Obsessive-compulsive disorder therapists & psychiatrists in San Mateo, CA

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.

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 work with adults who’ve experienced trauma; whether it’s childhood wounds, relationship pain, or something you can’t quite name but still feel every day. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a cornerstone of my work, and it helps you process what’s stuck without reliving every detail. Together, we’ll focus on practical relief, emotional balance, and helping you reconnect with your life in the present. EMDR helps your brain heal from trauma by reprocessing painful memories, so they lose their grip. I will guide you through that process safely and directly, helping you reduce anxiety, calm triggers, and feel more present. Together, we’ll work toward relief and lasting peace.

I am a compassionate and dedicated psychotherapist who values creating a genuine, trusting connection with each client. I believe therapy works best when you feel safe, understood, and able to be your authentic self.

I earned my Master of Arts from National University and completed doctoral-level training at Pacifica Graduate Institute. My clinical training and professional experience have provided me with a strong foundation in working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

I have experience working in drug and alcohol rehabilitation settings, where I supported individuals navigating substance use, trauma, and related mental health challenges. I also have experience working with men’s mental health concerns, including emotional regulation, identity, and relationship issues.

I use an integrative approach, drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Psychodynamic Therapy to help clients understand both present challenges and underlying patterns. I work with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, relationship concerns, and life transitions, helping them build insight alongside practical tools for lasting change.

Outside of my work as a therapist, I value staying active and maintaining a strong mind-body connection. I spend much of my time weightlifting, boxing, practicing jiu-jitsu, and participating in CrossFit and Olympic lifting, and I also enjoy running. These practices help me stay grounded and bring a perspective of discipline, resilience, and balance into my work with clients.

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.

Therapy reduces suffering and creates possibility for healthy changes. It is one of the best investments that you can make as you gain awareness and learn about problematic patterns. Everyone is at their own change-readiness level and I will support you where you are at. I am familiar with most psychological issues or relationship concerns, as I have worked in numerous settings and generally I have said "Yes!" to everyone along the way.

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Qualities:

• 18+ years of experience
• Good listener and attentive
• Direct and honest
• Calm and grounded
• Engaged and active during the session
• Utilize mindfulness-based interventions
• Easy-going
• Good boundaries
• Non-judgmental
• Solution-focused
• Experience working with people from many cultures and backgrounds, political affiliations, religions and more.
• LGBTQ+ friendly

Please reach out via email or text. I return all messages in a prompt manner.