TN Psychology Board Suspends James S. Walker for Cocaine, Heroin Use

February 19, 2019

On January 2, 2019 the Tennessee Board of Examiners in Psychology suspended the license of Nashville forensic psychologist James S. Walker (4219 Hillsboro Pike Ste 306, Nashville, TN 37215-3332). 

In June 2013, the Board placed Dr. Walker’s license on probation, stemming from his use of illicit drugs. At that time, he also entered into a Consent Order with the Board, the terms of which included the requirement that he enter into a lifetime contract with the Tennessee Colleague Assistance Foundation (TCAF), a rehabilitation and recovery program for impaired mental health care practitioners.

The Board’s current suspension Order states that Dr. Walker used cocaine in April and September 2017 and that he used heroin in September 2017. In October 2017, TCAF rescinded its advocacy of Dr. Walker--a violation of the terms of the 2013 Order.

As a result of the 2013 disciplinary action, the Alabama Board of Psychology suspended his license and the Kentucky Board of Examiners of Psychology suspended his license and the placed it on probation.

Fourteen percent of convictions of psychologists and psychiatrists are for drug-related violations. 

Source: Final Order in the Matter of James S. Walker, Ph.D., Tennessee License No. 1748, Tennessee Board of Examiners of Psychology, Docket No. 17.15-150719A, January 2, 2019.