Dr. Lita Carvalho, LMFT
LMFT focused on trauma, relationships, and recovery
- Client-centered care
- Evidence-based therapies
- 20 years experience
About Dr. Lita Carvalho
Dr. Lita Carvalho is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT 113252) based in California who brings two decades of clinical experience to her work. As a doctorate researcher in biophysics, she combines a scientific perspective with a compassionate, client-centered stance to tailor care to each person’s unique circumstances and goals.
She works with children, teens, adults, and older adults, supporting people who face anxiety, depression, complex post-traumatic stress disorder, ADHD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 1, as well as a range of other emotional and behavioral health concerns. Her practice also addresses relationship and family issues, grief, addictions, eating and sleep difficulties, parenting challenges, and intimacy-related matters.
Dr. Carvalho draws on evidence-based practices to guide treatment, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Twelve Step Facilitation, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Trauma-Informed Care. She emphasizes collaboration, creating a respectful space where clients are heard and where therapeutic pace is set according to individual readiness.
Throughout her career she has aimed to meet people where they are and to help them find practical, meaningful ways to move forward. Her approach is intentional and adaptive, focused on supporting personal growth and coping strategies that fit each person’s life.
She works with children, teens, adults, and older adults, supporting people who face anxiety, depression, complex post-traumatic stress disorder, ADHD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 1, as well as a range of other emotional and behavioral health concerns. Her practice also addresses relationship and family issues, grief, addictions, eating and sleep difficulties, parenting challenges, and intimacy-related matters.
Dr. Carvalho draws on evidence-based practices to guide treatment, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Twelve Step Facilitation, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Trauma-Informed Care. She emphasizes collaboration, creating a respectful space where clients are heard and where therapeutic pace is set according to individual readiness.
Throughout her career she has aimed to meet people where they are and to help them find practical, meaningful ways to move forward. Her approach is intentional and adaptive, focused on supporting personal growth and coping strategies that fit each person’s life.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
LGBTFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHearing impairedHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesImpulsivityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationTrichotillomaniaVisually impairedWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Attachment-Based Therapy Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Existential Therapy Gottman Method Imago Relationship Therapy Jungian Therapy Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Narrative Therapy Psychodynamic Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Somatic Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy Internal Family Systems
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Dr. Lita Carvalho have?
Dr. Lita Carvalho has 20 years of experience in the mental health field.
Is Dr. Lita Carvalho a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds the credential LMFT, which indicates a licensed marriage and family therapist. License details are CA LMFT 113252.
In which languages does Dr. Lita Carvalho provide therapy?
Dr. Carvalho provides therapy in English.
Where is Dr. Lita Carvalho located?
Dr. Carvalho is located in California.
How can I work with Dr. Lita Carvalho as my therapist?
You can work with Dr. Lita Carvalho through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Dr. Lita Carvalho work with international clients?
Dr. Lita Carvalho does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Dr. Lita Carvalho cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Evidence-Based Approaches and Online Care
Dr. Carvalho uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help people clarify their values and take actionable steps toward a more meaningful life. ACT combines mindfulness and behavioral strategies to address anxiety, depression, and patterns that interfere with daily functioning. Attachment-Based Therapy is also central to her work, focusing on relational patterns formed in early life and how they affect current relationships - this approach can be helpful for relationship issues, intimacy concerns, and attachment wounds.
She approaches treatment collaboratively, recognizing that finding the right method is part of the therapeutic process. The therapist works with each person to identify which approaches fit their goals, needs, and preferences, and adapts strategies over time to ensure the best fit.
Online therapy offers practical flexibility for people managing busy schedules or distance barriers. Sessions may take place by video call or phone, and additional support can come through live chat or text-based messaging. These options allow licensed professionals to provide ongoing care in ways that suit different lifestyles while maintaining a consistent therapeutic relationship.