Dr. Larissa Montalvo

I’m a licensed clinical psychologist with a PsyD in Applied Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School and a master’s degree in Forensic Psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. I provide individual therapy to adults from a culturally informed and collaborative perspective. My clinical experience includes providing individual therapy and psychological assessments to children, adolescents, and adults across community mental health and group practice settings. I work with individuals with a variety of presenting problems including anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, relational difficulties, identity challenges, stress management concerns, and cultural and ethnic issues.

Before entering the mental health field, I worked in community-based roles within the nonprofit and education sectors, including three years working with children and families in Kuwait. These experiences have strengthened my ability to connect with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and foster an accepting, adaptable therapeutic approach tailored to each client’s unique needs.

Sometimes what we need most is the opportunity to talk and feel truly heard. I strive to create a warm, nonjudgmental space where clients feel safe to express themselves authentically. I view therapy as a collaborative process and work alongside clients to develop personalized goals that support growth, self-exploration, and emotional processing. My approach is integrative and tailored to each client’s unique needs, incorporating elements of attachment theory, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and psychodynamic principles. In addition to helping clients identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns, I explore relational dynamics and increase awareness of unconscious processes that shape relationships with both the self and others. Through this work, I aim to help clients strengthen self-awareness, develop healthier coping strategies, and build more meaningful and fulfilling connections with themselves and others.

The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and begin building a foundation for our work together. We will discuss what brings you to therapy, explore your current concerns, and review relevant personal history, relationships, and life experiences to better understand your needs and goals. I also encourage clients to ask questions about the therapy process and my approach to treatment. My goal is to create a supportive, collaborative, and nonjudgmental environment where you feel comfortable sharing at your own pace.