Meet Our Psychologists in Carlsbad, Encinitas, and Vista
Coastal Therapy Group is a team of doctoral-level psychologists offering individual therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, and psychological testing across three offices in Carlsbad, Encinitas, and Vista. Our work is grounded in psychodynamic psychotherapy — an evidence-based approach built on the belief that the therapeutic relationship is where real change happens. Every clinician on our team holds a doctorate in psychology — PsyD or PhD — which means more years of supervised training, deeper clinical expertise, and the ability to provide both therapy and testing under one roof.
We're not a directory of independent therapists who happen to share an address. We're a true group practice — one that was built on purpose around the belief that psychologists do their best work when they're supported by a close, collaborative team.
Every clinician holds a doctorate.
Psychologists complete more years of supervised clinical training than any other type of therapist before practicing independently. That depth of training includes psychological testing, research methods, and multiple evidence-based approaches — so the right method is matched to the right person, not the other way around.
We collaborate every week.
Each week, our team meets for clinical consultation — reviewing cases together, coordinating care across the practice, and bringing in expert consultants. That means your therapist is never figuring it out alone. The people treating you have a team behind them.
We invest in our culture.
Before clinical consultation begins each week, one of our psychologists leads a group meditation, followed by personal check-ins. We host art nights, dinners, and gatherings outside the office. We know each other's lives. Being a psychologist requires deep emotional engagement in other people's pain — being known and valued by colleagues helps us show up with greater presence for the people we serve.
How We Got Here
Coastal Therapy Group was founded in 2018 by Reid Kessler, PsyD, with Lindsey Robertson, PhD, joining as a full co-owner shortly after. We first met in 2011 while in graduate school together in Los Angeles. Having both benefited from being part of a caring, intellectually curious, growth-oriented community of peers, we wanted to build something similar for psychologists in North County San Diego.
Our vision has always been that clients receive the best psychological care when their clinicians are supported by a strong professional community. For us, that means growing together through guest lectures, case presentations, shared study, and weekly consultation. It also means cultivating real relationships — where transparency, compassion, feedback, and even playfulness are part of daily life.
As a practice that values training, we also house a postdoctoral fellowship rooted in the communitarian model of clinical training — a model that sees professional community as essential to clinical excellence, sustained growth, and joy in the work.
What started as two psychologists with a shared vision has grown into a team of more than a dozen doctoral-level clinicians across three North County locations. The spirit hasn't changed.
How to Choose Your Therapist
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.
Reid Kessler, PsyD
Co-owner & CEO
Teens + Adults + Couples | Specializes in: men's issues, depression, personal growth. Encinitas & Vista
Lindsey G. Robertson, PhD
Co-owner & Director of Professional Development
Adults + Couples Specializes in: grief, depression, LGBTQ+ issues, life transitions. Carlsbad & Vista
Chelsea Dudley, PsyD
Director of Psychological Testing
Teens + Adults Specializes in: trauma, ADHD & autism testing, personality assessment. Carlsbad & Vista
Lisette Montañez, PsyD
Director of Team Experience
Teens + Adults + Couples | Specializes in: relationships, identity, animal-assisted therapy. Carlsbad & Vista
Clare Edwards, PhD
Vista Site Director
All Ages + Couples Specializes in: maternal health, family dynamics, child & teen therapy. Vista
Jessica Kim, PsyD
Director of Couples Therapy
Adults + Couples Specializes in: relationship patterns, intimacy, purpose. Carlsbad
C. Julieta Aguilera Rice, PhD
All Ages + Couples + Families | Specializes in: family therapy, self-compassion, trilingual (English/Spanish/French)
Jean Jho, PsyD
Adults + Couples
Specializes in: self-awareness, anxiety, cultural identity. Carlsbad & Online
Sean Noe, PhD
Teens + Adults Specializes in: identity, relationships, meaning & purpose. Encinitas, Vista, & Carlsbad
Jenna Suway, PhD
Teens + Adults + Couples | Specializes in: resilience, self-acceptance, personal growth. Vista
Naomi Wu, PsyD
Teens + Adults Specializes in: belonging, cultural identity, healing from shame. Carlsbad
Bethany Ling, PsyD
Kids + Adults + Couples Specializes in: attachment, identity, reconnecting with self. Carlsbad & Vista
Julia Avila, PhD
Kids + Teens + Adults Specializes in: family therapy, boundaries, empathy-based parenting. Carlsbad
Gabriel Lowe, PhD
Adults + Couples Specializes in: existential concerns, meaning-making, self-understanding. Online only
Taryn Gammon, PhD
Adults + Couples Specializes in: self-compassion, grief, life transitions. Online only
NOT SURE WHICH THERAPIST IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
That's what our care coordinator is here for. Reach out for a free, no-pressure conversation — we'll learn about what you're looking for and match you with the psychologist who's the best fit for your needs, schedule, and goals.
Common Questions About Our Practice
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 — our psychologists consult with each other weekly to make sure you're getting the best possible care.
How is a group practice different from a solo therapist?
In a solo practice, your therapist works alone. At Coastal Therapy Group, our psychologists meet every week for clinical consultation — reviewing cases together, bringing in expert consultants, and coordinating care across the practice. This collaborative model means your therapist has the support of an entire team behind them, which leads to better outcomes.
Where are your offices located?
We have three offices in North County San Diego: Carlsbad (State Street in Carlsbad Village), Encinitas (Saxony Road), and Vista (Thibodo Road). We also offer online therapy to anyone located in California.
Do you accept insurance?
We are a private-pay practice. Sessions are not billed through insurance, but we provide superbills that you can submit to your insurance company for potential out-of-network reimbursement. Many of our clients are surprised by how much their plan covers. Visit our Cost + Info page for current rates.
How do I get started?
Reach out by phone or through our website to schedule a free 15-minute consultation. We'll learn about what's bringing you in, match you with a therapist, and get your first session on the calendar — typically within a week.
Do you offer online therapy?
Yes. We offer online therapy to anyone located in California. Many of our clients split between in-person and online sessions depending on their week. Our offices in Carlsbad, Encinitas, and Vista are available for in-person sessions.
Let's get started.
Get in-person therapy with a psychologist in Carlsbad, Encinitas, or Vista
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