Ingrid Montes , LCSW

Ingrid Montes is a licensed clinical social worker who helps people manage stress and anxiety. She speaks English and Spanish and offers straightforward support for women and young adults navigating life transitions. Her style is warm and down-to-earth, aimed at helping people take small, practical steps when things feel overwhelming.

She believes each person knows their own story and brings strengths to the work. In sessions she listens closely, reflects what she hears, and helps clients set clear, achievable goals. Conversations focus on what is happening now and what can be tried between appointments to make life feel more manageable.

Ingrid uses a mix of approaches based on what the client needs. She draws on client-centered conversations to follow the client’s priorities. She also uses practical cognitive behavioral techniques to identify unhelpful thinking and test small changes in behavior.

Her background includes six years of professional experience working in California. That experience includes helping people with communication problems, family concerns, fertility-related stress, and mood disturbances in addition to anxiety and stress.

People who choose her often want a partner in planning concrete steps forward. She supports motivation, helps clarify values, and works on short-term strategies to reduce distress. Ingrid does not see Kaiser members due to a conflict of interest.

Approaches that shape online care

Client-centered therapy focuses on understanding the person's own goals and priorities and following their lead in sessions. It helps when someone needs a space to clarify values and make decisions without pressure.

Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, looks at how thoughts, feelings, and actions connect. It uses straightforward tools to test unhelpful thinking and try new behaviors, which can reduce anxiety and improve mood.

Finding the right approach is a team effort. The therapist will discuss what feels most useful and adapt methods over time based on the client's needs, goals, and preferences. This collaborative process helps make sure sessions stay practical and relevant.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video allows face-to-face conversation and visual cues. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or a shorter check-in is needed. Live chat and text messaging work well for quick reflections, ongoing support between sessions, or when writing helps a person organize thoughts. These options give flexibility to fit appointments around work, childcare, or school commitments while keeping focus on making steady progress.