by Essential Touchstones | Feb 18, 2024 | services
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) workers dedicate their lives to saving others, often at the expense of their own mental health. The intense, high-stress nature of their work can lead to significant psychological strain. At Killebrew Psychological Services (KPS) and Essential Touchstones, we recognize the critical need for specialized mental health support tailored to the unique challenges faced by EMS personnel.
The Mental Health Toll on EMS Workers
Studies have shown that EMS workers have a higher prevalence of mental health issues compared to the general population. According to a survey published in the Journal of Emergency Medical Services in 2015, more than one-third of EMS professionals suffer from depression, and about a quarter are impacted by PTSD. This data underscores the urgent need for accessible, effective mental health services for those on the front lines of emergency care.
How KPS and Essential Touchstones Can Help
Trauma-Informed Therapy: Our team of therapists specializes in trauma-informed care, understanding the complexities of PTSD and stress-related disorders common among EMS workers. We provide a safe, confidential environment for individuals to process their experiences and develop effective coping mechanisms.
Peer Support Programs: Recognizing the power of shared experiences, KPS and Essential Touchstones facilitate peer support groups specifically for EMS personnel. These groups offer a space for workers to connect, share their stories, and find solace in the understanding that they are not alone.
Stress Management Workshops: We offer workshops designed to equip EMS workers with practical tools for managing stress. These sessions cover techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and cognitive-behavioral strategies, tailored to the high-pressure EMS environment.
Crisis Intervention Services: Immediate support is available through our crisis intervention services, providing EMS workers with access to emergency counseling and support during acute mental health crises.
Flexible Counseling Options: Understanding the demanding schedules of EMS workers, we offer flexible counseling options, including teletherapy. This ensures that EMS personnel can access mental health support at times that fit their busy lives, regardless of their location.
Our Commitment to EMS Mental Health
At KPS and Essential Touchstones, we are deeply committed to supporting the mental health and well-being of EMS workers. Our specialized services are designed to address the unique challenges of the profession, providing a lifeline to those who spend their days saving lives.
The bravery and selflessness of EMS workers are immeasurable, but so too is the mental health toll of their work. It is our mission at KPS and Essential Touchstones to offer the support and care that these heroes deserve. By providing specialized mental health services, we aim to ensure that EMS workers have the resources they need to thrive, both on the job and in their personal lives.
If you or someone you know in the EMS profession is struggling, we are here to help.
by Essential Touchstones | Feb 18, 2024 | services
Farming, the backbone of Mississippi’s economy, is a profession fraught with uncertainty. From unpredictable weather to fluctuating markets, farmers face constant stressors that significantly impact their mental health. Recognizing this, Essential Touchstones and Killebrew Psychological Services (KPS) are committed to providing mental health support tailored to the unique needs of the agricultural community.
The Stark Reality of Farmers’ Mental Health
Agriculture ranks among the most hazardous industries, with farmers facing a higher risk of experiencing mental health issues. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the suicide rate among male agricultural workers in 2012 was more than double that of the general population. The constant pressures of maintaining farm operations, coupled with factors like isolation and lack of access to mental health services, contribute to this dire statistic.
How We’re Helping
Telehealth Services: To overcome barriers of distance and time, Essential Touchstones and KPS offer telehealth services, allowing farmers to seek help without leaving their farms. This accessibility is crucial for those in remote areas or those who cannot afford to step away from their responsibilities for long.
Stress Management Workshops: Targeted workshops provide farmers with strategies to manage stress, enhance resilience, and cope with the unpredictability of their profession. These sessions are grounded in practical advice tailored to the realities of farm life.
Support Groups: Facilitated by experienced professionals, our support groups offer a space for farmers to share experiences and coping strategies, reducing feelings of isolation and building a community of support.
Family Counseling: Recognizing the family unit’s role in farming, we offer counseling to address the ripple effects of farming stress on family members, ensuring holistic well-being.
Our Commitment
At Essential Touchstones and KPS, we understand the critical importance of mental health support for farmers. Our programs and services are designed to meet farmers where they are, offering them the tools and support necessary to navigate the challenges of their profession.
Mental health is a key component of a farmer’s ability to succeed and sustain their livelihood. By providing targeted support, we aim to improve not only the individual well-being of farmers but also the overall resilience of the farming community in Mississippi.
Together, we can address the mental health crisis in the farming community and ensure our farmers receive the support they deserve.
by Essential Touchstones | Feb 18, 2024 | Medication Management, services
In an era where convenience and accessibility are paramount, Killebrew Psychological Services (KPS) is proud to offer comprehensive telehealth services, ensuring that quality mental health care is just a video call away. Our commitment to providing flexible, personalized care has led us to embrace telehealth, catering to the needs of our clients in a manner that fits their busy lifestyles.
