Chris Palmer, M.D

Chris Palmer, MD received his medical degree from Washington University School of Medicine. His internship and psychiatry residency were at McLean Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Harvard Medical School. He’s currently the director of the Department of Postgraduate and Continuing Education at McLean Hospital. In addition he is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. 

For over 20 years treatment-resistant cases have been the focus of his clinical practice. This includes using medications, psychotherapy, as well as complementary and alternative treatments. However, he has always been looking for better treatments and outcomes. Unfortunately, far too many people who do not get better with our current approaches. 

His experience with low-carbohydrate diets and mental Illness 

Dr. Palmer has been using the low-carbohydrate and ketogenic diets in practice for over 15 years now mostly for weight loss. Recently, he has found an anti-psychotic and mood stabilizing effect from specific types of the ketogenic diet. Now he is pursuing clinical research in this area to better understand the topic. As a result, he has also been speaking at national and international conferences on this topic. In addition, he is also consulting to patients from around the world.

Most importantly, he is working at the interface of metabolic and mental illnesses. Not only does he seek to better understand the causes of mental illness but also to share effective strategies for treatment. Finally, he also advocates for people suffering from these sometimes debilitating disorders.   

Education & Training 

Degrees: 

• 1991 BS, Purdue University
• 1995 MD, Washington University, St. Louis 

Residency: 

• 1995-1999 Residency in Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, McLean Hospital, and Massachusetts General Hospital 

Board Certifications: 

• 2000 Diplomate, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology 

Recent Articles by Chris Palmer, MD 

Clinical Approach 

Chris Palmer is a practicing psychiatrist with expertise in treatment-resistant cases across a broad spectrum of diagnoses. All too often, people have more than one diagnosis, so focusing specifically on one set of symptoms is often fraught with limitations. He has extensive experience with psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and complementary and alternative treatments. 

When it comes to using the ketogenic diet in the treatment of psychiatric conditions, Dr. Palmer supports comprehensive and coordinated treatment by a multidisciplinary team, grounded in medical science. It is not just about food. This treatment incorporates medications, medical monitoring, diet, and support. 

Elements of his treatment approach include: 

• Medical consultation and evidence-based recommendations
• Medical management and oversight, including:
  • Appropriate laboratory values, weight, regular glucose and ketone levels
  • Symptom rating scales and periodic evaluations
  • Management of adverse effects
  • Medication monitoring and adjustments
• Dietician
• Meal planning
• Education
• Coaching
• Fitness training (when desired)
• Meal preparation and delivery service (when desired)

As a consultant, he coordinates this multidisciplinary effort and works in conjunction with patients and their families, the treatment team, and other medical professionals. 

Chris Palmer, MD’s Location  

My practice is located at McLean Hospital – 115 Mill St, Belmont, MA 02478. Phone: 617-855-2180 

UNFORTUNATELY, I AM NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS AS MY PRACTICE IS FILLED.

Disclosures 

I have no relevant financial interests with any ACCME (Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education) defined commercial interests related to the content of this website. 

I do have a medical practice that specializes in using the ketogenic diet. 

THE INTERVENTIONS USED IN THIS PROGRAM ARE FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES. WHILE APPLICATION OF THESE INTERVENTIONS IS ENCOURAGED, OTHER FACTORS COULD CONTRIBUTE TO THE OUTCOMES WHEN APPLIED IN CLINICAL PRACTICE.