Rural Psychiatry Associates - Yankton, SD

09/19/2025

Getting to know Rural Psychiatry Associates’ Kenneth Hodem, LPCC.

🦋 Where did you go to school?
I attended North Dakota State University for my dual Masters degree in School and Clinical Mental Health Counseling

🦋 What do you think drives an effective therapy?
Building relationships and creating a collaborative and trusting environment.

🦋 Are there any certain areas of treatment that you’re well versed in?
I’ve worked with individuals, couples, and families on everything from anxiety and depression to grief and trauma, just to name a few.

09/17/2025

Q: Are teenagers and college students the most at risk for su***de?

A: This age group is actually below the national average. The highest su***de rates are in:
🦋 Women ages 45-64
🦋 Men ages 75 and older

*** For immediate help call 988 or text a message to 741741 ***

09/16/2025

Who does Rural Psychiatry Associates care for? We care for:

🦋 Children
🦋 Adolescents
🦋 Adults

all across North Dakota, Minnesota, South Dakota, Montana, Utah, and Alaska. As our name implies, we aim to reach individuals in rural settings as well as the communities where we have physical offices via telehealth.

Your mental health matters. Get to know our providers before you schedule your first appointment 👉 https://bit.ly/4hfYiG0

09/14/2025

You’ve likely heard of the phrase “fight or flight” when referring to a stressful situation. But how can you tell if what’s triggering a change in emotions is stress or anxiety?

What's the difference?
🦋 Stress causes your body to feel a physical, emotional or mental strain to a situation happening now.
🦋 Anxiety focuses more on the hypotheticals, making you feel scared, worried or nervous when thinking about possible scenarios.

You can get relief from both by:
🦋 Eating a healthy diet
🦋 Exercise or meditate
🦋 Maintain consistent sleep schedule
🦋 Avoid drugs/alcohol
🦋 Take breaks from social media and the news as needed

If you do things and still feel mentally uneasy, it may be time to chat with a mental health professional like the ones you’ll find at Rural Psychiatry Associates.

09/12/2025

It’s time to meet Rural Psychiatry Associates provider, Brandi Embacher, LCSW!

🦋 Brandi, where did you earn your degree?
I attended Minnesota State University-Mankato for my Master degree in social work.

🦋 Do you have a special connection to those from rural settings?
Yes, I grew up in a small community, so I know the benefits and challenges of rural living.

🦋 Who do you help treat?
I provide services to individuals, couples, and families ranging from adolescents to advanced in years.

🦋 What range of mental health conditions do you help people through?
I’m trained to treat people in everything from depression and trauma to specifics surrounding physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect. I also work with patients on ways to improve interpersonal relationships, obtain improvement in emotion regulation, and so much more.

09/10/2025

Q: Can su***de be prevented?

A: It is preventable, just not always predictable. What you need to realize is a person having suicidal thoughts may be feeling hopeless, have intense emotional pain or a negative outlook on life or the future.

Genetics, mental health illnesses, and environmental situations also come into play.

🦋 Interventions can save lives
🦋 Be a good listener and take what’s being said seriously
🦋 For immediate help 📞 call 988, or text 📱 a message to 741741

09/07/2025

Let’s be honest, life can be A LOT. Especially if you’re juggling multiple things at once from family and work requirements to school and home responsibilities.

When you’re feeling overwhelmed, it is okay to take a break. Here are 4 signs that you need a mental health day to recharge:

1️⃣ You feel physically and emotionally exhausted: Feeling drained everyday is sign you need a day for yourself to watch a movie or read a book

2️⃣ You’re struggling to concentrate: If you can’t focus, you’re less productive. Recharge by taking a day off to sleep in, go for a walk or just sit in the outdoors.

3️⃣ Are you noticing an increase in illnesses? Chronic stress can wreak havoc on your body, putting it in flight or fight mode. You need a day off to rest, do some light exercise, set your worries aside.

4️⃣ You’re not emotionally present: If you’re feeling detached, irritable, reactive, these are signs your mental health is struggling. Take time off to process your feelings, write in a journal, speak to a mental health professional, like a provider at Rural Psychiatry Associates.

Don’t be afraid to use your sick days to focus on your mental health. It’ll help you AND those around you.

09/06/2025

Q: Will talking about su***de increase the chances of a person acting on it?