Telehealth: Bridging the Distance
Telehealth has revolutionized the way we think about healthcare, allowing for therapy sessions and medication management to be conducted remotely, without the need for physical travel. This innovation is particularly beneficial for those with demanding schedules, mobility issues, or those who simply prefer the comfort of their own home.
Comprehensive Care at Your Fingertips
At KPS, all of our therapists are equipped to provide telehealth services, covering a wide range of specialties and therapeutic approaches. Whether you’re seeking support for anxiety, depression, stress management, or any other mental health concern, our skilled professionals are ready to assist you, virtually.
In addition to therapy sessions, we also offer telehealth for medication management. This aspect of our service is crucial for ensuring that medication regimens are followed correctly and adjusted as necessary, all with the guidance of our experienced practitioners.
The Personal Touch: First Appointments Face-to-Face
While the convenience of telehealth is undeniable, we also understand the importance of building a strong therapeutic relationship from the start. That’s why we require the first appointment to be conducted face-to-face. This initial in-person meeting allows both client and therapist to establish a connection, laying a solid foundation for future sessions, whether they continue in person or through telehealth.
Why Choose KPS for Telehealth?
- Flexibility: Schedule appointments that fit your lifestyle and commitments.
- Accessibility: Access our services from anywhere, eliminating travel time and costs.
- Continuity of Care: Maintain consistent support with your therapist or medication manager, even if you relocate or have a change in circumstances.
- Privacy and Comfort: Engage in therapy from the private and comfortable setting of your choice.
How to Get Started
Embracing telehealth is simple with KPS. Contact us to schedule your initial face-to-face appointment, and from there, we can transition to telehealth sessions based on your needs and preferences. Our administrative team will guide you through the setup process, ensuring that you’re ready and comfortable for your first virtual session.
In today’s digital age, mental health support should be accessible and adaptable to everyone’s needs. With KPS’s telehealth services, we’re here to ensure that no matter where you are, you’re never too far to receive the help and support you deserve. Join us in embracing a modern approach to mental wellness, where flexibility meets quality care.
by Essential Touchstones | Jan 27, 2024 | adolescents, children, services
Parenting a teenager can be both rewarding and challenging, especially when your child is struggling with emotional regulation. In today’s fast-paced world, teens often face stressors that can overwhelm them, making it difficult to cope effectively. If you’ve noticed your child grappling with stress and emotional ups and downs, and weekly therapy sessions aren’t quite cutting it, Essential Touchstones’ Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) might be the answer you’re looking for.
Tailored After-School Support
Our Adolescent IOP is designed to fit seamlessly into your family’s busy schedule. Held after school hours, it allows your teen to receive the care and support they need without disrupting their daily routine. This program is an excellent option for families seeking more focused and intensive support than what traditional weekly therapy can provide.
Comprehensive Care in a 10-Week Program
The 10-week program at Essential Touchstones is thorough and all-encompassing. It begins with an initial assessment and psychological evaluation to understand your teen’s unique needs. The journey then continues with a combination of individual therapy, family therapy, group therapy, and peer support sessions. This multi-faceted approach ensures that every aspect of your teen’s well-being is addressed.
More Than Just Coping – Learning and Growing
In our Adolescent IOP, your child will learn more than just coping mechanisms. They’ll gain valuable life skills, such as emotional regulation, stress management, and effective communication. These skills are not only crucial for navigating the challenges of adolescence but also lay the foundation for a healthier, more resilient adulthood.
Building Valuable Peer Relationships
One of the unique aspects of our IOP is the emphasis on peer support. Adolescence is a time when relationships with peers become increasingly important. Our program facilitates the development of these relationships in a healthy, supportive environment, allowing your teen to connect with others facing similar challenges.
Family Involvement for Lasting Change
At Essential Touchstones, we believe that family involvement is key to the success of any therapeutic program. Our family therapy sessions provide a space for open communication and understanding, helping to strengthen the family bond and ensure that the changes your teen is making are supported at home.
Why Choose Essential Touchstones’ Adolescent IOP?
- Tailored after-school program: Fits into your family’s routine.
- Comprehensive approach: Addresses all aspects of your teen’s emotional well-being.
- Skill-building focus: Prepares teens for the challenges of today and tomorrow.
- Peer support: Fosters healthy relationships with peers.
- Family involvement: Strengthens family connections and support.
