LCSW, 5 years of experience
Hey bestie! I’m Saira Patino—your mental health cheerleader and Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California. I’ve been in the field since 2010 and earned my MSW from Edinboro University in 2017, but beyond the credentials, I’m also you. I’ve battled depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, body image struggles, and the unique challenges that come with being a Mexican-American, first-gen Latina. I know what it’s like to grow up with parents who think therapy is only for “gente loca” and to feel torn between two cultures while trying to figure out who the hell you are. That’s why I show up to this work with realness, warmth, and zero judgment. Whether you’re dealing with burnout, identity issues, or just trying to hold it all together—I gotchu. My vibe is more comadre than clinical, and I create a space where you can be yourself, speak your Spanglish, laugh, cry, and start healing for you. We’ll go at your pace, and I’ll walk with you every step of the way as you learn to trust yourself and build the life you deserve.
In our first session, we’ll take some time to get to know each other. Don’t stress if it’s your first time—I actually love working with therapy newbies because I get to set the bar pretty damn high! I’ll walk you through how therapy works, go over expectations and policies, and start exploring what’s bringing you in. No pressure to spill it all at once—we’ll go at your pace, and I’ll make sure you feel supported every step of the way.
I’ve been in the mental health game since 2010 and shifted into clinical therapy in 2019, stacking up over 3,200 hours of supervised training along the way—so yes, I know my stuff. But don’t expect a stiff, clipboard-holding therapist who acts like they’ve got it all figured out. That’s not my vibe. I’m casual, real, and I like to keep it light when I can. Talking to me is more like chatting with your homegirl—someone who truly listens, keeps it 100, and makes space for both deep convos and a few laughs. I’m all about creating a chill, judgment-free zone where you can show up exactly as you are.
My ideal client is a someone who is navigating life transitions, cultural expectations, and the weight of mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, burnout, or feeling lost. You might be in your early 20s trying to figure out adulthood without much guidance, a 30-something year-old balancing work, family, and everyone else's needs before your own, or in your 40s realizing it’s finally time to put yourself first for once. You may be first-gen, carrying the pressure to “make it,” while also battling the guilt of outgrowing your roots. Deep down, you want peace—less overthinking, more confidence, more joy—and want to feel like you're not just surviving, but finally thriving. What you really crave is a space where you can be your full self—messy, Spanglish-speaking, emotional, funny, and real—without judgment. I specialize in supporting Latinos who are tired of pretending to have it all together. As a bilingual (okay, rancho-Spanish bilingual, lol) Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I create a space that feels like talking to your comadre—but with professional tools to actually help you heal. My therapy style is warm, honest, sometimes a little sweary, and always centered on you. I blend a holistic, personalized approach with practical strategies to help you understand your thoughts, unlearn harmful patterns, and build a life that feels authentic and fulfilling. We’ll laugh, maybe cry, but most importantly—grow. If you’ve ever felt like no one gets what it’s like to live between cultures or carry the emotional weight you do, I want you to know: I see you. You don’t have to do this alone. Healing doesn’t mean changing who you are—it means coming home to yourself. Reach out whenever you're ready. I’m here when you are, and I gotchu.
For the last five years, I've implemented Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in my practice, resulting in significant progress for numerous clients in combating persistent thoughts and controlling both anxiety and depression symptoms. Through CBT, we'll explore the intricate relationship between your thoughts, emotions, and actions, empowering you to recognize their interplay. Armed with this understanding, we'll work together to reshape your thought patterns, paving the way for a calmer and more balanced life, free from excessive anxiety/depression and stress.
In my experience, adopting a compassionate approach to therapy can significantly alleviate anxiety and foster feelings of being understood, heard, and safe. These elements are crucial for establishing an environment conducive to growth. By prioritizing empathy and understanding, I create a space where you can feel supported and encouraged to explore your innermost thoughts and emotions, leading to profound personal development and positive change.
Psychoeducation in therapy involves providing you with information about your specific mental health condition, coping strategies, and therapeutic techniques. The goal here is to empower you by enhancing your understanding of your experiences and equipping you with tools for managing your mental health effectively. Through verbal explanations, educational materials, and interactive discussions, you will gain insight into your emotions, behaviors, and the factors influencing them, facilitating informed decision-making and overall well-being.
Solution-Focused Therapy is a goal-oriented, brief therapeutic approach that emphasizes your strengths and resources to create solutions to your problems. It focuses on the present and future rather than dwelling on past issues, aiming to identify and amplify positive changes. Through collaborative conversations, I will assist you in setting specific, achievable goals and exploring strategies to move toward them, fostering empowerment and self-efficacy.
2 ratings with written reviews
May 12, 2025
Saira is such a wonderful therapist and exactly what I needed. What makes her so different from other therapists I have gone to is that she is so down to earth. It’s like talking to a wise older sister who also happens to be a really good therapist. She doesn't just listen and ask ''how does that make you feel'' - she digs deeper and helps me see things in a different light. She gives me the tools to work through things on my own. She is everything you would want from a therapist and more.
April 14, 2025
Sweetest person ever and very welcoming. Looking forward to our next session.