About Patrick

Dr. Patrick Bortz is an Independent Marriage & Family Therapist (IMFT) with over 10 years of experience working with couples, families, and individuals (from ages 5 to 95) across a wide range of relational, emotional, and life challenges.

Patrick specializes in working with couples and families to improve communication, resolve conflict, increase warmth, and foster authenticity. His clinical experience includes working with diverse families and individuals (e.g., adoptive, foster, blended families, LGBTQIA+, immigrants and refugees) across varying levels of severity and complexity, including trauma and PTSD, grief, bipolar disorders, anxiety, depression, personality disorders, homelessness, abuse and intimate partner violence, discernment and separation counseling, divorce/dissolution, parenting and co-parenting, sex and intimacy, consensual non-monogamy, and infidelity.

Training & Credentials

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), The Ohio State University

• Master of Science (MS), University of Kentucky

• Independent Marriage and Family Therapist (IMFT) since February 2023

• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) since June 2017

Patrick has 11+ years of experience as a therapist. He began practicing therapy in 2014 as an intern therapist working with youth, adults, couples, and families as a graduate student at the University of Kentucky. And before that, Patrick worked in community mental as a case manager for teens and young adults and had several years experience as a suicide hotline volunteer.  

After earning a bachelor's degree in Psychology at The Ohio State University, Patrick continued his education at University of Kentucky where he earned a master’s in Family Sciences with a Couple and Family Therapy specialization. Patrick continued his education at The Ohio State University to earn his PhD in Human Development and Family Science with specializations in Couple and Family Therapy and Sexuality Studies. During graduate school, he was trained in couple and sex therapy, family therapy, and play therapy. 

Approach and What to Expect

Patrick takes a collaborative, human approach to therapy. He believes the role of the therapist, at its core, is to create a safe space to think, feel, and grow. His focus on finding solutions, not just naming problems.  He sees clients as whole and unique individuals rather than a list of symptoms or diagnoses. He views individual health as interconnected with relationships and context.

Patrick believes deeply in the humanity of both therapist and client. He understands that growth is often messy, nonlinear, and deeply personal.  Though he has worked with many different people from many different backgrounds, he does not consider himself an expert or even “competent” in others’ culture or personal experiences. Clients are the experts of their own lives.  His role is to work alongside clients in helping them better understand themselves, strengthen relationships, and navigate challenges in a way that is authentic, meaningful, and sustainable. 

He approaches his work with warmth, curiosity, and respect for the courage it takes to begin therapy, especially for those who may feel uncertain or hesitant about the process. His hope is to create a space where clients feel safe enough to show up fully, ask difficult questions, and explore change in a way that feels genuine and empowering.

A Bit Outside the Office

Patrick loves to “nerd out” about family systems theory, research methods, and moral philosophy.  His less professional sounding passions include poker, movies, boardgames, and cats. 

A Note from Patrick

Patrick recognizes that starting therapy can feel vulnerable.  Patrick prides himself in being a therapist who has supported clients who thought they could not work with a male therapist or a cis-male therapist or any therapist in general.  He has a lot of respect for those willing to give therapy a try, even when they haven’t always had good experiences or have doubts about counseling. He believes reaching out for support is an act of courage and sees it as a privilege to walk alongside clients during meaningful parts of their journey.  He will be honored to work with you if you choose, and he will happily tell you more about himself if you ask.