Board certified badge iconBoard certified
geometry-shapes iconADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety
Online in California
9 years in practice
Ages served: 14-64
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Accepted insurance & self-pay

Pamela accepts 26 insurers
Aetna
Aetna Medicare Advantage
United Healthcare | Optum
United Healthcare | Optum - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
United Healthcare | Optum Medicare Advantage
Adventist Health Associates | Employee Health Plan
Adventist Health Associates | Non-Employee Health Plan
Carelon
Compsych
First Health Network
Humana Medicare Advantage
Imperial Health Holdings Medical Group CA
Imperial Health Plan of California
JP Farley Corporation
Medicare CA
Multi Plan PHCS
Quest Behavioral Health
SCAN Health Plan Medicare Advantage California
Scripps Health Plan
Sharp Health Plan
Sutter Health Plan
Sutter Senior Care
UMR
Uprise EAP
Ventura County Health Care Plan
Western Health Advantage
SELF-PAY COSTS
Out-of-pocket session costs for clients who don’t have insurance or aren’t covered by their insurance for mental health services.
$300
first session
$210
subsequent sessions
About Provider

About Pamela

I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) with 10 years of experience supporting adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar disorder, and substance use concerns. Many of the individuals I work with feel overwhelmed, stuck, or uncertain about their next steps and are seeking emotional stability, symptom relief, and greater self-understanding.


I earned my master's degree in nursing from Walden University. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and culturally responsive. I combine thoughtful medication management with supportive, evidence-based strategies, psychoeducation, and practical coping skills to help clients build resilience and create meaningful progress.


Seeking support can feel like a big step, and you don’t have to do it alone. I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you feel heard and supported while we work together toward balance, stability, and lasting emotional well-being.

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"As a Filipino-American mental health provider, I understand how cultural expectations, family dynamics, and stigma can impact emotional well-being, and I strive to create a safe, compassionate space where you feel genuinely heard, respected, and empowered in your healing journey."

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Get to know Pamela

Why did you decide to become a counselor or psychiatric provider?

I decided to become a psychiatric provider because I have a deep passion for supporting people through life’s most challenging moments. From early in my nursing career, I was drawn to mental health because of the profound impact compassionate, patient-centered care can have on someone’s well-being. I wanted to not only treat symptoms but also empower individuals to understand themselves, develop coping strategies, and build resilience.


My experiences working with diverse populations, including military families and Asian and Filipino communities, have shown me the importance of culturally sensitive care and reducing stigma around mental health. Becoming a PMHNP allowed me to expand my ability to provide holistic, individualized support, integrating therapy, medication management, and lifestyle interventions to help clients thrive.

What types of clients do you work best with?

I work best with clients who are navigating anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, substance use, or other mental health challenges, especially those who are seeking a safe and non-judgmental space to explore their thoughts and feelings. I have extensive experience supporting military families and individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, including Asian and Filipino communities, and I am particularly passionate about helping clients who face mental health stigma or have experienced trauma.


I thrive when working with clients who are motivated to engage in their healing journey, whether through therapy, medication management, or lifestyle strategies, and I tailor my approach to meet each person’s unique needs and goals. My goal is to help clients feel heard, empowered, and equipped with tools to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and resilience.

What's one thing you wish all clients knew about therapy, mental health, or the healing process?

One thing I wish all clients knew is that healing is rarely linear, and progress often comes in small, sometimes unexpected steps. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness—it’s an act of strength and self-awareness. Therapy and mental health care provide tools, guidance, and a safe space to explore emotions, challenge unhelpful patterns, and build resilience. Even on difficult days, every effort you make toward understanding yourself and your mental health matters, and over time, it can lead to meaningful, lasting change.

What can clients expect in their first session with you and in the early stages of therapy?

In the first session, we’ll focus on getting to know you, your concerns, and your goals. I’ll review your mental health history and discuss a plan that feels supportive and tailored to you.


In the early stages of medication management, we work together to find the right approach, monitor effects, and adjust as needed. My goal is to help you feel informed, supported, and empowered throughout the process.

What personal experiences or values inform your practice as a therapist/provider?

My practice is deeply informed by my personal experiences and values of empathy, resilience, and cultural awareness. As a military spouse, I have firsthand insight into the unique stressors and challenges that military families face, which has strengthened my commitment to providing compassionate, understanding care. I am also passionate about reducing mental health stigma, particularly in Asian and Filipino communities, and creating safe spaces where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered. These experiences guide me to approach every client with patience, authenticity, and a focus on individualized care.

How do you tailor therapy to meet each client’s unique needs?

I tailor therapy by first understanding each client’s history, goals, and personal values. I combine evidence-based approaches, medication management, and lifestyle strategies, adjusting them to fit the client’s preferences, cultural background, and life circumstances. My approach is collaborative—clients are active participants in shaping their care—so we create a plan that is realistic, flexible, and supportive of their individual journey toward healing and growth.

Does CLINICIAN prescribe medications effective for the treatment of ADHD? 

Yes - when clinically appropriate, CLINICIAN may prescribe both non-stimulant and stimulant medication for the treatment of ADHD.

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Other areas of focus

SpecialitiesADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, Military / Veteran, LGBTQIA+, Sleep / Insomnia, Relationships, Depression, First Responders, Mood Disorders, School Issues, Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum
ApproachesMotivational Interviewing, Culturally Sensitive, Multicultural
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Education and training

Years in practice
9 years
Graduating institute
Walden University
Graduating degree
Master of Science in Nursing
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Additional details

Languages spoken by this provider
FilipinoEnglish
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NPI number1093178261
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State of practiceCA
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License number95029526
Practice location

Practice information

Book your first session

Medication/Psychiatry
Pamela is available for Video visits.
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Pamela Abao's profile image

Pamela Abao

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)she/her