Montana De La Cruz

I am a licensed clinician with experience across school‐based, outpatient, and forensic settings. I provide individual therapy, crisis intervention, and collaborative care grounded in a person‐centered, strength‐based approach. My background includes psychological assessment, interdisciplinary teamwork, and supporting clients through a wide range of emotional and behavioral concerns. I am currently pursuing my Clinical Psy.D. at The Chicago School in Washington, D.C., building on my graduate training in forensic psychology and my commitment to accessible, holistic mental health care.

My therapeutic approach is grounded in person‐centered, strength‐based care that honors each client’s lived experience and capacity for growth. I prefer to work collaboratively, integrating insight‐oriented exploration with practical strategies to support emotional regulation, resilience, and meaningful change. My style is relational, culturally responsive, and guided by curiosity, transparency, and respect for each client’s autonomy. My aim is to create a space where individuals feel understood, empowered, and equipped to navigate life’s challenges with greater clarity and confidence.

In our first session, we’ll take time to get to know one another and begin building a foundation for our work together. I’ll invite you to share what brings you to therapy, what you hope to gain, and any goals you’d like to explore, whether they’re specific or still taking shape. We’ll also talk about your existing strengths, the supports you already have in your life, and any barriers that may make the therapeutic process feel challenging. Together, we’ll clarify what you expect from therapy, including my role, your role, and how we can collaborate in a way that feels safe, transparent, and aligned with your needs. My aim is for you to leave the first session feeling heard, understood, and grounded in a shared plan for moving forward.