Dr. Lita Carvalho , LMFT

Dr. Lita Carvalho brings 20 years of experience to her work with people navigating stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, trauma, and other life transitions. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist - LMFT (California license 113252) - and also has experience as a doctorate researcher in biophysics, combining clinical training with a methodical, evidence-informed perspective.

Based in San Diego, California, she has supported children, teens, adults, and older adults who face a range of concerns including anxiety, depression, complex post-traumatic stress, ADHD, obsessive-compulsive patterns, and Autism Spectrum Disorder level 1. Her practice addresses issues such as addictions, grief, intimacy difficulties, parenting and family dynamics, self-esteem struggles, and coping with significant change.

Dr. Carvalho draws on evidence-based practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Trauma-Focused CBT, and mindfulness-informed approaches to tailor care to each person's needs. Her client-centered style emphasizes collaboration - listening first, moving at a pace that fits the individual, and setting goals that reflect the client's priorities. She aims to offer a respectful, steady space for exploration and practical skill-building that supports personal growth and resilience.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify what matters most to them and develop actions that align with those values while learning to relate differently to difficult thoughts and feelings. It can be useful for chronic anxiety, stress, and life transitions.

Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on patterns in close relationships, exploring how early connections influence current bonds and emotional responses. This approach can support work around intimacy, relationship difficulties, abandonment issues, and family dynamics.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) examines the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and teaches practical skills to challenge unhelpful patterns. CBT is commonly used for anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive tendencies, and coping skills development.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Dr. Lita Carvalho works collaboratively with clients and with other licensed professionals as needed to identify which methods fit a person’s needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting the plan over time based on what proves most helpful.

Online therapy with Dr. Carvalho includes options such as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, offering flexibility for scheduling and accessibility for those balancing work, family, or mobility concerns. These formats allow consistent, ongoing work while accommodating different communication styles and practical constraints.