Meet Dara Castillo at Psychiatry of the Palm Beaches in Florida

Driven by a deep sense of empathy and a desire to make a difference, Dara Castillo has always been committed to understanding the people she encounters. This commitment to understanding others began in the Philippines, where Dara was born. It was further shaped by her experiences growing up in South Florida, where diverse cultures and communities influenced her perspective. Growing up as a first-generation Filipino American in such a rich and diverse community gave her an early appreciation for connection, resilience, and the importance of understanding people beyond what’s on the surface. These values naturally guided her into psychiatry, a profession rooted in compassion and human connection.

Dara earned her medical education from St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens, Florida, and has since accumulated thirteen years of experience in helping patients live their best lives. She has had the privilege of supporting patients through some of the most vulnerable and meaningful moments of their lives. Dara’s dedication to providing not just excellent care but also meaningful connections with both patients and peers was recognized when she was honored with a preceptor award. Through her unwavering dedication to understanding and connecting with others, Dara continues to make a lasting impact in her field, empowering individuals to live healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Dara’s interest in psychiatry unfolded through meaningful moments during her time in the critical care unit. One memory that particularly has stood out for Dara, was when she had a night shift in the cardiovascular ICU. She cared for a post-operative patient who was recovering well physically, but emotionally, they were anxious, withdrawn, and overwhelmed. She found herself offering more than physical care, she helped them feel safe, grounded, and seen.

“That moment made me realize how much emotional healing matters and how often it’s overlooked. I didn’t just want to help people stabilize, I wanted to help them reclaim their sense of peace, identity, and resilience. That’s when I felt the pull toward psychiatry,” Castillo said.

Dara chose psychiatry because she believes strongly that mental health deserves the same attention and care as physical health, if not more. Dara has always been deeply curious about people and the stories behind their behaviors and emotions. She has always been someone people turn to when they need to talk, whether they’re overwhelmed, burned out, or just trying to make sense of what they’re feeling. That natural curiosity became a guiding force in how she connects with others. Those early instincts, paired with years of clinical experience, help Dara approach each patient with both insight and openness.

“I aspire to be someone who helps patients feel safe, heard, and truly seen. I want people to know that they don’t have to face their challenges alone and that reaching out for help is one of the strongest things they can do. My work is about restoring hope, building trust, and walking alongside my patients as they rediscover their strength,” Castillo said.

Dara cares deeply about working with her patients to overcome obstacles together. She creates a calming environment filled with patience and a genuine desire to understand what someone is going through. With Dara as your provider, you will always have support and guidance every step of the way.

One of Castillo’s greatest strengths is creating a safe space where people feel comfortable to be vulnerable. She is passionate about helping others to rediscover their strengths and to use them in their daily lives. She listens adamantly and meets people where they are without judgment. She brings a calm and steady energy to the room, and provides a collaborative visit, where shared ideas are encouraged in figuring out the next steps for the patient.

Dara is passionate about being there for her patients, walking with them, and offering both clinical expertise and genuine empathy every step of the way. Her mission is to restore hope, cultivate trust, and guide her patients in reclaiming their strength.

Growing up as the oldest of three in a very structured and high-expectation household, Dara saw firsthand how mental health was often misunderstood or unspoken. She watched loved ones quietly struggle without support, leaving Dara with a deep sense of empathy and a desire to break the cycle of mental health struggles. Dara learned early on what it meant to hold space for others, especially when emotions weren’t always easy to express. Her family dynamic taught her a lot about listening between the lines, navigating big feelings behind closed doors, and being the steady one when things felt chaotic. She didn’t have the language for it back then, but in hindsight, she was already doing the emotional work that would later define her career in psychiatry.

Later in her clinical training, she saw those same patterns mirrored in patients, people who felt unseen or unheard yet carried so much. One young patient in her clinical rotations in child and adolescent psychiatry particularly stood out. They struggled deeply with anxiety and identity, and over time, she saw their confidence begin to bloom with gentle support and consistency. It reminded Dara that so many people don’t need to be “fixed”; they just need someone who sees them, listens to them, and helps them feel safe enough to grow.

Her own life experiences have also given Dara insight into what it means to navigate identity, belonging, and the pressure to fit into boxes that don’t always reflect who we are. These perspectives have helped her build a practice rooted in compassion, cultural sensitivity, and acceptance. Dara strives to create a space where people feel safe to be themselves—without judgment, expectations, or the need to explain who they are. She has helped patients with anxiety, depression, major mood disorders, bipolar, PTSD, and many other conditions and areas of struggle.

Dara enjoys a variety of hobbies that help her unwind and maintain a balanced lifestyle, including exploring new cultures, running, and practicing mindfulness. She has found that running is one of her favorite ways to unwind and reconnect with herself, something she often encourages her patients to find for themselves, whether that be through movement, mindfulness, or stillness. She practices mindfulness daily and finds balance in the little things: time with family, the joy of life with her three dogs—Teddy, Bear, and Macho—and her cat, Slyly. These moments keep her grounded and remind her of the beauty in slowing down and being present.

Dara also enjoys exploring new cultures, whether that’s through solo travel or discovering a hidden gem of a restaurant in South Florida. Trying new dishes is one of Dara’s favorite ways to unwind and connect with others. Dara loves music from 80s classics to today’s top hits; her favorite is playing the piano which has taught her patience, discipline, and how to express her emotions in ways words sometimes can’t. Dara believes that creating balance and rhythm while also giving herself time to pause and breathe is essential in living a fulfilling life. She brings that same philosophy into her work, helping patients tune into what brings them clarity, calmness, and resilience to live a fulfilling life.