Research and Publications

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Research Interests

My clinical work has greatly informed my research interests, and I have established integrated lines of study encompassing the development, identification, and treatment of anxiety disorders. My research aims to advance the understanding of core processes underlying anxiety disorders, and to evaluate innovative treatment formats to expand the scope and accessibility of quality mental healthcare.

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS AND TALKS

Selected Scientific Journal Articles

Stark, A.M., Tirpak, J.W., Tung, E.W., Shephard, V., & Elkins, R.M. (2024). Intensive exposure therapy for an individual with a history of self-harm and suicidality: a case study. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice. doi: 10.1016/j.cbpra.2023.12.005

Gittins-Stone, D., Elkins, R.M. Gardner, M., Boger, K., & Sperling, J. (2023). Examining the effectiveness of an intensive telemental health treatment for pediatric anxiety and OCD during the COVID-19 pandemic and pediatric mental health crisis. Child Psychiatry and Human Development. Feb 7:1-15.

Hosker, D. K., Elkins, R.M., & Potter, M. P. (2019). Promoting mental health and wellness through physical activity, nutrition, and sleep. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 28(2), 171-193.

Comer, J.S., Furr, J.M., Miguel, E., Cooper-Vince, C. E., Carpenter, A.L., Elkins, R.M., Kerns, C. E., Cornacchio, D., Chou, T., Coxe, S., DeSerisy, M., Sanchez, A.L., Golik, A., Martin, J., Myers, K. M., & Chase, R. (2017). Internet-delivered, family-based treatment for early-onset OCD: A pilot randomized trial. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 85(2), 178-186.

Carpenter, A.L., Elkins, R.M., Kerns, C., Chou, T., Green, J.G., & Comer, J.S. (2017). Attack-related household discussions following the Boston Marathon bombing and associated posttraumatic stress among area youth. Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, 46(3), 331-42.

Friedl, E.K., Stroeh, O.M., Elkins, R.M., Steinberg, E., Albano, A.M., & Rynn, M. (2017). Assessment and treatment of child and teen anxiety. Focus: The Journal of Lifelong Learning in Psychiatry, 15(2), 144-156.

Elkins, R.M., Gallo, K.P., Pincus, D.B., Comer. J.S. (2016). Moderators of intensive CBT for adolescent panic disorder: The roles of fear and avoidance. Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 21(1), 30-36.

Peterman, J.S., Carper, M.M., Elkins, R.M., Pincus, D.P., Comer, J.S., & Kendall, P.C. (2016). The effects of cognitive behavioral therapy for youth anxiety on sleep problems. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 37, 78-88.

Green, J.G., Comer, J.S., Donaldson, A.R., Elkins, R.M., Nadeau, M.S., Reid, G., & Pincus, D.B. (2016). School functioning and use of school-based accommodations by treatment-seeking anxious children. Journal of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders. Advance online publication.

Weiner, C., Elkins, R.M., Pincus, D.B., & Comer, J.S. (2015). Anxiety sensitivity and sleep-related problems in anxious youth. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 32, 66-72.

Elkins, R.M., Carpenter, A.E., Pincus, D.B., & Comer, J.S. (2014). Inattention symptoms and the diagnosis of comorbid attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder among youth with generalized anxiety disorder. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 28(8), 754-760.

Elkins, R.M., Pincus, D.B., & Comer, J.S. (2014). A psychometric evaluation of the Panic Disorder Severity Scale for Children and Adolescents. Psychological Assessment, 26(2), 609-618.

Comer, J.S., Dantowitz, A., Chou, T., Edson, A.L., Elkins, R.M., Kerns, C., Brown, B., & Green, J. L. G. (2014). Adjustment among area youth after the Boston Marathon bombing and subsequent manhunt. Pediatrics, 134(1), 7-14.

Kerns, C.E., Elkins, R.M., Carpenter, A.L., Chou, T., Green, J.G., & Comer, J.S. (2014). Caregiver distress, shared traumatic exposure, and child adjustment among area youth following the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. Journal of Affective Disorders, 167(1), 50-55.

Pincus, D.B., Elkins, R.M., & Hardway, C. (2014). Intensive treatments for adolescent panic disorder and agoraphobia: Helping youth move beyond avoidance. Psychopathology Review, 1(1), 189-194.

Santucci, L.C., McHugh, R.K., Elkins, R.M., Schechter, B., Ross, M.S., Landa, C.E., & Barlow, D.H. (2014). Pilot implementation of computerized cognitive behavioral therapy in a university health setting. Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 41(4), 514-521.

Elkins, R.M., McHugh, R.K., Santucci, L.C., & Barlow, D.H. (2011). Novel approaches to improve the transportability of CBT for internalizing disorders in children. Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review, 14(2), 161-173.


