Kali West LLC – Carlsbad

The Carlsbad property alone helped me breathe easier. Peaceful, private, and exactly what I needed to slow down and heal.

I walked in broken and walked out with tools I actually use every day. The all-female staff made it so much easier to open up. Forever grateful for this place.

My experience at Villa Kali Ma was truly transformative\. From the beautiful surroundings to the incredible staff and supportive environment, I felt genuinely cared for throughout my time there. What stood out most was… the holistic approach — it wasn’t just about one aspect of healing, but about reconnecting with yourself as a whole person. The space felt peaceful, nurturing, and safe, and I’m incredibly grateful for the people who supported me along the way. Villa Kali Ma will always hold a special place in my heart. I left with a deeper understanding of myself, new tools, and a renewed sense of hope. I’m so grateful for this experience and would recommend it to anyone looking for a compassionate, holistic environment for healing and transformation.

VKM goes above and beyond the industry standards in providing excellent care and treatment. Their program focuses on processing the trauma that is the root cause of the addiction. This is the only facility I will refer… to!

There aren't enough stars in the sky to leave on here for Villa Kali Ma. My life is forever changed because of the incredible women who took care of me while going through such incredible, tough realizations, truths,… and transformations. After spending my 26th birthday in their residential treatment center and receiving love poured into me by people I've only known for weeks(other clients and staff included!!), I then began to truly learn how to love myself. I have been sober 3 years now and VKM was the best thing that has ever happened to me. My heart isn't big enough to sustain all of the gratitude I have for Kay, Ashley, Gigi, Janice, Amber, Lizzie, Dana, etc. They've inspired me in ways I could not have comprehended the day I walked through the doors. Thank you, Kay, for finding a home for us women who just really needed a hug and as much love as we can take. You spent time with us, you taught us, provided resources, instructed our Yoga classes, cooked us incredibly delicious vegan meals, listened to us, and most importantly believed in us. I pray you are able to continue to show up for these women in such meaningful ways. Love always, Sabine!!!

Villa Kali Ma changed the entire trajectory of my life. I came in carrying both depression and a dependency on drugs and alcohol, and I honestly didn’t know if healing from both at once was even possible. This program… showed me it was. What sets this place apart is how deeply they treat the whole person, not just the addiction. The staff held space for my mental health with as much care and expertise as they did for my sobriety, and I never felt like one part of me was being treated while another was ignored. The holistic approach — therapy, reiki, EMDR, sacral cranial massage, yoga therapy and community, body-based healing — gave me tools I actually still use every day. I left Villa Kali Ma with my life back. I’m sober, I’m stable, and I finally understand how to care for myself in a way that lasts. If you’re a woman looking for a program that will truly see you and fight for you, I can’t recommend this place enough. It saved my life.

Villa Kali Ma was a truly transformative experience for me. The setting itself is beautiful, peaceful, and intentionally designed to support healing. Every staff member I encountered met me with kindness, compassion,… and genuine care. I felt that everyone was invested in creating a space where women could reconnect with themselves. My journey was not perfect, and I believe it's important to be honest about that. As an Indigenous woman, I often encounter stereotypes and misconceptions about Indigenous women. During my stay, I noticed artwork that reflected outdated and stereotypical representations of Native women. Rather than staying silent, I chose to address it with the staff and the owner. What happened next is one of the reasons I recommend Villa Kali Ma so highly. They listened without becoming defensive. They responded quickly, removed the artwork, sincerely apologized, and demonstrated a willingness to learn and grow. As an Indigenous woman, I cannot overstate how rare it is to have concerns received with humility and a genuine commitment to change. That experience of being seen, heard, and respected became an unexpected part of my own healing. Because of the way they responded, I feel confident recommending Villa Kali Ma to women from all cultural backgrounds. They showed me that they are committed not only to healing, but also to growth and accountability when they make mistakes. The therapeutic programming was exceptional. The holistic approach—including the art therapy, ceremonies, gardening, nourishing food, and other healing modalities—created an experience that supported healing on every level: mind, body, heart, and spirit. The art therapy, in particular, was deeply transformative for me, and the relationships I formed with the other women became an invaluable part of my healing journey. Villa Kali Ma is not perfect, but it is authentic. It is a place where people are sincerely committed to helping women heal and are willing to learn and evolve alongside the people they serve. My time there was life-changing, and I will carry many of the lessons, friendships, and experiences with me for the rest of my life.

