David Cao

I’m David Cao, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner providing telehealth psychiatric medication management for adults across California. I help young adults who feel anxious, overwhelmed, mentally drained, or stuck take the first step toward care in a calm, low-pressure, nonjudgmental space.

I have over 7 years of experience in mental health care and work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, stress, burnout, overthinking, and related concerns. Many people I work with are trying to manage work, school, relationships, responsibilities, and their mental health all at once.

My goal is to make psychiatry feel less intimidating and more approachable. In our first few sessions, you can expect an unhurried conversation about your concerns, clear explanations of medication options, and a collaborative discussion of risks, benefits, and alternatives. I want you to feel heard, informed, and involved in your treatment decisions without feeling judged, rushed, or pressured.

My approach is collaborative, thoughtful, and nonjudgmental. I take time to understand what you’re experiencing, how your symptoms are affecting your daily life, and what you’re hoping to improve.

I provide evidence-based medication management while also helping clients better understand their symptoms, treatment options, and progress over time. I look at the bigger picture, including sleep, stress, routines, work, school, relationships, and lifestyle factors that may be impacting your mental health.

I want clients to feel comfortable asking questions and being honest about what is or isn’t working. Treatment should feel like a shared process, not something decided for you without your input.

Your first session will be a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation focused on understanding your concerns, symptoms, history, and goals. We’ll talk about what has been going on, what you’ve tried before, and what you’re hoping to get out of treatment.

I aim to make the first appointment feel calm, organized, and low-pressure. You do not need to have everything figured out before starting care. The first session is meant to help us better understand what you’re experiencing and identify a treatment plan that fits your needs.

By the end of the visit, you can expect a clearer understanding of your symptoms, time to ask questions, and a personalized plan that may include medication options, follow-up care, lifestyle strategies, or additional support recommendations.