Karmelyn Lee

About Karmelyn

My approach

I blend ABA and counseling to understand what’s behind a behavior or feeling, not just the behavior itself. We set clear goals together, practice real skills, and track progress so you can see change. Parents are part of every step, because lasting change happens at home, not just in session.

About me

I’m Kaye, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern (FL IMH29564) under licensed supervision, and founder of Optimal Behavioral Health Solutions in Carrollwood. I’ve spent years helping children and families build calmer homes, and I bring the same care and practical tools to every family I meet.

More background

I’m Kaye Lee, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), Licensed Behavior Analyst, and Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern (FL IMH29564) practicing under licensed supervision. I’m also the founder of Optimal Behavioral Health Solutions in Carrollwood, Tampa.

For years, I’ve worked with children, teens, and families facing behavior challenges, autism, anxiety, and the everyday stress that comes with them. I started in applied behavior analysis (ABA), where I learned how much behavior can tell us about what a child needs. Over time, I saw that many children and parents also needed space to talk through big feelings, worries, and hard seasons. That’s why I added counseling to my practice. Now I bring both together, so families get practical skills and emotional support in one place.

What working with me looks like We start by getting to know your child and your family: what’s going well, what’s hard, and what you’d like to see change. From there, we set clear goals together and build a plan that fits your home, your routines, and your values. Every plan uses evidence-based methods, and we track progress so you can see what’s working and adjust what isn’t.

In ABA therapy, that may mean teaching communication, daily living, and social skills, reducing meltdowns or aggression, and coaching parents to use the same strategies at home. In counseling, that may mean helping a child or teen understand and manage anxiety, anger, or low self-esteem, or helping parents handle stress and build calmer routines.

Parents are part of every step. You know your child best, and lasting change happens at home, not just in our sessions.

Who I work with I work with children, teens, and their parents. Many of the families I see have a child with autism, ADHD, or other developmental differences, but you don’t need a diagnosis to reach out. If something feels hard, that’s reason enough.

Background Beyond my clinical work, I hold a Master of Legal Studies in Education Law and Special Education Advocacy, and I serve on the Hillsborough County Superintendent’s Special Education Advisory Council. I’m also the author of Transition That Holds Up. This background helps me understand the systems families navigate outside our sessions, including the school system.

I offer sessions in English and Filipino, in person in Tampa or by telehealth for families in Florida.

Insurance and payment I’m in-network with most private insurance plans for ABA therapy, and I’m an approved provider for Step Up For Students (FES-UA). Self-pay rates are available. I’m not currently a Medicaid provider.

If you’re unsure where to start, reach out. We’ll talk about what’s going on and whether I’m the right fit for your family.

Specialties

Types of therapy

Who Karmelyn works with

Ages

Toddlers / Preschool (0-5), Children (6-10), Preteens (11-13), Teens (14-19), Adults, Elders (65+)

Communities

LGBTQ+, Latino / Hispanic, Asian American, Immigrant, Veterans, First Responders, Faith-Based, Christian, Neurodivergent, People with Disabilities, Body Positive, Single Parents

Languages

English, Tagalog

Education and training

M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis

M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Master's in Legal Studies, Education Law and Special Education Advocacy

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Clinical Psychology

Graduate Certificate in Secondary Special Education and Transition

Certifications

Certified Trauma Professional

Certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist

ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider

Certified Anxiety-Informed Professional (CAIP)

Theraplay Trained Therapist

Autplay Trained Therapist

Certified Mental Health & Aging Specialist

Triple P Primary Level 3 Accredited Provider