Championing Equity: Dr. Rebecca K. Wright on Patient Advocacy, Policy Reform, and Culturally Inclusive Care

December 18, 2024

Dr. Rebecca K. Wright, a Doctor of Behavioral Health, Certified Behavior Analyst, and Licensed Behavior Analyst in New York, has 20 years of clinical experience dedicated to supporting children and adults with special needs and their families and is the founder of Wright Way Care, LLC. She earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology and her Master of Science in Education from Long Island University, followed by extensive roles as a certified school psychologist and a Behavior Specialist for the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities before earning her doctorate at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies (CGI). Dr. Wright specializes in developing evidence-based ABA curricula, training parents and educators in behavioral strategies, and addressing healthcare disparities among special needs populations. Passionate about advocacy, professional development, and public policy, she combines her expertise and compassion to promote equitable, integrated healthcare practices that make a meaningful impact. In this interview, Dr. Wright reflects on her transformative DBH journey and how it has shaped her career, fueling her passion for legislative advocacy and policy development to support individuals with special needs.

How has graduating from the DBH program influenced your approach to addressing behavioral health challenges and making a difference in the field?

Graduating from the DBH program has influenced and enhanced my approach to addressing behavioral health challenges and making a difference in the field by preparing me to become a serious business owner. Through the DBH program, I understand now that becoming a business owner not only assists me in reaping the financial benefits of working for myself, but the program also offers me a sense of freedom to make a difference in an individual’s life. Most behavioral health challenges focus on maintaining and improving public policies that focus on the patient. For example, the program has further my focus on obtaining further knowledge and research in healthcare and public policies. The program has enhanced my understanding of the importance of behavioral health and the healthcare discrepancies present in economically underdeveloped communities. Healthcare discrepancies are also present in the special needs population. After learning about healthcare discrepancies, I wanted to make a difference by developing and managing effective healthcare services using evidence-based interventions within the special needs community.

What are your primary professional interests within the realm of behavioral health, and how do these align with your career goals?

My primary professional interests in behavioral healthcare include legislative advocacy and policy development for individuals with special needs. Both interests were cultivated during my studies in the DBH program and align with my future career goals. Individuals and their families have a culture that requires respect and understanding of the barriers to their care. Now that I’ve graduated from the DBH program, I plan to open a behavioral health center that focuses on patient advocacy and developing policies sensitive to the culturally diverse needs of patients. During my DBH studies, I’ve also researched the topic of social determinants of health and healthcare equality vs. healthcare equity. I developed an integrated healthcare assessment from my studies that will be part of my center’s intake process. My new assessment will further best practices in behavioral health, focusing on family-centered and integrated healthcare practices.

Can you share a memorable experience or turning point in your DBH journey that shaped your perspective on integrated care?

One of my required courses during my DBH journey was a class that focused on equity and healthcare. This class was a significant turning point for me because it highlighted the difference between equity and equality in healthcare. I was made aware that the system was “broken” and still was not putting the patient first. I learned that some populations were susceptible to specific comorbid illnesses due to environmental stressors and discrimination. This was significant because I was made aware of the great need for healthcare reform and social justice within the healthcare sectors.

My second memorable experience during my DBH journey included a class that focused on integrated healthcare and autism. I was shocked that most states do not have a solid program to assist families with children diagnosed with autism in navigating the healthcare system and helping with the transition from childhood to adult healthcare. The parents need to be made aware of what to do next or where to go to get assistance. A healthcare system that is more reactive than proactive will set up families for failure and deny a patient access to the best health outcomes (e.g., healthcare equity). This class significantly changed my perspective on the importance of integrated healthcare. I was faced with the fact that I wouldn’t have known this information if I hadn’t attended this class and hadn’t been guided by my professor, who so passionately taught the importance of this topic.

What impact do you hope to make with your DBH degree?

I aim to make the following impact on changing behavioral health within my community. First, I will open a family healthcare center that provides integrated healthcare to children with special needs who reside in economically underdeveloped communities. 2.) I will conduct research that substantially involves the community (community-based research) 3.) I want to pursue a legislative position in my state to advocate for healthcare improvement.

What motivates you to advance within the integrated care behavioral health field?

My desire to advance behavioral health stems from having a heart to help children and families. My pursuit of advancing behavioral health comes from my research on how effective an integrated healthcare system works. It is a system that efficiently puts the patient first. It also supports the providers who do the work. I’m inspired by the work I’ve observed from my professors and classmates and the numerous research discoveries I’ve found in my DBH studies that prove that integrated healthcare has changed and improved lives. I am also inspired by my patients and their families who have fought for the rights of their children to have a healthy and fulfilling life regardless of their physical and mental diagnosis.

