About us.
Montclair Counseling Collective
Again, Welcome. At Montclair Counseling Collective, we offer a compassionate and inclusive space where you can pause, reflect, and begin to move forward in your life. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of which direction to take, know that you're not alone — and you don't have to figure it all out by yourself.
We understand that life can be complex, and seeking support takes courage. Sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is simply show up. We're here to meet you exactly where you are — with no judgment, no expectations, and with deep respect for your story.
Our practice is rooted in a belief that healing and growth happen through authentic connection, safety, and understanding. We are proud to support individuals from all walks of life and are especially committed to providing affirming care for people from historically marginalized and underrepresented communities, including those who identify as AAPI, LGBTQIA+, and beyond.
We recognize that your identity, culture, and lived experience shape how you move through the world — and we honor that. In our work together, we will collaborate to better understand where you are, what you’re carrying, and where you may want to go next.
At Montclair Counseling Collective, you are seen, supported, and valued — just as you are.
OUR FOUNDER
Meet Dr. Clemons.
Dr. Christina Clemons is a licensed psychologist in New York, New Jersey, and Florida, with over a decade of experience supporting individuals navigating trauma, anxiety, and depression. Her clinical background includes working with a diverse range of clients — from young children and college students to retired veterans — always with care that is thoughtful, inclusive, and grounded in connection.
My Approach
I draw from a psychodynamic and relational framework, emphasizing the impact of both past experiences and present-day relationships. I believe that while your past shapes who you are, you also have the strength and capacity to heal, grow, and write a new chapter.
At the heart of my work is the belief that the therapeutic relationship — one rooted in trust, safety, and respect — is essential for meaningful healing. I aim to create a space where you can reflect, explore, and express the parts of yourself that may not feel safe to share anywhere else.
A Winding Path to Psychology
My journey to becoming a psychologist wasn’t a straight line — and I see that as a strength. After high school, I attended culinary school with dreams of opening a restaurant. That path shifted when I enrolled at the Hotel School at Cornell University and later spent a summer living in Sydney while pursuing a career in hospitality.
As my interests evolved, I found my way into the world of psychology. I completed my BA in New York City, earned a master’s degree, and ultimately received my PhD in Counseling Psychology from Fordham University. Throughout my training, I worked in a range of clinical settings — including The Child Mind Institute, Bellevue Hospital, and Newark Beth Israel Medical Center — experiences that shaped my approach to therapy and deepened my appreciation for thoughtful, relational, culturally responsive care.
I completed my pre-doctoral internship at the New Jersey VA Healthcare System, where I worked extensively with veterans and strengthened my commitment to trauma-informed work.
Each step along the way helped shape the psychologist I am today.
Values & Who I Work With
I am deeply committed to providing affirming, culturally responsive care, especially for those from historically marginalized communities. I hold a particular passion for working with AAPI and LGBTQIA+ individuals. My practice is a safe space where all parts of your identity are welcomed and honored.
I bring warmth, curiosity, kindness — and yes, sometimes humor — into the therapy room, because connection is at the heart of healing.