New Orleans psychiatrist Holly MacKenna named a 2022 Castle Connolly Top Doctor

    NEW ORLEANS, LA, May 09, 2022 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Psychiatrist Holly V. MacKenna, MD, has been recognized as a 2022 Castle Connolly Top Doctor — the first time she has received the prestigious Top Doctor honor. Only about 7 percent of the nation's licensed physicians are selected as Castle Connolly Top Doctors in their regions for their specialties.

Dr. MacKenna founded Dara Wellness in New Orleans in 2020. She has special expertise in integrative psychiatry, traumatic brain injury, and trauma-informed care.

"Integrative psychiatry combines traditional psychiatric practice with elements of integrative medicine, including nutrition, sleep management, lifestyle modification, and mind-body modalities such as t'ai chi, yoga, and mindfulness," she says. "Because I've been trained in both modalities, I am able to draw from multiple areas to offer whole-person, evidence-based care."

Dr. MacKenna sees both individuals and groups for a full range of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, mood disorders, grief, coping, and relationship problems. She is typically able to see new patients within two weeks of them scheduling an appointment, which she says is best done through the practice website.

"I enjoy using integrative medicine principles to partner with busy people as they move toward a place of well-being," she says. "Each patient has his or her own unique treatment care plan, which can be adapted as needed to best suit their goals and needs."

Dr. MacKenna says patients often come to her for a more holistic approach to health care.

"Many people who seek care from me have been failed by a more traditional, medication-based approach, and they wish to use everything available to them — from diet and supplements to exercise and spirituality — to return to healthier, happier lives."

Dr. MacKenna is proud to be recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor. These doctors are nominated by fellow physicians and selected by the physician-led Castle Connolly research team.

"Because I strive to offer the most evidence-based, patient-centered care every day, it is truly an honor to be recognized by my peers," she says.

She is a certified practitioner of Helms auricular acupuncture and both non-touch and distance Reiki, a Japanese treatment believed to promote healing and relaxation.

Dr. MacKenna offers new-patients 120-minute assessments — "a blend of psychiatry and integrative medicine that covers potential psychiatric diagnoses as well as any contributing factors, such as lifestyle, nutrition, or stress," she says.

"I make recommendations for the appropriate areas and then follow up to manage any medications and/or supplements. I also offer coaching and support around lifestyle changes — which help to further the patient's progress toward their mental health goals — and I enjoy collaborating with other clinicians, such as primary care physicians, psychotherapists, integrative nutritionists, and physical therapists."

Dr. MacKenna earned her medical degree at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. She completed a two-year pediatrics residency at Tulane Medical Center and a three-year psychiatry residency at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. She also holds a BS (cum laude) in biology from Duke University.

She completed a two-year integrative medicine fellowship at the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine — Andrew Weil, MD, founded the specialty — and continues learning through the center's alumni network.

A member of the American Psychiatric Association, Dr. MacKenna is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Licensed to practice in both Louisiana and Mississippi, she gets a lot of satisfaction from caring for her fellow community members.

About Castle Connolly
Castle Connolly publishes its Top Doctors list at castleconnolly.com and in a variety of print and online partner publications. Nominations are open to all board-certified MDs and DOs. The Castle Connolly team chooses honorees based on nominee criteria that includes their medical education, training, hospital appointments and disciplinary histories.

Doctors do not and cannot pay to be chosen as Castle Connolly Top Doctors.

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