Weissman, J.A, Safer, D.L, & Chen, E.Y. (2013). Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Binge Eating. In D. LeGrange & A. Goldschmidt (Eds.), Binge Eating Disorder, A Guide for Clinicians. London: Routledge Publishing, Inc.

Altman, S.E., Shankman, S.A, & Spring, B. (2010). The effect of acute tryptophan depletion on emotions in individuals with a personal and family history of depression following a mood induction. Neuropsychobiology, 62:171-176.

Altman, S.E., & Shankman, S.A. (2009). What is the association between obsessive-compulsive disorder and eating disorders? Clinical Psychology Review, 29, 638-646.