Anna Naeva, PMHNP-BC, is our newest team member at Rivia Mind! A psychiatric nurse practitioner, Anna has an interest in positive psychology and medication management that informs much of her approach to care. We spoke to Anna recently about her work in mental healthcare. Here’s what she had to say.
Specialty & Approach To Therapy
Anna specializes in the ways that positive psychology and medication management can work synergistically to support mental health and well-being. Often, this also involves therapy. “Therapy can play a vital role in enhancing both, as it can help reinforce the psychological and emotional aspects that medication alone may not address,” Anna explains.
“I aim to take a compassionate, collaborative, and holistic approach to therapy. My focus is creating a safe and non-judgmental space where you feel comfortable exploring your thoughts and emotions, knowing that your experience is valid.”
Advice to Those Seeking Mental Healthcare
One of the first things Anna recommends to those seeking mental healthcare for the first time is not to rush it. Just let progress come at its own pace. “In a world where everything feels immediate—whether it’s convenience food, fast shipping, or instant access to information—it’s easy to forget that personal growth and healing are ongoing processes that don’t follow the same timelines,” she says.
“The human mind, emotions, and experiences are layered and intricate. Healing, self-discovery, and growth require patience, self-compassion, and time. Unlike the quick fixes we’re used to in other areas of life, emotional and psychological healing is often non-linear and can’t be rushed. Sometimes we want things to happen right away, but true healing comes from a deeper, slower kind of effort: understanding ourselves, processing emotions, and allowing space for change to unfold.”
As for finding the right mental healthcare provider for you, she recommends choosing someone who challenges you, but also trusting your instinct. “Make sure you are comfortable first. If something feels off or someone seems creepy, don’t go for it. A mental health provider should create a space where you feel comfortable exploring your thoughts and feelings without any pressure, and they should always prioritize your mental and emotional safety. Soul-searching can be difficult, but with the right support, it can also be a deeply empowering process.”
Finding Balance through Self-Care
Sometimes, the best way to decompress is to surround ourselves with the things we enjoy. For Anna, unwinding means “watching Bob’s Burgers and building my Lego set.”
Interested in beginning your mental healthcare journey? Schedule an appointment with Anna Naeva today! When you need mental healthcare, our skilled and compassionate clinicians like Anna are here to help. Contact us today to learn more or to find a provider.
