Obsessive-compulsive disorder therapists & psychiatrists in Oakland, CA

I am a bicultural, 55-year-old and very proud father of two adolescents. In this growing age of isolation and need for sincere, genuine human connection, it has never been more important to regain our sense of control and serenity. The foundation of our work together is based on restoring this basic human need. I believe the answers lie in the path itself, not just in reaching the destination. Together, we will learn to welcome challenges as opportunities.

I specialize in helping children, families, and adults navigate anxiety, depression, grief, family stress, and men's mental health. I work with clients from infants and toddlers through adults, which means I can support the whole family, not just one person. I don't believe in one-size-fits-all therapy, and I won't treat you like a checklist. The work I do is practical, collaborative, and focused on helping you direct your life, not just understand it.

As a Nurse Practitioner, I believe healthcare should be a partnership, not a prescription. My approach combines advanced clinical skills with a deep commitment to patient advocacy, ensuring every individual has the tools and confidence to take charge of their health. I specialize in creating personalized treatment plans that honor the whole person — mind, body, and spirit. Whether I’m diagnosing, prescribing, or simply listening, my mission is to make every patient feel seen, heard, and cared for. I strive to turn sessions into moments of trust, learning, and hope."

I am board certified in Family Practice as well as Psychiatry and have been in practice for 25 year. I work with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, bipolar disorder, as well as address physical symptoms or issues that may affect mental health. I hold a Doctorate degree in education and Master Degrees in Advance Practice Nursing and education.

My style as a therapist is best described as engaged, warm, nonjudgmental and creative. I strive to offer a space in which you will feel that anything can be talked about and expressed — nothing is too small or too big. Through our work together you will grow in your ability to tolerate and move through difficult emotions, find meaning in your experiences and relationships and cultivate an inner resilience and flexibility in thinking.

Book knowledge is helpful, but life experience is invaluable. I spent over 30 years in sales and management in the airline industry before becoming a therapist and this real-world experience helps me to better understand the challenges people face. Since embarking on my career as a therapist, I have completed over 12,000 therapy sessions, working with individuals and couples from various cultures and unique challenges. I have been blessed to be in an endeavor that I don't consider to be work.

My work is grounded in behavioral therapy, and a firm belief that people can change. I prefer a flexible and collaborative approach that evolves as we work together. Though the foundation of my work is behavioral, I develop integrated treatment plans for each new client, drawing on other evidence-based modalities and new research.

I am a board certified, doctoral prepared PMHNP. I completed my post graduate at National University in Adult, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. I earned my DNP from Azusa Pacific University and graduated from CSUSB MSN program. I have been a faculty at CSUSB since 2014. Extensively trained and a certified Trauma-Informed specialist. I diagnose and treat mental disorders including medication-assisted treatment along with counseling for chemical dependency and substance use disorders.

Pamela Hughes received her Undergraduate Degree in Psychology and her Masters Degree

in Clinical Psychology from Vanguard University, Costa Mesa, California.

Pamela has worked with individuals, couples and families improving their relationships

using the Collaborative Communication Skills as an Instructor. Pamela specializes in Addictions, ADHD, Family Systems and Hoarding.