What advice would you give to prospective students or professionals considering the DBH program?

I encourage prospective DBH students not to fear taking a step into what seems impossible to accomplish. Do not doubt yourself and your skills. I also encourage prospective students to follow their interests and be open to finding new insights while on this DBH journey.

Dr. Rebecca K. Wright’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of education and dedication to creating meaningful change for individuals with special needs and their families. Her passion for advocacy, equity, and integrated care serves as an inspiring reminder of the profound impact that one Doctor of Behavioral Health can have on countless lives. By combining expertise, compassion, and a commitment to change, Dr. Wright is not only advancing the field but also paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system. Her story inspires us to embrace our aspirations with courage and to use our knowledge to make a tangible difference in the lives of others.

Connect with Dr. Rebecca K. Wright

Instagram: practitioner2policymaker
Wright Way Care, LLC: https://wrightwaycare.com/

Dr. Rebecca K. Wright Shares Why She Chose the DBH Degree Program

Learn More About Dr. Rebecca K. Wright’s DBH Culminating Project Research

Dr. Rebecca Wright’s culminating project, Can an integrated healthcare assessment explicitly developed for Early Intervention services benefit the overall development of children identified as an part of a marginalized community?, is an integrated healthcare assessment designed for children from marginalized communities who qualify for EI services.

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Check Out Dr. Rebecca K. Wright on the Disruptors at Work Podcast

Disruptors at Work: an Integrated Care Podcast, Episode, Tackling Youth Mental Health with Dr. Allison Earl, DBH, LPC-S and Dr. Rebecca Wright, DBH, LBA, BCBA, QBA.

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Explore Dr. Rebecca K. Wright’s Research and Writing from the DBH Program

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How is Gender Bias Perceived by Women Receiving Medical Care within the Modern-Day Healthcare System?

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Testimonials

“As a member of the AAPI community, I’m very familiar with the barriers to mental health services and the need to break through the glass wall of cultural stigma that prevents many from receiving potentially life–saving treatment. I was the only Asian American person in my master’s cohort, the only Asian American person in many of my clinical work settings, the only Asian American person to walk into many of the professional settings that I pushed myself to show up to. In my current practice, I’m constantly reminded by my patients of how difficult it is to find an Asian American mental health provider, though this reminder constantly informs me that more needs to be done for my community. Day after day, I read stories of Asian American people who die by suicide as a consequence of our culture’s avoidance of mental health topics. As a DBH, my biggest goal is to use my expertise in whole–person care to amplify the conversation around mental health and help my community understand that mental healthcare is not a privilege that we are not entitled to, it is a crucial part of our healthcare that will manifest differently in us than what many Western psychology or psychiatry textbooks will describe, and that our unique experience of mental health issues are valid, important, and is time to be part of the larger conversation.”
Willam Chum, LMHCDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - September 16, 2022

“The DBH represents something that I've always embraced in my professional career. And that's collaboration and working across a lot of different disciplines to make sure you’re delivering the best care for the patient. Everything is about being patient centered about finding innovative ways and creative ways to collaborate with other professionals.”
CDR Sean K. Bennett, LCSW, MSWAC, BCDDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - October 10, 2023

“This program will change how you present to the world, not just as a professional but as an individual. Understand this is work but the work is worth it and the journey is undeniably transformative. If you are seeking a doctorate for the title, this is not the program for you. If you are seeking a doctorate to interrupt and disrupt the course of healthcare, then this is the program for you. You won’t find a more supportive program with professors who are dedicated to your success and your education. This program is not about the regurgitation of information. It is about the appropriate applied application of knowledge and information to push forward and become an advocate for equitable and quality care for all.”
Brandy K. Biglow LMHC, CCTP, QSDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - February 5, 2024

“The Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) program has definitely transformed my understanding of behavioral health. Understanding the links between physical and mental health has taught how to make better treatment decisions. The DBH program has also given me insights that otherwise would not be possible and allows me to view individuals through a lens that I was previously ignorant of. This program has helped me grow into a more confident individual, provider, and parent.”
Cory H. Cannady, BCBA, LBADBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - March 13, 2024

“The DBH program has been a pivotal turning point in my understanding and application of behavioral health principles. Recently, the concept of ‘whole person health’ has gained widespread attention in healthcare circles, becoming somewhat of a buzzword. Like many others, I embraced this term, believing in my capacity to deliver comprehensive care.

