Ms. Patricia Benitez, LCSW
(She/Her)
Preferred Name: Patricia
About Me
I received my Master’s in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington. I have a license in Clinical Social Work, which allows me to provide psychotherapy. I have been trained in EMDR through EMDRIA and I have completed all the requirements for certification. In 2022, I obtained a Certificate of Adoption Training through Rutgers University. I am considered an Adoption Competent Therapist and I am an adoptee. Most of my therapeutic work has centered around trauma and adoption counseling. I love the book written by Susan Cain titled Bittersweet. She writes that "bittersweetness" shows us how to respond to pain: by acknowledging it and attempting to turn it into art, healing, innovation, or anything that nourishes the soul". Longing creates suffering but it can also unveil compassion. Through my bittersweet experiences, I chose to do my part in this world by helping others like myself who have gone through difficult times to have a safe space to talk about it and work through it by transforming the bittersweet into strength for others.
Education & Experience
MSSW- University of Texas at Arlington My work history has included Child Protective Services, and foster home supervision. I was a foster/adoptive home trainer, a public school special education social worker, and a Clinical Coordinator for a large urban school district. I spent my career advocating for diverse populations and individuals with emotional, behavioral, or mental health needs. I have enjoyed teaching at a local community college and a private university. My hobbies include travel, hiking, reading, spending time with family and friends, and playing with my little rescue dog.
Professional & Volunteer Affiliations
A Home Within
Specialty Area
- Abuse/Neglect
- Adoption
- Anxiety/Panic Attacks
- Depression
- Family Issues
- Grief/Loss/Mourning
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Race, Culture, Ethnicity Issues
- Self-Harm
- Sexual Abuse
- Spirituality
- Traumatic Incident
Population Served
- Adolescents (13-17)
- Adults
- BIPOC
- Community Mental Health Center
- First Responders
- LGBTQ+
- Seniors
- Underserved
- Veterans/Military
Insurance
- Aetna
- BlueCross BlueShield
- Cigna
- Sliding Scale
- UnitedHealth