by Essential Touchstones | Nov 16, 2023 | spotlight, therapy
At the heart of community healthcare is a deep-seated dedication to patient welfare, a principle that Dayle Diffey, a seasoned retail pharmacist with over 28 years of experience, embodies in every facet of her work. Her commitment has always been to provide unparalleled one-on-one patient care. Today, Dayle stands at the forefront of pharmacogenetics at Killebrew Psychological Services, guiding patients toward personalized medication management.
Dayle Diffey: The Compassionate Caregiver
Throughout her extensive career in community retail pharmacy, Dayle has been more than just a pharmacist; she’s been a confidant and a trusted healthcare partner to families across generations. Her approach goes beyond dispensing medication—she believes in the power of a real conversation, understanding that sometimes a listening ear can be as significant to health and well-being as any prescription.
The Shift to Pharmacogenetics
With time, Dayle’s focus has evolved. She recognizes the potential of pharmacogenetics—the study of how genes affect a person’s response to drugs—in revolutionizing patient care. This cutting-edge field offers personalized therapy based on genetic makeup, ensuring medications are more effective and side-effect profiles are minimized. Dayle’s expertise is instrumental in helping patients at Killebrew Psychological Services navigate this new era of tailored treatment.
Dayle’s Invitation to New Beginnings
Whether you’re a healthcare leader seeking new opportunities or a patient looking for personalized medication advice, Dayle’s multifaceted expertise and empathetic approach are resources you can count on. She’s a testament to the fact that caring for others begins with taking care of ourselves, and she’s here to help you find the balance you deserve.
As Dayle continues to innovate in pharmacogenetics and champions a balanced life for healthcare workers, her work remains a beacon for patient-centered care and personal well-being. Join Dayle on this transformative journey, where patient care is personalized, and your health and happiness go hand in hand.
by Essential Touchstones | Nov 13, 2023 | spotlight, therapy, trauma
In the realm of mental health, the unique challenges that men face often go unspoken. At Essential Touchstones and Killebrew Psychological Services (KPS), we recognize the importance of creating a safe space for men to explore and address their concerns. This is where Jon Huff’s vital role comes into focus. A dedicated clinical therapist with a passion for men’s issues, Jon leads a men’s group that provides support and guidance through the complexities of modern masculinity.
Jon Huff: A Guiding Force for Men’s Mental Health
Jon Huff’s extensive experience as a clinical therapist has honed his expertise in addressing men’s mental health. With a deep understanding of the societal pressures and emotional challenges that men often encounter, Jon brings a nuanced and empathetic approach to his therapy sessions.
Understanding Men’s Issues
Men’s issues can encompass a range of topics, including but not limited to:
- Emotional expression and communication
- Relationships and intimacy
- Work-life balance and stress
- Fatherhood and family dynamics
- Substance abuse and recovery
- Mental health stigma and help-seeking behaviors
Jon Huff’s approach is grounded in the belief that understanding and validating these experiences are the first steps towards healing and growth.
The Men’s Group at Essential Touchstones
The men’s group led by Jon Huff is more than a support group—it’s a community. Here, men are encouraged to speak openly, share their experiences, and support one another in their mental health journeys. The group focuses on:
- Developing emotional intelligence and communication skills
- Navigating personal and professional relationships
- Building resilience and coping strategies
- Addressing addictive behaviors and finding pathways to recovery
Through group discussions, therapy sessions, and peer support, participants gain insights and tools that foster personal development and well-being.
Jon Huff’s Impact
The men who have participated in Jon Huff’s group often speak of the transformative impact it has had on their lives. By addressing men’s issues head-on and in a supportive environment, Jon helps dismantle the barriers to men’s mental health.
Joining the Men’s Group
If you or a man in your life is seeking a deeper understanding of personal challenges, or if you’re looking for camaraderie in facing life’s hurdles, Jon Huff’s men’s group might be the perfect fit. It’s a place to find strength in vulnerability and to learn that taking care of one’s mental health is a true sign of courage.
by Essential Touchstones | Sep 30, 2023 | psychiatry, services, spotlight
The world of psychiatric services is vast and intricate, comprising various approaches, methodologies, and specialized practitioners. At Essential Touchstones, we pride ourselves on offering a comprehensive range of psychiatric services to meet the unique needs of each individual. A significant component of this is medication management—a nuanced process that ensures our patients are receiving the most effective and appropriate medications for their mental health conditions.
Expanding Our Expertise
To further bolster the services we provide, we’re thrilled to announce two additions to our medical team: Skye Jones, PMHNP, and Dr. David Richardson, MD.
Meet Skye Jones, PMHNP
Skye, as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, brings an invaluable dimension to our treatment approach. His training and expertise as a PMHNP enable him to meld therapeutic and medical care, ensuring that patients benefit from a well-rounded and integrated treatment plan.
Dr. David Richardson, MD: A Beacon of Knowledge
With years of experience in psychiatry, Dr. David Richardson brings a depth of knowledge that’s unmatched. His commitment to patient well-being is evident in his approach, offering comprehensive psychiatric assessments, treatment plans, and medication management. Moreover, with his in-network affiliation with Blue Cross Blue Shield, we further our commitment to making psychiatric care accessible to all.
The Importance of Medication Management
Medication can play a pivotal role in the treatment of various psychiatric disorders. However, its effectiveness hinges on precise prescription and vigilant monitoring. That’s where medication management comes in. At Essential Touchstones, we prioritize ensuring that every patient is on the right medication, at the right dose, for the right duration.
