Carolina Lima Leal

Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, AMFT, APCC

Carolina Lima Leal

Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, AMFT, APCC

Verified by Psychology Today Verified by Psychology Today

7 Endorsed

San Diego, CA 92108

(619) 389-3198

Let's Connect (619) 389-3198

English

| Português

Taking the first step in your mental health journey can feel both courageous and overwhelming, and I want you to know you’re not alone. As an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC) at the Center for Mental Health Excellence (CFMHE), I am here to walk alongside you with care, compassion, and curiosity. I approach each session with empathy, respect, and an unconditional belief in your ability to grow, heal and thrive. Whether you are navigating individual challenges, relationship stress, family dynamics, or a major life transition, I am here for you.

I especially love working with adolescents, couples, families, and women. My approach is collaborative and tailored to your unique needs. We will explore what matters most to you and move at a pace that feels safe and supportive. Therapy with me is not one-size-fits-all. It is shaped by your unique story, strengths, and goals.

Reaching out for support can feel intimidating, but it is also a powerful step toward healing and possibility. If you are ready to explore what is next for you, I would be honored to connect. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation through CFMHE’s secure telehealth platform, all from the comfort of your home. Let us take this next step together.

Call or Email Carolina Lima Leal now for a free 15 minute consultation - (619) 389-3198

My Practice at a Glance

Available online only

San Diego, CA 92108

(619) 389-3198

My website

I offer virtual counseling sessions, helping adults, teens, and couples improve communication, manage anxiety, and strengthen relationships.

I specialize in Marital and Premarital, Relationship Issues and Family Conflict

$150 Per Session, I accept insurance

I see individuals, couples and families

Meet your CFMHE therapist. Learn about our approach and how I can support your journey to mental wellness.

Let's Connect (619) 389-3198

My Practice at a Glance

Available online only

San Diego, CA 92108

(619) 389-3198

My website

I offer virtual counseling sessions, helping adults, teens, and couples improve communication, manage anxiety, and strengthen relationships.

I specialize in Marital and Premarital, Relationship Issues and Family Conflict

$150 Per Session, I accept insurance

I see individuals, couples and families

Meet your CFMHE therapist. Learn about our approach and how I can support your journey to mental wellness.

Finances

Fees

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

Payment Methods

American Express, Discover, Health Savings Account, Mastercard, Visa

Insurance

Aetna
Aetna EAP
Out of Network

I am in-network for Aetna, but I can also provide a superbill for my out-of-network clients. For out-of-network clients, I can offer sliding scale upon request.

Carolina Lima Leal

Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, AMFT, APCC

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (619) 389-3198

I am in-network for Aetna, but I can also provide a superbill for my out-of-network clients. For out-of-network clients, I can offer sliding scale upon request.

Carolina Lima Leal

Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, AMFT, APCC

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (619) 389-3198

Qualifications

Verified by Psychology Today Supervised by Veronica Viesca, LMFT (California / LMFT80308) Carolina Lima Leal

Education and Years In Practice

In Practice for 2 years

Attended Pepperdine University, MA, Graduated 2025

Additional Credentials

Degree/Diploma from Loyola Marymount University BA in Psychology / 2022

Center for Mental Health Excellence (CFMHE), a non-profit led by Dr. Veronica Viesca, LMFT, is dedicated to excellence in mental health care. Our therapists hold advanced degrees and receive ongoing education. We also conduct research, ensuring the highest quality of care.

Carolina Lima Leal

Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, AMFT, APCC

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (619) 389-3198

Carolina Lima Leal

Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, AMFT, APCC

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (619) 389-3198

Specialties and Expertise

Top Specialties

Marital and Premarital
Relationship Issues
Family Conflict

Expertise

ADHD
Adoption
Anxiety
Autism
Behavioral Issues
Bisexual
Caregivers
Codependency
Coping Skills
Depression
Infertility
Lesbian
LGBTQ+
Life Transitions
Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
Parenting
Peer Relationships
Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum
School Issues
Self Esteem
Stress
Women's Issues

I specialize in helping individuals, couples, and families navigate relationship and parenting issues, anxiety, depression and life transitions. I provide a safe space for healing, growth, and transformation through CFMHE's affordable, accessible telehealth services.

