Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Pretia Carpenter, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC.
Hi Dr. Pretia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
The journey to building The Wellness Space didn’t follow a straight or easy path. It was shaped by persistence, purpose, and a refusal to wait for opportunity.
I earned my Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC), specializing as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Throughout my training, I completed extensive clinical hours, where I developed a strong foundation in comprehensive psychiatric assessment, medication management, and holistic, patient-centered care. I was prepared, qualified, and ready to step fully into my role.
But after graduating, I encountered an unexpected challenge. I struggled to find meaningful, stable employment as a PMHNP. Despite my credentials and experience, doors didn’t open the way I had anticipated. That experience was frustrating, but it also forced me to think differently. Instead of waiting for a seat at someone else’s table, I decided to build my own.
That decision led to the creation of The Wellness Space, which I co-founded with my mentor and former preceptor, Dr. Chante Fason, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC, who was instrumental in its inception. Dr Fason, who also hails from UTHSC, brings over 20 years of experience in the field and a real dedication and commitment to the work that we do. Together, we envisioned something bigger than a traditional clinic, but a space where mental health care is comprehensive, culturally responsive, and truly centered on the whole person. We wanted to bridge the gap between psychiatric care and overall wellness by integrating evidence-based treatment with services that support long-term healing and quality of life.
Today, The Wellness Space represents not just a business, but a mission. It reflects my commitment to increasing access to mental health care, especially in communities that are often underserved, and to creating a model of care that prioritizes dignity, compassion, and empowerment. What started as a setback ultimately became the foundation for something much more meaningful, and we’re just getting started. We have worked tirelessly to create this space, and we are very proud of this clinic and what it represents in our communities.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road and honestly, that’s been one of the most defining parts of the journey.
One of our first major challenges was simply finding the right physical space. We needed a location that aligned with our vision. It needed to be professional, accessible, and capable of supporting both psychiatric and wellness services, but also financially realistic as a new business. It took time, a lot of searching, and more than a few setbacks before we secured a space that felt right. And even then, the work didn’t stop there. We had to go through renovations to transform it into an environment that actually reflected the calm, therapeutic atmosphere we wanted patients to experience. That process required coordinating vendors, making design decisions, and staying within budget, all while still trying to move the business forward.
On the operational side, credentialing with insurance companies was another major hurdle. We handled that process ourselves, which meant navigating complex applications, long waiting periods, and a lot of back-and-forth communication. There were moments where it felt like progress was slow or unclear, but we stayed persistent because we knew how important it was to be accessible to patients who rely on insurance.
We also had to make critical decisions about infrastructure, such as choosing the right EHR and billing systems. That wasn’t just about picking a platform; it was about finding something that aligned with our workflow, supported compliance, integrated e-prescribing, and could scale with us as we grow. We spent a lot of time researching, comparing options, and thinking long-term before landing on solutions that made sense for both patient care and business sustainability.
And beyond all of that, there’s the reality of building something from the ground up while balancing life, finances, and uncertainty. There were definitely moments of doubt and exhaustion. But each challenge forced us to become more resourceful, more knowledgeable, and more intentional about how we build.
So no, it hasn’t been smooth, but it’s been purposeful. Every obstacle has strengthened the foundation of The Wellness Space and made what we’re creating even more meaningful.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The Wellness Space is a comprehensive mental health and wellness clinic built with one clear goal: to provide care that treats the whole person, not just the diagnosis. We serve individuals across the lifespan, offering psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and ongoing mental health support in a setting that is intentional, welcoming, and grounded in evidence-based practice.
What we do is rooted in high-quality psychiatric care, but what sets us apart is how we deliver it. We take a holistic, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed approach, meaning we don’t just look at symptoms, we look at the full picture: lifestyle, environment, stressors, physical health, and personal goals. Our care is collaborative and individualized. Every treatment plan is tailored, and we prioritize education so patients feel informed, empowered, and actively involved in their care.
We also designed The Wellness Space to evolve beyond traditional psychiatry. While we currently focus on core psychiatric services, our broader vision includes integrating wellness-based offerings such as lifestyle support, mindfulness practices, and other non-pharmacological interventions. The goal is to create a space where mental health and overall wellness are not treated separately, but as deeply connected.
What truly sets us apart is the intention behind the brand. This wasn’t built out of convenience, it was built out of necessity. After facing barriers entering the workforce despite being exceptionally qualified, I made the decision to create something that not only supports my own professional growth, but also expands access to care in a meaningful way. That foundation shows up in how we operate: we are patient-centered, access-driven, and deeply committed to underserved communities.
Brand-wise, we’re most proud of the authenticity. The Wellness Space reflects who we are and what we stand for; calm, safe, empowering, and professional without feeling cold or clinical. From the environment we’ve created to the way we communicate with patients, everything is intentional. We want people to feel like they’re stepping into a space where they’re seen, heard, and supported without judgment.
What we want readers to know is this: The Wellness Space is more than a clinic. It’s a model for what mental health care can look like when it’s done with purpose. We are building something that prioritizes access, quality, and whole-person healing, and this is only the beginning, so stay tuned.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I wouldn’t describe myself as reckless, but I am very intentional when it comes to risk. For me, risk isn’t about jumping into the unknown without a plan. It’s about recognizing when staying comfortable is actually the bigger risk.
The biggest risk I’ve taken was starting The Wellness Space. I made that decision at a time when I had just completed my terminal degree, had financial responsibilities, and didn’t have the security of a traditional, stable position lined up. On paper, it probably would have made more sense to wait, but the reality was that the opportunities I was waiting for weren’t materializing. So I had to make a choice: keep waiting, or build something for myself.
Starting the practice meant investing financially, committing to a lease, taking on renovations, navigating insurance credentialing on our own, and building operational systems from the ground up, all without guaranteed income in the beginning. That’s a real risk, especially with a family and responsibilities. But I approached it strategically. I did my research, leaned on mentorship, partnered with someone I trust, and made calculated decisions at each step.
My perspective on risk now is that it should be purposeful. I believe in taking informed risks, ones that align with your long-term vision and values. I don’t move blindly, but I also don’t let fear keep me stuck. Growth requires some level of discomfort, and sometimes the only way forward is to bet on yourself.
Looking back, starting The Wellness Space was absolutely a risk, but it was also necessary. It pushed me to step fully into my capability, not just as a clinician, but as a business owner and leader. And it reinforced something I carry with me now: the biggest opportunities often sit on the other side of the risks we’re willing to take.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thewellnesspace.org/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWellnessSpace
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-wellness-space-pc/
