An easier way in
A friendly face at the door can take the edge off starting therapy, or off a session that is heading somewhere hard. Many clients say having Bernie nearby helps them settle in faster.
Carlsbad & Vista · with Dr. Montañez
Animal-Assisted Therapy with Bernie
Some sessions go easier with a friendly face in the room. Bernie, our therapy dog-in-training, offers a calming, low-key presence during sessions with Dr. Montañez at our Carlsbad and Vista offices, a complimentary and entirely optional addition to your therapy.
4.9 on Google · 90+ reviews · Doctoral-level, serving North County since 2018
Who
Dr. Montañez
Licensed psychologist, PsyD
Where
In person
Carlsbad & Vista
Meet Bernie
A gentle mix
Boston Terrier · Pug · therapy dog-in-training
Start with
A free call
15 minutes, no pressure
The basics
What is animal-assisted therapy?
Animal-assisted therapy simply means an animal joins a regular therapy session. At Coastal Therapy Group, that means Bernie, a Boston Terrier–Pug mix and our therapy dog-in-training, sitting in on sessions with Dr. Montañez at our Carlsbad and Vista offices. He does not lead or change the clinical work; he is there to add a bit of warmth and comfort to a process that is already yours.
It is a small thing, and we treat it that way. There is no separate program to enroll in and nothing to prepare. If you would like Bernie in the room, you simply ask.
Why some clients ask for him
How Bernie can help.
Every client is different, and Bernie is not the right fit for everyone. For the clients who do enjoy his company, it usually comes down to one of these.
A steadier body
A calm animal in the room can be genuinely grounding, especially in moments when talking alone feels like too much. Some clients simply do better processing with a quiet, nonjudgmental presence nearby.
A bit of warmth
Therapy can be heavy work. Bernie brings a little levity and comfort into the room, which for some clients makes it easier to stay present with difficult material.
A work in progress
Meet Bernie.
Bernie is completing his training to become a therapy dog at our Carlsbad and Vista offices, and honestly, he is still finding his footing. He greets everyone like an old friend, is working on settling onto his bed rather than bounding over the moment you walk in, and occasionally reaches for a chew bone when the excitement gets to be too much.
None of that is a problem. It is simply where he is in his training, and it is part of why his presence in session is offered as a complimentary extra rather than a polished, clinical service. Dr. Montañez stays present throughout to make sure the experience is a good one for you, whatever Bernie happens to be working on that day.
Good to know
What to expect.
- Bernie is still in training, so he stays leashed during sessions and his involvement is genuinely a work in progress, not a finished routine.
- His presence is entirely opt-in. Mention it when you book, or ask Dr. Montañez to bring him in (or leave him out) at any point, no explanation needed.
- If you have allergies, a fear of dogs, or simply prefer a Bernie-free session, that is completely fine. Individual therapy with Dr. Montañez does not require his presence.
- Bernie is a companion animal for in-session comfort, not a certified service or emotional support animal, and this page is not a substitute for a formal ADA accommodation.
Your clinician
Dr. Montañez & Bernie.
Animal-assisted therapy at Coastal Therapy Group is offered exclusively by Dr. Montañez, at our Carlsbad and Vista offices. Read her full approach below, then start with a free call and we will help you get set up.
Questions
Frequently asked questions.
01 What is animal-assisted therapy?
Animal-assisted therapy means an animal, in our case Bernie, takes part in a regular therapy session alongside your clinician. Bernie does not replace any part of the clinical work; he is a calming, friendly presence some clients find comforting while they do therapy with Dr. Montañez.
02 Is Bernie a certified therapy dog?
Not yet. Bernie is a Boston Terrier–Pug mix who is still completing his training, and his behavior in session can vary as a result. He is not a certified therapy animal, a service animal, or an emotional support animal, and his presence is offered as a complimentary, informal addition to sessions rather than a clinical intervention on its own.
03 Can I request Bernie for my session?
Yes. Let us know when you book, or simply ask Dr. Montañez at any point during your work together. Because he is still in training, we cannot guarantee how a given session will go, but we are always happy to try.
04 Does animal-assisted therapy cost extra?
No. Bernie’s presence is a complimentary addition to your regular individual therapy session with Dr. Montañez, billed at the standard session rate. See our Cost + Info page for current rates and insurance details.
05 Is animal-assisted therapy right for anxiety, trauma, or kids?
It can be a nice fit for clients working on anxiety, stress, or grounding, and some kids and teens warm up to Dr. Montañez faster with Bernie in the room. It is a personal preference rather than a specific treatment for any one condition, so the best way to know is to try a session and see how it feels.
06 What if I am allergic to dogs or afraid of them?
Then animal-assisted therapy simply is not for you, and that is completely fine. Dr. Montañez sees clients for individual therapy with or without Bernie in the room, and you are welcome to opt out at any time, no explanation needed.
Ready when you are
A little extra comfort, if you want it.
One free 15-minute call with Kari. She will answer your questions about working with Dr. Montañez, Bernie included, and get you booked with no pressure and no runaround.
4.9 on Google · 90+ reviews · Serving North County since 2018
Where we are
Animal-assisted therapy in Carlsbad & Vista.
- Carlsbad
2564 State Street, Suite B
Carlsbad, CA 92008 - Vista
1800 Thibodo Road, Suite 110
Vista, CA 92081
Bernie is not present at our Encinitas office or in online sessions. Dr. Montañez also sees clients without Bernie at either location, whichever you prefer.
Book a free consultation →