Coastal Detox of Southern California is where healing begins. As the premier medical detox and residential inpatient facility in San Diego, we offer more than just treatment—we offer a path to lasting recovery. Our low patient-to-staff ratio ensures deeply personalized, integrated care that treats the whole patient, addressing both substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders through dual-diagnosis care.
Led by clinicians who understand recovery firsthand, we blend evidence-based therapies with powerful holistic offerings—from trauma-informed care and family therapy to mindfulness techniques and equine therapy—to empower you to reclaim your life.
Our mission is to empower people to overcome addiction, heal co-occurring disorders, and achieve sustained, thriving recovery.
Coastal Detox is dedicated to guiding our patients through personalized medical detox and integrated treatment, empowering them to heal from addiction and co-occurring disorders, and equipping them with the tools and foundation necessary not just for sobriety, but to truly thrive and reclaim a life of possibility and personal growth.
Founded in October 2022, Coastal Detox of Southern California was built on a deep understanding of what true recovery requires. We’ve since helped hundreds of patients reclaim their lives. Our commitment shows in our rigorous medical care, holistic healing methods, and evidence-based therapies. We believe in the power of positive realism and healthy lifestyles, creating a positive impact that lasts for years.
The leaders at Coastal Detox are seasoned professionals and compassionate advocates dedicated to integrated care and personal recovery. From our CEO’s hands-on involvement to our clinical and medical experts, this team ensures every patient receives the highest standard of personalized treatment and support.
Coastal Detox maintains the highest standards of care, demonstrated by our commitment to stringent licensing and accreditation requirements. These credentials ensure we provide safe, ethical, and evidence-based treatment within a fully compliant facility.
Contact Us Today for a Free Confidential Assessment and Insurance Verification.
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Contact Us Today for a Free Confidential Assessment and Insurance Verification.
CEO / Admissions & Intake Coordinator
Nina grew up in San Diego and attended The School of Creative and Performing Arts where she was a triple threat ( Acting , Dancing & Singing ). Upon graduating high school at 16 Nina attended San Diego Mesa College for two years studying Abnormal Psychology and the Arts.
Nina worked for the city attorney’s office criminal division from the age of 16 and decided to focus on a career in Law. Nina was accepted to USD , but never attended. At the age of 21 Nina’s “other life “landed her on the wrong side of the law & prison where she spent most of her adult life. While incarcerated she decided to go back to school to become a Drug Counselor. Upon her release she was employed by a local detox and rehabilitation center, as well as opened several recovery residences locally. Nina thrives while helping others and believes her calling is to guide others to tap into their full potential.
Case Manager
Philip was born and raised in San Diego. He grew up with parents who were functioning alcoholics /addicts. This led to adopting a faulty belief system from a very early age that using drugs and alcohol was an acceptable way to live. The belief system made it normal for him to begin using substances at the age of 15.
Philip has been a surfer his entire life and competed professionally for a few years in his 20’s. He has primarily worked in the surf industry. He eventually opened his own surf shop (Select Surf Shop) in the early 2000’s. His addiction eventually got the better of him and after losing his business and his family in 2006 he spent the next 3 years in and out of rehabs trying to recover. His substance abuse issues eventually landed him in federal prison. He used his time wisely and started working the steps of alcoholics anonymous and completing an 18-month treatment program.
Philip was the primary caregiver for his mom who was permanently bedridden for the last 4 years. When covid hit he decided to pursue one of his goals and began going to school to become a substance abuse counselor.
After struggling with substance abuse issues for over 20 years philip now has 1 years of continuous sobriety and works a program of recovery givi4ng back to other addicts and alcoholics through sponsorship in the program of AA.
Philip studied AODS at San Diego City College and he is now completing his internship here at Coastal Detox of Southern California.
Philip’s main passion is sharing his experience, strength and hope with others who struggle with substance abuse issues. Helping others through their journey of getting and remaining free of their bondage of addiction.
Director of Operations
Jeff was born and raised in San Diego, and spent much of his youth living blocks from where our residential housing is located. He spent his teenage years skateboarding up and down the surrounding streets, and enjoying the Pacific Beach life in the 80’s/early 90’s.
Jeff got to know the darker side of addiction early in life, with three near-death experiences in a row happening within a year. He “settled down” into alcohol, and later in life became a professional brewer, but that too proved to be too cunning, baffling, and powerful a draw. During Covid, he felt no choice but to surrender, and made the decision to get sober. He attended a similar program to our own, and after completing the 30 days inpatient and attending IOP aftercare, he was able to forge a strong foundation of sobriety. He has not found a reason to pick up a drink since the day that he checked into that detox. After quitting the brewing gig (because of course, he had little choice there), he enrolled in the AODS program at City College with his sights on a new career of helping others. Having completed the requirements involved, he went on to earn his certification in California for Substance Use Disorder Certified Counselor.
Jeff is married to his wife of nearly 25 years with a 21 year old daughter and 18 year old son, and thanks to the 12 steps, surrounding himself with a caring and supportive sober community, and coming to terms with his alcoholism, is able to lead others struggling with addiction through example and personal experience.
Clinical Director
Kay Saffe grew up in Miami, Florida and is a first generation American with Argentinian roots. She struggled with drinking and substances, especially throughout her youth. Today, she has been in recovery for years and strives to prioritize her spiritual, mental, and physical health.
A lifelong athlete and ocean lover, she moved to San Diego to pursue a Master’s degree in counseling at the University of San Diego 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 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.
