Today we’d like to introduce you to Elsa Asghedom.
Hi Elsa, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My path into mental health really began during my 17 years as an emergency room nurse. In the ER, I met people on some of the hardest days of their lives, and it became clear to me that many of them weren’t just dealing with physical issues—they were struggling with their mental health, too. I found myself drawn to those moments, wanting to understand and help in a deeper way.
That passion led me to go back to school. I went on to earn my Master of Science in Nursing from George Washington University, where I specialized as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
After working with a small company and gaining more experience, I realized I wanted to create something of my own—something more personal and patient-centered. That’s what inspired me to start my own psychiatric practice, where my goal is simple: to create a space where people feel heard, supported, and truly cared for.
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—but it’s been a meaningful one. Working in the emergency room for 17 years came with long hours, emotional challenges, and moments that really tested me. Transitioning back to school while balancing life and work wasn’t easy either.
Building my own psychiatric practice brought a new set of challenges—learning the business side of care, stepping into leadership, and taking risks. But every obstacle helped me grow and reinforced why I chose this path.
Looking back, the challenges were all part of the journey. They shaped me into the provider I am today and made the reward of helping others with their mental health even more fulfilling.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Professional Mental Health Services, LLC was created from a simple belief: people deserve to feel heard, supported, and cared for without judgment. As a private PMHNP practice in Maryland, we provide compassionate mental health care for individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood disorders, and everyday life stressors.
What makes our practice different is the personal connection we build with our clients. We take time to listen, understand each person’s story, and create treatment plans that fit their real lives — not a one-size-fits-all approach. Our goal is to make mental health care feel comfortable, approachable, and empowering.
The thing we are most proud of is the trust our clients place in us. We want people to know that Professional Mental Health Services, LLC is a safe space where healing starts with feeling seen, respected, and understood.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was always very outgoing and curious about people. I was born in Eritrea and came to America when I was seven years old, so from an early age I learned how to adapt to new environments and connect with people from many different backgrounds. I naturally gravitated toward diverse groups of friends and enjoyed being around others, learning their stories and perspectives. Even as a child, I always had a strong desire to help people and make others feel comfortable and supported. Those experiences shaped not only who I am personally, but also the compassion and understanding I bring into my work today.
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