"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."
✦ Therapy Specialties
Therapy Services in Los Angeles
Online Therapy Throughout California, in English & Spanish
Therapy is not one-size-fits-all. Whether you are navigating trauma, identity, family relationships, life transitions, anxiety, or depression, or experiences connected to foster care, adoption, immigration, or LGBTQ+ identity, therapy can give you a space to better understand yourself and what you've been through.
I offer trauma-informed, bilingual therapy for teens, young adults, and adults, in person in Los Angeles and online anywhere in California. Explore my specialties below, or schedule a free consultation.
My work is shaped by both clinical training and lived experience as a former foster youth, an immigrant, and a member of the LGBTQ+ community. I know what it can feel like to be labeled, misunderstood, or asked to explain yourself before anyone listens.
How I Work
My approach is collaborative, affirming, and trauma-informed. Rather than fitting you into one model, I draw from several therapy approaches depending on what you need:
Narrative Therapy
Examining the stories and labels others placed on you, and reconnecting with your strengths and values.
Somatic Approaches
Noticing how stress and trauma live in the body, and building grounding and regulation skills.
Attachment-Based Therapy
Understanding how early relationships shape trust, closeness, and connection today.
Psychodynamic Therapy
Exploring patterns rooted in earlier experiences with curiosity rather than judgment.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
Strengthening communication, navigating conflict, and adjusting to grief and life transitions.
Liberation Psychology
Recognizing how culture, migration, identity, and systems shape mental health.
Areas I Serve
I offer in-person and online therapy for clients across Los Angeles County, and online therapy for clients anywhere in California.
San Fernando Valley
Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Encino, Van Nuys, North Hollywood, Burbank, Glendale, Panorama City, Pacoima, and San Fernando.
Central & Westside LA
Hollywood, West Hollywood, Silver Lake, Echo Park, Koreatown, Mid-City, Culver City, and Santa Monica.
East & Southeast LA
East Los Angeles, Boyle Heights, Huntington Park, South Gate, Downey, Montebello, Pico Rivera, and Whittier.
San Gabriel Valley
Pasadena, Alhambra, El Monte, Baldwin Park, West Covina, and Pomona.
South Bay & Long Beach
Long Beach, Torrance, Inglewood, Compton, and the surrounding South Bay communities.
Online Throughout California
San Diego, Orange County, the Inland Empire, Ventura and Santa Barbara, the Bay Area, Sacramento, Fresno and the Central Valley, and Bakersfield. Learn more about online therapy.
"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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer in-person or online therapy?
I offer in-person and online sessions. Online therapy is available to clients anywhere in California, including Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange County, the Inland Empire, the Bay Area, Sacramento, and the Central Valley.
Do you offer therapy in Spanish?
Yes. I'm a bilingual therapist and offer sessions in English, in Spanish, or in a mix of both. Learn more about therapy in Spanish.
Who do you work with?
I work with teens, young adults, and adults, including adoptees, current and former foster youth, immigrants, Spanish-speaking clients, and LGBTQ+ individuals, as well as anyone navigating trauma, identity, anxiety, depression, relationships, or life transitions.
How much does therapy cost?
My standard fee is $180 per session. I offer a limited number of sliding-scale spots for those who qualify. See affordable therapy options.
Do you accept insurance?
I am not currently in-network with insurance. I hope to offer insurance options in the future to increase access for clients from all backgrounds.
Do you offer a free consultation?
Yes. A free 15-minute consultation is a chance to ask questions, share what you're looking for, and see whether we're a good fit before scheduling a first session.
What is trauma-informed therapy?
Trauma-informed therapy recognizes how past experiences, including childhood trauma, loss, and instability, can shape your emotions, body, and relationships. It focuses on safety, choice, and collaboration, so therapy moves at a pace that feels right for you.
What forms of payment do you accept?
I use IVY PAY, a secure mobile app designed specifically for therapy services.
Contact
Let's Talk
Reach out for a consultation and we can discuss what support looks like for you.
Email: patty@defyinglabels.com
Call: (213) 222-8794
Location: Glendale, California