Erika Chiappini

Biography and Expertise of Erika Chiappini

Dr. Erika Chiappini is at the forefront of pediatric medical psychology, advancing a model of care that deeply integrates mental and physical health. At Johns Hopkins University, she has carved out a crucial niche focusing on children with disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI), such as chronic constipation and abdominal pain. Her approach is rooted in the understanding that these conditions require more than just physiological treatment; they demand a holistic, whole-person strategy that addresses psychological, social, and cultural factors.

This perspective strongly aligns with the 3rd WCTCIM’s Thematic Axis on “TCIM Across the Lifespan,” highlighting the unique needs of pediatric patients. Furthermore, her emphasis on cross-cultural awareness and honoring diverse family values resonates with the congress motto of “Knowledge Diversity.” Dr. Chiappini’s work provides a practical blueprint for the Thematic Axis, “Integration of TCIM into Health Systems,” by demonstrating how psychological and integrative therapies can be embedded within specialized pediatric clinics to improve outcomes.

Beyond her clinical focus, Erika Chiappini champions evidence-based practices. Her work contributes to the scientific validation of integrative approaches, a principle central to the Gujarat Declaration. By developing and implementing innovative strategies that support both children and their families, she helps build more resilient and well-being-oriented societies, one patient at a time.

Professional Career and Clinical Leadership

Dr. Erika Chiappini‘s professional journey at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine is marked by a clear trajectory of growth and leadership. Since joining as an Assistant Professor, she has taken on progressively significant roles that extend her impact from direct patient care to shaping the next generation of specialists. Her work across multiple specialized clinics showcases her versatility and commitment to addressing complex pediatric health issues through interdisciplinary collaboration.

Her appointment as Director of Fellowship Training is particularly noteworthy, placing her in a pivotal position to influence the standards and practices of pediatric medical psychology. This role underscores her expertise and the trust the institution places in her ability to mentor future leaders in the field.

• Director of Fellowship Training, Pediatric Medical Psychology (July 2022 – Present): Leads the advanced training program for postdoctoral fellows at Johns Hopkins, developing curricula and supervising trainees to become experts in the psychological care of medically complex children.
• Assistant Professor, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (September 2021 – Present): Holds a primary academic appointment involving teaching, research, and clinical service within one of the world’s leading medical institutions.
• Licensed Psychologist (September 2021 – Present): Provides direct clinical services in several multidisciplinary settings, including the Pediatric Chronic Constipation Clinic, Bowel Management Clinic, Gastrointestinal Functional Treatment (GIFT) Clinic, and Post-Liver Transplant Clinic.

Academic and Specialized Training

The academic foundation of Dr. Erika Chiappini combines rigorous training in clinical psychology with specialized postdoctoral work in pediatric medical psychology. Her education at Temple University provided a comprehensive understanding of psychological theory and evidence-based interventions. This background prepared her for advanced training at renowned medical centers, honing her skills in pediatric illness.

Her fellowship at Johns Hopkins immersed her in the complex interplay between physical disease and mental well-being in children. Her specialized training in pediatric hypnosis demonstrates a commitment to expanding her toolkit with effective, non-pharmacological interventions aligned with integrative care principles.

• Fellowship in Pediatric Medical Psychology (2019 – 2021): Completed at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, this fellowship focused on providing psychological care to children with acute and chronic medical conditions.
• PhD in Clinical Psychology (2019): Earned from Temple University, with clinical work establishing her expertise in child and adolescent mental health.
• Clinical Psychology Internship (2018 – 2019): Completed at Children’s National Medical Center, providing broad experience across medical and psychiatric settings.
• MA in Clinical Psychology (2015): Received from Temple University, marking a key milestone in her graduate journey.
• Fundamentals Workshop, National Pediatric Hypnosis Training Institute (NPHTI) (2024): Completed 21 hours of specialized training in pediatric clinical hypnosis, an evidence-based tool for managing pain, anxiety, and symptoms of gut-brain disorders.

Research Contributions and Publications

Dr. Erika Chiappini contributes actively to the scientific literature, with research that explores critical areas of child and adolescent mental health. Her publications reflect a commitment to understanding and improving mental healthcare systems for youth, particularly those facing complex challenges like chronic illness, depression, and disparities in access to care. This research provides an evidence base that informs her clinical practice and teaching.

A key theme in her work is the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration. Her 2025 publication in *Clinical Pediatrics* on the “Characterization of Multidisciplinary Programs for Abdominal Pain-Related Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction” is especially relevant to the 3rd WCTCIM. It underscores the necessity of integrated care models to effectively treat these complex conditions. This research helps build the case for wider adoption of such programs in health systems globally.

Other selected research from Dr. Erika Chiappini includes studies on the adequacy of mental health services for children from diverse backgrounds and the identification of distinct subtypes of depressed youth. This work highlights systemic issues and informs more personalized treatment approaches, reinforcing the congress’s focus on creating equitable and effective public health solutions.

Educational Leadership and Professional Consulting

Dr. Erika Chiappini extends her influence beyond the university through significant educational and consulting roles. These activities demonstrate her commitment to disseminating evidence-based knowledge and improving mental health infrastructure at a community and state level. Her role as a consultant for the Maryland Department of Health is particularly impactful, shaping how behavioral health services are integrated into primary care settings across the state.

Through the Behavioral Health Integration in Pediatric Primary Care (BHIPP) program, she helps equip other healthcare professionals with the skills needed to identify and manage mental health issues in children. Furthermore, her extensive list of presentations and workshops for organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and various medical conferences showcases her dedication to public and professional education.

• Consultant, Behavioral Health Integration – BHIPP (2022 – Present): Provides expert consultation for this Maryland Department of Health initiative, which supports pediatric primary care providers in addressing mental and behavioral health concerns.
• Educator and Trainer (2022 – 2025): Regularly leads didactic sessions for social work interns on topics such as child development, psychopathology, and evidence-based treatments for anxiety and depression.
• Conference and Workshop Presenter: A sought-after speaker, Dr. Chiappini has presented on topics like supporting the mental health of children with chronic illness, integrative approaches for DGBI, managing functional constipation, and practical strategies for school-based providers.

Connect with Dr. Chiappini

For more detailed information on the work of Dr. Erika Chiappini, including her clinical specialties, research publications, and academic roles, please visit her official profile at Johns Hopkins Medicine. These resources offer further insight into her pioneering efforts in pediatric medical psychology and integrative care.

Official Profile at Johns Hopkins Medicine: View Professional Profile