Dr. Charmi Patel Rao

As the Director of Psychiatric Services for Positive Development, Dr. Charmi Patel Rao, provides comprehensive psychiatric services for clients with co-occurring mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, and other behavioral and/or emotional challenges. 

Dr. Charmi Patel Rao is a board-certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, trained at UC San Diego and UC San Francisco. She has an expertise in Early Childhood Mental Health and co-occurrence between developmental concerns and mental health concerns. She is also a Health Sciences Assistant Clinical Professor for UC San Diego Department of Psychiatry and enjoys teaching medical students and psychiatry trainees.  

Prior to joining Positive Development, Dr. Charmi Patel Rao was the Supervising Psychiatrist for Juvenile Forensics within the San Diego County Behavioral Health Services, Children Youth and Families. She brings 11 years of direct clinical care experience in our county’s System of Care, primarily at Rady Children's Hospital. Dr Josh Feder, Medical Director for Positive Development and renowned child psychiatrist and autism expert, recruited her to join Positive Development so that we can offer this important service for families.