About Ridgeline Clinical Counseling

About Ridgeline Clinical Counseling

Supporting Arizona’s First Responders and Veterans with Compassion and Evidence-Based Care

At Ridgeline Clinical Counseling, PLLC, we provide a safe, supportive space for healing, recovery, and long-term resilience. Our practice specializes in trauma-informed, evidence-based counseling for police officers, firefighters, first responders, and military veterans navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, chronic stress, and the cumulative impact of high-risk service.

Care at Ridgeline is intentionally structured, collaborative, and paced to match your readiness. We focus on practical tools that support nervous system regulation, emotional processing, and steady progress—without forcing the work faster than your system can safely tolerate.

We offer in-person sessions in Gilbert, Arizona, and secure statewide telehealth through SimplePractice—so you can access confidential care in a way that fits your schedule and responsibilities.

Counseling Services and Clinical Approach

Ridgeline Clinical Counseling provides trauma-informed care grounded in evidence-based practice. Our approach integrates:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to address trauma-related thinking patterns, anxiety, depression, and performance-impacting stress.
• Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) to build momentum, clarify goals, and strengthen existing resilience.
• Motivational Interviewing (MI) to strengthen motivation, clarify values, and support meaningful, sustainable behavior change.
• Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) to support trauma processing by organizing and integrating difficult experiences in a structured, culturally-responsive manner.

Treatment is individualized to your needs and goals, with an emphasis on stabilization skills, coping strategies you can use between sessions, and measurable progress over time.

Confidentiality and Mandated Reporting:
All services at Ridgeline Clinical Counseling are confidential and protected under federal and state privacy laws. However, there are specific situations in which information must be disclosed as required by law. These include:

• When there is reason to believe a client may harm themselves or others.
• When there is suspicion or disclosure of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a child, vulnerable adult, or elderly person.
• When a court order or other legal mandate requires the release of information. Outside of these exceptions, no information will be shared without your written consent.

About the Clinician

John E. Montano, MS, LAC, NCC is the founder of Ridgeline Clinical Counseling, PLLC in Gilbert, Arizona. He earned a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Grand Canyon University and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Arizona State University. John is a National Certified Counselor (NCC) through the National Board for Certified Counselors and a Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist – Individual (CCTS-I) through TTI Trauma Institute International, providing trauma-informed care to individuals impacted by acute and complex trauma.

Before becoming a counselor, John served over 19 years in the U.S. Navy and Army National Guard, developing a deep understanding of the pressures, trauma exposure, and resilience required in high-stress professions. His background uniquely equips him to serve first responders and veterans seeking balance, recovery, and emotional wellness.

John’s counseling philosophy is built on trust, collaboration, and respect, with the goal of empowering clients to build coping skills, regain stability, and achieve meaningful personal growth.

Our Approach

Therapy is a collaborative process. We tailor treatment plans to your goals, draw on evidence-based methods, and emphasize practical tools you can use between sessions. We offer both in-person appointments and secure telehealth via SimplePractice to increase accessibility and continuity of care.

Practice Details

NOTICE OF SUPERVISED PRIVATE PRACTICE