Patricia Montanari, LMHC, LPCC

Patricia Montanari is a therapist who blends practical problem-solving with a compassionate outlook. She holds a Master of Arts in Counseling and Guidance and brings 16 years of experience helping people navigate stress, anxiety, addictions, and mood concerns. Patricia uses clear, direct methods so sessions focus on what matters now. Patricia draws on several well-known approaches to help people manage distress and change behavior. She uses cognitive tools to spot unhelpful thinking and ACT ideas to help clients clarify values and take action. She also applies attachment-based perspectives to understand relationship patterns and improve emotional connections. Her background includes work in private practice, community mental health agencies, group settings, and home-based services. She has experience supporting people facing personality disorders, co-occurring substance issues, and impulse-control challenges. This variety shaped a practical style that aims for steady, achievable steps. Patricia also has experience with parenting challenges, trauma and abuse, and first responder issues. She helps people address process addictions such as compulsive gambling, exercise, or pornography as part of a broader treatment plan. Her approach includes motivational interviewing and stages-of-change ideas to support readiness and follow-through. Outside of clinical work she spends time with family and dogs and enjoys swimming, travel, music, and reading. Patricia's stated mission is to provide a relaxed and supportive atmosphere where people can work toward better daily functioning and clearer choices.

How evidence-based approaches translate to online work

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps people clarify what matters to them and take small, value-driven actions even when feelings are difficult. It is useful for anxiety, depression, and addictive patterns because it focuses on action rather than fighting thoughts. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy teaches concrete steps to notice and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, which can reduce worry, panic, and low mood through practice and problem-solving. Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early and current relationships shape emotional reactions and helps people build new ways of connecting and responding in close relationships. Finding the right approach is part of the process. The therapist will collaborate with each person to choose methods that fit their goals, needs, and preferences. That means trying strategies, checking what helps, and adjusting the plan over time so the work stays practical and relevant. Confirm which session formats are offered before scheduling so you know what to expect. Online therapy can make it easier to fit regular sessions into a busy life, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when schedules are tight. Some formats use less bandwidth or do not require video, which can help when technology or time is limited. Ask about the current options to match how you want to work with the therapist.