May 2026 – Nevaeh has a playlist she listens to after her visits to La Rabida. The Beatles are her favorite band. When she listens to the songs, she feels calm and like she can take on the world. Her grandmother, Gloria, gets to see this side of Nevaeh after her weekly appointment with Dr. Guadalupe Barrios, a pediatric psychologist at La Rabida.
“She goes in, and you can tell; she feels comfortable talking about her feelings and what’s going on in her mind,” says Gloria. “It’s so good for her because she comes out as the best version of herself.”
Nevaeh has anxiety and depression, some of which stem from traumatic experiences. La Rabida’s Behavioral Health department provides mental health and emotional support focused on a child’s well-being. Dr. Barrios takes time during therapy sessions to educate our patients and their families, like Nevaeh and her guardian and grandmother, Gloria.
“We meet our families where they are,” says Dr. Barrios. “It’s important to show our patients there’s a clear connection between a diagnosis and getting help.”
The family-oriented approach is the foundation of pediatric care at La Rabida. It’s essential to every facet of a child’s medical care. Our behavioral health therapists work with patients to provide holistic care, including long-term outpatient services using evidence-based treatments.
“The communication, our relationship, it’s all gotten so much better since she started coming here,” says Gloria. “I’ve learned a lot about what I need to do as her grandmother and now as her guardian.”
Nevaeh says she has the confidence and support to take her for music to the next level.
“I like coming to see my doctor because I have an outlet,” says Nevaeh. “I feel like I can let go of everything.”
Nevaeh says she’s learned a lot from her sessions with Dr. Barrios. At 13 years old, Gloria says her granddaughter is wise beyond her years. She uses playing guitar as a creative outlet. She’s amping up her skills to eventually become a musician. When Nevaeh is at La Rabida, she’s able to have fun, like at the Annual Dress event, where patients are invited to enjoy an afternoon of pampering and get to choose a dress to take home.
“I actually made a friend, and we still keep in touch,” says Nevaeh. “I liked it because I felt less alone. It reminds me that I have nothing to worry about and it’s all going to be ok.”