Take the First Step
If your teen needs more than what weekly therapy offers, Essential Touchstones’ Adolescent IOP could be the perfect solution. It’s time to give your child the tools and support they need to navigate their emotions and stress effectively. Contact us today to learn more about our program and how we can help your teen move from just coping to truly thriving.
by Essential Touchstones | Jan 25, 2024 | Medication Management, psychiatry, services
In the often overwhelming world of psychiatric care, finding the right professionals who offer both expertise and a personalized approach can feel like a daunting task. Essential Touchstones stands out in this challenging landscape, especially with the addition of two exceptional clinicians to our team – Skye Jones, PMHNP, and Dr. David Richardson, MD. Their expertise not only enriches our services but also makes quality psychiatric care more accessible and effective.
Skye Jones, PMHNP: A Blend of Compassion and Expertise
Skye Jones brings a unique blend of therapeutic knowledge and medical proficiency to our team. As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, he embodies the holistic approach to mental health care that is often hard to find. Skye’s expertise lies in creating integrated treatment plans that address both the psychological and physiological aspects of mental health, ensuring a well-rounded care experience for our patients.
Dr. David Richardson, MD: Depth of Knowledge in Psychiatry
Dr. David Richardson’s extensive experience in psychiatry fills a significant gap in the availability of expert psychiatric care. His approach to medication management is meticulous, focusing on the individual needs of each patient. This level of personalized care, combined with his commitment to comprehensive psychiatric assessments, makes Dr. Richardson a rare find in the field.
The Challenge of Finding Quality Medication Management
Many patients struggle to find reliable and effective medication management, a crucial aspect of psychiatric treatment. Essential Touchstones addresses this need by offering precise prescription services and vigilant monitoring, ensuring that our patients receive the most effective treatment. With Skye and Dr. Richardson, medication management is not just about prescriptions; it’s about understanding the whole person and how their treatment impacts their daily life.
Your Mental Health Journey, Guided by the Best
We recognize the challenges many face in seeking quality psychiatric care. Essential Touchstones is dedicated to making this journey easier by providing access to top-tier professionals like Skye Jones and Dr. David Richardson. Their combined expertise ensures that our patients receive not just any care, but the best care tailored to their unique needs.
Take the First Step Towards Better Mental Health
Embarking on your mental health journey can be overwhelming, but with the right team, it becomes a path of hope and healing. If you’re looking for exceptional psychiatric care, reach out to us. Schedule an appointment with either Skye Jones or Dr. David Richardson by calling (769) 231-9414. At Essential Touchstones, we’re crafting pathways to better mental health, guided by some of the best clinicians in the field.
by Essential Touchstones | Dec 27, 2023 | services, therapy
By Cynthia Newland
In the realm of psychological services, the integration of somatic and movement therapy by Cynthia Newland, a health and wellness consultant with a professional dance background, brings a unique and profound dimension to mental, emotional, and physical health. Somatic therapy, a body-oriented approach, aims to enhance understanding of pain, discomfort, and imbalances. Rooted in bodily sensations and emotional regulation, this therapeutic modality has proven benefits that extend to mental health, thinking patterns, and overall well-being.
Somatic experiencing, a key aspect of this approach, focuses on bodily sensations to regulate the emotional system, teaching individuals better thinking patterns and facilitating the rewiring of the brain to create a productive balance. By increasing internal awareness of sensations and emotions, individuals develop bodily awareness, grounding visualization, and body scans. This heightened awareness provides a platform to release trauma and recognize unprocessed emotions.
Release of tension is a central goal of somatic therapy, particularly for individuals grappling with mental health conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Addressing the physical expressions of deeply painful experiences, therapists use techniques such as breathing exercises, meditation, visualization, and movement to release tension stored within the nervous system. The primary objective is to modify trauma-related responses, diminishing the impact of stressors on the body.
Somatic therapy offers a range of benefits, including restoring the mind-body connection for those who have experienced trauma or distressing situations. During therapy, individuals explore the physical sensations accompanying their emotions, uncovering habits formed in response to these sensations. This approach not only strengthens the mind-body connection but also builds resilience, aiding in the navigation and coping with negative thoughts and feelings.
If you are seeking to alleviate stress resulting from anxiety or depression, somatic therapy may prove invaluable. Through breathwork, movement modalities, dance, and sensation awareness work, individuals gain tools to calm themselves and alternate focus between stressful and non-stressful experiences, releasing tension and promoting emotional release. Ultimately, somatic therapy is a holistic and transformative approach that recognizes the intricate connection between mind and body, offering a pathway to enhanced mental and emotional well-being.