Prior to my engagement with the program, my approach, albeit well-intentioned, lacked an appreciation for the intricate interplay between physical and mental health. More importantly, the role of unmet social needs as a catalyst for health disparities was a dimension I had not fully integrated into my practice. The DBH program illuminated these connections, offering me a robust framework to understand and address the multifaceted needs of individuals, especially within marginalized communities.

Additionally, the confidence I have gained through the DBH program extends beyond theoretical knowledge. My role as a connector and advocate for these individuals has become more pronounced, driven by a deep-seated commitment to fostering accessibility, equity, and comprehensiveness in care.”
Michelle Stroebel MA, NCC, LCMHC, NADD-CCDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - June 12, 2024

“I have worked in behavioral health for the entirety of my professional career starting with college internships up to my current role as Deputy Executive Commissioner of Behavioral Health for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. While I have years of experience in the field, the DBH program at Cummings has framed my perspective as leveraging therapy as a first line of intervention. As a public servant, much of the work I do is usually in the aftermath of crises or when the system is being forced to respond to a service gap. However, the DBH program takes a much more proactive and integrative approach to health. This perspective/approach has the potential to positively shape policy in Texas in my role as a public servant charged with addressing the safety net needs of the most vulnerable constituents in Texas.”
Trina K. Ita, MA, LPCDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - July 10, 2024

“CGI feels like a community of long-lost cousins that finally met as adults and we realized that we share the same goals. The support from the faculty and classmates have been nothing short of amazing. I can reach out to my advisor at any given time to discuss course work, career endeavors, or to just vent about life. There is a feeling of closeness and belongingness at CGI that is just unmatched. I am very happy to be a member of the family and will continue to spread the word of how great this DBH program is.”
Michelle Francis, LCSW/LICSW-QSDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - September 10, 2024

“The DBH program’s mission, purpose, and objective say it all: We strive for intentional care outcome improvement practices that exemplify whole person-centered integrated healthcare advanced competency. The program of study drives insights and awareness of the ever-changing patient population and multidisciplinary practice environments to change how the world experiences healthcare. This is further reinforced by the pillars of medical literacy, integrated behavioral health intervention, and entrepreneurship skills and expertise. Development growth is needed to prepare the aspiring DBH for the future of the shifting healthcare marketplace through international networking in a growing community of disruptive innovators and an evolving movement toward systemic healthcare change. I feel that I will be positioned alongside a fellowship of like-minded professionals trying to improve the quality of healthcare service delivery value and outcome sustainability.”
Jose Mathew, LCSW, LAC, ACS, EMDR-T, CCTP-IIDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - October 8, 2024

“The DBH program has reinforced my vision of viewing behavioral health (BH) as an integrated component of the healthcare system rather than a siloed service. As a practitioner in the focused BH realm of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, I observe on a regular basis how identifying and serving SUD patients is often missed, ignored and stigmatized in primary healthcare, despite the fact that early intervention at these check-points often has the potential to intervene earlier and lessen the negative SUD outcomes frequently seen by the time a patient reaches specialty SUD services. Reinforcement received in my DBH program has motivated me to promote integration as a leader in my workplace and is a primary factor in considering the long-term trajectory of my individual career path.”
Kenneth L. Roberts, MPS, LPCC, LADCDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - November 5, 2024

“By becoming a DBH, I have found that I am able to have different conversations with different people. Before having my doctorate degree, I was able to speak to certain items in behavioral health, but was only seen as a licensed therapist where as a doctor, I am able to speak to the changemakers and policy makers in a more collaborative manner which then allows us as a group to enhance the services we are providing. I also found that as a DBH, my confidence in the treatment room has improved immensely and cases that may have been more difficult for me before are no longer as difficult due to the training I have received in the program.”
Dr. Allison Earl, DBH, LPC-SDBH Alumna, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - November 13, 2024

“I think the DBH is quite groundbreaking, it allows you to study from anywhere in the world. The support is fantastic, and you can make out of the DBH what you want. Unlike standard professional doctorates, the DBH was trying to break new ground, not trying to go over just old ground. It greatly encourages its students to be those people who break new ground.

As a person who actually has a disability, I found CGI staff to be very supportive, very accommodating. If I need extensions, they are always there. In fact the staff will reach out and check on you, if they haven’t heard from you in a very short period of time. Which I have never had from any other university.

