Coastal Detox Honored as 2026 San Diego County BBB Torch Award Finalist

Philip Castagnola, SUDCC, is the Program Director for Coastal Detox of Southern California. He holds an Associate’s in Science and Certification in Alcohol and Other Drug Studies from San Diego City College.

Phil has over 15 years of continuous sobriety and is an active Sponsor in the San Diego Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) community. He struggled with substance abuse issues throughout his youth. He started using drugs at the age of 15, having been raised in an environment that normalized heavy drug and alcohol use. He spent a lot of time in and out of various rehab programs before being incarcerated in federal prison, which is where he finally completed an 18-month treatment program and used that time to work the 12 Steps.

After completing his sentence and serving his debt to society, he vowed to continue to give back to others who are going through similar hardships. Phil is passionated about sharing his experience with openness and honesty so that others may find hope for their future and find the strength to break free from the bondage of addiction.

In addition to a successful career as a certified counselor, Phil is also reconnecting with his passion for surfing. Phil surfed professionally in competitions for a few years in his early 20s and even owned his own surf shop (Select Surf Shop) before losing everything to his addiction. Now in his sobriety he is able to once again surf recreationally and in contests, showing that it’s never too late to reclaim your own narrative, overcome substance use disorder, and pursue the life you were always meant to have.

Kay Saffe, LPCC,  is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Clinical Director at Coastal Detox of Southern California. She holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of San Diego and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from New College of Florida. 

Kay grew up in Miami, Florida and is a first generation American with Argentinian roots. Throughout her youth, she struggled with drinking and substance abuse. Today, she has been in recovery for over 4 years and strives to prioritize her spiritual, mental, and physical health.

A lifelong athlete and ocean lover, she moved to San Diego to pursue her Master’s degree and progress her surfing. She has spent years working as a surf instructor and therapist, working with local non-profits that treat at risk individuals and families in both English and Spanish. She incorporates a mindful and holistic approach to therapy. She is passionate about positive psychology and helping others through their recovery journey.

Jeff Swem, SUDCC, is a Substance Use Disorder Certified Counselor and the Director of Operations at Coastal Detox of Southern California. He holds an Associate’s in Science and Certification in Alcohol and Other Drug Studies from San Diego City College.

Jeff has 6 years of continuous sobriety and is active in the San Diego Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) community. Jeff struggled with substance abuse from a young age and endured some harrowing, near-death experiences before “settling down” into a career as a professional beer brewer. It was during the COVID outbreak that he surrendered to his higher power and made the choice to get sober for good.

After completing an inpatient rehab program and IOP aftercare, Jeff quit the brewing industry and pivoted to become a Substance Use Disorder Certified Counselor so he could surround himself with a caring and supportive sober community and help others who struggle with addiction by leading through example and sharing his personal experience.

Born and raised in San Diego, Jeff is married to his wife of 25 years. They have a son and daughter together, and thanks to the 12 Steps and a successful career at Coastal Detox, Jeff is able to be fully present for them every day, be a positive role model, and show them how it is possible to thrive in recovery.