ABOUT

Founder

Holly MacKenna, M.D.

A board-certified psychiatrist, Dr. MacKenna specializes in Integrative Psychiatry. After studying biology and dance at Duke University, she entered Wake Forest Medical School. Upon graduation, she entered Tulane University Pediatrics residency for two years before completing her training in Psychiatry at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. Since entering professional practice, Dr. MacKenna has returned to Duke to complete the Leadership Program in Integrative Medicine through Duke Integrative Medicine and Fuqua School of Business. She is currently a Fellow of the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine and she will complete this course of study in 2021.

Dr. MacKenna has lived and practiced in New Orleans for 20 years. Her practice expanded to Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina. At that time, she commuted to Gulfport to provide care shortly after volunteering as a first responder to evacuated Katrina refugees in Baton Rouge. She has worked in the New Orleans VA System since 2010 during which time her practice has included veterans in the areas surrounding New Orleans.

The child of Irish immigrants, Dr. MacKenna grew up in rural North Carolina. Her father served as a specialist physician to women during their high-risk pregnancies. She became aware of the need to bring high-quality care to all patients no matter where they live from a young age, which inspired her interest in telemedicine. Her desire to pursue Integrative Psychiatry also developed from observing the Irish model of care, which involves house calls and truly meeting the patient where they are at both physically and psychologically.

The Tree of Life

Dr. MacKenna founded Dara Wellness to expand the Integrative Psychiatry model to all areas of the Gulf Coast. Dara is Irish for oak in reference to the Tree of Life. The Tree of Life symbolizes the spiritual realm and is a sacred source of calm and balance. Dara Wellness embraces it as a symbol of one’s whole health - mind, body, and spirit.

Video Broadcasts

Additional Videos available on YouTube

Presentation by Integrative Psychiatrist Holly MacKenna, MD, to the University of Vermont Medicine Grand Rounds with Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine Fellows on May 8, 2020. https://youtu.be/OVqwd4hcxnw

Radio Broadcasts

Doctor Holly MacKenna comes on the Sports Hangover discussing the coronavirus. She also talks about how to deal with stress during this time.

Doctor Holly MacKenna comes on the Sports Hangover discussing the coronavirus and gives advice on how to deal with stress during this time.

Doctor Holly MacKenna comes on the Sports Hangover discussing when you should seek professional mental health care during this pandemic

6/3/20 - Doctor Holly MacKenna comes on the Sports Hangover. Discussing the #SameHere organization and how we can all use wellness skills in times of stress.

6/23/20 - Holly MacKenna talks with Gus on how to continue following covid-19 protocol by wearing a mask and staying safe. Dr MacKenna discusses her new YouTube show The Big Easy’st Ways to Wellness

Doctor Holly MacKenna comes on the Sports Hangover discussing the coronavirus. She also gives advice on how to relax during this time.

Doctor Holly MacKenna comes on the Sports Hangover discussing the coronavirus. She also discusses post-traumatic growth during this time.

As we move into Phase 1 of reopening NOLA and the school year comes to a close, Dr. MacKenna discusses the importance of marking change using ceremonies.

6/9/20 - Doctor Holly MacKenna comes on the Sports Hangover discussing the coronavirus. She also talks about dealing with family arguments and stress and communication skills for couples during uncertain times.

Doctor Holly MacKenna comes on the Sports Hangover discussing the coronavirus and how to deal with stress during this time.

Doctor Holly MacKenna discusses how chronic stress affects your brain and what you can do to manage the anxiety associated with this pandemic.

Doctor Holly MacKenna comes on the Sports Hangover discussing mindfulness and how busy people can add the practice to their day.

6/16/20 - Holly MacKenna joins Gus Kattengell to talk about social inequality. Dr MacKenna discusses the trauma experienced due to systemic racism and why it is important for her to speak up as a white woman.