Walter Bockting

Walter Bockting, PhD, LP is Professor of Medical Psychology in Psychiatry and Nursing at Columbia University, holding joint appointments at the Columbia University School of Nursing and New York State Psychiatric Institute (NYSPI). He serves as Co-Director of the Division of Gender, Sexuality, and Health at NYSPI/Columbia Psychiatry, Director of the Columbia Gender Identity Program, and Director of the Program for the Study of LGBT Health. His work integrates clinical practice, research, education, and policy development to advance LGBTQI+ health.

• NewYork-Presbyterian / Columbia University Irving Medical Center
• CUIMC/Herbert Pardes Building of the New York State Psychiatric Institute
• CUIMC/Neurological Institute of New York

Dr. Bockting's research spans identity development across the lifespan with specialized focus on transgender health, LGBTQ+ aging, and gender-affirming healthcare. His approach combines quantitative and qualitative methods with innovative use of information technology. Current work emphasizes transdisciplinary collaboration in cognitive aging, behavioral cardiovascular health, psychoendocrinology, and neuroscience to understand psychosocial-biological interactions in identity development and resilience.

His NIH-funded research portfolio includes three major longitudinal studies: Project AFFIRM (transgender identity development across lifespan), Convoy Q (social networks in cognitive aging of LGBTQ+ adults), and quality-of-life research following gender-affirming surgery. Analysis of his recent publications reveals strong emphasis on intersectional minority stress, Latinx transgender experiences, workplace discrimination, and biobehavioral health disparities.

• Distinguished Sexual and Gender Health Revolutionary (2020)
• Faculty Research Fellow, Columbia Aging Center (2015)
• University Innovations Award, University of Minnesota (2011)
• Best Documentary Short Film for 'Coming Out Trans' (2008)
• Fellow, Society for Scientific Study of Sexuality (2006)
• Helping Professional of the Year, City of Lakes Crossgender Community (1996)

As Principal Investigator of multiple NIH-funded studies, Dr. Bockting directs research teams investigating transgender identity development, cognitive aging in LGBTQ+ populations, and post-surgical quality of life. His leadership extends to editorial roles for six academic volumes and over 100 peer-reviewed publications. He previously served as President of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health and the Society for Scientific Study of Sexuality, contributing to the landmark IOM Report on LGBT Health. His clinical work at Columbia focuses on integrating research with patient care through the Columbia Gender Identity Program.