Ashley M. Smith, Psy.D. is a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences at the Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine. She is also the Lead Behavioral Health Consultant (BHC) for the primary care services provided at the UH Health Family Care Center. She works with patients who present with behavioral and psychosocial issues that impact their health and utilization of primary care services. In this role, she collaborates closely with clinic medical and behavioral health providers to develop workflow guidelines, clinical protocols, and integrated treatment plans for patient care. She is also responsible for training and supervising medical and graduate student learners in behavioral health fields.

Her work focuses on improving patient care access by addressing common barriers, the impact of health disparities, and addressing social determinants of health for minoritized and underserved populations. She is also passionate about community engagement and outreach, diversity and inclusion, and professional mentorship.

Previously, she trained at the University of Virginia, working with patients presenting with co-occurring medical and psychological conditions, conducting pre-surgical and diagnostic evaluations, and providing outpatient evidence-based intervention. Additionally, she worked with specialty patient populations including infectious disease (Ryan White Clinic) and cystic fibrosis. She also has prior training working in heart and vascular behavioral health and in integrated primary care behavioral health at Christiana Hospital in Newark, Delaware.

She received her undergraduate degree in psychology from Howard University. She has a doctorate and a master’s degree in clinical psychology and a master’s degree in mental health counseling from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. There, she served as the community service coordinator and recruiter for Culturally Aware Psychology Students (CAPS), a student ambassador for admissions, the mentorship program coordinator, and as a student representative on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion workgroup. She also supported student training in her role with the Healthy Monks Outreach Program, which provides integrated care visits for the Laotian community in Philadelphia. She was the recipient of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine President’s Leadership in Diversity Award and of the Leadership, Advocacy, and Service Award. She taught courses at Temple University as an adjunct psychology professor from 2018-2023.