Book Chapters

Kranzler, A., Elkins, R.M., & Albano, A.M.A. (2017). Anxiety in emerging adulthood: A developmentally informed treatment model. In S. Compton, M.A. Villabo, & H. Kristensen (Eds.), Pediatric Anxiety Disorders. New York, NY: Guilford Press.

Elkins, R.M., Mian, N., Comer, J.C., & Pincus, D.B. (2016). Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and its adaptations. In J. Luby (Ed.), Handbook of Preschool Mental Health: Development, Disorders, and Treatment, 2nd ed (pp. 271-291). New York, NY: Guilford Press.

Elkins, R.M., & Comer, J.S. (2014). Broadening the reach of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy for early child disorders through internet-based implementation. In R.S. Beidas & P.C. Kendall (Eds.), Child and adolescent therapy: Dissemination and implementation of empirically supported treatments (pp. 336-356). New York, New York: Oxford Press.

Comer, J.C., Elkins, R.M., Chan, P.C., & Jones, D. (2014). New methods of service delivery for children. In C. Alfano & D. Beidel, (Eds.), Comprehensive Evidence-Based Interventions for School-Aged Children and Adolescents (pp. 55-72). Hoboken, New Jersey: Wiley.

Pincus, D. B., Elkins, R. M., Weiner, C. L., & Hardway, C. (2014). Cognitive behavioral treatment of sleep disorders in children and adolescents. In D. Mostovsky (Ed.), Handbook of Behavioral Medicine (pp. 223-250). Hoboken, New Jersey: Wiley.


Selected Invited Community Presentations

“The Pressures of Parenting: Navigating Technology, Anxiety and Independence.”

  • Inly School Parent Insight Presentation, Inly School, Scituate, MA, Presented with Dr. Jill Walsh (2024)

“Assessment and Treatment of Pediatric Anxiety Disorders and OCD.”

  • Sponsored Topical Webinar, American Psychological Association (APA), Presented with Dr. Maria Fraire (2023)

“School Refusal: Clinical Characteristics, Functional Assessment, and Intervention Strategies”

  • Clinical Conversation Series, Massachusetts Child Psychiatry Access Program (MCPAP), (2022)

“Your Burning Questions about Anxiety in Kids, Answered”

  • Webinar presented through the McLean Hospital Mental Health Webinar Series (2022)

“Managing Stress and Anxiety: Education, Resources, and Strategies for Teenagers and their Families.”

  • Connections Program, Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School, Lincoln, MA (2018)

“Managing Stress, Anxiety, and Independence in College”

  • Ethical Culture Fieldston School, New York, NY (2017)

“The Role of Parents in their Child’s Psychotherapy”

  • Columbia University Medical College, New York, NY (2017)

“Grief in Childhood”

  • Department of Psychiatry, New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY (2015)

“Diagnosis, interviewing, behavioral assessment and clinical observation with children”

  • Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA (2015).

Selected Scientific Conference Presetnations

Elkins, R.M., & Martin Burch, J. (2024, April). Snowplows, Accommodation, and Microdosing, Oh My! The State of the Science on Contemporary Parenting Practices and How Mental Health Professionals Can Help. Invited speaker at the Annual Conference of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, Boston, MA.

Elkins, R.M. (2023, August). Clinician-Caregiver Collaboration: Partnering with the “Lay Clinician” to Best Support Pediatric Patients. Invited speaker at the Annual Conference of the American Psychological Association, Washington, DC.

Langer, D. A. (Moderator). Bennett, S. Elkins, R.M., Pincus, D. B., & Wilkens, V. (2017, November). Treating anxiety disorders from early childhood to late adulthood: Developmental adaptations and clinical wisdom. Clinical roundtable presented at the 51st annual convention of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, San Diego, CA.

Carpenter, A.E., & Elkins, R.M. (Moderators), (2016, November). Albano, A.M.A., Conelea, C.A., McHugh, R.K. Pincus, D.B., Williams, M.T., & Zeiss, A.M. Strategies and Successes in Shattering the "Ivory Ceiling" for Women in Psychology. Panel discussion presented at the 50th annual convention of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, New York, NY.

Comer, J.S., Furr, J.M., Cooper-Vince, C., Carpenter, A.L., Elkins, R.M., Kerns, C.E., Chou, T., Cornacchio, D., Sanchez, A.L., DeSerisy, M., Miguel, E., Franklin, M.E., Khanna, M., Garcia, A.M., & Freeman, J. (2016, March). Internet-delivered treatment for early-onset OCD: Results from a pilot randomized trial. Paper presented at the 35th annual meeting of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Philadelphia, PA.

