Therapy for Adoptees
& Foster Youth in Los Angeles

If you're here, you may have been impacted by foster care or adoption and you might be carrying experiences that are hard to explain, even harder to process. You may have felt misunderstood, judged, or like therapy wasn't built for someone like you. I'm a bilingual therapist who grew up in foster care and specializes working with those impacted by foster care and adoption. If you've felt like therapy wasn't built for someone like you - I get it. I've been there. Feeling misunderstood, judged, or unseen can make it hard to open up, but you don't have to keep carrying it alone. In therapy, there's room for all of who you are, your story, your struggles, and your strength. This is a space to lay some of that weight down and begin healing, at your pace. Together, we'll explore your experiences, notice patterns, and develop tools to help you feel more aware, grounded, and in control.

L. Patty Flores, MSW, ASW126834

Book a Session View FAQs
Therapy for Adoptees and Foster Youth

APPROACH

My Approach

My style is relational, intersectional, and rooted in social justice. That means I take into account your unique background, culture, and identity, and I provide a space where all parts of you are welcome. Whether you're navigating foster care, adoption, immigration, LGBTQ+, or family relational struggle, I'll meet you where you are - with empathy, honesty, and guidance.

If you've been searching for a therapist in Los Angeles who understands experiences like yours, I'm here to support you. I provide therapy services in person or online in California.

Therapy with me focuses on what’s underneath behavior. Whether you tend to react outwardly or shut down, we’ll explore the patterns behind it and what they’ve developed in response to your experiences.

We’ll work on recognizing what you’re feeling and finding ways to respond that don’t leave you overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck.

Some people express through anger. Others shut down. Therapy creates space to understand what’s going on internally and communicate it in a way that feels more manageable.

Support for navigating experiences related to foster care, adoption, family dynamics, school or work, and major life transitions that can continue to show up over time.
Approach and support
Areas of specialization

Areas of Specialization

  • Depression, anger, anxiety, and trauma
  • Foster care and adoption therapy
  • Parent/child relational struggles
  • LGBTQ+ identity support
  • Self-esteem
  • Educational challenges and support

I speak Spanish. Make your appointment today and take the first step toward your well-being!

Professional Background & Experience

I am also a researcher, speaker, and advocate Throughout my career in education and administration, I have worked with diverse and marginalized communities—including foster, homeless, and probation youth; LGBTQ+ and youth of color; immigrants; and undocumented people.

I hold two Associate degrees: an A.S. in Criminal Justice and an A.A. in Social and Behavioral Sciences. I earned my Bachelor's in Sociology from the University of California, Riverside, and my Master's in Clinical Social Work from Smith College.

Professional experience

"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."

Dr. Sky Lea Ross, LMFT, PsyD

"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."

Dr. Cheryl Aguilar, LICSW, Ph.D.

"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."

Sean Sparks, LMFT

📍 Glendale, CA - In-person and online sessions available (California only)

Therapy services supervised by Christina Dixon, LCSW87870. I am employed by CR Dixon Counseling Inc for therapy services. For more info, visit her website: www.cdixoncounseling.com

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

SUPPORT

FAQs

I offer sessions Monday through Saturday from 9am - 8pm. Sunday appointments are available upon request to accommodate your needs.

Yes, I offer therapy sessions in-person, online, and over the phone to accommodate your needs (for clients located in California only).

Yes, I speak fluent Spanish and offer sessions in Spanish. Book your appointment today!

It depends on your needs and goals. Some clients come weekly, while others come biweekly. We can discuss what works best for you.

I am currently NOT in network with any insurance company, but I hope to accept insurance in the future to offer access to people from all backgrounds.

Fee is $180. However, we offer a sliding scale (lower fee) for those who are eligible. A limited number of sliding scale spots are available. Please reach out to discuss options.

Link to a mobile app, IVY PAY