Therapists in Carlsbad, Encinitas, & Vista

Psychologists who go deeper

Doctoral-level therapy for individuals, couples, teens, and groups in Carlsbad, Encinitas, and Vista, because real change asks for depth, not shortcuts.

4.9/5 on Google · 90+ reviews

Two Coastal Therapy Group therapists in conversation
Rated
4.9 on Google
90+ reviews across three offices
Clinicians
Doctoral-level
Licensed psychologists, PsyD & PhD
Offices
Three + online
Carlsbad · Encinitas · Vista · telehealth across California
Serving
Since 2018
North County San Diego

Who we are

A group practice built for depth

Coastal Therapy Group is a psychologist-led group therapy practice founded in Encinitas in 2018. Every clinician on our team holds a doctorate in psychology, and we work in a relational, attachment-based way that looks at what is driving a problem, not just its symptoms.

From three offices in North County San Diego (Carlsbad, Encinitas, and Vista) and through secure telehealth across California, we provide individual therapy, couples therapy, teen therapy, and group therapy. We also offer psychological testing for ADHD, autism, and more at our Carlsbad and Vista offices.

What we offer

Our services

01

Individual therapy

One-on-one therapy with a doctoral-level psychologist, for adults, teens, and young adults working through anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship patterns, identity, or life transitions. We don't do surface-level check-ins. We help you understand what's driving the problem so the changes actually last.

Learn more →
02

Couples therapy

Relationships don't break overnight, and they don't heal with superficial fixes. Our psychologists help couples move past conflict, rebuild trust, and reconnect, whether you're trying to repair something that's been hurting for years or strengthen something that's already good.

Learn more →
03

Group therapy

90 minutes per session. A fraction of the cost of individual therapy. Led by doctoral-level psychologists. Our therapy groups give you something individual therapy can't: the irreplaceable experience of being accepted, challenged, and supported by peers who are walking the path right alongside you. Groups are forming now at our Vista and Carlsbad offices.

Learn more →
04

Psychological testing

When the path forward isn't clear, testing brings clarity. We offer comprehensive evaluations for ADHD, autism, learning differences, and personality, so you or your loved one can stop guessing and start getting the right support.

Learn more →

Our team

Meet a few of our psychologists

Not sure where to start? Our care coordinator can match you with the right psychologist based on your needs, schedule, and goals. Or scroll through our team below to learn about each clinician.

Chelsea Dudley, PsyD

Chelsea Dudley, PsyD

Director of Psychological Testing

Teens + Adults | Specializes in: trauma, ADHD & autism testing, personality assessment. Carlsbad & Vista

Read bio
Jean Jho, PsyD

Jean Jho, PsyD

Adults + Couples | Specializes in: self-awareness, anxiety, cultural identity. Carlsbad & Online

Read bio
Gabriel Lowe, PhD

Gabriel Lowe, PhD

Adults + Couples | Specializes in: existential concerns, meaning-making, self-understanding. Online only

Read bio
Naomi Wu, PsyD

Naomi Wu, PsyD

Teens + Adults | Specializes in: belonging, cultural identity, healing from shame. Carlsbad

Read bio

Meet our entire team of psychologists →

Why it matters

We're psychologists, and that matters.

Every therapist on our team holds a doctorate in psychology. That's not a technicality. It changes everything about how we work.

Doctoral training means more hours in the room before we ever practice independently. It means we're trained in psychological testing, research methods, and evidence-based approaches, not just one modality, but the range needed to match the right approach to the right person.

Built on purpose

We're a group practice, and that also matters.

We consult with each other as a team, not as isolated practitioners sharing an office. Every week we meet to learn together and from each other. We review cases and testing data, bring in expert consultants, and coordinate care across our practice. That kind of collaboration doesn't just make us better clinicians. It means our patients are never working with someone who's figuring it out alone.

We didn't start out this way. It's something we built on purpose. Learn more about our story.

Meet our Care Coordinator, Kari

Kari, the warm, smiling care coordinator at Coastal Therapy Group, seated in a chair.

Not sure who to pick?

One free call. The right therapist, not just an open slot.

Kari, our care coordinator, will learn what you're looking for, match you with a therapist, and schedule a free 15-minute consultation. Most new clients are in session within a week of that call.

Group therapy

Therapy groups forming now

90 minutes. A third of the cost of individual therapy. Led by doctoral-level clinicians. Our Vista clinic is becoming North County's home for group therapy.

Connected Parenting Group therapy in Carlsbad with Dr. Aguilera Rice

Parenting Therapy Group

For parents of children ages 4-8 years-old.

