Our Therapists
Meet Ernest Schmidt, LCSW
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. 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 Sharon Fischer, LCSW
Coming to Palo Alto Therapy from Boston, MA, Sharon Fisher brings a wealth of diverse experience and training to help clients enjoy a higher quality of life. After receiving her BA in Psychology from Providence College, Sharon completed her Master’s at Boston College. Upon entering the professional world, Sharon counseled all manner of clients — children, adults, and families — while effectively helping them resolve and overcome a variety of emotional difficulties.
Sharon brings unique areas of expertise to Palo Alto Therapy, including play therapy, solution-focused therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy interventions. With advanced training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (effective for child/adolescent survivors of abuse and other trauma) and experience treating children on the Autism Spectrum, Sharon’s insight can guide families and individuals past even the most difficult of situations. During Sharon’s free time, she enjoys exploring the Bay Area with her husband, playing fetch with her puppy, reading, and yoga.
Meet John Montopoli, LMFT
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.
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.
Contact us or schedule an appointment by calling 650-461-9026, e-mailing, or clicking here for an online form.
