Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Westlake Village, CA

I work with adults experiencing anxiety and depression, including overthinking, low motivation, feeling overwhelmed, and a loss of interest in daily life.

Many of my clients come in feeling mentally exhausted, stuck in their thoughts, or unsure why things feel harder than they should. I work with adults of all ages, but I have a strong understanding of the challenges that often come up in early adulthood and major life transitions.

My goal is to help you better understand what’s going on and give you a clear, realistic path forward.

I believe therapy works best when it’s grounded in understanding who you are as a whole person. Everyone comes to therapy with their own story, background, and way of communicating, and I take time to really get to know each client as an individual. My goal is to create a warm, non-judgmental space where you feel comfortable being yourself, sharing openly, and feeling genuinely heard and supported as we work through what brought you to therapy.

I hold a Doctorate in Social Work and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I’ve been working as a therapist since 2015 and independently licensed since 2018. I primarily work with adults (18+) and support individuals navigating concerns such as anxiety, depression, adjustment challenges, brief grief experiences, life transitions, and women’s issues.

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 am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over a decade of experience in the mental health field, beginning my clinical work in 2014. I have worked with children, teens, adults, and families experiencing a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, trauma, life transitions, and crisis situations. I am also experienced in supporting LGBTQ+ individuals and creating an affirming, inclusive therapeutic space.

My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and practical. I draw from several evidence-based modalities, with a strong foundation in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). I value helping clients build skills that can be applied not only in therapy, but in everyday life to manage emotions, improve relationships, and navigate challenges with greater confidence.

Having spent many years working within school settings, I also have extensive experience supporting caregivers in advocating for their children and navigating educational systems. Whether you are seeking support for yourself, your child, or your family, my goal is to provide a safe, supportive environment where you feel heard, understood, and empowered to create meaningful change.

I believe the best work happens when you feel comfortable, understood, and supported. My goal is to create a space where you can be yourself—no pressure, no judgment, and no need to have everything figured out before you start. We’ll work together to explore what’s bringing you in, what matters most to you, and what you’d like to change or better understand.

I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all approaches. Each person is different, so our work will be tailored to your needs, your goals, and your pace. Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, going through a transition, or simply wanting to better understand yourself, I’m here to help you move forward in a way that feels manageable and authentic.

What I Bring to Our Work

• A welcoming, nonjudgmental space
• Thoughtful listening and honest, compassionate feedback
• A balance of insight and practical tools you can use outside of sessions
• Support that’s personalized to you, not a preset formula

If you’re looking for someone who is easy to talk to, genuinely supportive, and invested in your growth, I’d be glad to work with you and see if we’re a good fit.

I have been working in private practice for a few years and before that I worked in non-profits with a variety of individuals and groups. I am the parent of two adult sons and have three grandchildren that I thoroughly enjoy spending time with. I have an educational background in the study of philosophy, spirituality and counseling psychology. I have experience with helping people with histories of trauma, severe mental illness, as well as, symptoms of anxiety and depression. I also have experience and some expertise with clients struggling with substance use.

Welcome! I’m Andrea Perkins, a California-based Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I am honored to walk alongside you as you share your experiences and explore your unique life journey. With over 30 years of experience in direct practice, I have worked in various areas such as medical social work, child welfare, adult education, and behavioral health. I am therapist with specialized training in EMDR, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocess which assists clients to work through and manage traumatic experiences. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing interventions aid clients to heal and recover from poor self confidence, social anxiety and challenges with life transitions.

I bring a compassionate, trauma informed approach to supporting clients through life challenges. My goal is to create a safe, respectful space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered to grow. Together, we will work at your pace, focusing on what matters most to you with empathy and care guiding every step.

I have a Master's Degree in Counseling, Marriage, and Family from Phillips Graduate Institute.

I earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from UCSB.

I typically work with clients who have a history of trauma, life transitions, relationship issues, and managing anxiety, The clients I work with are very motivated to make changes in their lives.

I worked with high-risk, traumatized, and abused youth for many years. I find practicing therapy very rewarding. Assisting my clients to work through life challenges and progress in their life journey is a privilege.