Our Therapists
Meet Ernest Schmidt, LCSW, ACT and Cognitive Behavioral Therapist
Since 1996, Palo Alto Therapy founder Ernest Schmidt has dedicated his professional life to helping people work past problems for happier, more fulfilled lives. With a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of the Pacific, a Master’s Degree from UC Berkeley, and a certification in cognitive therapy from the Academy of Cognitive Therapy, Ernest draws from both life experience and extensive training for effective results-oriented sessions. For the past several years, Ernest has trained under David Burns, M.D. author of the best-selling self-help book “Feeling Good, The New Mood Therapy” to be able to provide his clients with the best possible care. Under Ernest’s direct and personable approach, clients see both a short-term impact and lifelong changes, all without the commitment of long-term counseling.
As a tenured faculty member at Foothill College, Ernest also provides personal counseling for students and teaches courses on stress management and emotional wellness. In his free time, Ernest relaxes by gardening, traveling, and going on walks across the Bay Area’s many natural wonders with his wife and children.
Meet Jonathan Horowitz, PhD and Cognitive Behavioral Therapist
Jonathan has a passion for helping his clients draw on their strengths to make positive behavior changes. He has particular expertise in the assessment and treatment of anxiety disorders and depression. Jonathan received his bachelor’s degree in psychology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and his doctoral degree in clinical psychology from the University of Texas at Austin, where he conducted research at the Laboratory for the Study of Anxiety Disorders. He completed his internship at VA San Diego/UC San Diego School of Medicine, with a concentration in health psychology (the application of psychology to medical conditions, such as chronic pain). He remained at UCSD for his postdoctoral fellowship, where he helped train mental health organizations to implement evidence-based practices. He has worked in wide range of treatment settings, and his clinical training includes cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based approaches.
In addition to his work at Palo Alto Therapy, Jonathan works as an executive coach for the Center for Creative Leadership. In his free time, he trains at CrossFit, runs marathons, and volunteers with New Leaders Council of Silicon Valley.
Meet John Montopoli, LMFT and Cognitive Behavioral Therapist
John Montopoli has helped children and adults recover from a wide range of psychological and emotional difficulties since 1996. Focusing on cognitive behavioral therapy, John’s counseling skills have improved the quality of life for individuals suffering from anxiety problems, shyness, depression, and other difficulties. In addition to his Bachelor’s Degree (Fordham University) and Master’s Degree (University of San Francisco), John has completed a year of advanced training through the world-renowned Beck Institute for Cognitive Therapy and is a certified cognitive therapist. This specialized education along with his many years of experience form the basis for John’s counseling services at both Palo Alto Therapy and his San Francisco office.
Today, he continues to study the latest in cognitive behavioral therapy methods through the San Francisco Bay Area Center for Cognitive Therapy. He regularly attends workshops to study the latest research and further hone his clinical skills, all with goal of providing the best possible care for his clients.
Meet Bella Stitt, LMFT and Cognitive Behavioral Therapist
Bella combines her warm personality and strong clinical skills to help clients of all ages overcome problems and achieve stronger mental health. She has a special interest in working with children and teens, and her open, honest style creates a comfortable space for young people to deal with issues ranging from anxiety, depression, self-esteem, peer pressure, and academic stress, to teen relationships, family conflict, and behavioral problems. Bella received her Bachelor’s Degree from San Jose State University and Master’s Degree from John F. Kennedy University. Dedicated to staying on top of the latest evidenced-based therapy techniques, she continually pursues training that allows her to provide the highest level of care. Her training includes brief strategic therapy, trauma-focused CBT, drug and alcohol addiction, positive behavioral interventions strategies (PBIS) and functional behavioral analysis (FBA), as well as intensive cognitive behavioral therapy training with David Burns, M.D.
In addition to her work at Palo Alto Therapy, Bella provides therapeutic services through the respected EastField Ming Quong/Families First Organization (EMQFF) in San Jose. In her free time she likes to engage in fun family activities in the community with her two children.
What is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)?
Clinical social workers provide mental health services for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental, behavioral, and emotional disorders in individuals, families, and groups. Their goal is to enhance and maintain their patients’ physical, psychological, and social function.
Educational requirements
Clinical social workers must have a master’s or doctorate degree in social work, with an emphasis on clinical experience. They must undergo a supervised clinical field internship and have at least 2 years of postgraduate supervised clinical social work employment. Clinical social workers are approved providers in most insurance and managed care plans, and practice in the following settings:
- Private practice
- Medical facilities (e.g., hospitals)
- Mental health clinics
What is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT or MFT)?
Marriage and Family Therapists are mental health professionals trained in psychotherapy with a family systems influence, and licensed to diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders that affect individuals, couples, and families. The Federal government has designated marriage and family therapy as a core mental health profession along with psychiatry, psychology, social work and psychiatric nursing. The State of California support and regulate the profession by licensing MFTs.
Educational requirements
Marriage and Family Therapists have graduate training (either a masters or doctoral degree) in counseling psychology with an emphasis in marriage and family therapy. Prior to a rigorous exam process leading to licensure, LMFTs must complete at least 3,000 hours of post-graduate clinical experience under the supervision of a licensed mental health professional. LMFTs are employed in a variety of private and public settings including private practice, community mental health centers, and behavioral managed care organizations.
Do LMFTs only work with clients who are having problems in their marriages and families?
No. While LMFTs are qualified to do couples and family therapy, most LMFTs work with individual adults to not only enhance the quality of their relationships, but also decrease symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress.
How can a LMFT help me?
Like other mental health professionals such as social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists, LMFTs help clients by diagnosing and treating common emotional and behavioral difficulties that interfere with functioning at an optimal level. LMFTs use empirical-supported counseling techniques to help their clients achieve desired goals.
What is a Licensed Psychologist (PsyD or PhD)?
Licensed Psychologists provide psychotherapy services for clients dealing with a variety of mental health issues or disorders. They are also trained in performing psychological assessments for conditions that are difficult to diagnose and many are engaged in teaching and research. Psychologists work in a variety of settings, including, but not limited to: hospitals, clinics, private practice, academic institutions, Veterans Affairs HealthCare System, county clinics, corporations, etc.
Educational requirements
Psychologists are the only mental health professionals required to hold a doctorate degree. Obtaining a doctorate degree requires 4-6 years of coursework, the completion of a dissertation project, and a predoctoral internship. Licensed Clinical Psychologists cannot prescribe medication – a function limited to Psychiatrists and other medical doctors. Normally, after obtaining the degree, Psychologists must fulfill a certain number of supervised postdoctoral hours (usually taking 1 to 2 years), and passing the national and state board exams.
Contact us to schedule an appointment by calling 650-461-9026 or use the form in the sidebar on the left (we actively monitor these responses).
