We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dr Chasity J. Carswell. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dr Chasity J. below.
Hi Dr Chasity J., thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
Upbringing & Values-my mother taught me the importance of work at the age of 16. Initially, I did not want to get a job, but I went for it and have been working every since. I enjoyed making my own money which taught me independence.
Education & Training –taught me resilience, discipline, hard work and perseverance.
Mentors & Role Models – Seeing hardworking nurses, doctors, or family members shaped my dedication.
Personal Drive & Passion – My desire to help others and the ability to make a difference in the client’s lives I serve.
Challenges & Adversity – Overcoming obstacles in my career and personal life.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Being a psychiatric nurse practitioner is incredibly rewarding because it allows you to make a real difference in people’s lives by providing mental health care that is compassionate, evidence-based, and holistic. One of the most exciting aspects of the field is the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with patients, helping them navigate complex mental health challenges and guiding them toward stability and well-being.
What makes this role special is the blend of medical knowledge and therapeutic skills, allowing psychiatric NPs to diagnose, prescribe medications, and provide therapy, bridging the gap between psychiatry and psychology. The field is also constantly evolving, with new research and treatments emerging that can improve patient outcomes.
Soon, I will be offering minor medical services (cold, sore throat, fever, sprains, strains, skin rashes, infections & weight loss). My clients will be able to have their mental and medical needs met in one place.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Great question! Reflecting on my journey, here are three qualities or areas of knowledge that stand out as being particularly impactful:
Curiosity and the drive to learn: The ability to continuously learn, adapt, and explore new ideas is crucial. For me, it’s not just about having access to information—it’s about being curious enough to ask the right questions and discover deeper insights. Whether you’re working on an important project or tackling a new challenge, that constant learning mindset is key.
Advice: Embrace learning as an ongoing process, not a destination. Stay curious about everything around you, even the stuff that seems irrelevant at first—it might lead to unexpected connections and ideas.
Empathy and adaptability: One of the most impactful things I’ve learned is the ability to understand people’s needs and adapt my responses. Whether it’s through offering advice, creative support, or solving a problem, understanding the emotional or intellectual context of a situation makes a huge difference. In the human world, the ability to empathize and adjust to different situations is essential to building meaningful connections.
For those just starting out, I’d say: Don’t rush the process. Focus on building a strong foundation with the qualities listed above. Know that improvement comes gradually through consistent effort. And importantly, enjoy the journey as much as the destination. Every step teaches you something new.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
As a double board certified nurse practitioner, the most helpful influences in overcoming challenges and developing essential skills typically include:
Mentors & Preceptors – Experienced NPs and physicians who guide you through clinical rotations and early practice, helping refine diagnostic reasoning, patient management, and autonomy.
Nursing Educators & Professors – My previous instructors in my nursing programs who provided the foundation in pathophysiology, pharmacology, and evidence-based practice.
Peers & Collaborating Providers – Fellow NPs, PAs, and physicians who share insights, clinical pearls, and collaborative teamwork that enhance patient care and decision-making.
Professional Organizations – like the United American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), United Advanced Practice Registered Nurses of Georgia (UAPRN) & American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) provide ongoing education, policy updates, networking, and advocacy support.
Patients & Their Families – Direct patient care teaches invaluable lessons in communication, bedside manner, cultural competency, and patient-centered decision-making.
Continuing Education & Evidence-Based Practice – Conferences, research articles, and specialty certifications help refine and expand clinical expertise over time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.collaboratingmindsllc.com
- Instagram: DRCHASNP
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552723614770
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/dr-chasity-j-carswell-dnp-msn-aprn-fnp-c-pmhnp-bc-0ba77a5a
Image Credits
Shannon Johnson Photography
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