Meet Dr. Luisa

clinical psychologist

Dr. Luisa Montaini-Klovdahl

My clients describe my approach as collaborative, efficient, respectful and warm.

Striving to support wellness, strength, and resiliency for each client, I draw on my extensive clinical experience and current research in the field to assist clients and their families with healing and growth. I believe the best care is collaborative, so client treatment is mutually selected and guided based on the unique needs, learning style, and goals of the client. Whether the need is coaching, specialty treatment and interventions, or support in navigating a healthy path through stressful times, I work together with clients and families to identify the best treatment choices toward their health. 

I blend research and theory from several therapeutic approaches, including psychodynamic, developmental, social learning, cognitive-behavioral, dialectical behavioral, and mindfulness therapies to offer treatment that is integrative and client-centered. Throughout the therapeutic process, the voice and strengths of clients are honored. 

My specialty training includes evidence-based treatment for children 0-11, adolescents, 12-18, and adults 18+, and training in the unique needs of our military members, Veterans, and their families. I believe growth continues throughout our life.  Yes, we adults continue to grow and learn!

Learn About Dr. Luisa's Journey

My journey to support psychological growth began when I was a teenager and wanted to be a psychologist to support positive healing and growth.  Being a psychologist continues to be my vocation and joy!  Initially my training and professional work served children.   Along this path, called life, my interests and experiences expanded to include not only children, but also teens, adults, Veterans and military.

Doctorate of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology (Ph.D.)
DePaul University of Chicago, IL

Clinical Child and research focus

Master of Art in Psychology (M.A.)
DePaul University of Chicago, IL

Clinical Child and research focus

Bachelor of Science in Psychology (B.S.)
Loyola University of Psychology, IL

Clinical Child and research focus - Summa Cum Laude

Predoctoral Internship
University of California, San Diego

Training rotations at the San Diego VA, UCSD Children and Adolescent outpatient mental health services and a community based research center.

Postdoctoral Internship
University of California, San Francisco - Langley Porter Psychiatric Institute

Training with the entire child age continuum from early child to adolescents

Psychologist
Peninsula Vet Center - Menlo Park, CA
July 2019 to Present
Psychologist in Private Practice
Bay Area, CA
Feb 1996 to Present
Military Psychologist
Bay Area, CA

Training with the entire child age continuum from early child to adolescents

Aug 2011 to 2024
Adjunct Clinical Lecturer
Stanford University, CA

In the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, in the School of Medicine

2020 to Present
Psychologist
Colorado Springs, CO

VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System

Jan 2017 to July 2019
Adjunct Clinical Supervisor
Stanford University, CA

Overseeing Psychology Interns at Children’s Health Council

Jan 2017 to July 2019
Staff Psychologist
Children's Health Council, Palo Alto, CA

Early Childhood to Adolescent Outpatient Services

Aug 1998 to Jun 2003
Staff Psychologist
UCSF Langley Porter Psychiatric Institute, CA

Early Childhood Clinic and Outpatient Child and Adolescent Services

Nov 1995 to May 1998
Doctorate of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology (Ph.D.)
DePaul University of Chicago, IL

Clinical Child and research focus

Master of Art in Psychology (M.A.)
DePaul University of Chicago, IL

Clinical Child and research focus

Bachelor of Science in Psychology (B.S.)
Loyola University of Psychology, IL

Clinical Child and research focus - Summa Cum Laude

Predoctoral Internship
University of California, San Diego

Training rotations at the San Diego VA, UCSD Children and Adolescent outpatient mental health services and a community based research center.

Postdoctoral Internship
University of California, San Francisco - Langley Porter Psychiatric Institute

Training with the entire child age continuum from early child to adolescents

Psychologist
Peninsula Vet Center - Menlo Park, CA
July 2019 to Present
Psychologist in Private Practice
Bay Area, CA
Feb 1996 to Present
Military Psychologist
US Army Reserves - Camp Parks, Dublin, CA

Training with the entire child age continuum from early child to adolescents

Aug 2011 to 2024
Adjunct Clinical Lecturer
Stanford University, CA

In the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, in the School of Medicine

2020 to Present
Psychologist
Colorado Springs, CO

VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System

Jan 2017 to July 2019
Adjunct Clinical Supervisor
Stanford University, CA

Overseeing Psychology Interns at Children’s Health Council

Jan 2017 to July 2019
Staff Psychologist
Children's Health Council, Palo Alto, CA

Early Childhood to Adolescent Outpatient Services

Aug 1998 to Jun 2003
Staff Psychologist
UCSF Langley Porter Psychiatric Institute, CA

Early Childhood Clinic and Outpatient Child and Adolescent Services

Nov 1995 to May 1998

Area of Focus

Dr. Luisa's diverse skillset allows her to focus on many areas.

Wellness & Resiliency

Life is often stressful. Wellness and resiliency training turns those stresses into opportunities to learn and grow.

ADHD

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is a pattern of difficulty sustaining focus, attention, distractibility, and/or impulsivity and hyperactivity.

Anxiety

Anxiety can take many forms, from overwhelming worry thoughts, expecting the worst, panic, fears and phobias. Treatment involves assisting clients to calm their “fight-flee-freeze” reactions.

Depression

Depression is a common, but serious mood disorder that causes persistent sadness, loss of interest and sometimes irritability and isolation.

Sleep Difficulties

Sleep disorders involve problems with the quality, timing, and amount of sleep, which result in daytime distress and impairment in functioning. After ruling out medical causes for sleep difficulties, there are several treatments to address sleep issues in children and adults.

Autism Spectrum (ASD), Neurodiversity, and Children with Special Needs

Children and teens with special needs, learning differences and Asperger’s can face many challenges with regulating emotions, navigating social challenges and developing a positive self-image. 

Trauma

Traumatic reactions can include avoidance of reminders of the trauma, painful intrusive memories, nightmares, feeling irritable or in a heightened state of alert, anxiety, depression and edginess, guilt and shame. Seeking treatment is important.

Military Families & Transitions

Military Service Members, Veterans and their families often face challenges connected to the hardships and stress of service, trauma and sacrifices to serve. When service members return, they are encouraged to seek counseling to help themselves and their families adjust.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here area answers to a few of the most common questions

Do you provide an initial free consultation?

Yes, I schedule a 15-minute initial free phone consultation, to determine if I am a good fit and able to assist.

Do you provide virtual or in person sessions?

I offer virtual sessions for clients residing in California if the service would benefit the client.  I also offer in person sessions, following health safety guidance.

Do you accept insurance?

I provide a detailed bill/receipt that clients can use to submit to their insurer or self-pay. Regrettably, I do not accept insurance or submit claims. I accept payment through Zelle, Venmo, Paypal and check.

How long does therapy take?

The duration and pacing of therapy sessions is different for each client. During the initial consultation and assessment/intake process, the pacing and duration of therapy or wellness coaching can be better defined in collaboration with the client to support their goals.

What services do you offer?

I provide individual adult therapy, child and adolescent therapy, including young child therapy. Additionally, I provide parent coaching and support. Services include wellness and resiliency training and coaching. Tailored to the needs and goals of the client, I draw from several research-driven treatments (CBT, DBT, PCIT, Mindfulness, Psychodynamic, Developmental Theory, and Social Learning Theory) to provide an integrated approach. Services offered are non-crisis outpatient therapy.

Dr. Luisa Montaini-Klovdahl

Contact Dr. luisa

Questions, concerns or request a consultation by contacting me. If this is an emergency, please call 911.

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