About Healthy Minds Counseling Center
History of Healthy Minds Counseling Center
I am an Air Force Veteran, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and a Certified Family Trauma Professional. I specialize in trauma-related disorders, and I am a member of the International Association of Trauma Professionals. Prior to seeing clients in a private practice setting, I provided trauma-focused psychotherapy services for over 1,000 combat Veterans, military sexual trauma Veterans and their family members when I worked for the Department of Veteran's Affairs Vet Center program. During my time in the Air Force I deployed to the Middle East in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. I am a current member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. I continually strive to give back to my fellow veterans in a variety of ways. I have worked extensively with clients who suffer from, PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and chronic pain issues to achieve success in meeting their goals.
I became a therapist to serve my fellow Veterans in the VA Healthcare system. When I decided I wanted to be a therapist, I called my local VA Vet Center program and asked them what I needed to do to become a therapist for them. They said I needed to earn a Masters in Social Work. So I attended the University of Southern California and completed a Meters in Social Work with a concentration in Mental Health and a Sub-concentration in Military and Veterans Social Work. I practically pleaded and begged to get an internship at the VA’s Vet Center Program. After I graduated, I was hired onto the program. I worked in the Vet Center Program for several years, and then went on to work for the Northern California Department of Veterans Affairs as a Transition and Care Management Coordinator.
As soon as I became independently licensed, I began a part-time private practice. I had intended to work for the VA until I retired, but I did not realize how much I would enjoy working in private practice. In 2020, I left the VA and began working full time in my private practice, Healthy Minds Counseling Center. In my private practice, I have have helped many individuals overcome posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and anger, OCD, low self-esteem and more. I have worked extensively with clients who suffer from traumatic brain injury and chronic pain issues to achieve success in meeting their goals. My goal is to help my client’s achieve success in meeting their own therapeutic goals and achieve wellness and quality of life.
As a resident of Brentwood, I am passionate about making and impact in my community. I continue to serve in my community in various ways. I often provide pro bono services, and I offer a free self-esteem workshop for teens. I also speak at various organizations and educational institutions to build awareness of mental health issues and Veteran’s issues and reduce stigma. I serve on the Contra Costa County Mental Health Commission as the Commissioner for District 3, and I serve on the Commission’s Justice Committee. I also volunteer at the local Veteran’s Stand Downs. It is important that my business is not just limited to the day to day operations but that it benefits the larger community.
Kira Monterrey, LCSW, MPA, CFTP
Community Involvement
I am passionate about improving my local community. I on the Contra Costa County Mental Health Commission as a commisioner for District 3. In addition, I am on the Mental Health Commission Justice Committee. I have dedicated my time on numerous community projects and have consulted for and provided training for organizations such as the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, La Clinica, John Muir Community Health Fund, and numerous Veterans Service Organizations in the Bay Area. Recently I had the opportunity to provide disaster relief to the fire victims in Northern California who were displaced by the highly destructive and deadly Camp Fire.
For years I have provided support to various homeless veterans standdowns in the Bay Area to include East Bay Stand Down, North Bay Stand Down, and Stand Down on the Delta, providing clinical support for homeless Veterans and functioning as the Wellness Coordinator.
Bay Area Honoring Women Veterans Event
Professional Development & Consultation Experience
I am deeply committed to helping organizations improve functioning and helping professionals grow in their career through consultation, education and development.
I have consulted for various companies and organizations on mental health issues and Veteran and military-specific issues. I offer a wide-range of experience in speaking and conducting training seminars for professional development for companies, universities, non-profit organizations, and government organizations. I have provided trainings for local law enforcement agencies, educational institutions, and companies such as PG&E.
Veterans Voices TV