Chou, T., Golik, A.M., Martin, J., Caproni, E., Carpenter, A.L., Cornacchio, D., Miguel, E., Sanchez, A., Elkins, R.M., & Comer, J.S. (2016, March). Beyond brick and mortar: A meta-analytic examination of the use of remote technologies to extend the reach of children's mental healthcare. Paper presented at the 35th annual meeting of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Philadelphia, PA.

Elkins, R.M., Comer, J.S., Carpenter, A.E., Kerns, C.E., Chou, T., Dantowitz, A. (2014, November). Psychological adjustment among youth with relatives who participated in the manhunt following the Boston Marathon Attack. In A. E. Carpenter & J. S. Comer (Chairs), Psychological Functioning in Boston-area Youth and their Families Following the 2013 Boston Marathon Attack. Paper presented at the 48th annual convention of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, Philadelphia, PA.

Elkins, R.M., Carpenter, A.E., Main, N.D., & Comer, J.C. (2014, November). Engagement factors in Internet-delivered treatment for early-onset psychopathology. In A. E. Carpenter (Chair), Parent engagement in evidence-based interventions for children: What is it, why does it matter, and can we measure it? Paper presented at the 48th annual convention of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, Philadelphia, PA.

Keller, A.E., Kerns, C.E., Elkins, R.M., Kluger, J.R., Zeman, J., Pincus, D.B., & Comer, J.S. (November 2014). New advances in the evidence-based assessment of emotion-related constructs among youth with anxiety disorders. In A. Jones (Chair), Social and emotional functioning in youth with anxiety. Paper presented at the 48th annual meeting of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, Philadelphia, PA.

Elkins, R.M., Nadeau, M., Kerns, C.E., Reid, G., Pincus, D.B., Comer, J.S., & Green, J.G. (2014, November). The role of schools in supporting students with anxiety: Available resources, common strategies, and perceived barriers. Poster presented at the 48th annual conference of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, Philadelphia, PA.

Pincus, D. B., Hardway, C., Elkins, R. M., Comer, J. S. (2014, November). Recent advances in the development of psychological treatments for adolescents with panic disorder. In A. Asaaani (Chair), Novel and innovative applications of evidence-based treatments for emotional disorders in adolescent patients. Paper presented at the 48th annual meeting of the Association for Behavioral or Cognitive Therapies, Philadelphia, PA.

Elkins, R.M., Comer, J.S., Green, J.G., Reid, G., & Pincus, D.B. (2014, February). School-based resources accessed by students with anxiety. In J.G. Green (Chair), The Gap between Real-World Mental Health Practices and Evidence-Based Strategies. Paper presented at the National Association of School Psychologists annual convention, Washington, DC.

Elkins, R.M., Gallo, K.G., Pincus, D.B., & Comer, J.S. (2013, November). Moderators of CBT for adolescent panic disorder: The role of fear and avoidance. In R. M. Elkins & P. Chan (Chairs), Breaking Down Brief Treatments: Mediators, Moderators, and Predictors of Outcome in Intensive Treatments for Childhood Anxiety Disorders. Paper presented at the 47th annual convention of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, Nashville, TN.

Elkins, R.M., Chou, T., Dantowitz, A., Edson, A.L., Kerns, C.E., Brown, B., Green, J.L., & Comer, J.S. (2013, November). Child anxiety and PTSD symptoms in Boston-area youth in the aftermath of the 2013 Boston Marathon attack. Poster session presented at the 47th annual conference of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, Nashville, TN.

Elkins, R.M., Comer, J.S., & Pincus, D.B. (2012, November). A psychometric evaluation of the Panic Disorder Severity Scale for Children (PDSS-C). Poster session presented at the 46th annual conference of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, National Harbor, MD.

Weiner, C.L., Elkins, R.M., Comer, J.S., & Pincus, D.B. (2011, November). Predictors and correlates of sleep-related problems in anxious youth. Poster session presented at the 45th annual conference of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, Toronto, Canada.

Santucci, L.C., McHugh, R.K., Schechter, B., Elkins, R.M., Ross, M.S., Landa, C.E., & Barlow, D.H. (2010, November). Dissemination and uptake of computerized CBT in a university health setting. In R. K. McHugh & L. C. Santucci (Chairs), Dissemination and implementation of computerized cognitive behavioral therapy. Paper presented at the 44th annual convention of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, San Francisco, CA.

Schechter, B.F., Elkins, R.M., Santucci, L.C., McHugh, R.K., & Barlow, D.H. (2010, November). Attrition rates in computerized CBT for adult depression and anxiety: Adopting engagement strategies. Poster session presented at the 44th annual conference of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, San Francisco, CA.

McHugh, R.K., Santucci, L.C., Elkins, R.M., Schechter, B.F., & Barlow, D.H. (2010, June). Effectiveness of computerized CBT in a university health setting. Poster session presented at the annual conference of the World Congress of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, Boston, MA.