Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Salinas, CA

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.

I'm an open minded individual and welcome any topics in treatment

I work with teens, young adults, and families navigating ADHD, anxiety, depression, substance use, identity exploration, family conflict, relationship challenges, life transitions, and emotional overwhelm. Whether you're feeling stuck, disconnected, overwhelmed, or uncertain about what comes next, therapy can provide a space to better understand yourself and move toward meaningful change.

My approach is warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental. I believe therapy works best when clients feel genuinely understood, supported, and accepted for who they are. Together, we build on strengths, develop practical coping skills, and explore the patterns that may be getting in the way of living a more fulfilling life.

I strive to create a safe and supportive environment where clients can be honest, reflective, and fully themselves without fear of judgment. My goal is not only to help clients navigate current challenges but also to foster greater resilience, self-awareness, confidence, and connection.

In my studies at Antioch, I have specialized in Spiritual and Depth Psychology with CBT, DBT, Humanistic-Existential, Client-Centered, Gestalt Theories, Mindfulness, and based on my past experiences have developed a passion for working with a variety of diverse population from 12 years old children and their families to elder adults. I also took courses on World Religions and Women Role in Religion at CSUN, studied in Rabbinical School (AISH Ha’Torah) in Jerusalem, with Buddhist Guru in Nepal and a Hindu Guru in India with knowledge of Vedic (Vedantic), Hindu, Jewish, Christian, and Muslim Tradition.

For over 15 years being on spiritual path and self-discovery journey, I became a Spiritual Guide, Reiki Master, and a Minister. Lead Spiritual Retreats and trainings around the world, including, India, Nepal, Tibet, Russia, Ukraine. This experience prepared me to work with people from a diversity of backgrounds and cultures.

Worked with a vast variety of symptoms and problems providing needed support to my clients suffering from trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD, low self-esteem. All of these issues and symptoms have a point to make for us to understand our selves better. Working with adolescents in Residential Treatment Centers, Transitional Youth Living Programs, adult and veterans of all ages, there is one common denominator - if you want your life to be better, we can find your individual path and you might become your own Master. We'll apply, or challenge, your believe system, to make positive changes.

I help my clients resolve their problems, learn coping skills, and set their spiritual and/or religious path. Increasing client's understanding of self and accepting life with all the pluses and minuses, learning from the past without the judgment might be a difficult goal to achieve.

Provides services from holistic and spiritual lens in addition to a cognitive behavioral approach.

I grew up in a small town in Hawaii, then came to Southern California and began studying psychology in 2001. I completed my master’s degree at Fuller School of Psychology in 2010 and served children and families at a community mental health agency for 10 years, also starting a private practice in 2015. While I loved island life, I’ve put down roots here through friendships, involvement in my community, and my love of LA’s cultural diversity.

As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in adult and geriatric care (65+), I provide comprehensive treatment for ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, OCD, personality disorders, PTSD and trauma, schizophrenia and psychosis disorders, substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, panic disorders, mood disorders, and bipolar conditions. My practice recognizes that mental health needs evolve throughout different stages of adult life.

I'm particularly skilled at helping adults who are discovering mental health conditions they've lived with for years without knowing it, as well as older adults facing the intersection of mental health and aging. Many of my patients are surprised to learn that their lifelong struggles with focus, social situations, or emotional regulation have names and effective treatments available.

My treatment approach is built on respect, patience, and understanding. I know that starting mental health treatment as an adult or older adult can feel intimidating, especially if you've had negative experiences with healthcare in the past. I work to create a comfortable environment where you can share your experiences openly without fear of judgment.

I believe in practical, realistic treatment plans that fit into your actual life. Whether you're working full-time, caring for family members, managing health conditions, or navigating retirement, we'll develop strategies that work for your specific situation. My goal is to help you feel more confident, capable, and satisfied with your daily life while managing any symptoms that interfere with your well-being.

It's never too late to seek support and improve your quality of life. Healing is possible at every age. I'm experienced in medication management for older adults and understand the unique considerations that come with aging and multiple health conditions.

I am currently accepting new clients. Life can feel loud, confusing, or just plain heavy, and you do not have to sort through it alone. I work with children, teens, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, mood changes, personality-related struggles, and big emotions. Whether you are looking for support for your child or for yourself, our work can help you feel more understood, more steady, and better equipped for everyday life.