A. There’s a greater chance that talking about su***de will reduce suicidal ideation instead of increasing. Opening the conversation could help individuals seek treatment and get a different perspective on their situation:

🦋 If someone talks about not wanting to be alive, take them seriously
🦋 These individuals may be experiencing immense emotional pain
🦋 Su***de is a problem among all ages
🦋 Encourage those who are struggling/suffering to get help from a mental health professional
🦋 Call the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org

09/06/2025

Rural Psychiatry Associates has a lot of wonderful psychotherapists, including Anne Chambers, LCSW.

🦋 Where did you earn your degree?
I attended Louisiana State University for my Masters of Social Work.

🦋 What is your expertise?
I have experience in client-centered therapy, brief solution-based therapy, motivational interviewing, CBT, DBT, and EMDR.

🦋 Are there certain treatment areas that you focus on?
Yes, I cover a wide range of conditions from depression, bipolar, & schizophrenia, to burnout, trauma, anger management, and navigating major life changes.

🦋 Who do you treat?
I primarily work with adolescents, adults, and our aging population.

09/03/2025

September is National Su***de Prevention Month. Take a moment to remember there is help, there is hope.

08/30/2025

Grief. It’s an emotion that’s often hard to understand until you’re going through it yourself.

On this National Grief Awareness Day, we want to offer some advice for caring for your mental health while grieving:

🦋 Give yourself time to grieve: It won’t happen overnight. Healing takes time & a part of the grief will always be there. With patience you’ll learn how to navigate life with grief. Give yourself grace.
🦋 Spend time with people you trust: Take time to be alone if you need it. When ready, spend time with friends, family, clergy you trust. Even if it’s just sitting together without talking.
🦋 Dive back into hobbies or start new ones: It’ll offer an outlet to cope with grief while giving your mind & body something else to focus on.
🦋 Talk with a mental health professional: Opening about your struggles with a professional will allow you to express your emotions while learning new ways to navigate the grief.

For a closer look at caring for your mental health while grieving, we encourage you to read this article ➡️ https://bit.ly/45S95lg

08/30/2025

Ready to meet another of our Psychotherapists? Today we are introducing you to Kaylob Candey, LCSW

🦋 Where did you earn your degree?
I attended Capella University for my Masters degree in Social Work.

🦋 Who do you work with?
I have extensive experience working with first responders and military members. I provide them with tailored treatment plans that they can work into their daily lives.

🦋 What else are you able to help people through?
Anyone struggling with anxiety, depression, loss/grief, family challenges, life changes, adjustment, and life skills. I can treat all ages with diverse backgrounds and ranges of concerns.

🦋 Do you have a certain focus in your treatment?
I utilize a person-centered approach in order to provide overall wellness.

11/28/2024

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Rural Psychiatry Associates! 🦃🍂 We are grateful for the trust you've placed in us and for the opportunity to support your mental well-being. Today, let's take a moment to reflect on gratitude, connection, and the strength that comes from community. Wishing you and your loved ones a day filled with warmth, joy, and peace.

11/13/2024

💚 This World Kindness Day, let's spread kindness far and wide, especially where it's needed most. A small act of kindness can make a big difference in someone’s mental well-being. Let’s uplift each other and create a ripple of positivity that reaches every corner.

11/11/2024

Too much screen time can impact your mental health. Here are some tips to find balance with technology.

11/04/2024

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10/31/2024

Happy Halloween from Rural Psychiatry Associates! 🎃👻 Remember, mental health matters year-round, even during spooky season. Things aren’t always what they seem—it's okay to seek help when you need it. We're here to support you.

10/23/2024

Bailey Alvarez from Rural Psychiatry Associates discusses some mental health tips for new parents.

10/10/2024

On , let's prioritize our mental well-being just as much as our physical health. 🌼💙
Mental health matters every day. Whether you're seeking support or simply taking time for self-care, remember that you deserve to feel your best. At Rural Psychiatry Associates, we're here to offer guidance, support, and a listening ear.
Together, we can break the stigma. Let's talk about mental health.

10/03/2024

October is , and at Rural Psychiatry Associates, we’re committed to raising awareness about ADHD and breaking down the misconceptions surrounding it. 🌟

ADHD affects people of all ages, and with the right support, individuals can thrive. Let’s foster understanding, embrace neurodiversity, and encourage open conversations about the challenges and strengths that come with ADHD.

If you or a loved one need support, we’re here to help.

09/27/2024

Learn five ways exercise improves your mental health in addition to your physical health in this blog.

09/23/2024

09/20/2024

Rebecca Ohlson from Rural Psychiatry Associates discusses screen time and its affects on mental health.