Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Citrus Heights, CA covered by United Healthcare

I am a licensed Marriage and Family therapist who has been practicing since 2009. I specialize in men's mental health issues, depression, anxiety, and trauma. I look forward to serving you on your healing journey and helping you find peace and balance in your life.

I am skilled in helping adults of all ages heal from trauma. I also help my clients learn how to manage anxiety, including social anxiety, panic, and health anxiety. Beyond healing, I am committed to working with you to discover what matters most to you so you can take clear action and create the life you want.

I earned a Masters degree in Clinical psychology in 2014 from Antioch University Los Angeles. I have since enjoyed working with clients of all ages and backgrounds. The areas that I hold the most experience in within my clinical work, are women's issues, relationships, issues in adolescence and individuals and families dealing with autism and other disorders. I believe a collaborative therapeutic relationship built on respect, trust, and honesty creates a healthy open space for people to grow.

Many of the women I work with grew up with high expectations & low emotional support. They learned to prioritize loyalty, achievement, or caregiving over their own needs. Over time, this can create anxiety, burnout, relationship struggles, and a deep sense of disconnection from the self. I specialize in working with women healing from abuse, emotionally unavailable parents & religious & intergenerational trauma. Many of my clients struggle with people-pleasing, guilt, perfectionism, hyper-independence, difficulty setting boundaries, or feelings of responsibility. They often know "why they are the way they are" but still feel stuck.

You’re doing everything “right”—staying active, showing up for others, pushing through—but you’re still stuck in your head. You overthink everything. You’re constantly anxious, tense, and on edge. Maybe you feel like you’re always performing—for your team, your job, your family—and you’re tired of carrying it all.

I specialize in working with athletes and active adults who struggle with anxiety, overthinking, burnout, and people-pleasing. Together, we create a space where you can finally breathe, feel grounded, and build emotional strength to match your physical drive.

My approach combines CBT, mindfulness, somatic therapy, and solution-focused strategies through my signature T.H.R.I.V.E. Method. We’ll work together to untangle old patterns, reconnect with your body, and build clarity and confidence from the inside out.

If you’re ready to feel more present, powerful, and mentally strong, I’d be honored to support you.

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 a white, neurodivergent, gay/queer trans man who primarily works with LGBTQ+ adults. I have 7+ years of experience working with queer and trans individuals navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD and neurodiversity, identity, relationship issues, and internalized oppression. I'm an LMFT with a MA in counseling psychology and a background in LGBTQ+ community mental health. I have been running my own private practice since 2022. I'm grateful and see it as a privilege to walk beside you on your healing and growth journey.