Without a doubt, Villa Kali Ma is one of the best women's mental health and addiction programs in San Diego. The program holds true to delivering the quality of care they promise to provide and truly takes a holistic,… whole-person approach to healing. I would, without a doubt, recommend Villa Kali Ma to women seeking a safe and supportive treatment center for recovery.

I can’t fully put into words what Villa Kali Ma gave me, but I can honestly say it changed my life. I came here wanting deep healing, not just coping skills, and that’s exactly what I found. For the first time, I was… able to understand how much my childhood and trauma had been influencing the choices I was making without even realizing it. It was intense, fast paced, and incredibly effective because I was ready to do the work, and they gave me the tools and support to do it. The program is so thoughtfully designed, and every therapy is intentional. We experienced EMDR, IFS, yoga, craniosacral therapy, Reiki, sound healing, trauma release work, individual and group therapy, and so many other evidence-based approaches that helped me heal on every level. The staff met me with kindness, compassion, and genuine care, while also knowing when to gently push me to grow. The food was delicious. Healthy, organic, fresh, and made with high-quality ingredients. As someone who already ate a mostly plant based diet, I still noticed a huge difference in how I felt physically, and I even lost 12 pounds simply by nourishing my body well. They even cooked gluten free options for me. I left healthier emotionally, mentally, and physically than I have been… probably ever. If you’re willing to show up with an open heart and truly do the work, this place will change your life. I will always be grateful to every person at Villa Kali Ma for helping me become the person I knew was somewhere inside me all along.

Villa Kali Ma truly changed my life for the better. Their holistic approach to treating substance use and mental health not only healed my mind, but also nourished my soul. The vegan meals helped restore my physical… health, making me feel stronger and more energized. The women who work here are incredibly compassionate, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in each person’s healing journey. From the moment I arrived, the beautiful, comfortable home made me feel safe, supported, and truly at ease. In addition to individual and group therapy throughout the week, we participated in a variety of outdoor activities and experienced powerful holistic healing practices that supported our recovery on every level mind, body, and spirit. Villa Kali Ma gave me the tools, confidence, and inner strength to build a beautiful, peaceful, and sober life. I will always be grateful for the care, support, and hope I found there. It was truly a life-changing experience💕✨

I chose Villa Kali Ma in 2018 during the most difficult time of my life. Looking back now, I realize I was recovering from narcissistic abuse and parental alienation, which led to alcohol dependence. Seeking help at… Villa Kali Ma was one of the best decisions I've ever made. Villa Kali Ma is a beautiful, serene setting in San Diego, and Kay, the owner, is an inspiration in so many ways. Dr. Ashley Amundson is also someone who has blown me away by her remarkable journey. The staff was exceptional, the vegan meals were delicious, listening to Trevor Hall music throughout the day gave me life, and the thoughtfully designed daily schedule offered a balance of healing, movement, and self-care. Every detail made me feel supported and at peace. When I think about my time there, it feels more like I attended a wellness retreat than a treatment program. Even now, after several years of sobriety and rebuilding my life, I often wish I could return for a "vacation" and relive that magical time of calm and renewal. If you're struggling and looking for a beautiful, safe, and serene place to heal, I can't recommend Villa Kali Ma highly enough. It was a life-changing experience, and I'm forever grateful for the role it played in my recovery.

Villa Kali Ma is the place where women are invited to transform by meeting themselves fully. Not only by shedding heaviness but embracing their deep purpose and beauty through food, art, meditation, and a wide range of… therapy practices. The practitioners here are deeply devoted and the attendees create a supportive network of sisterhood. It is evident that this program is built on decades of love and dedication. Highly recommend . Thank you !

A True Sanctuary for Healing Villa Kali Ma gave me something I hadn’t found anywhere else — a truly whole approach to healing grief, trauma, and any unhealthy coping behaviors. The therapists are deeply skilled and… trauma-informed, meeting you exactly where you are without rushing the process. The somatic and bodywork sessions helped me release things talk therapy alone never could. I came in hopeless and left feeling genuinely connected and less alone in my pain. The environment is beautiful and intentional, which matters when you’re doing hard emotional work. If you’re navigating loss or trauma and ready to truly heal — not just cope — this is the place. I’m deeply grateful I found it.

