Dr. Patsy Manzanares completed a residency and fellowship at the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, which is a world renowned substance use treatment center. She provided comprehensive mental health services across detox, residential, and outpatient settings, conducting individual and group therapy, diagnostic assessments, and crisis interventions for patients with substance use and co-occurring disorders. Dr. Manzanares played a critical role in developing procedures for psychiatric referrals and rounding in medical and detox units. In addition, she mentored psychology interns and collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, including medical professionals and addiction counselors, to ensure holistic patient care.

Prior to this, Dr. Manzanares gained valuable experience working with incarcerated individuals at the Federal Corrections Institution in Miami, Florida and as a trainee at Alliance for Psychological Services. At the federal prison, she facilitated group therapy in the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP), providing treatment in both English and Spanish. She conducted diagnostic interviews and suicide risk assessments for individuals at various security levels, including solitary confinement. At Alliance for Psychological Services, she worked with individuals involved in the legal system, providing court-ordered therapy for domestic violence and sex offenders.