We were lucky to catch up with Dr. Marqueta Abraham DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Dr. Marqueta, so happy to have you with us today and there is so much we want to ask you about. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others developed certain skills or qualities that we are struggling with can be helpful. Along those lines, we’d love to hear from you about how you developed your ability to take risk?
I developed my ability to take risks by watching my father and mother live with such determination and purpose. My father a veteran who served post-Korean War, he never shied away from hard work or new challenges. His and my mothers strength taught me that stepping into the unknown is often necessary for growth. Throughout my career from clinical practice at CLR Mind Psychiatry, to teaching and public speaking. I’ve learned that meaningful risks often lead to the most rewarding moments. Taking those steps with faith and purpose has shaped me into the professional I am today.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am Dr. Marqueta Abraham a dedicated psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner whose mission centers on compassionate, patient-first care. As the owner and lead provider at CLR Mind Psychiatry, I provide comprehensive mental health services across the lifespan, with specialized expertise in forensic, acute, and outpatient psychiatric care.
What makes me work truly special is my unwavering commitment to empowering patients and communities through education, advocacy, and accessible care. I believe that providers should treat patients as whole individuals mind, body, and spirit and this philosophy informs every aspect of my practice. My dedication to mental health extends beyond the clinic, as I frequently volunteer my time speaking with teenagers and adults about emotional wellness and the importance of early mental health intervention, most recently in Memphis, TN.
My professional journey has been shaped by deep personal inspiration. My late father, a post-Korean War veteran, and my mother, a devoted educational assistant, both instilled the drive to serve others and to never stop learning. That foundation grew into a career defined by perseverance, compassion, and innovation.
My achievements include being named a Healthcare Hero by the Memphis Business Journal in 2018 and receiving the Inspire Award from the University of Tennessee at Martin in 2021. I have contributed meaningfully to the field through publications such as STD Education Among African American Women: An Educational Improvement Initiative in the Journal of Black Nurses Association and as a contributor to Shared Governance: A Practical Approach to Transforming Interprofessional Healthcare, Fourth Edition. I also shared insights as an expert commentator in outlets such as Contraceptive Technology Update and POPSUGAR, where I discussed complex relationship and mental health dynamics.
In addition to the clinical practice, I serve as an Adjunct Professor at Christian Brothers University, shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals. I am also a proud alumna of the University of Tennessee at Martin, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Abilene Christian University, Union University, and Duke University Fellow with Johnson and Johnson.
Looking ahead, myself and my team are excited to celebrate CLR Mind Psychiatry’s first-year anniversary on April 9th, 2026 at noon at the main office a milestone that reflects our ongoing commitment to healing, education, and community impact. The heart of my work remains simple yet profound: helping people live fuller, healthier lives through compassionate mental health care.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three qualities have been most impactful in my journey authenticity, empathy, and lifelong learning.
Authenticity has guided every step of my path. Staying true to my values and my purpose keeps me grounded and helps patients feel genuinely seen and understood. In healthcare, authenticity builds trust and trust fosters healing. For those starting out, I encourage embracing your individuality and using it to connect meaningfully with others. Your genuine self will always be your greatest strength.
Empathy is at the heart of everything I do. It’s not just understanding a patient’s situation but truly connecting with their emotions and experiences. Developing empathy means listening deeply and practicing compassion daily. For new professionals, take time to engage with your patients/clients and communities those human connections will strengthen both your clinical skills and your purpose.
Finally, lifelong learning has shaped my entire career. The health field evolves constantly, and staying curious keeps you relevant and effective. Pursuing continuing education, reading, and collaborating with diverse professionals helps expand both knowledge and perspective. My advice is never to settle for mastery keep growing, keep questioning, and keep seeking ways to make an impact.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
My biggest area of growth over the past year has been taking the leap to resign from my full-time job and pursue my dream of becoming an entrepreneur. This step was made possible through the incredible guidance and support of Duke University and the Johnson & Johnson Nurse Practitioner Entrepreneurship Program as a fellow, which provided both the structure and confidence I needed to move forward in building CLR Mind Psychiatry. The program helped me refine my business vision, strengthen my leadership skills, and connect with other nurse practitioners who share the same entrepreneurial spirit. Taking that risk taught me so much about trusting my instincts, embracing new challenges, and turning passion into purpose. It wasn’t easy to step away from the familiar, but this journey has shown me the power of aligning faith, preparation, and mentorship to create something truly meaningful.
Contact Info:
- Website: clrmindpsychiatry.com
- Instagram: clrmindpsychiatry
- Facebook: clrmindpsychiatry
- Linkedin: Marqueta Abraham
- Youtube: clrmindpsychiatry
Image Credits
Duke University Johnson and Johnson NPEP, WLOK Dr. Andre Brooks
