In the press
May 15, 2026
Richmond counselor reacts to national push to curb antidepressant use
Licensed Professional Counselor Anna McChesney shares that mental health care works best when it’s individualized, collaborative, and compassionate, and she encourages patients to speak with a licensed provider before making any changes to their treatment.
January 26, 2026
How to keep kids focused during snow days
With challenging winter weather, CEO + Licensed Therapist Anna McChesney, shared with WRIC 8News that having a plan and keeping structure are essential to help students stay focused and avoid feeling overwhelmed when they’re in their house for too long. She also said it’s important to include breaks from electronics and time for rest.
January 22, 2026
Richmond therapy center expands to Charlottesville
The Daily Progress shared more about our growing services in the Charlottesville Area. The article shared that “when patients seeking mental health care options turn to Google to find providers, what they often find are waitlists and monthslong delays.” We hope to change that by offering new creative therapy options in the region.
January 6, 2026
Therapy practice becomes own landlord in Chesterfield, relocates Richmond clinic
Richmond BizSense shared more about our purchase of our long-time Midlothian office at 830 Southlake Blvd in North Chesterfield. Local partners involved in the sale include Betsy Magnum of Sperity Real Estate Ventures, M&T Bank, Harvey & Driggs. This milestone marks a significant step in Creative Healing’s continued growth and reflects its commitment to building long-term access to creative mental health care across Central Virginia.
September 15, 2025
Experts warn of mental health toll from viewing violent media
Mental health professionals are urging caution as exposure to violent content becomes increasingly common online. Anna McChesney, a licensed therapist and CEO of the Center for Creative Healing, warns that repeated exposure to traumatic footage can desensitize viewers and in some cases, change how we process violence altogether.
August 28, 2025
Is your family tired and cranky now that the kids are back in school? We have advice from experts
As kids struggle with early school mornings, therapist Anna McChesney advises parents to be patient and start by managing their own emotions. She suggests adjusting morning and bedtime routines, especially enforcing phone-free nights to ensure kids get enough sleep. Sleep needs vary by age, with younger kids needing more rest than teens.
August 28, 2025
Virginia therapist talks ways to relieve back-to-school anxiety
Parents worry about kids’ anxiety and peer pressure at school. Therapist Anna McChesney advises managing parental stress, asking open-ended questions, limiting phone use, and encouraging socializing through activities and tech-free time to help kids cope.
August 27, 2025
‘We have failed our children’: Virginia advocates react to mass shooting at Minneapolis Catholic school
Virginia lowered flags to half-staff after a mass shooting at Minneapolis’ Annunciation Catholic School on August 27, where two children were killed and 17 injured. Lori Haas, a gun violence advocate, called it a moral failure, highlighting that firearms are the leading cause of child deaths in the U.S. Therapist Anna McChesney noted the emotional impact on kids and urged parents to talk openly with their children. The tragedy has renewed calls for stronger gun violence prevention.
August 25, 2025
Music therapy brings new hope to brain injury survivors
CBS19 News highlighted our expansion to Charlottesville and the impact of music therapy for individuals living with traumatic brain injury. The story spotlights our partnership with Region Ten’s Blue Ridge Center and the work of licensed music therapist Raven Bransom, MT-BC, delivering individualized, evidence-informed care for TBI survivors.
August 11, 2025
Beating Burnout: Anna McChesney Of The Center for Creative Healing On The 5 Things You Should Do If You Are Experiencing Work Burnout
Anna McChesney, a licensed counselor and music therapist with over 20 years of experience, discusses the growing issue of work burnout as many return to the workplace post-pandemic. She defines burnout as deep, chronic exhaustion from unmanaged stress, distinct from regular stress, often fueled by unrealistic societal and self-imposed expectations, especially on women. She emphasizes that burnout recovery requires patience and consistent effort and encourages employers to support staff through creative therapy workshops, flexible schedules, and promoting mental wellness as a priority.
May 15, 2025
New Virginia law limits kids’ social media use, sparks mental health conversations
Starting January 1, 2026, a new Virginia law will limit kids under 16 to one hour per day per social media platform, aiming to address growing mental health concerns. Therapist Anna McChesney supports the change, noting that excessive screen time is contributing to emotional isolation and stunted social development in youth. While some online content can be helpful, she emphasizes the risks of overuse and the challenges parents face in managing their children’s digital habits.
May 14, 2025
An Artistic Approach: A specialized therapy practice grows its offerings
The Center for Creative Healing has opened a new location in Richmond, expanding access to its creative therapy services—including music therapy, art therapy, play therapy, and counseling. Founded by Anna McChesney, the center’s growth coincides with Virginia’s progress toward formally licensing art and music therapists as recognized mental health professionals. Alongside its expansion, the center is also offering free therapy to individuals with brain and spinal cord injuries through a state grant and plans to continue growing, with future goals including outreach to Charlottesville and professional training programs.
March 17, 2025
‘We were in survival mode’: 5 years later, mental health experts reflect on COVID-19 lockdown
Five years after the COVID-19 lockdown, mental health professionals in Richmond, VA, reflect on its deep and lasting impacts. Therapists Anna McChesney and Natalie Morison-Uzzle highlight how the pandemic intensified issues like loneliness, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation, especially in parents and children. While short-term effects were immediate, they say the long-term mental health consequences—such as educational gaps and heightened social anxiety—are still unfolding across all age groups.
March 13, 2025
Meet Anna McChesney
Anna McChesney, founder of The Center for Creative Healing, built her practice from a solo music therapy business into a thriving multidisciplinary group practice offering music therapy, art therapy, play therapy, and counseling. Her journey involved overcoming the challenges of business ownership, thoughtful team building, and a strategic rebranding to reflect a broader scope of services. Today, the center sustains growth through diverse revenue streams—including therapy services, community partnerships, grants, and professional development—while staying true to its mission of healing through creativity.