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Attempting to describe Walter E. Penk, (B.A. ’54, M.A. ’64, Ph.D. ’65) and his contributions to the field of clinical psychology is daunting. Consider his numerous accomplishments, the many letters after his name and his track record of being published in more than 100 industry publications. Then, set those aside, because Penk’s dedication to his life’s work, his grateful acknowledgment of mentors along the path to success and his quick wit helped guide his journey. As Penk says, “It’s not about me; it’s about the VA,” and the people who provided guidance and support along the way.
Born in Houston, Texas in 1933, Penk earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and German at the University of Houston but felt a personal lack of focus in both disciplines. He changed course and pursued seminary studies at Concordia Seminary and then graduate courses in education at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, where he stumbled upon psychology.
“The last course I took in my post-graduate studies was on mental health, and that really turned me around to studying psychology.”
Penk returned to UH to focus his education on psychology and encountered professors who were influential teachers. Many were war veterans working to establish a connection between the University’s psychology department and the Houston office of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Their mission was securing psychological and therapeutic services for fellow service members returning from war.
As he earned his master’s degree in Houston and worked toward a Ph.D., Penk participated in early training for a clinical psychology internship at the Houston VA but eventually accepted a position with the Dallas VA.
“They [the Dallas VA] never had any full-time internships, so that was attractive to me.”
Penk continued work with the Dallas VA from 1963 to 1984 as an intern rising through staff member positions to research psychologist. He left Texas for Boston after meeting Dolores Mae Little Penk, Ph.D., also a psychologist committed to working with veterans.
“I am best known among clinical psychologists for development of psychosocial rehabilitation and the American Psychological Association’s formal recognition of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a mental disorder.”
Penk's early work influenced his research into psychosocial rehabilitation—a technique particularly effective with veterans—combining traditional treatment such as addiction therapy with support for housing, education, employment substance use disorders family reintegration post-deployment.
“During late 1970s early 1980s rehabilitation within VA system primarily focused funded substance abuse began recognize stress disorders often underlying cause addiction particularly veterans.”
In October 1981 Penk published first formal validation study PTSD journal American Psychological Association APA published DSM-III identifying PTSD mental health disorder same year although he takes no credit timing
Currently consulting DOD focusing active-duty service members taking more time enjoy family Among children grandchildren careers ranging park service cancer research digital media law enforcement One son geriatric psychiatry VA renewed license psychologist August 2023
“There’s always more to do.”