Daniel R. Lambert, Ph.D.

Dr. Daniel R. Lambert is a Clinical Psychologist with over 40 years of experience in the public sector, specializing in mental health services for individuals with serious mental illness. He obtained his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Case Western Reserve University and completed his internship at Children’s Hospital National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. After returning to Massachusetts, Dr. Lambert’s career centered on serving the Department of Mental Health's (DMH) priority population. He held leadership positions, including Director of Clinical and Rehabilitation Services at Westborough State Hospital and Director of Psychology at Worcester State Hospital and the Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital. Throughout his tenure, he was at the forefront of clinical program development, focusing on implementing recovery-oriented, patient-centered, evidence-supported practices to improve patient care.

As a leader in DMH, Dr. Lambert was instrumental in establishing interdisciplinary collaboration, mentoring clinical leaders, and supporting program enhancements. His work involved significant contributions to the development of risk assessment tools and policies, such as the Clinical Evaluation of Risk and Functioning (CERF), which continues to guide care planning for individuals in DMH’s system. Dr. Lambert was also deeply involved in integrating evidence-based psychological interventions, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy (CRT), into DMH programs. His approach to patient care emphasized a holistic view, aligning with the department's values and mission to provide high-quality, patient-centered services.

Since retiring from his full-time leadership roles, Dr. Lambert has continued his work with DMH as a consultant. His current focus is on supporting risk assessment and mitigation strategies, particularly within the DMH Office of Inpatient Management. He provides consultation to DMH psychology and program leaders, helping them integrate professional judgment and risk perspectives into policy development and clinical practices. Dr. Lambert’s extensive experience in clinical leadership, program development, and policy evaluation has made him a valuable resource for DMH and its efforts to continually improve and refine patient care across the state.