Kay Saffe, LPCC
Clinical Director, Coastal Detox of Southern California
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.
A lifelong athlete and ocean lover, Kay now has over 4 years in recovery. Originally from Miami, Florida, Kay struggled with drinking and substance abuse throughout her youth before moving to San Diego to get sober, pursue her education, and progress her surfing.
Outside of Coastal Detox, Kay also works as a surf instructor and volunteers with local San Diego non-profits to help treat at-risk individuals in both English and Spanish. She is a first-generation American with Argentinian heritage. Kay is passionate about using positive psychology to help others through their own recovery journey, incorporating a mindful and holistic approach to patient care.
Our clinical team specializes in treating both substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions through comprehensive dual diagnosis treatment that addresses the whole person—not just the addiction. Licensed therapists, addiction counselors, medical providers, nurses, and case managers work collaboratively to provide seamless, coordinated care throughout every stage of treatment. Through evidence-based therapies, trauma-informed practices, family involvement, and ongoing clinical collaboration, Kay and the entire Coastal Detox team empower patients to heal, develop lasting recovery skills, and confidently move toward a healthier future.
This unwavering commitment to personalized, high-quality care has made Coastal Detox a trusted destination for medical detox, residential addiction treatment, and dual diagnosis treatment in San Diego.
Medical Expertise & Featured Commentary
- Nerdbot: Anterior Cingulate Cortex Implants for Alcohol Addiction: A Promising Frontier in Treatment-Resistant Cases
- Exeter Daily: The War on Smoking in the UK: Are We Too Lenient on the New Villain?
- Psychreg: The Real Cycle of Addiction (We Don’t Like to Think About)
- USA Wire: Skid Row: A Century-Long Struggle with Homelessness, Addiction, and Hope in Downtown Los Angeles
- Nerdbot: Nanobots: From Sci-Fi & TV Screens to Real-Life Transformative Healthcare
- Mom Junction: 19 Clear Signs to Know When to Walk Away from a Relationship
- Tech Winks: 10 Inspirational Movie Quotes to Get You Through Tough Times
- Mom Junction: 40+ Sample Breakup Letters to Someone You Loved
- Nerdbot: The 6 Best and Most Realistic Movies About Addiction
Clinical Excellence at Coastal Detox
At Coastal Detox, clinical excellence is the foundation of everything we do. Under the leadership of Clinical Director Kay Saffe, LPCC, our experienced multidisciplinary team provides evidence-based addiction treatment designed to meet the unique needs of every patient. Whether someone is beginning medical detox in San Diego or transitioning into residential addiction treatment, our clinicians deliver compassionate, individualized care rooted in the latest research and best practices.
Every treatment plan is tailored to address the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of addiction, helping patients build a strong foundation for lifelong recovery in a safe, supportive environment.
Coastal Detox of Southern California is only a call away.
Contact Us Today for a Free Confidential Assessment and Insurance Verification.