Essential Touchstones
FOCUSING ON ADOLESCENTS WITH CO-OCCURRING MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS
AND SUBSTANCE USE AND MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES
Essential Touchstones, LLC, is an organization that provides Intensive Outpatient Treatment services to adolescents ages 13 to 18 who meet the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for a substance use disorder or other addictive disorder. Adolescents with a
co-occurring mental illness (addiction and mood disorder) may also benefit from these services. Our clinical services are provided by doctorate-level, master’s-level licensed or provisionally-licensed clinicians. We are certified by the Department of Mental Health.
OWNER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Alyssa Killebrew
Alyssa Ellis Killebrew, owner and executive director of Essential Touchstones, is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, a National Certified Counselor and a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor with more than 15 years of experience in the mental health field.
Warning signs of substance abuse:
SOCIAL ANXIETY
CHANGES IN EMOTIONS
DECLINE IN SCHOOL PERFORMANCE
SIGNIFICANT WEIGHT LOSS/GAIN
Our Facility and Programs
Music and Art Classes
Music and art have been proven to reduce stress and express emotions. We have a nationally board-certified music therapist and an art teacher who will offer regular classes.
Group Sessions
IOP consists of six hours a week of group therapy, one hour a week of individual psychotherapy and monthly family therapy sessions.
Treatment
We offer an intensive outpatient treatment program for adolescents ages 13-18 and outpatient treatment plans for adolescents and adults.
Why I started Essential Touchstones…
I believe in the benefits of early intervention for mental health conditions through introduction to recovery combined with empirically validated clinical modalities and experiential skills training. Medicine may be necessary for chemical imbalances. This combination can provide the balance necessary to prevent lifelong addiction and mental health conditions.
I was reared by two very creative, generous, and public servant oriented parents who taught me to use the skills I have to help others be the best that they can be. After studying Business Administration at the University of Mississippi for three years, my interest broadened to encompass the study of human behavior and psychology. Determined to help others find meaning and passion in life, I studied psychology and counseling for 10 years. While at Jackson State University I became fascinated with anthropology and culture. I completed an internship in Salt Lake City, Utah, where there were endless opportunities to experience culture and explore new topographical regions.
The name comes from the Cairns “Scottish Gaelic” and “Zen” symbol, which, to me, means “Balancing Life’s Essentials.” What are the essentials needed in our life for balance and good mental health?
