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 and supportive environment for healing and growth. Our practice specializes in trauma-informed, evidence-based care for police officers, firefighters, first responders, and military veterans experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, or occupational stress.

Our counseling approach is rooted in trauma-focused treatment and integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Narrative Therapy. Each session is collaborative, goal-oriented, and intentionally paced to support nervous system regulation, emotional processing, and long-term resilience.

We offer both in-person sessions in Gilbert, Arizona, and secure telehealth services statewide through SimplePractice—providing confidential and flexible access to care wherever you are.

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, MA, 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 also a National Certified Counselor (NCC) through the National Board for Certified Counselors.

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