VKM first saved my life, and then changed it forever. It introduced me to amazing therapists that I have continued with after leaving. It introduced me to a form of spirituality (not religious) that I never knew… existed… they really do attend to mind, body and spirit

Amazing!

The issues I had came in three parts mainly. First, if you know what a Firestick plant is, I suggest looking it up. They had firesticks planted over the entire house that I bumped into and had to get sent to the… Emergency Room. The owner Kay and Lizzie(below her) both dismissed everything that had happened. I remember when I was sent to the hospital, Lizzie was not answering the phone and my parents were desperately trying to get in touch with her. I had to stay in the hospital another night, and when I came back, Lizzie told me I was being "overdramatic". Mind you, prior to this incident, staff were aware of the firesticks being here but told them to "stay away" from them. Kay runs this place like a business, treating us like checkboxes in her grand money making scheme. I am one of the many victims of being thrown out at exactly 30 days at 12:00 A.M., with no exceptions, fallen at the hands of a business rushing to get more profit and customers in, even when insurance approved more days. this not only shows there was no emotion tied when it came to the owners of this business, just kicking us out as soon as conveniently possible for them--key word. THEM--. Also, you can clearly see there are Hindu gods and goddesses in the house, used as more of a decoration than worship and teaching. Her yoga instructers didn't know basic hindu rituals and looked at me like I was stupid when I tried to have discussions with them. She confuses my sacred religion of Hinduism with shamonic healing and palm readings. My culture is not a costume nor something that should be used be someone who doesn't know any background on Hindu goddesses or gods. Kay thinks that by just doing yoga, you become Hindu. My religion is much more than that, there are scriptures and needs to attend a temple. People don't even know what the name "Villa Kali Ma" means. It has the name of a goddess that is never discussed (kali ma is a sacred goddess who cut the head of raktabija the demon), along with many other gods that are planted in the house to make it look better. As an Indian, it was very easy to see that there was a lack of knowledge on my culture and religion that is flaunted like a trophy in this house. Kay barking orders at the staff does not align with the values her "hindu" program is supposed to stand for. The corporation SUCKS, but what--or rather who--doesn't is the staff. im talking about the staff who work with us in the houses, not the owners like lizzie and kay. Shoutout to Lisa, Megan the Megladon, Marky, and Katya who actually cared about us. PS. don't be fooled by the luxurious pools and scenery, it all comes with a cost(that is very expensive). emotional and physical, and financial. save your money and go to Hawaii with ur dog instead.

Unethical and Unprofessional — Serious Privacy Violations I rarely write reviews, but my experience at this mental health facility in January was so disturbing that I feel obligated to warn others. Before arriving,… communication was nearly impossible — no one returned calls or emails in a timely manner. Despite the red flags, I decided to go because the photos looked beautiful and the reviews seemed promising. I was desperate for help and paid $10,000 out of pocket, believing I was investing in a professional, therapeutic program. From the start, it was clear I’d made a mistake. The owner — who is apparently central to the program — was out of the country for my entire stay. My assigned therapist was incoherent and often nonsensical. When I confided in her about the financial stress, she actually gasped and said she’d never heard of anyone paying that much. Not exactly comforting or professional. It’s worth mentioning, there was no vegan chef as promised and the facilities like the pool and hot tub were broken As for the therapy itself — it was superficial at best: crystals, keychains, and empty group discussions. No trauma work, no depth, no meaningful connection or guidance. Every client I spoke with felt isolated and disappointed. The facility also failed to maintain basic health and safety standards. They allowed a client with RSV to participate in close-contact group sessions, including acupuncture, despite knowing I have asthma and had recently been sick. My concerns were brushed off repeatedly. After realizing how unhelpful and unsafe the environment was, I decided to leave early. When I informed Chloe, a staff member, she asked if I “even had the money to get home” Which i did but why would you feel comfortable taking every cent from me? and promised me a refund that I have still not received. Later, I discovered that other clients paid only a fraction of what I paid — despite having lesser insurance coverage — which made me feel blatantly exploited. The most disturbing part came after I left. Another client texted me to say that a staff member, Meghan, told her I left because I was “impulsive” and that $10,000 is only a lot if it’s all the money you have. That comment was not only disrespectful but also a serious violation of my medical privacy. The word “impulsive” came directly from a confidential session I had with the facility’s psychiatrist the day before. Sharing private clinical information with another client is unethical and potentially a HIPAA violation. And not to mention, after looking closer, it’s obvious that many of their positive reviews online appear to have been written by staff members themselves — which is deceptive and deeply unethical on its own. If you’re genuinely seeking mental health treatment, do not come here. This place hides behind polished marketing and fake reviews while exploiting vulnerable people. It was one of the most unprofessional and disheartening experiences of my life.

