Mental Health & Wellness Workshops

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stronger together for neurodiverse youth

A Series for the Adults Who Support Neurodiverse Youth

Free virtual sessions for parents, providers, and educators exploring neurodiversity-affirming tools, resources, and practices you can use at home and in the classroom. Each session builds the literacy, compassion, and connection that neurodiverse youth (ages 5–25) deserve.

RESERVE YOUR SPOT ›

      • LOCATION: ZOOM [link shared after registration]
      • QUESTIONS: groups@youthwell.org OR 805.770.1239
      • WORKSHOP RESOURCES FOLDER >
      • SUGGESTED OPTIONAL FEE: $5/person pay online >
      • SPANISH INTERPRETATION AVAILABLE

SUNDAY, JUNE 7 from 5:30–7:00pm

If you've tried the advice, the charts, the countdowns, and the consequences, and it still isn't working, you're not failing. You might just have a kid whose brain needs a different approach.

This session explores strategies that actually work for neurodiverse kids, not the mainstream playbook, but evidence-based alternatives grounded in how your child's brain works.

This session covers:

  • Recognize why conventional behavior strategies often fall short for neurodiverse kids
  • Apply neurodiversity-affirming approaches to challenging behavior at home
  • Understand the profiles behind behaviors, autism, ADHD, PDA, ODD, and related conditions
  • Respond with strategies that reduce conflict and build connection

This session is designed for parents and caregivers of neurodiverse youth ages 5–25.

Speaker: Ty Vernon — Director of the UCSB Koegel Autism Center, licensed clinical psychologist, and neurodiversity advocate. Father of four, including kids with ADHD and PDA profiles, and recently diagnosed with ADHD himself. He brings both the research and the lived experience.

 

parents & caregivers

Raising Humans - A Parent Series

These free 75-minute virtual evenings are designed for K–12 caregivers who want honest conversation, practical strategies, and the reminder that you're not doing this alone.

  • SPANISH INTERPRETATION AVAILABLE
  • Starting SEPT 2026 - dates announced soon
  • LOCATION: ZOOM [link shared after registration]
  • QUESTIONS: groups@youthwell.org OR 805.770.1239

host a training or workshop

YouthWell can customize a workshop or training for your audience whether it is youth, parents and caregivers, community members, or providers.

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youth mental health first aid

LEARN MORE ABOUT MHFA & QPR >>

Join the movement in Santa Barbara County to strengthen our community because we can all be more aware and informed. Hosted by FSA, and YouthWell.

Just as CPR helps you assist an individual having a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid helps you assist someone experiencing a mental health or substance use-related crisis.

  • Youth Mental Health First Aid [Y-MHFA]is a 6.5 hour comprehensive training designed to equip educators, family members, and caregivers (18 years or older) with the skills and knowledge to identify, understand, and respond to the signs or risk factors of youth mental illness and substance use disorders.
  • Teen Mental Health First Aid [tMHFA] teaches high school students about common mental health challenges and what they can do to support their own mental health and help a friend who is struggling. It’s equipping young people with the knowledge and skills they need to foster their own wellness and to support each other.

QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer — the 3 simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. QPR is a suicide prevention training for participants to be able to recognize the warning signs of suicide and question, persuade, and refer people at risk for suicide for help. QPR can be learned in as little as one hour and you will receive a certificate that is active for 2 years.

Let us know if you would like to coordinate a private class for 20 people to train in your organization, church, or group. The course is available in English and Spanish. If you are interested in finding out about additional classes for... QPR, Mental Health First Aid, Teen Mental Health First Aid or Youth Mental Health First Aid - contact mhtraining@youthwell.org

 

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Workshop Recordings

View all workshop RECORDINGS on our YouTube channel

View handouts and slides of past workshops

Free virtual wellness workshops provide a platform for students (10-25), parents, and those working with youth to learn tools and tips for managing their mental wellness and practicing self-care in order to build resilience so they are better equipped to cope with stress and challenging situations. Spanish interpretation provided.