Chelsea Dudley, PsyD, Psychologist in Carlsbad & Vista
Licensed Psychologist · Director of Psychological Testing · she/her/hers
I’m a psychologist at Coastal Therapy Group, where I see clients at our Carlsbad and Vista offices and online throughout California. I work with adolescents and adults navigating trauma, grief, and the question of how to move forward when life feels stuck. I also lead our psychological testing program, conducting evaluations for ADHD, autism, personality, and diagnostic clarity.
Life is painful sometimes, and everyone has moments when they don’t know how to move forward. I believe we all do our best to navigate what comes at us, and sometimes in the process we feel directionless, knocked down, or pulled between competing paths. Something isn’t working, but you haven’t quite figured out what.
As a licensed psychologist in Carlsbad and Vista, I take a trauma-informed and culturally sensitive approach. My training at university counseling centers, a children’s hospital, and community mental health settings shaped how I think about people and deepened my interest in working with clients who are carrying the weight of trauma, grief, or painful early experiences. I also work closely with adolescents and young adults who are trying to figure out who they are and who they want to be.
Whether you need someone to sit with you while you share what hurts, or you’re ready to start building something different, I’m here for that. I offer free 15-minute phone consultations to help us figure out if we’re a good fit.
Trauma therapy for teens and adults
Trauma doesn’t just stay in the past. Research shows that difficult experiences in childhood—neglect, instability, abuse, loss—increase the risk of emotional and behavioral challenges well into adulthood. Whether the trauma was a single event or something that unfolded over years in the context of a relationship, it has a way of showing up in how you see yourself, how you relate to others, and how you cope under stress.
What happened to you can’t be erased, but you do get to choose how you move forward. Trauma therapy is about more than understanding what happened. It’s about learning what resilience actually means for you.
I work with teens and adults processing the effects of trauma in their lives. If you’ve been looking for a trauma therapist in Carlsbad, Vista, or North County San Diego, I’d welcome the chance to talk.
As Director of Psychological Testing at Coastal Therapy Group, I lead our psychological evaluation program from our dedicated testing suite at our Vista office. I conduct comprehensive assessments for adolescents and adults seeking clarity about what’s going on, whether that means understanding an ADHD diagnosis, exploring the possibility of autism, clarifying a personality pattern, or getting answers when previous treatment hasn’t quite worked.
Testing at CTG isn’t a checklist. Every evaluation includes a thorough clinical interview, standardized testing, and a detailed report with clear recommendations: not just a diagnosis, but a plan for what to do next. We also take an extra step that sets our process apart. For every testing case we complete, we bring in an outside expert to review the data and present the case to our full team of psychologists and postdoctoral fellows. That means your evaluation benefits from more than one set of eyes.
If you’re considering psychological testing for yourself or a family member, I’m happy to talk through what the process looks like and whether it’s the right next step.
Education and credentials
I’m a licensed clinical psychologist in California (PSY34546) with a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University. I completed my postdoctoral fellowship at Coastal Therapy Group and my pre-doctoral internship at Washington State University. My training across children’s hospitals, university counseling centers, and community mental health settings informs how I approach both therapy and testing.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PSY34546)
Post-doctoral Fellowship, Coastal Therapy Group
Pre-doctoral Internship, Washington State University (APA Accredited)
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (PsyD), Nova Southeastern University (APA Accredited)
Masters of Science in Clinical Psychology (MS), Nova Southeastern University
Bachelor of Science in Psychology (BS), California Polytechnic State University
Areas I work with
Across therapy and psychological testing at our Carlsbad and Vista offices, these are some of the areas I work with most often:
What kinds of psychological testing do you provide?
I conduct comprehensive evaluations for ADHD, autism, personality, academic functioning, and diagnostic clarification. Testing is available at our Vista office, which has a dedicated assessment suite. Each evaluation includes a clinical interview, standardized testing, and a detailed report with actionable recommendations.
Where is your office?
I see therapy clients at Coastal Therapy Group’s Carlsbad office (2564 State Street, Suite B) and Vista office (1800 Thibodo Road, Suite 110). Psychological testing takes place at our Vista office. I also offer online therapy for anyone in California.
How long does psychological testing take?
Most evaluations involve multiple sessions over the course of a few weeks, depending on what we’re assessing. After testing is complete, I prepare a detailed report and schedule a feedback session to walk you through the results and recommendations.
Do you work with teens?
Yes. I work with adolescents and young adults navigating trauma, grief, identity, and the transition to adulthood. I also conduct psychological evaluations for children ages 8 and up.
Do you take insurance?
Coastal Therapy Group is a private-pay practice. Many clients with PPO plans receive reimbursement for a significant portion of sessions and testing. We provide the documentation you need to submit to your insurance.
