Dana Koch

If you're feeling constantly on edge, replaying every conversation, triple-checking emails, and still wondering if you're doing enough, you're not alone. If getting out of bed feels like a win some days, or things that used to excite you now feel dull and out of reach, that's not failure. That's what anxiety and depression can look like, and they're more common than you think.

I'm Dana, a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. I provide therapy, medication management, and psychiatric evaluations for adults, with a focus on anxiety and depressive disorders. These conditions don't just affect your thoughts; they impact your sleep, appetite, energy, relationships, and ability to feel like yourself.

Many of my patients are navigating the uncertainty and pressure of early adulthood, questioning their career paths, second-guessing relationships, and trying to stay afloat while everything feels high-stakes. I work with patients managing anxiety disorders (like social anxiety, panic disorder, and phobias), depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, psychotic disorders, ADHD, sleep disorders, and stress-related challenges like burnout, family tension, or major life transitions.

Therapy can help you slow down the spiral. Using evidence-based approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques, we'll work together to understand what's behind the patterns and find practical tools that help. This might mean learning to reframe unhelpful thoughts, reduce physical symptoms like muscle tension or racing heart, or simply feel less overwhelmed by your day.

I want our sessions to feel safe, collaborative, and judgment-free. You won't be expected to have everything figured out. We'll talk openly about what you're going through, and I'll help you understand your treatment options, including whether medication might be a helpful part of your care.

Before joining Rivia Mind, I spent over five years working at Bellevue Hospital and three years at NYU Brooklyn. What stayed with me most from that time wasn't just the clinical experience; it was the chance to build real, human connections with patients. I learned how powerful it is to have someone truly listen and stay steady in moments of crisis or uncertainty. That still shapes how I show up for people today.

I've also worked with people from many cultural backgrounds and communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals, and I know how important it is to feel seen and respected. I bring that same care into supporting college students, recent grads, and working adults facing academic pressure, identity exploration, and the stress of juggling competing roles.

Whether you're trying to get through the week, adjust to a new chapter, or feel more in control of your emotions, I'm here to support you with compassion, curiosity, and whole-person care. You don't have to have all the answers; we'll figure out your next steps together. Reach out today to get started!