I find the community of fellow DBH students absolutely wonderful, we reach out across numerous social media platforms, we email each other. Doesn’t matter where I am in the world or where they are in the world, everyone is supportive. Its support, support and encouragement with the DBH.”
Jason P. Sargent, B Policing, GDip Psych, MSW, JPDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - December 10, 2024

“Graduating from the DBH program has influenced and enhanced my approach to addressing behavioral health challenges and making a difference in the field by preparing me to become a serious business owner. Through the DBH program, I understand now that becoming a business owner not only assists me in reaping the financial benefits of working for myself, but the program also offers me a sense of freedom to make a difference in an individual’s life.”
Dr. Rebecca K. Wright, DBH, LBA, BCBA, QBADBH Alumna, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - December 18, 2024

“I have always wanted to pursue a higher degree but never found a program that met my needs. When I investigated the DBH program, I can honestly say I was excited. It was a program that would expand my knowledge in behavioral health but also how it relates to physical health. The philosophy of treating the whole person was exactly what I was looking for.”
Elizabeth Nekoloff, M.Ed., LPCC-S, NCCDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - January 16, 2025

“Prior to obtaining my DBH, I practiced behavioral health within the boundaries of behavior analysis. The DBH degree has given me the ability to broaden my scope of competence allowing me to provide a higher quality of care to my clients through a person-centered approach, while still staying within my scope of practice. I was in the beginning stages of opening my business when I enrolled in the DBH program which set my trajectory towards being a stronger leader. The program equipped me with essential healthcare leadership and entrepreneurial skills, allowing me to ensure high-quality services for my clients and foster a supportive work environment for our staff. It has also given me the confidence to expand my business and pursue other healthcare ventures, reaching a broader range of patients in need.”
Dr. Pauline Tolentino Pablo, DBH, BCBA, IBADBH Alumna, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - January 21, 2025

“Although I have worked with many patients who have mental health diagnoses, or behaviors which make managing their medical diagnoses and day to day life difficult, the DBH program at CGI is broadening that knowledge and providing a deeper understanding of behavioral health and how best to help these individuals manage their health and improve their quality of life. This will allow me to provide and advocate for more meaningful and seamless integrated care, providing new tools for my intervention toolbox, and the confidence and skills to collaborate within and lead whole person focused interdisciplinary teams. I also anticipate building upon my knowledge as a nurse case manager and long time caregiver, as well as my personal passions and professional vision, learning about processes and operations, to be in position to start up and lead my own company one day, offering the services and care I know every person should have access to.”
Hollie Wilson, MSN, RN, CCMDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - February 11, 2025

“The Doctor in Behavioral Health (DBH) program has changed my understanding of the subject and career path. Before this academic journey, my knowledge of behavioral health was primarily theoretical, including essential ideas and methods. However, the DBH curriculum combined intense academic research with practical application, helping me understand behavioral health from multiple angles. Recognizing mental health as part of total health changed my perspective. The biopsychosocial model, which showed how biological, psychological, and social variables affect mental health, was stressed in the DBH curriculum. This comprehensive approach made me realize how complex human behavior is and how important it is to address mental health issues. Effective interventions must target the individual’s surroundings, relationships, and life experiences, not just symptoms. The curriculum also gave me enhanced evidence-based practice training to execute successful solutions. Studies methods and data analysis classes improved my critical thinking and allowed me to evaluate and apply behavioral health studies. This gave me the confidence to contribute to the field’s knowledge base through practice and research.”
Dr. Rhea Hill, DBH, LPCDBH Alumna, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - February 17, 2025

“The DBH program will open opportunities for me to contribute to healthcare system innovation, particularly through trauma-informed care and integrated behavioral health settings. I will be better positioned to advocate for and implement holistic care models that improve health outcomes for underserved populations. Ultimately, this program will help me transition into higher-level roles, such as a director or consultant in behavioral health, where I can influence broader system changes and contribute to the future of healthcare delivery.”
DeKyn Rashad Peters, MPH-CHES,BSW/BA,APCDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - March 4, 2025

“The DBH program has been integral in preparing me for leadership roles by providing a solid foundation in both the theoretical and practical aspects of leadership within the behavioral health sector. Through coursework, case studies, and hands-on experiences, I have learned to lead with empathy, data-driven decision-making, and strategic planning. The program has also honed my skills in organizational development, communication, and policy advocacy, equipping me to effectively lead teams, drive impactful change, and foster environments that promote positive behavioral health outcomes. With this training, I am confident in my ability to lead initiatives that address systemic barriers and improve care delivery.”
Dr. Jerrika Henderson, DBH, CMHCDBH Alumna, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - March 18, 2025

DBH Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Rebecca K. Wright, DBH, LBA, BCBA, QBA