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Kalyan Rao, Psychiatrist
Psychiatrist in Santa Monica, California

Kalyan Rao, Psychiatrist

Specialties:
Alcohol use Anxiety Depression/feeling down +28
Provider Gender: Male (He/Him)
Ages Served: 18-75+
Appointments: Telehealth only. In-office visits not available
Manages Medications: Yes
Accepts Insurance: Yes - View accepted plans

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 ā€œband aidā€, medications can be the ā€œbridgeā€ 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.

Provider Introduction

Types of Care & Ages Served

Areas of Focus

Psychiatry/Medication Management

Treat and prevent mental health disorders using medication and therapy.

  • Alcohol use
  • Anxiety
  • Depression/feeling down
  • Drug/substance use
  • Panic attacks
  • Self-esteem
  • Stress management
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Conditions caused by stress
  • Detachment/disconnection
  • Dissociative disorders
  • Eating issues: binging
  • Eating issues: food deprivation
  • Eating issues: purging/regurgitating
  • First responder stress
  • General relationship issues
  • Grief & loss
  • Hoarding
  • Intense mood changes
  • Marital stress or divorce
  • Men's health/issues
  • Military & veteran
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
  • Patterns affecting behavior, emotions and relationships
  • Personality disorders
  • Phobias
  • Premarital counseling
  • Self-injury or cutting
  • Sexual trauma
  • Sleep issues or insomnia
  • Trauma & PTSD

Languages

  • English

Education

  • PSG Institute of Medical Science and Research

  • Michigan State University

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Frequently Asked
Questions

Please use our online form to schedule an appointment with Kalyan Rao. You can also call 925-282-1778 to have someone assist you.

See what our patients are saying about Kalyan Rao

Therapists and psychiatrists are attentive and kind. They care about you and are responsive to your needs. They are caring and they are helpful. I highly recommend.
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Michele Kalis (Muneera K.

Michele Kalis (Muneera K.

Sep 26, 2025
Google Google
Very pleased with Dr Ines attention to root cause and long term planning.
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Stephen S.

Stephen S.

Oct 07, 2025
Google Google
Great! Very knowledgeable and patient and answered all my questions
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Anonymous

Anonymous

Aug 04, 2025
WebMD WebMD
Excellent experience
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Andi C.

Andi C.

Jan 27, 2026
Google Google
Excellent experience
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Kevin M.

Kevin M.

Jan 21, 2026
Google Google
Excellent experience
Read Full Review
Kasi S.

Kasi S.

Apr 13, 2025
Google Google
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The testimonials and reviews shared on our platforms reflect the personal experiences and opinions of individuals voluntarily shared on third-party sites (e.g., Google). These reviews are voluntarily provided and are not compensated, solicited, or endorsed by LifeStance Health.

Important Notes:

  • Reviews do not represent the views of LifeStance Health, Inc., its clinicians, or affiliates
  • Individual results may vary – testimonials are not guarantees of similar outcomes
  • We do not independently verify the clinical accuracy or authenticity of statements
  • Clinician qualifications, expertise, and fit for your specific needs should be assessed through direct consultation
Kalyan Rao, Psychiatrist

Kalyan Rao

Psychiatrist in Santa Monica, California

New patient?

View Availability

Already have an appointment?

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