Dr. Westphal is a researcher and dual board-certified advance practice mental health nurse and nurse practitioner. His clinical work is focused on traumatic stress, loss and grief, end of life care, and mental health promotion. Dr. Westphal’s research has focused on occupational stress, health care needs and access to care, mental illness stigma, and chronic health conditions. His naval career spanned over 32 years and includes service as a Hospital Corpsmen, a mental health clinician, co-author of the Department of the Navy Maritime Combat and Operational Stress (COSC) Doctrine, and a psychological health programs and policy advisor to state and federal agencies. Currently, Dr. Westphal is a Professor at the University of Virginia School of Nursing, Co-Director of the UVA Health Wisdom and Wellbeing Peer Support Program, and the Project Director of the HRSA funded Wisdom, Wellbeing, and Peer Support Training Grant.