But it’s not just about the prescription—it’s about the holistic approach. Regular check-ins, understanding potential side effects, and assessing the medication’s impact on the patient’s day-to-day life are all integral aspects of medication management.
Your Journey, Our Expertise
Our mission at Essential Touchstones is clear: to offer unparalleled psychiatric care tailored to the individual. With the joining of Skye Jones and Dr. David Richardson, we reaffirm our dedication to this goal.
If the world of psychiatry feels overwhelming or unfamiliar, we’re here to guide you. Whether you’re exploring treatment options or looking for a change, our team is ready to support you. Schedule an appointment with Skye or Dr. Richardson by calling (769) 231-9414. Together, we can chart a course toward better mental health.
by Essential Touchstones | Sep 19, 2023 | announcements, spotlight
When one hears the name Killebrew, thoughts of resilience, innovation, and a holistic approach to wellness might come to mind. Founded and guided by the passion of Dr. Alyssa Killebrew, the Killebrew companies have made significant strides in diverse sectors ranging from mental health to agriculture.
Let’s explore the various ventures that constitute the Killebrew legacy:
Killebrew Psychological Services:
This pivotal arm of the Killebrew companies is an outpatient and testing facility renowned for its specialized expertise in areas like trauma, PTSD, borderline personality disorder, and a myriad of other conditions. Under Dr. Killebrew’s guidance, clients embark on a therapeutic journey tailored to their needs, drawing from a variety of therapy types including Dialectical Behavior (DBT), Existential, and Trauma Focused among others.
Essential Touchstones Psychological Services:
A crucial enterprise focusing on adolescents with co-occurring mental health conditions and substance use, as well as mental health issues in adults. Holding certifications from the Department of Mental Health and the Joint Commission, Essential Touchstones champions evidence-based treatment merged with experiential therapies.
SEK Therapeutic Intensives and SEK Camp:
SEK stands as a beacon of hope for grieving adolescents, drawing inspiration from the personal grief journey of Dr. Killebrew, who lost a dear friend and her daughter in quick succession. Named in tribute to her daughter, Sara Elizabeth Killebrew, the intensive therapeutic programs here harness the power of nature, arts, and group activities to usher in healing.
Killebrew Ag Foundation & Killebrew Rodeo:
A testament to the Killebrew family’s deep-rooted connection with agriculture, these initiatives aim to cultivate the next generation of Mississippi farmers. The foundation’s mission focuses on comprehensive agricultural education, while the rodeo event, a tribute to the late Keath Killebrew, Dr. Killebrew’s husband — a Mississippi farmer who died tragically in a plane crash — serves to fund scholarships for young agricultural enthusiasts.
Touchstone Yoga:
A haven for those seeking peace and balance, Touchstone Yoga offers a range of classes. Under the guidance of skilled instructors like Sarah Sellers and Susan Herring, students can explore Vinyasa Yoga or the calming Restorative Yoga.
At the heart of these varied initiatives is Dr. Alyssa Killebrew. Driven by a relentless passion to assist others in finding inner peace and purpose, she’s committed to forging paths of lasting change. Her dedication isn’t just to her profession; it’s a testament to her personal journey, having faced significant losses yet continuing to rise, always keeping the vision of assisting others in their healing journeys.
In the Killebrew realm, there’s a clear message: Through resilience, faith, and dedication, it’s possible to transform personal tragedies into platforms that uplift others. As Dr. Killebrew often states, “We Rise by Lifting Others.”
by Essential Touchstones | Sep 12, 2023 | spotlight
In the vast field of mental health, few shine as brightly as Dr. Alyssa Killebrew. Drawing from her rich academic and experiential background, Dr. Killebrew champions a holistic approach to mental health that balances early intervention, proven clinical techniques, and experiential training.
🌱 Her Vision: Dr. Killebrew firmly believes in the transformative power of early intervention for mental health conditions. She emphasizes the necessity of combining the strengths of recovery introduction with empirically validated clinical modalities and experiential skills training. Acknowledging that medicine might be essential for certain chemical imbalances, she envisions a world where a well-rounded treatment strategy offers the balance crucial for preventing chronic addiction and mental health challenges.
🌀 Her Motivation: Driven by her upbringing by two immensely creative, generous, and public service-oriented parents, Alyssa’s mission has always been to harness her skills for the betterment of others. Their teachings inspired her to help individuals achieve their fullest potential.
✨ Her Expertise: Dr. Killebrew boasts an impressive educational background. Starting her academic journey in Business Administration at the University of Mississippi, her interests soon expanded to human behavior and psychology. This led her to dedicate a decade studying psychology and counseling. Her insatiable curiosity didn’t stop there; her time at Jackson State University kindled a fascination with anthropology and culture. An internship in Salt Lake City, Utah enriched her experience with diverse cultures and stunning topographies.
As the founder and executive director, Dr. Killebrew is deeply passionate about helping her clients unearth their inner peace, authenticity, and life’s purpose. She possesses a specialty in assisting individuals battling addiction(s), trauma, and personality and mood disorders. Recognizing the uniqueness of every individual, she prioritizes proper diagnosis through rigorous testing and crafting individualized treatment plans. She believes in the potential of a multi-modal approach, combining a myriad of clinical skills with experiential techniques like mindfulness, yoga, and art.
“We can live the life we have always envisioned once we expand our awareness and invest in our own personal growth,” Dr. Killebrew reminds us.
With professionals like her at the forefront, the future of mental health treatment looks promisingly holistic.
