Skip to main content
NAATP National 2025 Main banner
Back

Debra Nussbaum, LCSW, Phd (she/her/hers)

Sr. Director Behavioral Health Evidence Based Services
Optum/UHC

Debra is a Sr. Director Behavioral Health Evidence Based Services/National Substance Use Disorder Strategy lead with Optum Whole Health Solutions which is the behavioral health arm of United Healthcare Insurance Company. Deb has been in a clinical leadership role for Optum since 2010 and has led behavioral product design, network development, facility clinical vetting and substance use disorder (SUD) initiatives since 2013.

Deb’s products within Optum are designed to improve access to evidence based services, such as the adoption and roll out of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) criteria, expansion of Optum’s MOUD/MAUD network, implementation of the 24/7 SUD helpline and development of alternative payment and value based models of care. Deb also leads parity compliant benefit design initiatives for customers looking to address specific utilization trends for their population.

Deb’s clinical background is in substance use treatment, family services and was an addictions counselor prior to earning her PhD. She is also an LCSW licensed in Florida and in New York. Deb sits on many committees within ASAM and is an advocate for evidence based care at the federal level championing SUD legislation.

Presentation(s):