Tonya Carpenter, LCSW

Tonya Carpenter is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in Montana with seven years of clinical experience. She works with adults on stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, depression, relationship and family concerns, grief, parenting, and other life changes including blended family issues.

Tonya draws on earlier hospital-based counseling and six years in private practice. She also spent time as a behavior intervention specialist in middle and high schools and worked with adults with disabilities. Her Master of Social Work is from the University of Southern California with an emphasis in Military and Veterans Affairs, and she has experience supporting service members as a veteran herself.

Her style is direct and straightforward. She asks clear questions rather than making assumptions. Sessions focus on practical steps clients can try, and on what is already working in a person’s life.

Tonya uses client-centered and strengths-based ideas alongside specific methods such as acceptance and commitment techniques, cognitive behavioral exercises, and dialectical behavior strategies. She also has experience with trauma-focused approaches and addresses co-occurring issues like substance use and PTSD.

Clients can expect a clinician who names observations plainly and offers concrete strategies. She emphasizes coping skills, communication, and problem solving that fit into daily life. For people navigating stepfamily roles, co-parenting with an ex, or blending routines, Tonya addresses those concerns directly and practically.