Photo of Ari A Leal, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, MHCI, MPA, MA
Ari A Leal
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, MHCI, MPA, MA
or

Ari A Leal

Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, MHCI, MPA, MA

Verified by Psychology Today Verified by Psychology Today
6 Endorsed
425 South Orleans Avenue, Tampa, FL 33606
Let's Connect (813) 576-2385
Photo of Ari A Leal, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, MHCI, MPA, MA
You may not have words for it yet — just a quiet ache, a deep fatigue, or a sense that something is shifting beneath the surface. I work with adults navigating trauma, identity shifts, neurodivergence, and whole-person integration. Together, we explore what’s been silenced, dislocated, or aching to return. Rooted in trauma-informed, psychodynamic, and fully integrative care, our work is slow, honest, and depth-oriented. This is a space for inner clarity — not quick fixes. A soft return to what you’ve always known. If you’re longing for a space like this, I invite you to reach out. You don’t have to explain everything — just begin.
I offer integrative, trauma-informed therapy grounded in psychodynamic, IFS, CBT, MBCT, existential, and transpersonal approaches. For couples, I draw from EFT and the Gottman Method to support emotional safety, rebuild trust, and deepen connection. My work is intuitive, collaborative, and depth-oriented.
Whether you’re navigating anxiety, identity questions, spiritual shifts, or relationship pain—you don’t have to go it alone. In this space, your story is honored, your healing is not rushed, and your presence is enough. If you're seeking warmth, insight, and deeper connection with yourself, I’d be honored to walk that path with you.
Call or Ari A Leal now for a free 15 minute consultation - (813) 576-2385

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

South Tampa Therapy & Mediation

425 South Orleans Avenue

Tampa, FL 33606 map

(813) 576-2385

Saint Petersburg, FL 33712

My website
I offer sessions in person at our amazing Tampa location, or online via video conferencing. I'm available all weekdays. See our website.
$150 Per Session, I accept insurance 
I see individuals, couples and families  
Please watch my video to learn more about me and my practice.
Ari A Leal
Let's Connect (813) 576-2385
Photo of Ari A Leal, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, MHCI, MPA, MA

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

South Tampa Therapy & Mediation

425 South Orleans Avenue

Tampa, FL 33606 map

(813) 576-2385

Saint Petersburg, FL 33712

My website
I offer sessions in person at our amazing Tampa location, or online via video conferencing. I'm available all weekdays. See our website.
$150 Per Session, I accept insurance 
I see individuals, couples and families  
Please watch my video to learn more about me and my practice.
Ari A Leal

Finances

Fees

  • Individual Sessions $150
  • Couple Sessions $175
  • Sliding scale: apply if you may be eligible

Insurance

  • Refer to practice's website.
"
We work on a sliding scale for self pay and also take insurance.
Photo of Ari A Leal, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, MHCI, MPA, MA
Ari A Leal
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, MHCI, MPA, MA
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (813) 576-2385
"
We work on a sliding scale for self pay and also take insurance.
Photo of Ari A Leal, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, MHCI, MPA, MA
Ari A Leal
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, MHCI, MPA, MA
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (813) 576-2385

Qualifications

  • Verified by Psychology Today Prelicense by State of Florida / IMH28172 Supervised by Elizabeth Mahaney (Florida / MH10069) Arien A Leal Gattis
  • Education and Years In Practice

  • In Practice for 2 years
  • Attended Northwestern University, Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • Additional Credentials

  • Membership with Florida Mental Health Counselors Association 2024
  • Membership with American Mental Health Counselors Association 2024
"
I integrate empathy, authenticity, and unconditional positive regard. I specialize in anxiety, depression, relationships, and trauma, empowering adults, couples, and minorities. I provide a nurturing space for personal growth, emphasizing reflection and self-awareness.
Photo of Ari A Leal, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, MHCI, MPA, MA
Ari A Leal
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, MHCI, MPA, MA
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (813) 576-2385
"
I integrate empathy, authenticity, and unconditional positive regard. I specialize in anxiety, depression, relationships, and trauma, empowering adults, couples, and minorities. I provide a nurturing space for personal growth, emphasizing reflection and self-awareness.
Photo of Ari A Leal, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, MHCI, MPA, MA
Ari A Leal
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, MHCI, MPA, MA
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (813) 576-2385

