Niki Wright, PsyD, CSAC

Dr. Niki Wright brings years of behavioral health experience in the State of Hawai‘i to Wahiawā Health as the Chief Behavioral Health Officer. She provides management, consultation, training, and networking to build essential behavioral health services in the community. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Master of Arts degree from Argosy University, and holds a doctorate in clinical psychology. Dr. Wright is licensed as a clinical psychologist and certified as a substance abuse counselor in the State of Hawai‘i and has made it her mission to reduce the negative social stigma surrounding mental illness, particularly substance use disorders, and to break down barriers that prevent individuals from accessing the care they need, particularly in medically underserved communities.

Dr. Wright’s professional interests include health psychology and working with diverse and marginalized populations to address chronic pain management, addiction, trauma, systems, and women’s health. She is also the Director of two departments at Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center and clinical psychologist for the State of Hawai‘i’s Department of Education. She has previously taught in the Rehabilitation Counseling master’s degree program at the University of Hawai῾i at Mānoa under the Department of Kinesiology. She serves on several Boards and task forces, including the State of Hawai‘i Advisory Committee on Underaged Drinking and Sexual Violence Primary Prevention Community Action Team. Dr. Wright was elected as the first president of the National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselor’s Hawai‘i affiliate in 2022 and she speaks locally and nationally about various topics related to health inequities and social determinants of health.

In her personal life, Dr. Wright is a National Health Service Corps Ambassador, committed to improving access to care in under-served areas of the United States. Through her impressive work and unwavering commitment to advancing behavioral health services in Hawai‘i, Dr. Wright has made a significant impact on the mental health and well-being of her patients and communities, and continues to be a leading voice in her field.

Dr. Wright has achieved numerous certifications including: Certified Substance Abuse Counselor, Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Certified Substance Abuse Program Administrator, Certified Clinical Supervisor, Certified Prevention Specialist, Global Career Development Facilitator and Certified Sex Offender Treatment Professional.