Get to know Rachelle Bennett, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Keystone Behavioral Health – Catherine Street!
How did you decide to become a nurse practitioner?
I decided to become a Nurse Practitioner after a few experiences that really stuck with me. In high school, I went on medical mission trips to Belize and Honduras, where I had the opportunity to shadow nurses and providers and even learned how to take my first manual blood pressure. Those trips sparked my interest in healthcare and confirmed that I genuinely enjoy helping others.
As a nurse, I worked in the emergency department for multiple years, where I often cared for patients on mental health holds who were waiting days to be placed in an inpatient setting or to be evaluated by a psychiatric provider. Seeing how long these patients waited and how limited access to mental health care was made me realize just how big the need is in this field. I always found myself especially empathetic toward these patients, and I already had a personal interest in mental health due to experiences involving people close to me.
That combination of experiences and seeing the gap in care is what ultimately led me to pursue a nurse practitioner degree with a specialization in psychiatry.
Where did you go to college?
I earned my bachelor’s degree in nursing from Shepherd University and my master’s degree as a Nurse Practitioner from Walden University.
What is your favorite part of your job/working in the behavioral health field?
My favorite part of working in the behavioral health field is being able to look at mental health from a holistic perspective while honoring patient autonomy. There are so many factors that influence a person’s mental health. Every patient is unique and comes with their own story, which means no two treatment plans are ever the same. I really enjoy taking the time to understand each individual and collaborating with them on care that fits their needs and goals. Helping someone regain functioning or simply feeling heard and understood is incredibly rewarding. I also appreciate that behavioral health is always evolving with advances in neuroscience, psychotherapy, and psychopharmacology, which I find interesting and supports ongoing clinical growth.
Why did you choose to work at Keystone?
What Keystone was founded on aligns with my own personal values and beliefs. I strongly believe that access to quality, affordable healthcare should be a human right, no matter someone’s background or financial situation. Keystone’s mission shows this by providing compassionate care to everyone and works hard to break down cultural and language barriers in our community. I also appreciate that Keystone treats patients as people, not just numbers. The organization does not judge, discriminate, or force treatment, but instead focuses on patient autonomy and supports individuals in making the best decisions for themselves based on their situations. I am honored to be part of Keystone’s mission and to serve this community.
What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
I like to stay active and try to fit in lifting, running, and hiking with my dog whenever I can during the week. I’ve recently gotten more into running and completed two half marathons this past year, with the goal of running a full marathon in the near future. Depending on the time of year, I enjoy golfing, kayaking, and snowboarding. I also love baking and making sourdough recipes from scratch. I have a strong passion for nutrition and enjoy reading nutrition-focused books and learning how food supports overall health. Outside of these activities, I value spending quality time with my family, friends, and my dog.
Where is your hometown, and if you are new to the area, what do you like about Franklin County so far?
I grew up in Orrtanna, PA with my family. After graduating from nursing school, I moved to Chambersburg. I like the balance that the Franklin County area offers. You can visit local farmers’ markets and support nearby farms, have easy access to the mountains for outdoor activities, and still be close to shops and everyday conveniences.
What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?
I love to golf!! I enjoy the challenge and the opportunity to travel to try out new courses. When it’s above 50 degrees, you’ll usually find me out on the golf course.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Mental health is incredibly important, and I always encourage people not to be afraid to reach out for support if they ever need help.
Welcome to Keystone, Rachelle!
Keystone Behavioral Health – Catherine Street offers a Walk-In Program for individuals seeking timely support for mental health concerns. Click here to learn more.
