Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New York State · he/him · English & Spanish
A little about me
I'm Kevin Montiel, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I'm a queer, cisgender man of Latine descent, and I work with teens and adults, with a particular focus on LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities. I earned my Master of Social Work from Columbia University in 2021 and have been practicing therapy since then.
My approach to therapy
I believe that understanding someone means looking at more than one part of their life. Our identities, relationships, culture, physical health, and experiences all influence how we see ourselves and navigate the world. I take a collaborative, client-centered approach to therapy. Rather than assuming I know what you need, I want to understand your perspective, listen to what's important to you, and work together toward goals that feel meaningful. My work is grounded in cultural humility and an awareness of how systems, social expectations, and lived experiences can affect mental health.
Therapeutic approaches
I draw from a range of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic and interpersonal therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, strengths-based and humanistic approaches, and harm reduction. I adapt these approaches to the person I'm working with rather than expecting everyone to fit the same model.
Your first session
Starting therapy can feel like a big step. Our first session is an opportunity to get to know each other and begin understanding what brings you to therapy. We'll talk about your experiences, the things you're navigating, and what you'd like to get out of our work together. From there, we'll begin developing goals and figuring out what approach makes sense for you. You don't need to arrive with everything figured out. We can start wherever you are.
Sessions are offered online through video for individuals physically located in New York State during their sessions. You can use your insurance through Headway or choose to pay out of pocket.
Insurance
I work with several insurance plans through Headway, including Aetna, Cigna, Anthem, Highmark, Horizon and 5 more.
See all plans
Aetna
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Carelon Behavioral Health
Cigna
Curative
Highmark BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York
Highmark BlueShield of Northeastern New York
Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey
Independence Blue Cross Pennsylvania (Virtual National Network)
Through Headway, you can check your insurance benefits, review an estimate of your out-of-pocket costs, and explore available appointments before scheduling. Coverage and costs depend on your specific insurance plan and benefits. An estimate is not a guarantee of coverage or final patient responsibility.
Sliding-scale rates may be available depending on individual circumstances and current availability. If you'd like to discuss payment options, send me a message.
Your right to a Good Faith Estimate: if you don't have health insurance or choose not to use your insurance, you have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate of the expected cost of your care. You can request an estimate before scheduling services. When required, you'll receive a written estimate of expected charges. For more information about your rights under the No Surprises Act, visit CMS.gov.
