Obsessive-compulsive disorder therapists & psychiatrists in Salinas, CA

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.

Hi, I'm Evelyn! As a seasoned psychiatric nurse practitioner with over four years of experience, I'm passionate about helping children, teens, and adults navigate their mental health journeys with compassion and understanding.

I believe everyone deserves to feel heard and empowered in their healing process. Through my work with diverse populations—from children as young as six to adults with complex mental health challenges—I've learned the importance of meeting patients exactly where they are, without judgment and with genuine care.

I specialize in ADHD assessment, medication management, and coaching across all ages. Having witnessed how ADHD impacts every aspect of life, I take a comprehensive approach beyond medication. I help families understand ADHD systems, develop coping strategies, and create academic accommodations for success.

My experience includes managing complex psychiatric conditions and treatment-refractory illnesses requiring specialized medications like lithium and dual-antipsychotic treatments. I believe in holistic care, emphasizing how nutrition, physical activity, mindful practices, and sleep hygiene support mental wellness alongside medication.

What sets my practice apart is collaborative care. I work closely with patients and families to create individualized, achievable treatment goals. Whether addressing anxiety, depression, ADHD, or other conditions, I prioritize building therapeutic relationships where you feel safe sharing your experiences.

I maintain high standards with comprehensive malpractice insurance, current California licensure, and DEA certification. My approach includes medication monitoring and regular prescription checks for your safety.

My practice is built on the foundation that everyone deserves compassionate, personalized mental health care. I look forward to partnering with you to achieve the balance and peace you're seeking.

I work with individuals and families across the spectrum, as well as professionals navigating major life transitions. As a Psychology Professor and Senior Lecturer, I provide a high-level clinical space for those who feel "stuck" in their current narrative. Whether you are exploring your identity, navigating a career shift, or seeking LGBTQ+ affirming care, my ideal clients are those ready to build a life that feels authentic, sustainable, and truly yours.

I bring 14 + years of experience providing thrrapy in both private and clinical settings. My work is grounded in a client centered strengths-based approach, rooted in unconditional, positive regard and a commitment to providing a safe, non-judgmental space where client can openly share their stories.

I identify as neurodivergent and have personally and professionally navigated ADHD. This experience allows me to bring both clinical knowledge lived understanding to my work, helping clients recognize their strengths, develop effective strategies, and move toward meaningful growth and stability.

I am dual board-certified as a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner and family nurse practitioner with a passion for functional medicine. I believe mental health is best addressed by looking at the whole person—mind, body, and soul. I’ve been working in healthcare for over 20 years. Through my experience in mental health, I have the privilege of working with adults aged 21–60. I support individuals navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, OCD, mood disorders, and eating disorders, offering a safe and respectful space for growth and healing.

My goal is to create a space where you feel seen, understood, and supported. I believe mental wellness is an essential part of overall health, and that healing begins by moving from survival to thriving through nervous system regulation, processing past experiences, and strengthening the mind-body connection. Meaningful change and healing happens within a strong therapeutic relationship built on trust, authenticity, and collaboration. Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, addiction, performance anxiety, work-related stress... or simply feeling overwhelmed by life's demands, we'll work together to build insight, process difficult experiences when appropriate, develop practical coping skills, and create meaningful, lasting change.

I’m here to make this journey feel gentle, welcoming, and human. I keep things clear and simple so you can focus on what matters, not the overwhelm. My style is warm, encouraging, and a little poetic—because softness helps us breathe. Let’s take this step together, one calm moment at a time.

I am dedicated to helping teens struggling with trauma and self-harm behavior. My experience working with Orange Unified School District, running groups from grade 6-12 for students struggling with emotional and behavioral problems has given me unique insight into not only helping teens, but also working with the families, schools, and community to provide more effective treatment. I have partnered with Western Youth Services in helping at risk teens and low income families in helping adolescents to overcome academic barriers and families cope with serious defiance and drug use.