Dr. Aaron Montgomery, Psy.D., ABSNP
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Montgomery is a clinical psychologist in Newport Beach whose work centers on long-term, psychotherapy with children, adolescents and adults. He believes meaningful change comes from being deeply understood, from making sense of one's history, relationships and inner life within a steady, thoughtful therapeutic relationship.
He has worked with children, adolescents and parents across a range of clinical settings. He is also a specialist in psychological, neuropsychological and psychoeducational assessment, and a Diplomate of the American Board of School Neuropsychology. When questions about attention, learning or development are part of the picture, careful evaluation brings clarity, and that understanding becomes part of the work.
His clinical foundation also includes training in evidence-based treatments, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). This gives him a broad, practical perspective that he integrates thoughtfully into depth-oriented care. His doctoral research examined the therapeutic alliance, the quality of the relationship between therapist and client, and its role in meaningful change.
Dr. Montgomery supervises doctoral-level clinicians in training. He has presented original research and has served as a Subject Matter Expert for the California Board of Behavioral Sciences, developing the LMFT Clinical Examination, and for the California Board of Psychology, developing the California Psychology Law and Ethics Examination (CPLEE).
Areas of Specialization
Psychodynamic psychotherapy — long-term, depth-oriented treatment for adolescents and adults
Child and family work — parent consultation, family therapy and support for children
Psychological and neuropsychological assessment — comprehensive evaluation of complex diagnostic, developmental and educational questions
ADHD — thorough assessment and thoughtful, individualized treatment
Education
Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), Clinical Psychology
American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University, Orange County, CA — APA-accredited program
Master of Arts (M.A.), Clinical Psychology
American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University, Orange County, CA
Master of Science (M.S.), Counseling Psychology
California Baptist University, Riverside, CA — Family Systems emphasis
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Psychology
La Sierra University, Riverside, CA
Advanced Training
Psychoanalytic Certificate Program (in progress)
Newport Psychoanalytic Institute, Tustin, CA
Two-Year Postdoctoral Specialization in Neuropsychology
Fielding Graduate University
Post-Graduate Certification in School Neuropsychology
School Neuropsychology Institute
Licensure & Board Certification
Licensed Psychologist, California Board of Psychology (PSY 28475)
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, California Board of Behavioral Sciences (LMFT 49608)
Diplomate in School Neuropsychology, American Board of School Neuropsychology
Clinical Certifications
ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP)
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Trainer of Trainers
Professional Affiliations
American Psychological Association (APA)
Society of Pediatric Psychology (APA Division 54)
National Academy of Neuropsychology (NAN)
American Academy of Pediatric Neuropsychology (AAPdN)
Research & Presentations
Doctoral Dissertation
Montgomery, A. R. (2014). Does a strong therapeutic alliance in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy predict attendance, reduction in parental distress and improvement in child behavioral outcomes? [Doctoral dissertation, American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University, Orange County].
Conference Workshop
Montgomery, A. R. (2015, September). Is the therapeutic alliance important in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy? [Workshop]. 15th Annual Conference on Parent-Child Interaction Therapy for Traumatized Children, University of California, Los Angeles.