"My colleague & good friend, Patty, is an inspirational & empowering clinician, as not only a professional, but also as an expert with lived experience of the child welfare system. She provides affirming, compassionate care in both English & Spanish."
Teen Therapy
in Los Angeles
If you’re here, something about your teen’s behavior is concerning whether they’re acting out, shutting down, having school issues, or pulling away in ways that don’t make sense. What often gets labeled as a “behavior problem” is usually a response to something deeper. Therapy creates space to understand those patterns and begin shifting them in a way that actually lasts by learning coping skills and healthier ways to communicate.
I’m a bilingual therapist who grew up in foster care and specializes in childhood trauma and behavior. Sometimes teens can feel like therapy wasn’t built for them—I get it. I’ve been there. Sometimes the way teens develop can make it hard to open up, but teenagers don't have to keep carrying it alone. In therapy, there's room for all that, their story, struggles, and their strength. Together, we’ll explore their experiences, notice patterns, and develop tools to help your teen feel more aware, grounded, and confident. As a therapist for teens in LA, I provide a safe, nonjudgmental space for teenagers to process painful experiences, rebuild trust, and reconnect with their authentic selves.
L. Patty Flores, MSW, ASW126834Doctoral student & Chancellor's Fellow at WashU
Registere Clinical Social Worker No. ASW126834
Supervision by Christina Dixon, LCSW87870
Understading Teen Stress and Behavior
According to the CDC , teens today are experiencing higher levels of stress, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm than in previous generations. Whether a teen reacts outwardly or shuts down internally, these patterns often develop from navigating stress, instability, or environments where they’ve had to adapt in order to cope. I have extensive experience working with youth navigating different life experiences, including foster care, adoption, family transitions, school, university, and more. This informs how I approach therapy, looking beyond labels and focusing on the context behind a teen’s behavior.If you’re looking for a therapist for teens in Los Angeles who truly understands their behavior, I’m here to help.
Areas of Specialization
- Depression, anger, anxiety, trauma
- Foster care & adoption
- Parent/child relational struggles
- LGBTQ+ identity support
- School, university, educational issues or support
- Self-esteem and confidence
My Trauma‑Informed Approach to Teen Therapy in Los Angeles
Therapy focuses on what’s underneath behavior whether a teen is acting out or shutting down. Many teens develop these patterns in response to stress, instability, or environments where they’ve had to adapt quickly to feel safe. In our work together, I help teens understand the “why” behind their reactions so they can feel more grounded.
Teens learn how to recognize and respond to emotions without escalating or disconnecting, as well as learning coping skills. We practice real‑time regulation tools that help them feel safer in their bodies and more confident managing big feelings. Over time, teens begin to trust their ability to handle stress in healthier ways.
Some teens argue. Others shut down. Therapy helps them express what’s going on in a way that feels more manageable. We explore what makes communication hard whether it’s fear, overwhelm, or past experiences. Teens build skills that support clearer, calmer conversations at home and school.
Support for teens navigating family conflict, school, foster care, or major life changes. I help teens make sense of what they’re experiencing while building tools to manage pressure, uncertainty, and shifting responsibilities. This approach is especially supportive for teens in Los Angeles who are balancing cultural expectations, academic demands, and complex family dynamics.
"Patty brings a rare combination of clinical insight and lived experience that deeply enriches her work. Her commitment to immigrant families and trauma-informed practice is exceptional."
"Patty's lived experience, education, and research background inform her deep commitment to the practice of healing. The ways she holds space invites each client into the room, just as they are. What she provides is a rare gift."
📍Glendale, CA - In-person and online sessions available (California only)
I am employed by CR Dixon Counseling Inc for therapy services. For more info, visit her website: www.cdixoncounseling.com
L. Patty Flores, MSW, ASW126834
Doctoral Student & Chancellor's Fellow at WashU
Registered Clinical Social Worker No. ASW126834
Supervision by Christina Dixon, LCSW87870
Do not leave for tomorrow, what you can do today!
If this resonates, contact me to start working together
I work directly with individuals and institutions navigating complex experiences or needing support
SUPPORT
FAQs
I offer sessions Monday through Saturday between 9am and 8pm. Sunday appointments may be available upon request to support teens and families who need additional flexibility.
Yes. I offer in‑person, online, and phone sessions for teens located anywhere in California. Teens can choose the format that feels safest, most comfortable, and most accessible.
Yes. I speak fluent Spanish and offer therapy sessions in Spanish for teens and families who prefer support in their home language.
Therapy frequency depends on your teen’s needs, goals, and capacity. Many teens attend weekly or biweekly. We can discuss what feels supportive and sustainable for your teen and family.
I am not currently in‑network with insurance. I hope to offer insurance options in the future to increase access for teens and families from all backgrounds.
My standard fee is $180 per session. I offer a limited number of sliding‑scale spots for families who qualify. Please reach out to discuss availability and options.
Link to a mobile app, IVY PAY, a secure mobile app designed for therapy services.