Bipolar disorder therapists & psychiatrists in Palm Springs, CA

Some of what you are carrying has never fit neatly into words. I'm Richard, a licensed marriage and family therapist in California and a working artist with a master's degree in fine art. Over twenty years in mental health, across inpatient units, day programs, and skilled nursing, I have sat with teens, adults, and seniors through anxiety, depression, grief and loss, bipolar disorder, family conflict, stress, and the weight of chronic illness. I am patient, open-minded, and inclusive, and when talking stalls I bring in expressive art. You do not need to be an artist for that to help. Come as you are.

I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) who provides compassionate, evidence-based care for adults. My approach is clinical, trauma-informed, and whole-person; I look beyond symptoms alone and consider the many parts of life that shape mental health. I believe care should feel collaborative, supportive, and not overwhelming. My goal is to help you feel understood while creating a treatment plan that fits your life, values, and goals. Whether you are seeking medication management, in-office IV or IM ketamine treatment, or support through a difficult season, I want you to feel safe, respected, and empowered.

I've built my career working in adult medicine, with a deep focus on addiction and medication assisted treatment. Anxiety and depression are areas where I find this work especially rewarding. Regardless of what brings you here, I come to every session with genuine curiosity and a commitment to building real rapport. I see clients virtually, and I keep afternoon and evening hours on weekdays so scheduling can work around your life. Strong patient retention has always been a hallmark of how I practice, and I look forward to building that same kind of relationship with you.

I'm passionate about helping people build the skills to cope with emotional and mental health challenges and live healthy, full lives. I work with adults facing relationship difficulties, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, and ongoing mental health conditions.

My goal is to help you find a healthier perspective on what you're facing and to build practical coping skills you can rely on long after our sessions. Together, we'll draw on the strengths you already have so you can feel more confident and find your direction.

I draw on several approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Gestalt therapy, and Internal Family Systems (IFS), and I tailor my work to fit you and your goals.

I have always had a deep passion for working with children, teens, and their families. With nearly 20 years of experience in the mental health field, I bring a compassionate, collaborative approach to therapy. I hold a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology, which I earned in 2012. Since then, I’ve dedicated my career to supporting young people through many of life’s challenges.

One of my greatest strengths is my ability to connect with individuals across ages, cultures, and experiences. This connection is grounded in authenticity and relatability, which is nurtured through a strong therapeutic alliance. I believe therapy offers a safe space to explore, learn, and grow—and I strive to help clients build resilience, strengthen relationships, and develop into their best selves.

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.