Dr. Rachel Carpenter is a dedicated child and adolescent psychiatrist who has returned to her roots in Stillwater, Oklahoma. A native of this vibrant community, Dr. Carpenter brings with her a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to improving the mental health of young people in her hometown.
Dr. Carpenter’s academic journey began at Oklahoma State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Sociology. Her passion for understanding human behavior and society laid the foundation for her future career in psychiatry. She went on to pursue her medical degree at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, where her interest in mental health blossomed.
Following medical school, Dr. Carpenter completed her residency in General Psychiatry and a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. This comprehensive training equipped her with the specialized skills needed to address the unique mental health challenges faced by children and adolescents.
During her medical education, Dr. Carpenter distinguished herself as a member of the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, recognizing her excellence in scholarship and professionalism. Her leadership abilities were further acknowledged when she was appointed Chief Resident/Fellow of her psychiatry training program, a role that honed her skills in both clinical practice and medical education.
Dr. Carpenter’s decision to return to Stillwater was driven by a strong desire to give back to the community that shaped her. She is excited to raise her own family in her hometown and contribute to its well-being through her psychiatric practice. Her deep roots in the area provide her with a unique understanding of the local culture and the specific needs of families in the community.
Together with her husband, whom she met while studying at OSU, Dr. Carpenter is raising a bustling family of five young children. This includes a 7-year-old boy, 4-year-old twin girls, and 1-year-old boy/girl twins. Her experience as a mother of five, including two sets of twins, gives her a personal perspective on the joys and challenges of parenting, which informs her professional practice.
Despite her busy schedule, Dr. Carpenter finds joy in life’s simple pleasures. She has a particular fondness for seasonal treats, savoring chai lattes in the fall and refreshing snow cones in the summer. These small indulgences reflect her appreciation for the changing seasons and the importance of self-care.
Dr. Carpenter’s combination of professional expertise, local roots, and personal experience as a parent makes her uniquely qualified to serve the mental health needs of children and adolescents in Stillwater and the surrounding areas. She looks forward to making a positive impact on the community that has always been close to her heart.