Dr. S. Akeya Harrold is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who serves students in the Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). A proud alumna of MUSC, Dr. Harrold earned both her master’s and doctoral degrees from the College of Nursing and now contributes to the university as a Clinical Assistant Professor.
Dr. Harrold brings clinical and leadership experience to her role. She previously provided psychiatric care to underserved communities through the South Carolina Department of Mental Health and supported Veterans at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center in Charleston, SC. In leadership capacities, she served as Director of Nursing at the Berkeley Community Mental Health Center and directed the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Residency Program at the VA Medical Center.
A certified animal-assisted interventions specialist, Dr. Harrold integrates animal-assisted therapy into her clinical work, using it as a complementary, evidence-based approach to support student mental wellness.
Her academic and professional excellence has been recognized through several awards, including the SAMHSA/ANA Minority Fellowship Award for doctoral study, the Veterans Affairs Office of Academic Affiliations Infrastructure Grant, and the MUSC Achievement in Diversity Award, nominated by students from the College of Health Professions.
Dr. Harrold is an active member of several professional organizations, including the SAMHSA/ANA Minority Fellowship Alumni Working Group, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, the American Nurses Association, and the Association for Animal-Assisted Intervention Professionals.
Her professional interests focus on reducing mental health stigma, promoting holistic mental wellness, and advancing the use of animal-assisted therapy in psychiatric care.