Carolina Lima Leal

Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, AMFT, APCC

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (619) 389-3198

Carolina Lima Leal

Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, AMFT, APCC

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (619) 389-3198

7 Endorsements

Nikki T. Isbell

Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT

Gabe Duncan

Pre-Licensed Professional

Carolina is a an incredibly warm and supportive therapist. She actively listens and makes every client feel comfortable and will come alongside you as you set goals and work through any difficulties.

Andrew Flynn

Marriage & Family Therapist Associate

Carolina brings empathy and creativity to every session, specializing in women's mental health, relationships, and family dynamics. She's dedicated to helping clients grow and thrive through life's transitions.

Nancy Gurvey

Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT

I highly recommend Carolina If you are seeking a therapist. She has an incredible ability to empathize with her clients, combined with a sharp intellect and passion to help people.

Noemi Acosta

Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT

Carolina's commitment to ongoing learning ensures they remain at the forefront of the field, continuously bringing fresh perspectives and evidence-based strategies to their practice.

Heather DePinho

Marriage & Family Therapist Associate

Carol's ability to create a safe and empathic space for clients is what makes her an effective therapist. She is warm and inviting and is committed to helping her clients grow.

Veronica Viesca

Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT

Carolina is a warm, dedicated therapist who brings both heart and skill to her work. She creates a safe, affirming space where clients feel truly seen and supported as they navigate growth, healing, and transformation.

Client Focus

Age

Preteen ,

Teen ,

Adults

Participants

Individuals ,

Couples ,

Family

Communities

Bisexual Allied ,

Gay Allied ,

Lesbian Allied ,

Non-Binary Allied ,

Queer Allied ,

Racial Justice Allied ,

Sex Worker Allied ,

Single Parent ,

Transgender Allied

Ethnicity

Hispanic and Latino

I also speak

Portuguese ,

Spanish

Age

Preteen ,

Teen ,

Adults

Participants

Individuals ,

Couples ,

Family

Communities

Bisexual Allied ,

Gay Allied ,

Lesbian Allied ,

Non-Binary Allied ,

Queer Allied ,

Racial Justice Allied ,

Sex Worker Allied ,

Single Parent ,

Transgender Allied

Ethnicity

Hispanic and Latino

I also speak

Portuguese ,

Spanish

Treatment Approach

Types of Therapy

Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
Attachment-based
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Culturally Sensitive
Emotionally Focused
Family / Marital
Family Systems
Feminist
Gottman Method
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Multicultural
Relational
Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)
Strength-Based
Structural Family Therapy

As an associate marriage and family therapist at Center for Mental Health Excellence (CFMHE), I offer a wide range of evidence-based therapies, including but not limited to CBT, DBT, EFT and Gottman Method, tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals, couples, and families. Our culturally sensitive approach ensures that all clients receive compassionate, inclusive care.

Carolina Lima Leal

Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, AMFT, APCC

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (619) 389-3198

Carolina Lima Leal

Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, AMFT, APCC

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (619) 389-3198

Groups

Transforming Your 20s

Hosted by

Carolina Lima Leal

8-week exploration for women in their 20s. Join a welcoming circle where young women support each other through life’s transitions. Share experiences, develop new skills, and build confidence in a space designed for authentic connection and personal growth. What You’ll Gain: Tools for setting healthy boundaries, Confidence in relationships and decision-making, Social media and self-image balance, Lasting connections with peers. Program Details: 8 weekly virtual sessions (90 minutes each). Small group setting (4-8 participants). Investment: $225 total, sliding scale available. Convenient and secure online format. Fill out our interest form: https://forms.gle/j8LtjKd5NvapTYom7

Expertise

Peer Relationships

Women's Issues

Age

Adults

Session Cost

$20-$30

Location

San Diego, CA 92108

Email Carolina Lima Leal about this group or call - (619) 389-3198

Location

Primary Location

San Diego, CA 92108

(619) 389-3198

Email me

My website

Nearby Areas

Cities

Counties

Zips

Neighborhoods

I offer virtual counseling sessions, helping adults, teens, and couples improve communication, manage anxiety, and strengthen relationships.

Carolina Lima Leal

Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, AMFT, APCC

Call for a free consultation now - (619) 389-3198

I offer virtual counseling sessions, helping adults, teens, and couples improve communication, manage anxiety, and strengthen relationships.

Carolina Lima Leal

Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, AMFT, APCC

Call for a free consultation now - (619) 389-3198

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