Women of Excellence Series: NAACP Image Award Contender and Talk Show Host on the Rise Charletta Dennis, M.D., CCHP

By Prather Jackson

Detroit, "The Motor City", is one of the key cities of innovation in America. The Motor City is known for its creative inventions in enterprises that set trending standards in the nation. From the success of Motown Records, Detroit established the foundation of R&B music with an array of star talent such as Diana Ross and The Supremes to Stevie Wonder, all developed and orchestrated by the legendary genius of Berry Gordy. This Detroit-based vision boldly set the tone for the evolution of R&B in the music industry as it continues to be a force in setting trends in music.

As one of America’s leading cities of innovation, the city of Detroit embraces and shapes the brilliant leadership and talents of exceptional visionaries who dedicate their lives to creating positive change in communities. It molds and shapes leaders who are determined to transform the landscape of the nation through speaking the language of modern society and bringing innovative solutions to social issues to the table. In today’s modern landscape of a technological society, one of the key social issues is the subject of mental health. There’s a new trailblazer on the horizon setting the tone for bringing forth key solutions toward the comfort of conversation pertaining to gaining and attaining optimum mental health in America. Her name is Dr. Charletta Dennis.

A Detroit native, Dr. Charletta Dennis, is an accomplished and noted psychiatrist in the field of medicine. She is consciously devoted to her craft and making a difference in the lives of others. In addition to her success in the medical field, she recently landed a position as cohost of a talk program, “Doc Talk,” a show that specializes in providing information to the public about mental health and other health topics.

Dr. Charletta Dennis is an exceptional talent in her multitalented career and roles of service in our society. Charletta's grounded authenticity is undeniable as she has a devoted admiration toward her city of Detroit, and she lets you know it with joyful recognition. In our recent interview with Charletta, she shared this about her city: “I love my hometown of Detroit for so many reasons. Let’s start with…Motown and the Motor City! Motown gave birth to a lot of great music. Also, a lot of Detroiters were able to raise their families by working for the Big 3. Being around this kind of great energy invigorates your own dreams. It inspired me to work toward the dreams I envisioned. I am grateful to Detroit. The energy of the city led me to step out and find my purpose.”

When Charletta walks into a room, she captures the attention of everyone inside that room without saying one word. Her personality is one of a woman who embraces society one person at a time. Charletta has a pure zest for life, a natural charisma with people, and a humble grace that shines, a grace that is comparable to another woman of excellence: Dr. Coretta Scott King.

Charletta's story is one of struggle and triumph that defines her rich and endearing demeanor. Her educational intellect is exceptional and very relatable in terms of her choices and approach to working with people. Her main objective in her career work is to make sure she reaches people with positive solutions to their problems. She effectively reaches people from all walks of life through the specialty art of pure conversation, whether it be in talking to a group of youth or speaking on camera about mental health solutions.

A SPEEDY UP-BRINGING

Her road to success began in humble beginnings in her childhood. As a child, she saw the positive effects of Detroit’s economic growth with the Ford Motor Company and other successful enterprises." She also saw the juxtaposition of challenges for some residents in her hometown. As a child, she was faced with the struggles of economic challenges. The light always shined through the darkness as she watched her family find ways to make ends meet. Soon, Charletta realized that the path to success in her future pointed in the direction of dedicating her time toward a solid education in school. She made the point that she was determined to find a path to success to overcome the challenges of economic issues that she and her family faced in her community. Her road to success began with her search for more education, which soon led to her entrance into the medical field.

Growing up in a fast-paced city was not easy for Dr. Charletta Dennis. In our recent interview, she shared about how she became pregnant at the age of 14 years old. She reflected and realized that it was not going to be easy to raise a child, as a child herself. Charletta shared these heartfelt thoughts on her experience as a teen mom: “I was determined to make a life for myself and my children. In essence, I would have to say I was more inspired by who I did not want to become. I grew up in a drug-infested and poor area of Detroit and did not want that to be my future. I did not want to continue living in poverty, so I had to look within to change the course of my life.”

Medicine And The Mind

As a teen mom, Charletta realized that she had to go to work to help support and raise her child. At the same time, Charletta spent time in thought looking toward the future of what she could become. In a moment of reflection during our interview, she shared that sometimes you meet the right people at the right time who open doors for you through sharing information and even opportunities that may be available to you. In the case of her road to medicine, it began as a stepwise journey as Charletta shared in conversation with us.

Charletta began working fulltime at a fast-food restaurant to make money to take care of her child. A pivotal moment in her life journey came during a conversation at work while she worked on the night shift at a fast-food restaurant. On one particular night, two professional paramedics came into the restaurant. They began a conversation with her about a paramedic course that they were teaching. She learned from them about the opportunity to sign up for the course, and she did. After taking the paramedic course, Charletta realized that there was a connection there, but she needed to take a different direction. She researched and soon began taking courses as a medical assistant and later started her studies toward further opportunities in the field of medicine. Soon, she made it a point to take courses toward a bachelor’s degree in the field of nursing in her quest to find her niche in the world of medicine— where she knew she belonged.

