Find a psychiatrist in Salinas, CA — covered by insurance


Top psychiatrists in Salinas, CA accepting new patients
Find mental health support in Salinas across neighborhoods like Alisal, Chinatown, and North Salinas. Headway connects you with 976 licensed providers offering virtual and in-person sessions, with many accepting insurance to help you save on care.
I’m a board-certified psychiatrist who works with adolescents through older adults, and I bring both medical and therapeutic training into my work. In addition to psychiatry, I’ve completed advanced training in psychodynamic psychotherapy, which allows me to look beyond symptoms and explore the deeper emotional patterns shaping your experience.
I specialize in mood disorders, trauma and PTSD, ADHD, and women’s mental health, including the unique challenges that come with life transitions. Whether you’re navigating longstanding patterns or a more recent shift, I aim to create a space that feels warm, affirming, and grounded in real understanding.
I know how heavy life can feel when you’re carrying pain, uncertainty, or self-doubt. But I believe, as a wise old wizard once said, “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of places, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” My role is to help you find that light again. I work with Gen Z and Millennial adults facing anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and more. Through integrative, culturally responsive care, I combine evidence-based psychiatry with holistic strategies to help you feel heard, supported, and empowered to create a life that aligns with your true self.
I know how heavy life can feel when you’re carrying pain, uncertainty, or self-doubt. But I believe, as a wise old wizard once said, “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of places, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” My role is to help you find that light again. I work with Gen Z and Millennial adults facing anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and more. Through integrative, culturally responsive care, I combine evidence-based psychiatry with holistic strategies to help you feel heard, supported, and empowered to create a life that aligns with your true self.
Richard Perez is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. For over 15 years, he has dedicated his career to serving the healthcare needs of Long Beach and Los Angeles County. Richard wants to continue improving the lives of each patient by providing professional, compassionate, and person-centered care.
Richard has spent the last two years providing mental health care to underserved populations. This experience has significantly sharpened his clinical skills, which he now aims to bring to the general patient population.
It is my prayer to build a practice that helps you reach a place where your mental health is truly at the forefront. My hope is that with each appointment—and each day—you feel supported in moving closer to the best version of yourself.
Dr. Aw primary interest is the intersection between mental and physical health. Dr. Aw’s philosophy, one does not exist outside of the other. Furthermore, Depression and anxiety in patients who are also suffering from medical issues feels significantly worse, and it is his goal to get patients on the road to recovery.
About our psychiatrists serving Salinas, CA



- 99%Depression
- 99%Anxiety
- 86%Bipolar disorder
- 86%ADD/ADHD
- 85%PTSD

- 98%Aetna
- 95%Cigna
- 90%Carelon Behavioral Health
- 85%Anthem Blue Cross California
- 58%United Healthcare

- 98%English
- 9%Spanish
- 5%Tagalog
- 4%Igbo
- 3%Hindi

- 90%Online only
- 10%In-person or online

- 73%Woman
- 27%Man

- 91%Nurse Practitioner
- 8%Medical Doctor
- 1%Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine

- 96%Individual therapy
- 17%Family therapy
- 6%Child or adolescent therapy
- 6%Couples therapy
Frequently asked questions


Find the right psychiatrist for you
Headway makes it easy to find support for your mental health — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Psychiatrist in Salinas
Finding the right psychiatrist in Salinas starts with understanding the kind of care that fits your needs. Psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe medication, and manage medication over time. Therapists provide talk therapy and may also be part of your care. If you’re looking for support with anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD, or medication management, review each psychiatrist’s listed specialties, clinical focus, and approach before booking.
In a smaller city like Salinas, local psychiatry appointments may be more limited than in larger California markets. Virtual appointments can expand your options while still giving you access to licensed psychiatrists who fit your schedule and preferences. Psychiatric care often includes shorter, less frequent medication management visits than therapy sessions, though some psychiatrists also offer therapy. As you compare profiles, look at appointment availability, whether a free phone consultation is offered, and what each bio says about communication style and areas of focus.
Psychiatric care in Salinas can be a significant expense without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs and understand what you may pay before care begins. Headway helps you find psychiatrists who are accepting new patients, match your preferences, and may take your plan. You can enter your insurance details, review estimated out-of-pocket costs, compare bios, and book directly when you’re ready.
If you're already taking psychiatric medication and considering switching providers, talk to your current prescriber before changing or stopping any medication — most psychiatric medications shouldn't be stopped abruptly. Anyone experiencing thoughts of self-harm or in acute crisis should call 988 or go to the nearest emergency department rather than wait for an outpatient appointment.
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