
Hi! I’m Kristen Montiel. I’m a mental health educator, therapist and a Certified Addictions Professional. After struggling in my own family relationships as a teenager, I wanted to get as far away from home as possible. At 19 years old, I joined the U.S. Navy, where I spent 7 years helping military members and their families find resources to assist them with legal and relational issues. My time in the Navy taught me the importance of family support and strengthened my relationship with God. I was raised in a Christian home but being on my own, far away from home, enabled me to develop my own relationship with God.
Over the past 15 years, I’ve dedicated myself to helping individuals, couples and families use their resources and strengths. I’ve helped many find hope and improve satisfaction in their relationships and lives. My specialties involve improving communication and conflict resolution, enhancing emotional connection in couples, as well as addressing alcohol use and its impact on couples and families. In addition, I enjoy helping women improve self-esteem, assertiveness, infertility struggles, and their relationships. Having been in the military myself, I often relate well and can help veterans, those in active duty military and law enforcement, and their families. I also enjoy providing Christian counseling services to pastors, church staff, and church members.
My Biography
I earned a Master of Arts degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Argosy University in San Diego, California. I am pursuing a PhD in psychology from Walden University. I have served as a therapist at Hanbleceya Treatment Center in La Mesa, California, where I specialized in treating individuals with persistent mental illness and addiction. Upon moving to Florida, I served at Lakeview Health helping clients and their families who were struggling with addiction and anxiety, depression and PTSD. Currently, I serve as the Clinical Director at Family Therapy Associates of Jacksonville.
I enjoy teaching and educating. I have experience providing education on crisis, mental health issues, relationships, and a variety of other topics. I’ve taught in various settings – from elementary Sunday School to graduate level counseling skills.
I am a mom to two boys who are always on the move. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, reading, and running.