Our Team

Richard A. Bermudes, M.D. Psychiatry
UCSD Medical School of Medicine
UCSD Medical School of Medicine
University Of Cincinnati College Of Medicine
University Of Cincinnati College Of Medicine
UC Davis Medical Group
UC Davis Medical Group
Clinical TMS Society
Clinical TMS Society
Owner

Richard A. Bermudes, M.D.

For more than 20 years, Dr. Bermudes has been helping people find their way through some of life's most difficult challenges — depression, anxiety, trauma, and memory and thinking difficulties. With dual training in family medicine and psychiatry, he looks at the whole person — considering physical health as well as mental health — and brings both deep expertise and genuine care to every patient relationship, taking the time to truly understand what each person is going through before deciding on a path forward together.

Dr. Bermudes offers access to a wide range of treatments, including some of the most advanced options available in psychiatry today. These include brain stimulation therapy such as TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation), Ketamine and Esketamine treatments, and evidence-based therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

He is also a recognized leader in his field. Dr. Bermudes is a Fellow and past President of the Clinical TMS Society, and he is a Diplomate of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy. He is the lead editor of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation: Clinical Applications for Psychiatric Practice, a widely used reference in the field. His colleagues look to him as an expert — and his patients benefit directly from that expertise.

Dr. Bermudes sees patients at Empathy MindCare's offices in Walnut Creek, California and Zephyr Cove, Nevada.

 

UCSD Medical School of Medicine
UCSD Medical School of Medicine
University Of Cincinnati College Of Medicine
University Of Cincinnati College Of Medicine
UC Davis Medical Group
UC Davis Medical Group
Clinical TMS Society
Clinical TMS Society
Sara Flores Empathy Mindcare
Practice Manager

Sara Flores

Sara Flores is the heart behind the day-to-day experience at Empathy MindCare. As Practice Manager, she brings nearly a decade of behavioral healthcare leadership to her role — but what truly sets her apart is her belief that how a patient feels when they walk through the door matters just as much as the care they receive inside.
 
Sara has spent her career building teams and systems that put people first — across multiple locations, across disciplines, and across the many moments that shape a patient's journey. She's the kind of leader who notices the details others miss and takes pride in making sure every person who comes to Empathy MindCare feels genuinely welcomed, not just processed.
 
For Sara, empathy isn't a value statement — it's a practice. She's honored to be part of this team and even more honored to be part of each patient's path toward healing.

Our Story   

Behind every person who walks through our doors is a story — and usually, a long road of trying to feel better. Empathy MindCare exists because we believe that road should not be walked alone, and it should not end at symptom management.

Dr. Richard Bermudes founded this practice after more than 20 years in psychiatry, guided by one conviction: real healing happens when advanced science meets genuine human connection. Not one or the other. Both.

We are honored to care for our communities in Walnut Creek, California and Zephyr Cove, Nevada.

 

Our Philosophy of Care

 

Remission is our mission.

We believe treatment should help you regain wellness, not simply cope with illness.

We investigate, we do not assume.

Because of Dr. Bermudes' dual training in psychiatry and family medicine, we look for medical conditions that may be affecting brain function, rather than assuming symptoms are purely psychiatric.

We treat the whole person.

Mental health affects every part of life. We look beyond symptoms to understand the whole picture before creating a personalized treatment plan.

Science and empathy work together.

The best psychiatric care combines scientific excellence with genuine human connection. We believe both are essential to healing

We believe the brain can adapt, heal, and change — that is neuroplasticity.

Our evidence-based treatments are designed to support that remarkable capacity.

 

  • What Our Patients Say

    Walking into Empathy MindCare was like a beacon of hope after years of struggling with depression. Dr. Bermudes' warm presence and unwavering attentiveness immediately put me at ease. His commitment to my well-being went beyond just prescribing a treatment. He meticulously guided me through the process, patiently answering every question I had with utmost clarity. His careful measurements and adjustments throughout my therapy demonstrated a high level of dedication. I never felt like just a number; I felt like a valued partner in my own recovery.Today, thanks to Dr. Bermudes' exceptional knowledge, unwavering kindness, and the cutting-edge technology at Empathy MindCare, I am living a life I never thought possible. The positive change has been profound, and I owe it all to Dr. Bermudes and his amazing team. Their professionalism and support reflect Dr. Bermudes' values, and I wholeheartedly recommend their services to anyone seeking outstanding mental health care.
    -Aysegul

     

  • What Our Patients Say

    Under Dr Bermudes’ care I started TMS therapy along with weekly Zoom sessions. Dr. Bermudes was always on time and was very attentive during the sessions. He kept a positive outlook, ensuring me that my depression was treatable and manageable. Dr. Bermudes monitored my condition carefully and made changes to the frequency of TMS treatments along with gradual modifications to my medications. He kept me focused on positive events and had me plan each day’s activities. With Dr. Bermudes’ expertise and compassionate care, I am now in remission. I wake up every morning looking forward to the new day instead of laying in bed dreading what lies ahead. Dr. Bermudes has given me the tools to manage my depression long-term. I highly recommend Dr. Bermudes for mental health care.
    -Anonymous

     

  • What Our Patients Say

    When I first came to see Dr. Bermudes I was suffering from very severe anxiety and depression, plus OCD. I had already tried many different medications to treat these disorders, none of which worked, because I am medication resistant. I was about ready to give up, but he told me not to worry and that he would help me. That’s when my TMS journey with him began, along with my healing, and I cannot put into words how grateful I am now. I feel as though I have a new lease on life! His patience, knowledge, compassion and understanding have been of immeasurable benefit to me, and the TMS is so easy to do, with none of the side effects which I was having from all those meds. I would very highly recommend him and his practice!My mind, thinking and memory is much clearer and back to normal! I feel more confident in my thinking, memory and my attention has really improved. It is amazing how clear my mind feels.
    -Cindy (Age 76)

     

  • What Our Patients Say

    Managing a chronic mental health condition has exposed me to many providers throughout the years. My Empathy MindCare provider’s psychiatric care positively exceeds all my prior psychiatric care experiences. My treatment has been empowering, holistic and successful. When medication was insufficient alone to treat depression, my provider was equipped to treat me with TMS. Experientially, TMS seemed to set a new, higher baseline for my overall mood. I’ve never returned to the same depth of depression I experienced prior to TMS treatment.
    -Steve

YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE

Taking the first step is often the hardest part.  We make it simple reach out and we'll take it from there.