One Minot woman’s path to mental wellness for herself and others
For most of her life, Anna Gray lived with anxiety – a quiet but persistent force that shaped her thoughts, body and relationships. From childhood through military service, she faced challenges that left lasting marks.
But it wasn’t until she began therapy that healing truly began.
“I didn’t expect to connect with a therapist so quickly,” Gray said. “Care for my mental health has made all the difference.”
Courage to cope
Gray’s anxiety began early in life. A difficult childhood and the loss of a grandparent left a lasting mark. As she got older, military service and abusive relationships added more pain. By age 25, she was dealing with disordered eating, chronic stress and intense anxiety. For years, she stayed silent. But after a long period of isolation and emotional exhaustion, she decided to try counseling.
That choice changed everything.
Matched with Troy Roness, Ed.M. (C/S), M.S., LPC, Gray found herself in a therapeutic relationship that felt unexpectedly safe and effective. Through their work together, she began to unpack years of emotional pain and disordered behaviors. Roness’ honest feedback, trauma-informed approach and use of techniques such as EMDR and DBT helped her build coping skills and reclaim her sense of self.
“Your brain can only handle what it can handle,” Gray said. “He never sugarcoated things, but he always made me feel safe. That combination changed everything. It’s crazy how much seeing a professional can help.”
Healing with heart
VitellaCare, managed by Crossover, opened its Minot location in 2024. The advanced primary care clinic improves health outcomes in its three locations across North Dakota. With integrated teams of medical and mental health providers, VitellaCare offers personalized preventive care that’s easy to access and centered on the whole person. Care and services are available to eligible members of Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND).
Mental health is a core pillar of VitellaCare’s approach to whole-person wellness.
As the Minot office’s mental health therapist, Roness is a licensed professional counselor known for his trauma-informed, compassionate approach to therapy. He helps clients navigate anxiety, disordered eating and personal growth with honesty, empathy and evidence-based care.
“Helping people like Anna is the reason I went back to school for my second master's degree in clinical mental health,” Roness said. “Working with individuals is an honor and privilege. When I'm able to work with an individual, like Anna, who lets you sit with them amid their pain and they choose themselves over where life has brought them – that is incredibly rewarding.”
Roness said physical and mental health often impact each other.
“Maintaining a healthy balance in physical and mental health is a one-way ticket to better overall health and well-being.”
A difficult goodbye – and a determined next step
When Roness transitioned to VitellaCare, Gray didn’t hesitate. She switched her insurance carrier during open enrollment just to continue seeing him.
“When I found out he was moving, I didn’t want to cry in a session, but I was so crushed,” she said. “I tell anyone who will listen to me, I tell them to go see Troy. He is the best.”
Discovering integrated care at VitellaCare
At VitellaCare, Gray found more than continuity – she found integrated care. With mental health and primary care under one roof, she could address both emotional and physical concerns without the usual barriers.
“I started seeing Heidi for fatigue and headaches, and she helped me get referrals to specialists,” she said. “It was seamless. I’ve never felt so supported.”
Nurse practitioner Heidi Peterson has more than 25 years of experience in medicine. She is experienced in primary care and even educated nurses through her work at Minot State University.
“We often see mental health result in physical conditions and vice versa,” Peterson said. “I find it imperative to investigate each complaint for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. The cause of the condition is not always obvious. Just as emotional problems can elicit physical symptoms, certain physical problems can elicit emotional symptoms. The physical intensity of any complaint varies from person to person. However, that intensity is very real and requires a kind approach and thoughtful consideration.”
Gray credits her care team at VitellaCare with helping her stay engaged in her health, especially during times when it would’ve been easier to give up.
“They made it easy to follow through. That matters when you’re dealing with anxiety and trauma.”
From patient to professional
Today, Gray is not only healing – she’s growing. Inspired by her therapy experience and her background in psychiatric nursing, she is pursuing a career as a mental health professional. She expects to earn a Master of Science in counseling with a primary concentration in clinical mental health counseling from the University of Mary in 2028.
“I want to help people the way Troy helped me,” she said. “Lived experience matters. It helps you show up with empathy.”
Ready to rebuild
Her advice to others? “Don’t wait for the perfect provider. Just start. The right people will help you find your way. But you have to take that first step.”
Gray’s story is a testament to the power of compassionate care, the importance of mental health and the impact of providers who truly listen. At VitellaCare, she found a place where healing could happen – mind and body, together.
