I’m Dr. Bauer-Manzella, and I am the founder of Coastal Psychological Group. I completed my first masters degree in mental health counseling, followed by a second masters degree and Ph.D. in clinical psychology.

When I first started my path in mental health, I spent a lot of time looking for my “niche.” Like many practitioners, I thought I needed to fit into a specific box to be effective. But after several years in private practice, I realized something deeper: Therapy isn’t just about specialization, it’s about connection.

My Journey:

Originally from New York, I fell in love with the city’s energy, diversity, and pace. But in 2016, I made a life-changing decision: I traded snowy winters for the Tampa Bay sunshine to complete my doctoral training, and I haven’t looked back. The transition from the fast-paced, high-pressure environment of NYC to the vibrant community here in Florida has deeply shaped the way I view life transitions. I know what it’s like to pack up, reinvent yourself, and settle into a new chapter.

My Approach:

My practice is built on a foundation of no pretense and no judgment. I don’t believe in rigid formulas. Instead, I see every client as a unique individual and therapy as a true partnership. My goal is to meet you exactly where you are.

I’ve spent the last several years refining a clinical approach that emphasizes the “human” side of psychology. When I’m not in session, I’m working on building a collaborative care model that brings psychiatry and psychology under one roof, ensuring my clients have the team they need to support their health.

I am here to listen, to validate, and to offer the compassion to help guide client’s to achieve their goals.