Specialties and Expertise

Expertise

  • Acculturation
  • ADHD
  • Anger Management
  • Anxiety
  • Behavioral Issues
  • Coping Skills
  • Depression
  • Drug Abuse
  • Eating Disorders
  • Education and Learning Disabilities
  • Family Conflict
  • Geriatric and Seniors
  • Grief
  • Impulse Control Disorders
  • Intellectual Disability
  • LGBTQ+
  • Life Coaching
  • Marital and Premarital
  • Men's Issues
  • Mood Disorders
  • Sex Therapy
  • Spirituality
  • Stress
  • Trauma and PTSD
"
I help individuals and couples navigate anxiety, trauma, neurodivergence, identity, life transitions, and relationship challenges. Treatment is holistic and integrative, blending insight, mindfulness, somatic work, and practical tools to foster clarity, connection, and emotional resilience.
Photo of Ari A Leal, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, MHCI, MPA, MA
Ari A Leal
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, MHCI, MPA, MA
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (813) 576-2385
"
I help individuals and couples navigate anxiety, trauma, neurodivergence, identity, life transitions, and relationship challenges. Treatment is holistic and integrative, blending insight, mindfulness, somatic work, and practical tools to foster clarity, connection, and emotional resilience.
Photo of Ari A Leal, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, MHCI, MPA, MA
Ari A Leal
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, MHCI, MPA, MA
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (813) 576-2385

6 Endorsements

Elizabeth Mahaney, South Tampa Therapy & Mediation
Elizabeth Mahaney, South Tampa Therapy & Mediation
CounselorLMHCQ SuprvNCCMFTPhD
Ari is dedicated to assisting clients in overcoming trauma, relational issues, anxiety, depression, OCD, among many others. Whether you need relational or individual therapy, Ari can help you navigate everything from minor stresses to major challenges.
Hailey Oliver
Hailey Oliver
Pre-Licensed ProfessionalMSRMHCI
Ari is a dedicated and empathetic therapist known for his ability to create a safe and inclusive space for clients. His commitment to personalized care and commitment to growth makes him an exceptional asset to the counseling community!
Gia Bradley
Gia Bradley
Registered Mental Health Counselor InternRMHCIMA
I highly recommend Ari Leal for anyone seeking a compassionate, inclusive, and culturally competent care. With a deep understanding of diverse identities, Ari combines empathy with expert level evidence-based approaches - tailored to each individual.
Grayson McGraw
Grayson McGraw
Registered Mental Health Counselor InternMARMHCI
Ari brings a rare blend of deep empathy, sharp insight, and grounded presence to the therapy room. His style is intuitive yet structured, warm but never saccharine. His therapy is one with clarity and care, helping clients find truth and healing.
Amy Goffstein
Amy Goffstein
Pre-Licensed ProfessionalMARMHCI
Ari is an excellent therapist. He is naturally intuitive and uses this skill to identify his client's needs in order to provide the most beneficial goals for therapy. He is excellent at holding space for each individual in a way that makes them feel seen.
Virginia L. Keller
Virginia L. Keller
Marriage & Family Therapist InternMSRMFTI
I confidently refer clients to Ari and do so with full trust in his clinical skill and professionalism. Ari is the trifecta, bringing clinical warmth, real-world experience, and attunement to the therapeutic space. His clients are lucky to have him!

Client Focus

Age

Teen
Adults
Elders (65+)

Participants

Individuals
Couples
Family

Ethnicity

Hispanic and Latino

I also speak

Italian
Spanish

Age

Teen
Adults
Elders (65+)

Participants

Individuals
Couples
Family

Ethnicity

Hispanic and Latino

I also speak

Italian
Spanish

Treatment Approach

Types of Therapy

  • Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
  • Existential
  • Family / Marital
  • Gottman Method
  • Humanistic
  • Imago
  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)
  • Person-Centered
  • Pragmatic Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
  • Psychodynamic
  • Transpersonal
"
As individuals, we navigate our worlds through unique patterns of emotional and cognitive processing, and behavior. This underscores the fact that a single therapeutic approach cannot universally address everyone's needs. My practice is anchored in an innovative psychodynamic foundation that values and integrates methodologies like ACT, CBT, IFS, and MBCT.
Photo of Ari A Leal, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, MHCI, MPA, MA
Ari A Leal
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, MHCI, MPA, MA
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (813) 576-2385
"
As individuals, we navigate our worlds through unique patterns of emotional and cognitive processing, and behavior. This underscores the fact that a single therapeutic approach cannot universally address everyone's needs. My practice is anchored in an innovative psychodynamic foundation that values and integrates methodologies like ACT, CBT, IFS, and MBCT.
Photo of Ari A Leal, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, MHCI, MPA, MA
Ari A Leal
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, MHCI, MPA, MA
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (813) 576-2385

Location

Primary Location

South Tampa Therapy & Mediation

425 South Orleans Avenue

Tampa, FL 33606

(813) 576-2385

Additional Location

Saint Petersburg, FL 33712

(813) 576-2385
"
I offer sessions in person at our amazing Tampa location, or online via video conferencing. I'm available all weekdays. See our website.
Photo of Ari A Leal, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, MHCI, MPA, MA
Ari A Leal
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, MHCI, MPA, MA
Call for a free consultation now - (813) 576-2385
"
I offer sessions in person at our amazing Tampa location, or online via video conferencing. I'm available all weekdays. See our website.
Photo of Ari A Leal, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, MHCI, MPA, MA
Ari A Leal
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, MHCI, MPA, MA
Call for a free consultation now - (813) 576-2385