Patricia White

Patricia White, Ph.D., is the Lead Psychologist at the Center for Family Growth and an Adjunct Professor of Psychology at the Department of Pediatrics, Adolescent Medicine, and Psychiatry at the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine. She also holds a position as a Consulting Psychologist at Children's Hospital Los Angeles.

With over two decades of experience as a counseling psychologist and pediatric researcher, Patricia specializes in adolescent development, mental health challenges faced by young people, and the psychological impact of chronic illness on children and their families. She has been instrumental in establishing support programs for adolescents with diabetes and has led workshops aimed at enhancing coping skills for teenagers dealing with chronic conditions. Patricia is currently the President of the Youth Mental Health Alliance and previously served as the Chair of the Pediatric Mental Health Committee within the American Psychological Association (APA).

Patricia earned her Bachelor’s degree in Child Psychology with High Honors from UCLA, followed by a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the Pacific Graduate School of Psychology. She completed her psychology internship at Stanford University Medical Center, where she worked extensively with pediatric patients and their families. Her postdoctoral fellowship was spent at the Children's Health Institute, focusing on developing therapeutic interventions for children with chronic illnesses.

In addition to her clinical work, Patricia has contributed to the field through her research and publications. She has authored numerous articles and book chapters on topics such as supporting adolescents with chronic diseases, the role of family in pediatric mental health, and strategies for improving quality of life for young patients. She regularly reviews submissions for the Journal of Pediatric Psychology and has received accolades such as the APA Award for Contributions to Pediatric Psychology and the USC Community Service Award.

Patricia is dedicated to educating future healthcare professionals, teaching medical students about pediatric psychology and leading seminars for both healthcare providers and parents on managing the emotional and social challenges that come with childhood illnesses. She is a sought-after speaker at national conferences and has appeared in various media outlets to discuss the importance of addressing the psychological needs of children and adolescents in medical settings.