Psychiatrist
Dr. Ashley Benjamin graduated from medical school at the University of Kansas and completed his residency at Wright State University/Wright-Patterson Air Force Base while on a prestigious U.S. Armed Forces Medical Scholarship. He went on to serve a total of 21 years (8 years active, 13 years in reserves) as an Air Force psychiatrist, where he held both medical and administrative leadership positions in mental health services.
Dr. Benjamin’s experiences have helped shape his philosophy of minimizing medications and their doses to the greatest extent possible, as he believes that mental health treatment should focus on restoring balance, resilience, and optimal functioning.
He retired at the rank of Lt. Colonel and proudly served as part of the mental health flight during the devastating tornado that struck Oklahoma City in 1998. His military career culminated in receiving the prestigious Reserve Physician of the Year award.
Having worked in numerous settings, Dr. Benjamin brings tremendous versatility and clinical insight to his work. He has served as medical director and consulting psychiatrist for a variety of programs supporting veterans, families, and individuals seeking to improve their mental health and overall quality of life.
Before completing medical school, Dr. Benjamin graduated as valedictorian with a B.S. in journalism from the respected William Allen White School of Journalism at the University of Kansas. He then earned an M.A. from The Ohio State University in exercise science. His background as a track and field and cross-country coach at KU and OSU helped shape his philosophy of viewing each patient as an “athlete,” working toward peak personal and emotional performance as part of a multidisciplinary team.
In addition to his 30-plus publications across a range of health and wellness topics, Dr. Benjamin is the lead co-author of The Student Athlete’s College Recruitment Guide, which helps high school athletes identify the best ethical, academic, and athletic fit at the college level. He is also a certified IGMCA Mental Game Instructor and Life Coach, further supporting his holistic approach to mental health and personal growth.