Learn more →
See all groups

Getting started

Ready to get started?

01

Free consultation

Call or email today. We will match you with a therapist and schedule a free 15-minute consultation call or a full session.

02

Sort the details

You will receive access to our online client portal, where you can complete paperwork before your first session.

03

First session

It's time to meet your therapist! Our therapists will help you discuss your concerns, hopes, and goals for therapy.

Book a free consultation

Common questions

Answers about therapy at CTG

What makes Coastal Therapy Group different from other therapy practices?

Three things. First, every clinician holds a doctorate in psychology, which is rare even among group practices. Second, we work in a relational, attachment-based way that looks at what is underneath the symptom, not just the symptom itself. Third, we are a true group practice: our psychologists meet weekly to consult on cases, review testing data, and coordinate care, so no one is treating you in isolation.

What kind of therapists are at Coastal Therapy Group?

Every clinician on our team holds a doctorate in psychology (PsyD or PhD). That means more years of supervised clinical training, research expertise, and the ability to provide both therapy and psychological testing under one roof. We're a true group practice, and our psychologists consult with each other to make sure you're getting the best possible care.

How much does therapy cost?

Coastal Therapy Group is a private-pay practice. Individual therapy sessions range from $230 to $300 depending on the psychologist. Sessions are not billed through insurance, but superbills are provided that can be submitted to your insurance company for potential out-of-network reimbursement. Many clients are surprised by how much their plan covers. Visit the Cost + Info page for current rates.

How do I get started?

Reach out by phone at (760) 334-6262 or through the website to schedule a free 15-minute consultation call. The team will match you with a therapist and get your first session on the calendar, typically within a week.

Where is Coastal Therapy Group located?

Coastal Therapy Group has three offices in North County San Diego: Carlsbad (2564 State Street, Suite B), Encinitas (169 Saxony Road, #211), and Vista (1800 Thibodo Road, #110). We also offer secure online therapy to clients anywhere in California.

Do you offer online therapy?

Yes. Coastal Therapy Group offers online therapy to anyone located in California. Many clients split between in-person and online sessions. In-person offices are located in Carlsbad, Encinitas, and Vista.

What's the difference between a psychologist and a therapist?

All psychologists are therapists, but not all therapists are psychologists. A psychologist holds a doctoral degree (PsyD or PhD) and completes significantly more supervised training hours before practicing independently. Psychologists are also trained in psychological testing and research methods. At Coastal Therapy Group, every clinician is a doctoral-level psychologist.

Do you offer group therapy?

Yes. Therapy groups meet weekly, run 90 minutes, and cost roughly a third of individual therapy. Groups are led by doctoral-level clinicians at the Vista and Carlsbad offices. Current groups include process groups for adults and teens, grief therapy, DBT skills, connected parenting, and more.

Do you offer psychological testing?

Yes. Coastal Therapy Group provides comprehensive psychological evaluations for ADHD, autism, learning differences, and personality. Testing is conducted by doctoral-level psychologists and includes a detailed report with clear recommendations.

Cost & insurance

Straight answers about cost

We are a private-pay practice. Individual therapy sessions are $230 to $300 per 45-minute session, depending on the psychologist. Superbills are provided, and many clients with PPO plans are reimbursed for a significant portion of their sessions. Daytime and evening appointments are available.

For current rates and a walkthrough of how out-of-network reimbursement works, visit our Cost + Info page.

From Undercurrent

Writing on what's underneath

Undercurrent is our journal on the patterns beneath everyday emotional life, written by our psychologists. A few to start with:

A therapy room at Coastal Therapy Group's Carlsbad office

Defense mechanisms, explained in plain language

Defense mechanisms are the mind's automatic ways of protecting itself from feelings that seem too dangerous to feel. Sean Noe, PhD explains splitting, projection, repression, and more in plain language.

Hallway leading to therapy rooms at Coastal Therapy Group's Carlsbad office with hardwood floors and framed artwork

DBT Skills Are For Everyone: Why This Therapy Isn’t Just for Crisis

When I tell people I run a DBT skills group, I usually get one of two reactions. Either a blank look (what's DBT?) or a careful, slightly alarmed pause, because the person has heard of DBT and associates it with something serious. A diagnosis. A hospitalization. Someone they knew in college who was going through a really hard time. Both…

Browse all essays in Undercurrent →

Specialties

A few areas of specialty

Our therapists in Carlsbad, Encinitas, and Vista specialize in many different areas. Learn more about a few here, or reach out today to match with a psychologist who can meet your specific needs.

let's get started

Book a free consultation
Book consult Call