Psychiatric care begins with understanding the person, not simply identifying symptoms or deciding which medication to prescribe. Dr. Rao’s approach may include a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and diagnostic clarification, particularly when symptoms overlap, previous diagnoses remain uncertain, or treatment has not worked as expected.

When medication is appropriate, Dr. Rao prescribes thoughtfully, with attention to effectiveness, side effects, medical history, interactions, and the overall treatment burden. This may include reviewing complex medication regimens and, when clinically appropriate, carefully reducing or discontinuing medications that are no longer beneficial.

Psychotherapy is also integrated into her clinical approach, drawing from cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic, interpersonal, supportive, and family-based perspectives to better understand the emotional, behavioral, relational, and developmental factors affecting a patient’s life.

In selected circumstances, pharmacogenomic testing may provide additional information about how genetic differences influence the metabolism or prescribing of certain medications. It is used as one clinical tool rather than as a test that determines the “right” medication.

When psychological, neuropsychological, educational, developmental, or medical testing may help clarify the clinical picture, Dr. Rao can recommend appropriate evaluations and coordinate referrals. For students, she can provide documentation and recommendations for school or college accommodations when clinically supported.

When outpatient treatment is no longer sufficient, Dr. Rao helps patients and families understand and navigate higher levels of care, including intensive outpatient, partial hospitalization, residential, and inpatient treatment.

The goal throughout is not simply to provide more treatment, but to determine what treatment is actually needed—and what may no longer be needed.