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townselmeet Our doctor

Earning an undergraduate degree in psychology from Xavier University of Louisiana, she went on to complete a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration at Tulane University and a Master’s and Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology at Nova Southeastern University in South Florida.

She received clinical training at the Cleveland Clinic of Florida’s Bariatric Institute and at Friends Hospital in Philadelphia in the areas of assessments, eating disorders, substance abuse, group and family therapy, and general psychology for adolescence, adult men and women. Dr. Townsel then transitioned into hospital administration by being appointed the Director of Strategic Planning & Internal Development for Friends Hospital. In this role, Dr. Townsel spearheaded the development of Philadelphia’s first Recovery-Oriented inpatient psychiatric unit and developed several initiatives to decrease the stigma of mental health illness.

Dr. Townsel returned to Tennessee in 2010 to become the Director of Psychology at Western Mental Health Institute. Shortly after, she began her career with Shelby County Jails as the Director of Mental Health in 2011 overseeing mental health services provided to the incarcerated throughout Shelby County. Inspired by the obvious lack of psychological resources, Dr. Townsel established Calyx Psychological Services to meet the needs of the community and to continue educating and reducing the stigma of mental illness.

Dr. Townsel’s philosophy for treatment incorporates the healing of the mind, body, and spirit. She is frequently requested speaker at local and national conference and seminars. She also provides leadership coaching, professional development, strategic planning, and program development for individuals and private companies and organizations.

A native of Memphis, Dr. Townsel is known for stating, “I have traveled across the country transforming lives but, it was my obligation to return to Memphis to heal and transform the community that has given me so much.”