Pamela Abao
Pamela Abao
(she/her)
I am a compassionate and culturally sensitive Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) dedicated to helping individuals navigate their mental health journeys with understanding and care. Drawing from personal experiences, including my background in military life and exposure to the LGBTQ+ community, I offer a holistic approach that addresses both mental health and the unique lifestyle factors that shape your experiences. My goal is to provide personalized, evidence-based treatments that reduce stigma, promote well-being, and empower you to achieve your goals in a safe and supportive environment.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In your first session with me, you can expect a warm, welcoming, and non-judgmental environment where you feel heard and supported. We'll start by discussing your background, mental health history, and any specific concerns or symptoms you're experiencing. I’ll take the time to understand not only the challenges you're facing but also the lifestyle factors, cultural influences, and personal experiences that shape your mental health. During this session, I’ll conduct a thorough assessment to get a clear picture of your needs, and together we’ll discuss your goals for treatment. We will talk about potential treatment options, including both therapeutic approaches and, if needed, medication management. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the process, and I’ll explain how we can work together to create a personalized, holistic treatment plan. My goal is to ensure that you leave the first session feeling empowered, informed, and confident about the steps ahead in your mental health journey.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
As a provider, my greatest strengths lie in my ability to offer compassionate, culturally sensitive care and my commitment to understanding each client’s unique circumstances. I have a deep empathy for individuals who have faced stigma or challenges in seeking mental health support, and I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel comfortable sharing their experiences. My background, including my experience in military life and my exposure to the LGBTQ+ community, has enriched my perspective and allows me to offer tailored care that takes into account both personal and lifestyle factors. Additionally, my holistic approach to treatment, which combines evidence-based therapies, medication management, and lifestyle modifications, allows me to support clients in a comprehensive way. I am also highly focused on collaboration, working with clients to set realistic goals and empowering them to take an active role in their mental health journey. My commitment to lifelong learning and staying informed about the latest research and best practices ensures that my care is always grounded in the most effective, up-to-date treatment options.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I am best positioned to serve individuals who are seeking compassionate, culturally sensitive care and are ready to address their mental health challenges in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. This includes those navigating the complexities of military life, individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. I am particularly suited for clients who may have struggled with the stigma around mental health or have felt hesitant to seek help in the past. My practice is also ideal for those looking for a holistic, personalized approach to treatment that integrates both mental health and lifestyle factors, with an emphasis on empowering clients to take an active role in their well-being. Whether you are managing anxiety, depression, ADHD, or other mental health concerns, I am here to support you through a tailored treatment plan that addresses your unique needs and goals.
About Pamela Abao
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Psychoeducation
Psychoeducation is a key component of the treatment process that I use to empower patients and their families with knowledge about mental health conditions, treatment options, and coping strategies. I believe that providing education about the nature of a mental health disorder—whether it’s depression, anxiety, ADHD, or another condition—helps reduce stigma, enhances treatment adherence, and encourages active participation in the healing process. I incorporate psychoeducation in a variety of ways depending on the individual’s needs. For example, when treating conditions like depression or anxiety, I educate patients about the biological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to their symptoms. This includes discussing how neurotransmitters, environmental stressors, and thought patterns interact to affect mental health. I also provide information about the medications I prescribe, including their purpose, potential side effects, and the importance of adherence to treatment. Additionally, I involve patients in their treatment plans by explaining therapeutic modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or mindfulness techniques, helping them understand how these approaches work and how they can actively engage in their therapy to improve outcomes. I also provide family members or caregivers with psychoeducation to ensure they understand the patient's condition, foster supportive environments, and help them cope with challenges that arise during the treatment process. By integrating psychoeducation into my practice, I ensure that my patients feel informed, empowered, and equipped to manage their mental health effectively, making it an essential tool for improving overall treatment success.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
In Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), we work together to identify and challenge negative thought patterns that contribute to your anxiety and OCD. By recognizing these thoughts, we can replace them with more balanced and realistic ones, which can help reduce your emotional distress. We also use practical exercises to change behaviors that reinforce anxiety, such as avoiding situations or engaging in compulsive rituals. This approach helps you build healthier ways of thinking and coping, leading to improved mood and functioning.
Motivational Interviewing
In Motivational Interviewing (MI), I work with you to explore your feelings and ambivalence about change. We focus on understanding your personal motivations and the reasons you might want to make changes in your life, such as improving your anxiety or managing your OCD. Through open and non-judgmental conversation, we aim to strengthen your commitment to making positive changes by highlighting your strengths and helping you feel more confident in your ability to succeed. This method supports you in moving toward your goals at your own pace.