Dr. Patrica Chan
I’m Dr. Patricia Chan, PsyD, LCSW, a licensed clinical social worker and psychologist dedicated to supporting individuals, couples, children, and families through compassionate, evidence-based mental health care. With more than 20 years of clinical experience, my background includes trauma, anxiety, depression, family systems, crisis intervention, and complex mental health needs, as well as clinical supervision, teaching, and expert consultation. My training also includes nutritional health and an integrative understanding of the connection between nutrition, emotional well-being, and overall health. I take a whole-person approach to care, recognizing that psychological, emotional, physical, and lifestyle factors can all contribute to well-being. I provide individualized, supportive, and confidential mental health services, including secure telehealth, while helping clients develop practical strategies to strengthen their mental health, relationships, and overall quality of life.
First session
Your first session is an opportunity to feel heard, understood, and comfortable in a supportive, judgment-free environment. We’ll take time to talk about what brings you to therapy, what you’ve been experiencing, and what you hope to gain from our work together. I’ll also learn about your background, strengths, relationships, and the areas of your life you would like to improve. You do not need to know exactly what to say or have everything figured out before your first session. Therapy is a process, and we will move at a pace that feels comfortable for you. By the end of our first session, you should have a better understanding of how I work, what we can focus on together, and some initial direction for moving forward. Most importantly, I want you to leave your first session feeling that you have found a safe place to be yourself and that you don’t have to navigate your challenges alone. Taking that first step can be difficult, but you don’t have to take the next steps by yourself. If you’re ready to begin, I’m here to meet you where you are and help you move forward.
Strengths
One of the greatest strengths I bring to my sessions is the ability to truly listen without judgment while creating a space where clients feel safe, respected, and understood. With more than 20 years of clinical experience, I bring a broad understanding of trauma, anxiety, depression, relationships, family dynamics, life transitions, and complex mental health concerns. I combine evidence-based clinical approaches with a compassionate, individualized style because I believe therapy should never be a one-size-fits-all experience. I also bring a whole-person perspective to my work, drawing from my background in nutritional health and my understanding of the connection between psychological, emotional, physical, and lifestyle factors. My goal is not simply to help you get through what you are experiencing today, but to help you understand yourself, build practical tools, recognize your strengths, and create meaningful and lasting change. Most importantly, I want my clients to know that they do not have to navigate difficult seasons alone. If you are ready to be heard, understood, and supported without judgment, I would be honored to walk alongside you. You’ve already taken an important first step by considering therapy—let’s take the next one together.
Ideal clients
I believe there is no single type of “ideal client.” My practice is for anyone who feels ready for support, whether you are experiencing a specific challenge, going through a life transition, feeling overwhelmed, or simply wanting to better understand yourself and create positive change. Some clients may come to therapy with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship or family concerns, grief, stress, or other mental health challenges. Others may not have a specific diagnosis or concern but know that something feels different and they would like a safe space to talk, reflect, and grow. Wherever you are in your journey, my goal is to meet you where you are, without judgment, and work collaboratively toward the goals that matter most to you. You don't have to have everything figured out before starting therapy. If you’re looking for someone who will listen, understand, and walk alongside you as you navigate your next chapter, I’m here to help.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
My approach to therapy is grounded in evidence-based behavioral and psychological treatment methods, while recognizing that every individual is unique. Based on my clinical experience, teaching at the University of Southern California, and ongoing engagement with evidence-based research, I believe effective therapy begins with understanding the person—not simply applying one specific perspective or technique to everyone. Behavioral therapy and other evidence-based approaches can provide practical, research-supported tools for understanding patterns, changing behaviors, managing emotions, and developing healthier ways of responding to life’s challenges. I draw from these approaches while also incorporating the clinical knowledge, experience, and wisdom I have gained throughout my years of working with individuals and families. I consider each client’s history, strengths, circumstances, goals, and previous successes when determining what may be most helpful. My goal is to provide treatment that is both research-informed and genuinely individualized. We will work together to identify what is getting in the way, build on what has worked for you in the past, and develop practical strategies that can support meaningful change. You don’t have to figure out the right approach on your own. If you’re ready to work with someone who combines evidence-based techniques with years of clinical experience and a personalized understanding of your unique story, I’d be honored to take that journey with you.
Location
Virtual sessions