Newport Academy

Patrick (Patt) Ochoa

Patt has worked with adolescents for over a decade and is known in the community to be an inspiration and role model for teens in recovery. His support and guidance has helped many teens and their families find hope from the destructive effects of substance abuse and co-occurring disorders. He brings both extensive personal and professional experience in the field of substance abuse treatment. Prior to his current role at Newport Academy, Patt held the position of Adolescent Counselor at Coastal Mountain Youth Academy where he led individual and group therapy sessions and helped create a bridge to recovery for teens and their families. He also has a passion for working with horses in developing effective equine therapy programs for teens and remains involved in the Bethany's Gait program.

Patt is also noted for his community service. For the past six years he has volunteered with young people in Alcoholics Anonymous, served on the international convention for young people in AA (ICYPAA), and was the Chair of the Committee for the Orange County Young People in Alcoholic Anonymous and the All California Young People in Alcoholics Anonymous conference. In June 2009, Patt completed his Drug and Alcohol certification at Saddleback College and plans on pursuing a Masters in Family Therapy. Patt adds, "my absolute love is watching the light come on in an adolescents eyes when they see that the life they have been living is not working for them and they are willing to make a positive change in their lives."