Find a psychiatrist in San Jose, CA — covered by insurance

I work with adults facing ADHD, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, sleep issues, and substance use, offering clear, practical help—no guesswork. You might feel overwhelmed, stuck, have trouble sleeping, or struggle to focus. We follow a structured approach to understand your situation and develop a treatment plan that progresses. I provide psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and focused follow-up using evidence-based and trauma-informed strategies. The process is simple, with clear steps and adjustments based on your progress. If you're ready to proceed, reach out.

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 10 years in practice, in various settings, including outpatient, emergency department, and urgent care.

I want to be your partner in your wellness journey.

I am a PMHNP, dedicated to working collaboratively with all clients with medication or therapy to navigate challenges and achieve success.

Education

• Norwich University, Post Grad PMHNP, Graduated 2024
• Chamberlain University, MSN-FNP, Graduated 2019
• Western Governors University, BSN Graduated 2014
• San Jacinto College RN, Grad 2009
• University of Texas, Information Systems, Graduated 2001

Specialties and Expertise

Expertise

• ADHD
• Anger Management
• Anxiety
• Behavioral Issues
• Bipolar Disorder
• Chronic Impulsivity
• Coping Skills
• Depression
• Dissociative Disorders (DID)
• Dual Diagnosis
• Grief
• Impulse Control Disorders
• Life Transitions
• Medication Management
• Mood Disorders
• Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
• Personality Disorders
• Psychosis
• Relationship Issues
• Self Esteem
• Self-Harming
• Sleep or Insomnia
• Substance Use
• Suicidal Ideation
• Trauma and PTSD

Treatment Approach

Types of Therapy

• Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
• Compassion Focused
• Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
• Emotionally Focused
• Integrative
• Intervention
• Mindfulness-Based (MBCT)
• Motivational Interviewing
• Person-Centered
• Positive Psychology
• Strength-Based
• Trauma Focused

As your Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I want you to know that I am here for you every step of the way. You can trust that I am fully committed to your well-being and dedicated to providing you with the highest quality of care.

Something positive, warm, and uplifting about me as your PMHNP is that I genuinely believe in your strength and resilience. I see your potential for growth and healing, even during the toughest of times. Together, we'll navigate through the challenges.

Welcome! I'm Ruben Salgado, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to helping adults navigate challenges such as Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Borderline Personality Disorder, Bipolar disorder, PTSD, OCD, and other mental health concerns. I believe treatment works best when you feel heard, understood, and involved in every decision. My goal is to provide evidence-based care in a supportive, judgment-free environment where we work together to help you feel better and build lasting resilience.

I’m a doctoral-prepared, board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who works with clients across the lifespan. I earned my Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the University of Arizona and have experience caring for individuals in outpatient, intensive outpatient, and higher-acuity mental health settings. My background includes treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma-related concerns, OCD, mood disorders, and substance use. I take a thoughtful, practical, and individualized approach to care, with the goal of helping clients feel understood, safe, supported, and comfortable being honest when feeling emotionally vulnerable.

I am a board certified, doctoral prepared PMHNP. I completed my post graduate at National University in Adult, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. I earned my DNP from Azusa Pacific University and graduated from CSUSB MSN program. I have been a faculty at CSUSB since 2014. Extensively trained and a certified Trauma-Informed specialist. I diagnose and treat mental disorders including medication-assisted treatment along with counseling for chemical dependency and substance use disorders.

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, burnout, overthinking, feeling overwhelmed, or feeling mentally stuck.

If reaching out for psychiatric care feels intimidating, my goal is to make the process feel more approachable. My style is calm, laid-back, straightforward, and collaborative, with a focus on creating a low-pressure, nonjudgmental space where you can talk openly about what’s been going on.

I have over 7 years of experience in mental health care and understand how difficult it can be to manage work, school, relationships, and everyday responsibilities while also struggling with your mental health.

During our appointments, we’ll take time to understand your concerns, discuss whether medication may be helpful, and review your options in clear, straightforward language. Medication is never pressured or guaranteed. When appropriate, we’ll discuss potential benefits, risks, alternatives, and what you can realistically expect.

My goal is for you to leave each appointment feeling heard, informed, and confident about the next step, rather than judged, rushed, or overwhelmed.