Leading Expert in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
Author, Educator, and Integrated Health Pioneer
Dr. Gayani DeSilva is a board certified psychiatrist with over 20 years of experience specializing in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry. Currently serving as Chief Psychiatric Medical Director for San Bernardino County's Department of Behavioral Health, she brings elite training from Harvard University and Albany Medical College, combined with a passion for integrated mind-body health approaches.
Child & Adolescent Specialist
Fellowship-trained with extensive experience treating children, teens, and families. Specializes in developmental psychiatry, teen addiction, depression, anxiety, and behavioral disorders.
Published Author
Authored "A Psychiatrist's Guide: Stop Teen Addiction Before It Starts" (2019) and "A Psychiatrist's Guide: Helping Parents Reach Their Depressed Tween" (2017).
Chat & Chai Podcast Host
Creator and host of the popular "Chat & Chai" podcast on Apple, Google, and Spreaker. 30+ episodes on integrated health, started in 2020 and sponsored by IEHP.
Medical Director Leadership
Currently Chief Psychiatric Medical Director for San Bernardino County DBH, overseeing all medical operations. Previously led psychiatry at LA County DHS Correctional Health Services and served as Medical Director at Caminar.
Media Presence & Community Advocacy
Dr. DeSilva is a sought-after expert on children's mental health and integrated wellness. She has appeared on PBS, NBC, Fox News, Access Live, KTLA, Mel Robbins Show, AlkarmaTV, U-T San Diego, The Today Show, Teen Vogue, Health.com, and many more platforms.
"Advocating for children's mental health and integrated health approaches that address mind, body, and spirit."
What Clients Say
Clinical Expertise & Approach
Elite Medical Training
MD from Albany Medical College, Harvard University Psychiatry Residency, and UNM Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship.
Child & Adolescent Expert
Board certified with fellowship training and over 20 years specializing in child, adolescent, and family psychiatry.
Published Author
Wrote 'A Psychiatrist's Guide: Stop Teen Addiction Before It Starts' and 'Helping Parents Reach Their Depressed Tween'.
Media & Education Leader
Host of 'Chat & Chai' podcast on integrated health. Guest on PBS, NBC, Fox News, and lecturer at Stanford School of Medicine.
Chief Medical Director
Currently leading Department of Behavioral Health for San Bernardino County, overseeing all medical operations.
Integrated Care Pioneer
Champion of mind-body health approach combining medical expertise with holistic wellness strategies.
About Dr. Gayani DeSilva
Elite Medical Training & Board Certification. Dr. Gayani DeSilva earned her MD from Albany Medical College and completed her psychiatry residency at Harvard Medical School. She then pursued specialized fellowship training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of New Mexico. Board certified in General Psychiatry since 2010 (MOC passed 2023), she holds an active California medical license (A81916), DEA authorization, and NPI number (19425230).
Distinguished Leadership Career. Currently serving as Chief Psychiatric Medical Director for the Department of Behavioral Health for San Bernardino County, Dr. DeSilva oversees all medical operations for DBH. She also serves as Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist at Inland Psychiatric Medical Group. Her previous leadership roles include Chief Physician I for Psychiatry at Los Angeles County Department of Health Services Correctional Health Services, Medical Director at Caminar, and Medical Director at Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) where she started the acclaimed "Chat & Chai" podcast.
Author & Media Expert. Dr. DeSilva has authored two influential guides for parents: "A Psychiatrist's Guide: Stop Teen Addiction Before It Starts" (2019) and "A Psychiatrist's Guide: Helping Parents Reach Their Depressed Tween" (2017). She is a frequent media guest on PBS, NBC, Fox News, Teen Vogue, Health.com, and many other platforms, advocating for children's mental health and integrated wellness approaches. She also served as guest lecturer at Stanford School of Medicine on Child and Adolescent Psychiatry topics.
Extensive Clinical Experience. With over 20 years in psychiatry, Dr. DeSilva has worked across diverse settings including correctional psychiatry, inpatient and outpatient care, community mental health, emergency psychiatry, and private practice. Her experience spans work at UC San Francisco, UC Irvine School of Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, and various community health organizations serving underserved populations.
Conditions Treated
Education & Training
Schedule Your Consultation
Dr. DeSilva is currently accepting new clients for child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry. Contact our office to discuss how her expertise can support your family's mental health journey.