David Cao

I’m David Cao, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner providing online psychiatric evaluation and medication management for adults throughout California. I especially enjoy working with young adults dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, overthinking, or feeling overwhelmed.

If reaching out for psychiatric care feels intimidating, my goal is to make the process feel approachable. My style is calm, laid-back, and collaborative. Our sessions are more like conversations than interrogations, and I want you to feel comfortable being yourself. I’ll be there for the difficult conversations, celebrate the small wins with you, and make room for a little humor along the way.

With over 7 years of experience in mental health care, I understand how difficult it can be to balance everyday responsibilities while struggling with your mental health.

I’m naturally pretty laid-back, and I know talking about mental health can feel awkward or intimidating (from personal experience). You don’t need to have everything figured out before we meet.

I want you to feel comfortable asking questions and discussing concerns without feeling judged or rushed. We’ll work together to find treatment options that fit your needs. Medication may be considered when appropriate, but there’s never pressure to start.

My goal is for you to feel heard, understand your options, and leave each visit feeling confident about your next steps.

Please note: I do not complete third-party forms or paperwork, including disability, leave, accommodation, or emotional-support-animal documentation.

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 and low-pressure. 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.