ADHD therapists and psychiatrists in Maitland, FL

Carmen Arrufat Ives is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who brings both heart and expertise to her work. She’s passionate about trauma-informed, developmentally thoughtful care—blending psychotherapy, medication management, and holistic strategies to help patients heal, grow, and truly thrive.

She completed advanced clinical training with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, where she specialized in treating PTSD, military sexual trauma, and complex psychiatric conditions. Carmen is also a graduate of The REACH Institute’s Evidence-Based Treatment for Pediatric Primary Care program, giving her specialized expertise in working with children and adolescents navigating anxiety, ADHD, mood, and behavioral challenges.

With advanced training in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focused CBT, and EMDR, Carmen integrates neuroscience, preventive mental health, and whole-person care to support individuals and families across every stage of life.

Outside of work, Carmen enjoys spending quality time with her family, friends, and her beloved “furry family,” recharging through connection, laughter, and everyday moments that matter most.

I specialize in working with couples that want a stronger relationship, kids hurting from divorce, angry teens, frustrated parents and individuals looking to find purpose in life. Also, for those whose work schedules may interfere with their availability, I do offer evenings and weekend sessions.

My background in both education and counseling allows me to support clients with a blend of clinical insight, trauma‐informed care, and practical skill‐building. I currently serve as a facilitator with the Peace and Justice Institute and work as a contract therapist with Families First of Florida. I also have my own private practice named Here and Now Counseling Center. My clinical approach is grounded in compassion, cultural responsiveness, and evidence‐based practices tailored to each client’s needs.

I am a pilgrim in progress, a man of faith, a student of people, a mental health counselor, and an avid lover of stories. I am grateful to have a Bachelor of Science in Religion from Liberty University, and both a Master's of Divinity and a Master of Arts in Counseling from Reformed Theological Seminary. Professionally, I have worked with individuals and families from a variety of backgrounds including: grief, trauma, gender and sexuality, addiction, faith and spirituality, anxiety, depression, and behavioral disorders (ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, etc.). I have served clients across a variety of ages, children to adults both in clinical settings and also in community (professional Christian ministry) settings.

I am an ethically and ethnically driven psychotherapist in Florida. With a degree in Philosophy and Religion from Roberts Wesleyan College, NY and CACREP accredited Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Capella University. I have over 5000 hours of direct psychotherapy experience with clinical expertise spanning the spectrum of individual psychotherapy for mental health disorders to everyday life challenges through individual, couples, and family therapy.

If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, ADHD, and more, we are here to support you. Seeking help and opening up to someone new can be intimidating, but it's a brave step towards healing. I understand the importance of a supportive and personalized approach, which enables me to offer effective treatment plans tailored to your unique circumstances. I treat a variety of mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, among others. My extensive experience in a variety of mental health settings has equipped me to address both common and complex mental health needs with compassion and expertise.

~Meliorism- the belief that the world gets better; the belief that humans can improve the world. --This is not only the name of my practice, Meliorism Counseling LLC, but it's a core value I truly believe in. Using a focus on relationships, I work with individuals, couples, and families to obtain a sense of overall well-being and balance. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Qualified Supervisor in the State of Florida I have had the privilege to work in the dependency system, child advocacy setting, not-for-profit sector and private agencies. Services are available in office or through teletherapy.

My background is in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, where I earned my Master's from the University of Central Florida. I work with children, adolescents, and adults navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, relationship concerns, and difficulties with self-esteem and emotional regulation. My approach is warm, collaborative, and tailored to each person’s unique experiences.

I have learned through personal life experiences that finding the right counselor is crucial to the healing process. I provide individual and family counseling to adults, adolescents, and children.

I graduated in 2010 with a Masters of Science in Counseling and am currently dual licensed as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified School Counselor in the state of Florida.

I am a warm approachable therapist that recognizes how daily life can impact our mental health. I focus on how our past and present collide to at time cause disruptions and how to heal to live a brighter future.

I love to utilize EMDR, psychoeducation along with other methods to help resolve the distress.