John R. Montopoli, LMFT, LPCC is a licensed psychotherapist with over 15 years experience providing Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy to clients. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Fordham University in New York City and his Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of San Francisco. John received his license as a Marriage and Family Therapist in California in 2003. He received dual licensure as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in 2012.
John's passion for psychology began when he was in high school in Connecticut when taking his first psychology class. He became fascinated with understanding human behavior. John's interest in the field of psychology was strengthened when he started to learn about the theories that are aimed at helping people solve their human concerns.
As John learned more about the various forms of psychotherapy, he became especially drawn to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. He found the practical and goal-driven nature of CBT consistent with his desire to see results. John enjoys helping his clients learn new skills and coping styles so they can help themselves solve their own concerns.
In order to receive additional skills in CBT, John attended an intensive post-graduate program at the Beck Institute for Cognitive Therapy in Philadelphia under the direction of Dr. Aaron Beck -- one of the pioneers of CBT. He went on to become certified in cognitive therapy through the prestigious Academy of Cognitive Therapy.
John enjoys continuing to learn about the field of CBT by attending regular workshops. He also receives ongoing case consultation from Dr. Jacqueline Persons, one of the prominent psychologist in the field.
In addition to providing direct care to individuals and groups, John also enjoys training the latest generation of psychotherapists. He teaches in-service courses on anxiety disorder and CBT to interns at a local community mental health facility. He also supervises several pre-licensed clinicians in his private practice.
John is also proud to be one of the two co-founders of an organization called National Social Anxiety Center (NSAC). In addition to being on the Board of this organization, he is the director of its San Francisco regional clinic. NSAC is dedicated to educating the general public about social anxiety disorder and to disseminating information to clinicians across the country about best practices and business development.