Charletta opened up about a powerful conversation that changed her life. One day during her studies toward her bachelor’s in nursing, she had a discussion with someone in college who she knew. She shared her good grades in medical courses and her new goal to attend medical school with the goal of becoming a doctor with them. The response she received was challenging because she was told that it would be unlikely that she would be able to complete her studies to become a medical doctor. These words would discourage a lot of people; but for Charletta, this response reflected her inner compass of guided truth. She set the pace for the next phase of her development by demonstrating tenacity and perseverance. Instead of discouraging Charletta, these words fueled her determination to work toward her vision to study every class it took to become a doctor in the medical field, and she did just that.

Charletta moved toward the fine universities of higher education in her native city of Detroit for the shaping of her future career in medicine. Through perseverance and hard work, Charletta received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Detroit Mercy. She continued her studies and soon received her medical degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine, completing her residency in Psychiatry at WSU/Henry Ford Health System in Detroit. She completed her fellowship training in Forensic Psychiatry at the prestigious University of Michigan and the Center for Forensic Psychiatry.

In today’s progressive society, Dr. Charletta Dennis has truly become one of the nation's trailblazers specializing in the field of forensic psychiatry with her quest to champion the cause of mental health as a spokesperson and advocate. Dr. Dennis is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in the fields of Psychiatry as well as Forensic Psychiatry.

In addition, Dr. Charletta Dennis is certified in Correctional Health Care by the National Commission of Correctional Health Care. She is featured on U.S. News and World Report as a noted psychiatrist in the nation. She now serves as the lead psychiatrist and medical director of Priority Health, recognized as a “Notable

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Leader in Behavioral Health” by Crain’s Detroit Business. In her expertise, Dr. Charletta Dennis has conducted peer reviews to assess and structure strategic care for patients. Through her insight and expertise, she continues to play a significant role in increasing access to mental health services statewide.

Dr. Charletta Dennis penned a popular literary work that is enlightening and informative as she addresses the topic of anxiety, its symptoms, and how to deal with it during the pandemic as well as post-pandemic in everyday life. The title of her published book is “Anxiety Unmasked During the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Global Mental Health Concern."

A Voice For Others

In addition to her medical practice and leadership, Dr. Charletta Dennis is a sought-after expert as a guest on television news programs with her recent appearances including NBC News WOOD TV speaking on helpful information on PTSD awareness. She was also featured on Good Day Northern Michigan on the CBS network as a featured expert on mental health and wellness. Her road to television began with her appearance as an expert on three episodes of "For My Man" where she realized the value of television as a way to educate the public about mental health issues. Charletta shared this about appearing on the show: “I absolutely loved going through the cases and being part of that show. That show is what led me to begin thinking about becoming a host of my own show. I even thought about starting out with a podcast to discuss all things medicine." Soon after her appearance on the show, another opportunity came her way. She was offered the role of Co-Host of "Doc Talk" with Priority Health Network. When asked about her role as Co-Host, Charletta shared this:

I feel so alive when I'm educating the public. There is an opportunity to reduce stigma regarding mental health or even just seeking treatment and I would like to be that voice for the masses.

Charletta's grace in demeanor and poised intellect are naturally appealing as seen on-camera in her work as Co-Host of "Doc Talk". With her busy schedule as a professional psychologist and co-host, she is also now a sought-after interviewee on major television news programs. When asked about what inspires her in her multitalented roles, she had this to share.

When it comes to talk show hosts and women of excellence, Charletta expressed that she is truly inspired by another woman of excellence whose trajectory of success continues to evolve and shine around the world. Oprah Winfrey. Charletta shared these poignant thoughts:

What I admire about Oprah is that she is multi-talented. From radio to TV to movies, she has soared. She is a public figure and a successful businesswoman. She co-founded the cable television network Oxygen and also launched her “OWN” network. She is a billionaire philanthropist who has donated millions to various charities supporting education and disaster relief. What she has done in the public eye has been absolutely remarkable.

During our interview with Dr. Charletta Dennis, she received the news that her role as Co-Host of the talk show, "Doc Talk", is now receiving additional accolades. Dr. Charletta Dennis is now an NAACP Image Award Contender for Outstanding Talk Show Host in a News and Information Series. Her response to receiving the news speaks volumes about her exceptional character as a woman of excellence.

Charletta shared, "This recognition is absolutely unbelievable, and I feel so grateful to even be on the ballot. I can't even get to the thought of being in the building because I wake up and think, 'Is this real?' This is absolutely amazing, and I have been all smiles. I’m excited, anxious, and giddy all at the same time. I am truly honored, and I think about this opportunity during my daily affirmations."

Dr. James Forshee, MD, MBA, senior vice president and chief medical officer at Priority Health, shared this about Dr. Dennis: “Dr. Dennis is a tremendous asset to her team, our organization, and our members. She leads by example and fosters an environment of care and compassion in her daily work. Priority Health is excited she is being recognized for her deep compassion for the mental wellness of our communities.”

From the momentum that continues to move upward in both careers as an exceptional and recognized psychologist in her field as well as a talk show host, we can project what is next for Dr. Charletta Dennis. There is a baton ready for her to grab and she has what it takes to handle it.

Coretta Scott King, a trailblazer in social change, once spoke these words: “There comes a time when time itself is ready for a change... The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate action of its members.” America embraced Dr. Phil on CBS with his focus on psychology and addressing social issues. America is now ready for the next level of leadership in mental health through talk TV. In 2024, the nation is ready for Dr. Charletta: The New Face of Talk TV and Mental Health Awareness.