Psychiatrist in Santa Monica, California Kalyan Rao, Psychiatrist

What motivates someone to see a psychiatrist? While some of us may need someone to listen and understand what it’s like to be in our shoes, others may need a professional to help them tap into their highest potential. Perhaps we have finally reached our respective breaking points as a consequence of us hitting the lowest possible level of our life (marked by social or occupational consequences) after an extended period of succumbing to behaviors or substances that bring momentary relief at the expense of a better quality of life or overwhelming symptoms that render us functionless after a lifetime of putting everyone else’s needs first. Or maybe they are convinced that their current medications are no longer working for them. Or, perhaps, they are currently on a complicated medication regimen that they wish to simplify.

Whatever the reason may be that brings us together, you can rest assured that you will be in good hands. While the treatment of anxiety disorders (including OCD, PTSD and generalized anxiety disorder) mood disorders (including bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder) and personality disorders would be right up my alley, my style is especially suited to individuals who are grappling with substance abuse, co-morbid/dual-diagnoses, and behavioral addictions. Moreover, I have a special interest in working with adult professionals who are struggling with substance use disorders.

Regardless of the problems we face as individuals, I believe that a strong therapeutic alliance can overcome such obstacles. Throughout the years, I have been told that the ability to make a patient comfortable and heard is one of my greatest strengths. I would characterize my approach as being conservative, personalized, collaborative, and results oriented. Moreover, I would consider myself to be a cautious diagnostician and a prudent prescriber with the goal of using the least number of medications and the lowest effective doses to achieve the most rapid results with a zero tolerance policy for side effects.

More than being just a “band aid”, medications can be the “bridge” towards finding a more balanced life. By integrating psychotherapy, psychopharmacology, and guidance on lifestyle modifications, I strive to instill a sense of hope, provide insight, eliminate suffering, and assist my patients in achieving their highest level of mental and emotional well-being via emotional expression and personal growth. Understanding that taking this first step towards mental health can be intimidating and make you feel vulnerable, I wish to make this process as comfortable and easy for you as possible. I look forward to working with you soon.