Dr. Lauren Carbonell is a Florida Licensed Psychologist specializing in the psychological treatment of children, teens, young adults and their families. In addition, she specializes in maternal mental health services for mothers. Her compassionate style draws from a decade of clinical experience to help patients and families gain clarity around areas of concern. Dr. Carbonell believes that a strong therapeutic relationship, built on trust and connection, is the foundation for meaningful change. She weaves evidence-based approaches into the natural therapeutic process. These include a patient/child-centered focus using cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy, positive behavioral strategies, collaborative problem-solving, social thinking, mindfulness, and self-compassion interventions.
Her specialty encompasses treating mental health concerns, including emotional regulation challenges (or “our deep feeling kids”), anxiety (separation anxiety, generalized anxiety, panic, and perfectionism), and OCD-related difficulties. She also works with individuals navigating attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders, behavioral and social challenges, mood concerns, and life transitions. Dr. Carbonell encourages a united approach, involving parents and working alongside other providers involved in the patient’s care. In addition to therapy, Dr. Carbonell has specialized clinical experience conducting neurodevelopmental and psychoeducational evaluations (including developmental delays, suspicion of autism spectrum, attention deficit, and/or learning disorders).
Dr. Carbonell has a deep respect for the emotional complexity of parenthood, and is especially passionate about helping mothers feel more steady, seen, and supported during the messy, beautiful transition into motherhood. As a mother of two herself, she knows firsthand how important it is to intervene before the overwhelm gets too loud, and she’s made it her mission to offer warm, practical support through every stage of early motherhood. Whether navigating intrusive thoughts, postpartum identity shifts, or parenting guilt, she brings clinical expertise and lived experience together to support women. Dr. Carbonell is a certified Perinatal Mental Health Specialist (PMH-C) who completed advanced specialty training with Postpartum Support International (PSI).
Dr. Carbonell completed her dual masters and doctoral degree at Nova Southeastern University. During her graduate training, she provided individual and group therapy and evaluation services in a variety of settings, including the Mailman Center for Child Development, Henderson Behavioral Health and with our very own Pediatric Psychology Associates. She completed her APA Accredited doctoral internship training at The May Institute (specialized clinical school and rehabilitative center for individuals with developmental disabilities and brain injuries) and The National Autism Center (research and evaluation clinic of developmental disorders). Her post-doctorate residency was completed at Pediatric Psychology Associates where she continues to provide compassionate care. Dr. Carbonell previously directed and facilitated PPA’s Social Understanding and Relationship Fundamentals Groups (SURF) for four years. Dr. Carbonell served as the membership and continuing education chair for the Florida Psychological Association. She is a member of Postpartum Support International (PSI). She has presented in the community on a variety of topics. She provides supervision to doctoral and master-level students. Dr. Carbonell currently provides therapy and consultative services out of the South Miami location both in-office and virtually.
