Walters Clinical Consulting Founder Matt Walters Recognized at 2026 IntNSA Annual Education Conference
Walters Clinical Consulting is proud to recognize Founder Matt Walters for his national contributions to addiction nursing and behavioral healthcare following his participation in the 2026 Annual Education Conference hosted by the International Nurses Society on Addictions in Seattle.
During the conference, Matt Walters served as a featured keynote speaker and was also honored as the recipient of the 2026 President’s Award, one of the organization’s distinguished recognitions for leadership and contributions to the field of addiction nursing.
Advancing the Future of Addiction Nursing
Matt’s keynote presentation, “From Overlooked to Global Influence: Elevating the Role of Practical Nurses in Advancing Addiction Nursing Worldwide,” focused on one of the most pressing challenges facing healthcare today: workforce sustainability within addiction and behavioral health treatment.
The presentation highlighted:
The growing demand for addiction treatment services
National nursing workforce shortages
The evolving role of practical and vocational nurses in behavioral healthcare
Strategies for improving access to care through workforce innovation
The importance of strengthening addiction nursing education and leadership
Drawing from years of operational leadership overseeing hospital-based addiction treatment programs across multiple states, Matt shared insights into how healthcare systems can better utilize nursing talent to improve patient access, safety, and outcomes.
The keynote also explored international perspectives on addiction nursing roles and how practical nursing models are being integrated globally to address workforce gaps in behavioral health services.
Recognition Through the President’s Award
In addition to serving as a keynote speaker, Matt was honored with the 2026 President’s Award from the International Nurses Society on Addictions for his contributions to addiction nursing practice, leadership, education, and advocacy.
The award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated meaningful impact within the specialty of addiction nursing and who continue advancing the profession through innovation, mentorship, and service.
Throughout his career, Matt has worked extensively within addiction and behavioral healthcare systems, focusing on:
Clinical operations leadership
Standards of care in addiction treatment
Workforce development
Insurance parity advocacy
Regulatory and compliance oversight
Nursing education and mentorship
Expansion of hospital-based addiction services
His work has also included national speaking engagements focused on addiction treatment operations, nursing leadership, and the future of behavioral healthcare delivery.
A Continued Commitment to Addiction Healthcare
As Founder of Walters Clinical Consulting, Matt continues to provide expert consultation related to addiction treatment services, behavioral health operations, standards of care analysis, and healthcare litigation support.
The recognition received at the 2026 IntNSA conference reflects not only individual achievement, but also a broader commitment to improving addiction treatment systems and supporting the professionals working within them every day.
Addiction nursing remains one of the most demanding and essential specialties in healthcare. Through continued advocacy, education, and leadership, Walters Clinical Consulting remains committed to advancing safe, evidence-based, and compassionate care for individuals affected by substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders.
Looking Forward
The conversations taking place nationally around addiction treatment, workforce shortages, and behavioral health reform continue to highlight the critical role nurses play in shaping the future of healthcare.
Matt’s participation as both a keynote speaker and award recipient at the 2026 International Nurses Society on Addictions Annual Education Conference represents an ongoing dedication to that mission, supporting innovation, strengthening clinical excellence, and elevating the voice of addiction nursing on a national and international level.
