Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Santa Cruz, CA

Hi I am melinda martindale. I was a social worker for 2 decades before a life changing event encouraged me to get my license and become a therapist. I heard from one of my professors that the best predictor of successful therapy is the relationship between the therapist and the client. My style is blunt yet honest and gentle. Every session we will start where you are on any given day. We might cry together, laugh together, curse the world together and find gratitude together. My passion is walking with you to find and be your most authentic self-with this transformation all of your relationships-both professional and personal- will dramatically improve. I am a mother, was a single mother, now a step mother and a grandmother. I am a lover of nature and creativity. I am also a survivor of this thing we are all living called the 'human condition'

I bring more than 20 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, young adults, and families from diverse cultural backgrounds. I received my Master of Social Welfare from UCLA, and my work in group homes, schools, and community-based nonprofits has shaped my understanding of how emotional, academic, cultural, and environmental factors influence well-being.

I specialize in working with Latino and bilingual families, and I strive to create a space where clients feel seen, respected, and understood.

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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.

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.

My therapy style is compassionate and supportive. Clients find me engaging, warm and friendly. I've been a licensed psychotherapist since 1987 and I have experience with a variety of clients from differing age groups, ethnicities and cultural backgrounds. During my career I've helped clients with relationship challenges, the expression and management of emotion, and improving their quality of life.

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

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 been working as a therapist for the past 40 years in a variety of settings and contexts. Much of my experience has focused on supporting children, adolescents, and their families through emotional, behavioral, and life challenges. I spent 18 years working in a high school setting and have also worked with a range of nonprofit agencies throughout my career, giving me extensive experience supporting individuals and families from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

I approach therapy as a partnership and strive to support clients in working through whatever challenges they may be facing with compassion, honesty, and understanding. I believe that healing happens through connection, trust, and feeling genuinely supported. I also believe humor is an essential part of the healing process, and when appropriate, I like to bring warmth and lightness into the work we do together.

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.

Being a therapist and helping people overcome feelings of isolation and conflict is one of my life's greatest joys. I specialize in helping individuals, families, and couples work through depression, anxiety, grief, and relationship issues. I also provide critical assistance through domestic violence and rape counselling. It is important to me to help patients along on their journey through professional, evidence based counselling.

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.

My passion is to help others find more joy and meaning in their lives. I work creatively and collaboratively with adults, teens, and children to explore the heart of the matter. I have experience working in the schools, with a team at a counseling clinic, and in private practice. I specialize with teenagers and their families and moving into couples work as well.