Orlando O. Wright, PhD

I am Dr. Orlando Wright, a behavioral scientist with a Master of Social Work and a PhD in Behavioral Science. Currently pursuing an MS in Data Analytics. My work sits at the intersection of clinical practice, payment models, and technology. I focus on building practical, data-informed systems that help care teams work better, align financing with outcomes, and expand access for marginalized communities. I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. In addition, I serve as the program director of the Health and Recovery Practice (HARP), a Maryland Quality Innovation Program. My core interest is advancing health equity through exposomic research and the development of clinical technology solutions.

Previously, I served as the Director of Partnerships and Innovation at the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM). I oversaw national partnerships with commercial and Medicaid payers, states, and other public entities. Facilitated the growth of the ASAM Criteria licensing to commercial and Medicaid payers, bringing the total lives covered to 145 million across 45 payers. I am a contributing author of the Utilization Management Chapter in the ASAM Criteria 4th edition, which organizes the field of co-occurring and substance use disorder treatment, reflecting my dedication to advancing addiction medicine and ensuring that underserved populations receive comprehensive, evidence-based care.

Notably, I played a pivotal role in facilitating large-scale systems work with six hospitals in
Montgomery County, MD, aimed at increasing community capacity and reducing the cost of care for individuals with severe mental illness. Funded by the Health Services Cost Review Commission (HSCRC), I increased capacity for Assertive Community Treatment (ACT), a crisis house in collaboration with Sheppard Pratt, and optimized Outpatient Mental Health Clinics (OMHC).

Social determinants of health, exposomic, substance use disorders, mental health conditions

Wright, O. (2025). Ideation to Implementation: Collaborative Care and the Current Payment System.

Wright, O. (2024). THE IMPLEMENTATION of Trauma-Informed Care with Staff.

Wright, O. (2023). Application of The ASAM Criteria Within Utilization Review and Management.

Wright, O. (2018). Parents' Perceptions of Diversionary Services in the Juvenile Justice System.