(she/her)
Hi, I’m Alyssa Montanez, LCSW and founder of Kismet Counseling. I’m passionate about helping individuals navigate life’s challenges through trauma-informed, compassionate care. My approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and client-centered techniques to support healing, self-understanding, and growth. I specialize in working with adults from diverse backgrounds, including LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities, and I strive to create a space where every client feels seen, valued, and understood. My goal is to help you reconnect with your strengths, build healthier patterns, and move toward the life you want with confidence and clarity.
Our first session is all about getting to know you and setting the foundation for our work together. We’ll discuss what brings you to therapy, your goals, and any questions or concerns you might have. I’ll share more about my approach and what you can expect from our sessions, so you feel comfortable and informed. This is a collaborative, judgment-free space where you can move at your own pace—there’s no pressure to share more than you’re ready to. My goal is to help you feel safe, supported, and confident that you’ve found a therapist who truly listens and understands.
As a provider, my strengths lie in creating a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel truly seen and heard. I bring a trauma-informed and culturally sensitive approach to every session, allowing clients to explore their experiences safely and at their own pace. I combine empathy with evidence-based practices like CBT and mindfulness to help clients gain insight, build resilience, and develop practical tools for everyday life. My clients often describe me as compassionate, grounding, and genuine—someone who meets them where they are and walks alongside them in their healing journey.
At Kismet Counseling, I work with individuals who feel deeply and are ready for meaningful change. My ideal client may be navigating anxiety, trauma, or life transitions, and often finds themselves stuck in patterns that no longer serve them—whether in relationships, self-worth, or emotional regulation. They are seeking a safe, affirming space where they can explore their experiences, feel truly understood, and begin to heal. Together, we focus on building insight, strengthening coping skills, and creating a more grounded, empowered version of themselves.
Top specialties
I identify as
Cash - $120 per session
Aetna
Aetna - Allied Benefits
Aetna - ASR Health Benefits
Aetna - Luminare
Aetna - Medicare
Aetna - Moda
Aetna - WebTPA
Aetna – HealthEZ
All Savers
Ambetter Health
Amerihealth Administrators
Amerihealth NJ Medicare Advantage
Anthem
Arlo
AvMed
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross Blue Shield - Medicare
Centivo
Cigna
Cigna - HealthEZ
EAP:Cigna
EAP:Evernorth
EAP:UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Evernorth
Florida Blue
Florida Blue - Medicare
Golden Rule
GTEB
Harvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcare
Humana - Medicare
Humana Dual (Medicare & Medicaid)
Independence Administrators
Independence Blue Cross
Independence Keystone 65 HMO
Independence Personal Choice 65 PPO
Medicare
Optum
OptumHealth Complex Medical Conditions
Oscar
Oxford
Surest (formerly Bind)
Tufts Health/Cigna
United Medical Resources
UnitedHealthcare Complete Care (C-SNP)
UnitedHealthcare Dual (Medicare & Medicaid)
UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance
UnitedHealthcare Shared Services
UnitedHealthcare StudentResources
UnitedHealthcare/Optum
UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicare
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify unhelpful thought patterns and develop healthier ways of thinking and coping. Together, we explore the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to create meaningful change and support long-term emotional well-being.
Trauma Informed Care
I approach every session through a trauma-informed lens, recognizing how past experiences can shape current thoughts, emotions, and relationships. My goal is to create a safe, compassionate space where clients feel empowered, understood, and supported as they work toward healing and resilience.
2 ratings with written reviews
April 30, 2026
This was my first session with Alyssa. She was very welcoming and walked me through the process in starting therapy. I was nervous at first but she was able to create a space for me to open up so easily.
March 1, 2026
I did not feel judged by her. I also really liked she would let me ramble on and jump from topics. She is very good about getting me back to the main point though in a gentle way.