Dr. Francine Montagnolo
Clinical Psychologist & Certified School Psychologist
Specializing in Diagnosis and Treatment of Children and Adolescents 
1515 West Chester Pike, C-2
West Chester, PA 19382
cell: 610.308.5936
​office: 610.692.2217

The quickest way to reach Dr. Montagnolo is to text.
Adult Therapy
Despite the stereotypical adolescent angst and their seeming need to disregard all things adult-related, teens, just like everyone else, want to be understood and really do want guidance. They are bombarded with  temptations and pressures and their heads are spinning with questions and doubts. While a teen's verbal skills have reached a more mature level then their younger counterparts, their thinking tends to take a detour through the emotional centers of the brain creating some of the emotional lows and highs so often attributed to their developmental phase.. Once they feel comfortable , however, they have a great deal to share about their lives and many questions to ask. I have the luxury of helping them define who they are and how to navigate and integrate societal and family standards while simultaneously feeling good about individuating. To add to the emotional convolutions of adolescence, they must do all of the above while staying firmly connected to their loved ones.   -Exhausting
Adolescent Therapy
Academic Assessment
Accomodations Assessment
Additional Services
Services
Below are brief descriptions of some of the services I provide.  For more in-depth information or for information on services that are currently unlisted please call: 610-692-2217 or text 610-308-5936      Texting is the quickest way to reach Dr. Montagnolo


Children long to be understood, but often they struggle to explain  what is happening.  They may not have the words, or feel embarrassed, any number of reasons. But if you watch and listen they definitely have their way of communicating.  Once I learn their language  they help me understand the worries and feelings that can get them stuck. Then we start working on how to manage the symptom and fix the worry, part of which is finding the right words. I use whatever is needed to facilitate communication. Sometimes we play, craft, build, read, and all the while  I am listening and watching and weaving in  metaphor ,questions  and storytelling to address their pain. . Treatment techniques range from simple play therapy, to CBT, DBT, role play. EMDR, bibliotherapy, (fancy word for books), relaxation therapies and even a good old hockey match with a wad of paper and rulers. (And no I do not let them win...well sometimes)


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Feeling good in today's world can be more of a challenge than expected. The pressure to succeed while juggling your child's needs, your own healthy relationships, a healthy income, and your own  needs has become part of the morass that can feel overwhelming. Everyone needs someone who can support them, help them untangle issues they can't quite get a hold of and guide them when their compass seems skewed. We all have moments when we need an objective good listener whom we trust with even our most painful secrets. 

Academic assessments are required when a child is struggling to perform in school or perhaps they succeed easily in one area, but perform poorly in another. There are many variables that  make up a child's ability to be successful in school. If your child is struggling,  an evaluation can help understand why there is a problem and how to address it. Many children with learning issues, tend to go unnoticed and are often labeled as lazy or unmotivated. While some individuals struggle to find things that motivate them  I have yet to meet a child who enjoys getting a test back with a poor grade. They want to succeed, they want to be proud and make you proud. If they are not, there is a reason and I will help you figure it out.

When accommodations are requested for a standardized test like the SAT, GRE MCATS, LSATS, BAR Exam, etc. I have had good success getting the needed accommodations.

  • Consultations
  • Family Therapy
  • Couples Therapy
  • Parental Guidance
  • Expert Witness
Assessments for:
  • Emotional Functioning
  • Developmental Delays/Disabilites
  • Giftedness
  • Learning Disabilities
  • IQ Testing
  • School Placement
  • School Entrance
  • ​ Accommodations on Standardized Tests
  • and More.....


Child Therapy
**Career Assessments**
Great for high school seniors, young adults struggling to find a career path or for anyone thinking about switching careers.