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Patricia Riley

Therapist · California

Patricia RileyLCSW

Supportive LCSW focused on practical change

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Review online therapy options on BetterHelp.

  • Experience20 years
  • LanguagesEnglish
  • SessionsOnline
  • CBT and motivational interviewing
  • Family and parenting concerns
  • Stress and anxiety relief

About Patricia

Patricia Riley is a licensed clinical social worker who uses practical conversation and clear tools to help people navigate stress, anxiety, relationships, and family concerns. She brings two decades of practice to each meeting and focuses on respectful, compassionate care that meets a person where they are.

She works with people facing parenting challenges, relationship strain, grief, and mood concerns like depression and bipolar. She also supports those dealing with trauma, addiction, eating issues, anger, and self-esteem struggles. Fertility and pregnancy-related concerns are among the topics she has experience addressing in her work in California.

Patricia draws on straightforward approaches such as cognitive behavioral techniques and motivational interviewing to identify patterns that keep problems going. Sessions focus on small, achievable changes and practical strategies that fit into day-to-day life. She adapts the pace and focus to the needs of each person.

Her background includes long-term clinical work across community and clinical settings, which shaped her skill at helping people through life transitions and caregiver stress. She also has experience with adoption and foster care, blended family issues, and end-of-life concerns.

People can expect a collaborative tone in sessions. Patricia aims to listen first, then build steps toward goals like improving coping, managing symptoms, or repairing important relationships. She emphasizes empowerment and clear next steps rather than vague promises.

How her methods translate to online work

Patricia uses cognitive behavioral techniques to spot unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns and replace them with practical alternatives. CBT is useful for managing anxiety, depression, stress, and many day-to-day challenges by breaking problems into manageable steps.

She also uses motivational interviewing, a respectful, goal-focused approach that helps people clarify what matters and find internal motivation to change. This approach can help with addictions, career shifts, parenting goals, and health behavior changes.

Choosing the right approach is a shared decision. Patricia will work collaboratively to match methods to a person's needs, goals, and preferences, and she adjusts as progress unfolds rather than sticking to one fixed plan.

Session formats are not specified in the provided biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy day, reduce travel time, allow shorter check-in conversations when needed, and let people continue care when life is disrupted. Licensed professionals can adapt CBT and motivational interviewing to work well in remote sessions, focusing on practical homework, real-world practice, and measurable steps toward goals.

License and NPI

  • LCSW California · No. 25356

NPI1952535981

As shown on the therapist's profile. You can check a license with the state board and an NPI with the national registry.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression

Also works with

AddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressCommitment issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDivorce and separationEating and food-related issuesFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFertility issuesFirst responder issuesHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesInfidelityVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMulticultural concernsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Sexual assault and abuseWomen's issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Motivational Interviewing

Experience

20+ years

Credentials

California

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of issues does Patricia address?

She works with stress, anxiety, relationship and family concerns as well as parenting, grief, trauma, addictions, eating and mood issues.

What is her general therapy style?

Her style is collaborative and practical, using clear conversation and concrete strategies to help people make changes that fit their daily life.

How much clinical experience does she have?

She has 20 years of professional experience working in clinical and community settings.

What credentials and region apply to her practice?

She is a licensed clinical social worker, LCSW, practicing in California.

Which languages are offered and can international clients work together?

Sessions are offered in English and international clients are not currently accepted.

What session formats are available?

Please confirm current session options before booking, as the biography does not specify which formats are offered.

How is cost handled for sessions?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with her?

Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

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