Trauma and PTSD 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.

Eclectic approach that integrates a variety of modalities based on each clients needs.

Feeling lighter and leaving with tools & skills to utilize between sessions to better navigate.

I’m Meghan Smith, LCSW, and I specialize in trauma, PTSD, anxiety, grief, and acute stress. I use EMDR, CBT, ACT, and DBT within a trauma-informed framework — tailoring every treatment plan to you. Therapy with me is collaborative, grounded, and at a pace that feels safe. I’m here to walk alongside you, not push you.

Please note that although I enjoy working with couples, I will no longer be able to offer couples therapy due to insurance reimbursement issues.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC II) with over 25 years of experience supporting individuals, couples, and families as they navigate life and the concerns that arise. I specialize in addiction, trauma, and co-occurring mental health challenges. I bring a deep commitment to meeting people where they are in their process. In my practice, I offer a warm, collaborative, and trauma-informed space where clients feel seen, heard, and supported. I believe meaningful change happens when we honor each person’s lived experience and work together toward self-identified goals at a pace that feels safe and manageable. I meet clients where they are, whether they are just beginning to explore change or looking to deepen their healing and personal growth.

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

If anxiety, depression, or the weight of past trauma has started to feel like it's steering your life instead of you, that's exactly where I do my best work. I'm Erica, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, and I think of myself as your therapeutic GPS — you set the destination, and I help you find the route. I work with children, teens, adults, and couples, and I bring genuine respect, real-world knowledge, and yes, some humor to every session, because feeling comfortable with your therapist actually matters for getting better.

My orientation is cognitive behavioral therapy influenced by philosophy. The foundation of therapy is acceptance, unconditional positive regard and emotional support. The therapist partners with the client to clarify their thoughts to provide new skills and insights which increase the client coping skills and resiliency He educates and teaches about psychiatric disorders as depression and anxiety and the skills to overcome tthm.

Who I Am: In my nursing career of over 25 years I have undergone extensive training in the specialized fields of neurology and psychiatry, which eventually led me to my true passion of becoming a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Throughout my career, I’ve been deeply interested in the brain and its complexity. My path into mental health was shaped by a lifetime of witnessing the impact of mental illness on those around me. Helping others grow, improve their well-being, and experience a better quality of life has always been a central passion of mine, and it continues to guide the work I do today.