Villa Kali Ma truly changed my life. When I arrived, I had absolutely nothing left — I had hit rock bottom. Through the care, compassion, and dedication of every single staff member, I was able to begin healing and… rebuild my life. The team at Villa Kali Ma guided me through some of the hardest times I’ve ever faced with a level of attention and understanding that’s rare to find. The variety of therapies offered — EMDR, individual therapy, group sessions, art therapy, and holistic practices — helped me work through deep and complex trauma while reconnecting with my body and spirit. Daily yoga, a nourishing diet, and a beautiful, peaceful environment all contributed to my recovery. I also lived in the sober living house, which provided even more structure, safety, and support. One of the most incredible parts of this experience is the community of women I met. We continue to support each other through alumni meetings and ongoing connection long after treatment. The staff here genuinely care — they show up every single day ready to help, to advocate, and to stand by your side in your healing. Villa Kali Ma is truly a magical place. It changed me on every level, and I can honestly say I wouldn’t be where I am today — nine months sober and happier than I could have imagined — without this program. If you’re considering where to go for help, let your search end here. Villa Kali Ma is the place to be. — Ash Foreman

Villa Kali Ma changed my life in ways I couldn’t have imagined. With the constant support and love from the staff I truly feel I got my spark back. It’s a beautiful environment that cultivates nothing but positive… growth. I recommend this place for everyone who is looking to heal, learn and grow. I’m so grateful for the time I had there, it’s a truly magical place.

Had a full intake interview during the time I was at another treatment center thinking I could transfer to Villa Kali Ma and was able to share my story with the woman who interviewed about a lot of trauma that happened… to me at the hands of my mother figures and I shared with the woman I was angry with them but didn’t have h.i. (which is why I was let in to another treatment center due to having a clean record and am not a danger to anyone) The woman on the phone interviewing me seemed skeptical of my anger and was asking what I wished for my mother fifties if I wished for what they did to me to be done to them. Us traumatized people know that yes, somefimes that is a want but I never said I iuld act on my thoughts or was considering acting 8! them. I was being honest. Yet still am not a danger to anyone and have been serious about my healing. I was denied in coming to this program for no valid reason. It was. disappointment because I ended up going to another program. Perhaps it was a blessing in disguises but I honestly question their abilities due to misjudging someone.

such a beautiful container of healing and love :)

VKM is absolutely life changing. I can’t say enough good things about this place. I spend time at “the retreat” it was truly a sanctuary. The entire staff was the absolute best and filled my heart with so much love and… wisdom. What a sacred community this is. I would recommend this to anyone needing healing from a plethora of things. The food was exceptional, the property amazing, the daily schedule was perfectly laid out. I came back truly transformed.

Villa Kali Ma Saved my life I cannot say enough good things about this program. It goes way beyond addiction. This program gets to the root of your trauma, and why you are using substances to escape. This program… addresses all parts of you, your mind, your body, your spirit. I feel so blessed that I was able to find this program and I feel so much hope enjoy as a result.

Villa Kali Ma. Kay White. Helped me, when know one would. I was in a very dark place and loosing all hope. I remember Kay telling her staff “ NO! There is an amazing woman under there”!!!! I stayed the course, as hard… as it was. Kay, her staff, the clean, live healing foods, the vitamins! Villa Kali Ma was HEALING me on a cellular level. From the inside out! Villa Kali Ma gave me my life back! My children, my family and work! I’m truly free! I’ve been to other treatment centers. Some very well known ones and I’m here to tell you…NOT EVEN CLOSE!!!