Find a therapist in Salinas, CA — covered by insurance


Top therapists in Salinas, CA accepting new patients
Find mental health support in Salinas across neighborhoods like Alisal, Chinatown, and North Salinas. Headway connects you with 8,565 licensed providers offering virtual and in-person sessions, with many accepting insurance to help you save on care.
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.
I have my Master's in Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. I began working my clinicals in 2005, 19 years ago, pre- license. I graduated in 2006 and was licensed in 2006 as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I currently hold licensure in California as well as Arizona. I have experience working with children, teens and adults.
Eclectic approach that integrates a variety of modalities based on each clients needs.
What can clients expect from their first session with you?Feeling lighter and leaving with tools & skills to utilize between sessions to better navigate.
Thomas E. Kiatta, is a CA licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 30 years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families. He holds Master's degrees in Marriage and Family Therapy and Vocational Rehabilitation, and spent three decades with the California Department of Rehab.
Tom helps individuals, couples and families navigate challenges related to communication, conflict, relationships, anxiety, depression and life transitions.
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My Training
I am a licensed clinical psychologist and a graduate of the PGSP–Stanford Psy.D. Consortium, a program known for its rigorous academic training and emphasis on evidence-based care. There, I received instruction and mentorship from some of the leading clinicians and researchers in the country. My practice draws on specialized training and extensive experience in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples, and comprehensive psychological assessment.
My Approach to Therapy
My clinical approach is focused, compassionate, and results-oriented. I work actively with clients to identify what’s holding them back, and to build the tools and insight needed to move forward with clarity and confidence. For individuals, I use CBT to help shift unhelpful thought and behavior patterns. For couples, I use EFT to deepen emotional connection, improve communication, and restore trust. Whether I’m working with a client facing anxiety, burnout, or relationship conflict, my aim is always the same: to help you reconnect with your strength, values, and capacity for meaningful change.
My Professional Background
Before becoming a psychologist, I served as a U.S. Marine Corps officer, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Leading diverse teams in high-stress environments taught me how to connect across differences—with people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and personalities. That experience continues to shape my work today. I bring a grounded, nonjudgmental presence to therapy, and I take seriously the responsibility of earning each client’s trust. My passion—both then and now—is helping individuals become the strongest, most authentic version of themselves.
I'm an open minded individual and welcome any topics in treatment
With over 15 years of experience, I work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and other emotional challenges. My approach is grounded in compassion, mindfulness, and neuroscience, and I am certified in trauma-informed care.
I came to therapy first as a client, hoping to get rid of difficult feelings. Instead, I discovered that healing comes from learning to understand and make space for them. That experience deeply shaped the way I work today.
My style is active, collaborative, and experiential. Rather than only talking about problems, we'll pay attention to what is happening in the present moment—including thoughts, emotions, and body sensations—to create meaningful and lasting change. I believe therapy should help you build a different relationship with yourself, not just gain insight.
I'm passionate about helping people reconnect with themselves, cultivate self-compassion, and move toward a life that feels more authentic and fulfilling. I also maintain a regular mindfulness practice, which supports the grounded and attentive presence I bring to my work. It is a privilege to accompany clients through the process of healing and growth.
Hello,
I'm a licensed marriage and family therapist in California. My goal as a therapist is to support you in your journey to regain trust in your unique strengths and overcome life's challenging situations, and help you make your life happier and more meaningful. My style is warm, collaborative, and culturally sensitive.
I have been in practice for over a decade, and work with a wide range of conditions including trauma, depression and complex life transitions.
As a 2nd generation child of immigrants/refugees, I understand the complexities of exploring one’s own identity as life is still in motion. I believe that integration of new lived experiences with old ones are key in discovering wholeness. As your therapist, I’ll support you in better understanding how these have influenced your way of being–how you think, behave, and interact with the world around you!
I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from Rutgers University. With over 7 years of experience in social services, I have observed how all individuals are learning to exist & thrive within the context of a greater whole. Within my role as a mental health therapist, I prioritizes person-centered work with a lens on how one’s lived experiences have shaped their worldview and way through life.
I believes in holistic care and supports the idea that the tools required for healing and wholeness derive within each individual; as your therapist, I’ll support you in discovering what these tools are within your own capacities.
I have experience working with individuals working through cultural identity challenges, grief, chronic illness, geriatric populations & in couples therapy.
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and have invested in clinical training as a graduate professor for the past 11 years, helping students move through their education into their careers. In addition to serving as an adjunct faculty member for Pepperdine University’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology, I also held the title of Lead Faculty and Faculty Advisor for the University of Phoenix, providing expertise in clinical supervision, assessment, and treatment planning.
I support deep-feeling individuals in gaining self‐knowledge, confidence in their own intuition and voice, and practical tools to navigate challenges when they resurface. My work is collaborative and person‐centered; I see therapy as a process of guiding you back to yourself, rather than telling you what you should do.
Together, we explore how past experiences may be impacting your life today, build awareness of your nervous system, and create space for clarity around your purpose and goals.
I am LGBTQIA+ and multiculturally informed and welcome diverse communities into my practice.
About our therapists serving Salinas, CA



- 98%Anxiety
- 92%Depression
- 88%Stress management
- 82%Relationship issues
- 79%Trauma

- 98%Aetna
- 79%Carelon Behavioral Health
- 76%Cigna
- 75%Anthem Blue Cross California
- 65%Blue Shield of California

- 97%English
- 17%Spanish
- 2%Farsi
- 1%Mandarin
- 1%Hindi

- 89%Online only
- 10%In-person or online

- 80%Woman
- 19%Man
- 1%Non-binary

- 48%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
- 31%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- 7%Clinical Psychologist
- 7%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
- 7%Nurse Practitioner

- 100%Individual therapy
- 37%Family therapy
- 23%Couples therapy
- 15%Child or adolescent therapy
Frequently asked questions


Find the right therapist for you
Headway makes it easy to find support for your mental health — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Mental Health Therapist in Salinas
Searching for therapists in Salinas starts with knowing what kind of support you want. You may be looking for therapy in Salinas for anxiety, depression, grief, relationship challenges, stress, or life transitions. As you compare Salinas therapists, look for someone whose listed specialties match your needs. Provider bios can also show how a therapist describes their approach, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-informed care, or support for specific life stages.
In a smaller city like Salinas, local office availability may be more limited than in larger California markets. Virtual sessions can expand your options while still connecting you with a therapist licensed in California. As you narrow your search, consider appointment times, whether a therapist is accepting new patients, and whether they offer a free phone consultation. Reading profiles before you book can help you understand what sessions may be like and which therapist in Salinas, CA, feels like a practical fit.
Therapy in Salinas can be a significant expense without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs and make care more affordable. Headway helps you find licensed therapists who are accepting new patients, see estimated costs before booking, and choose between virtual and in-person care when available. You can browse therapists, review bios, and book directly when you’re ready.
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