YouthWell

LiFT - Connect With Your Teen About Values and Making Decisions
2026-01-28 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-02-04 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
LiFT (Linking Families and Teens) is a FREE 6-hour program that unites adolescents (ages 13-19) and their parental figure* to share family values, strengthen family ties, and talk about the difficult things – healthy relationships and sexual health.

Connect with other parents and supportive adults within your community
Participants will receive supportive resources and meals!

*You may join the LiFT program with a teenager, grandchild, nephew, niece, or other important teen in your life*
LiFT program Overview Video
Interested? Sign up!
*Start date and times will be shared after sign up*
Programming provided in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura Counties in both ENGLISH and SPANISH

LiFT (Linking Families and Teens) es un programa GRATUITO de 6 horas que une a adolescentes (de 13 a 19 años) y a su figura paterna* para compartir valores familiares, reforzar los lazos familiares y hablar de las cosas difíciles – relaciones sanas y salud sexual.

Conéctate con otros padres y adultos de apoyo dentro de tu comunidad
¡Los participantes recibirán recursos de apoyo y comidas!

*Puedes unirte al programa LiFT con un adolescente, nieto, sobrino, sobrina u otro adolescente importante en tu vida*
La fecha y hora de inicio del programa se confirmarán en el momento de la inscripción
Vídeo general del programa LiFT
¿Interesado? ¡Inscríbase!
*La fecha y el horario de inicio se comunicarán tras la inscripción*
El programa se ofrece en los condados de San Luis Obispo, Santa Bárbara y Ventura, tanto en ESPAÑOL como en INGLÉS.

IN·clued!
2026-01-28 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-02-04 08:00 - 17:00
IN·clued is a fun and informative 3-hour workshop focused on sexual health created specifically for LGBTQ+ youth ages 14-19!

Participants will receive sexual health knowledge and skills to keep themselves safe, as well as tools to advocate for themselves when they see a doctor or visit a health center.
Participants will also receive supportive resources and meals!

WANT TO LEARN MORE?
Click here to watch an IN·clued program overview video
INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING?
Sign Up!
*Start date and times will be shared after sign up*
Programming provided in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and ventura Counties

IN·clued es un taller divertido e informativo de 3 horas centrado en la salud sexual creado específicamente para jóvenes LGBTQ+ de 14 a 19 años!

Los participantes recibirán conocimientos de salud sexual y habilidades para mantenerse a salvo, así como herramientas para abogar por sí mismos cuando ven a un médico o visitan un centro de salud.
Los participantes también recibirán recursos de apoyo y comidas!

¿QUIERES SABER MÁS?
Haz clic aquí para ver un vídeo general del programa IN-clued
¿LE INTERESA PARTICIPAR?
¡Inscríbete!
*La fecha y el horario de inicio se comunicarán tras la inscripción*
Programación ofrecida en los condados de San Luis Obispo, Santa Bárbara y Ventura

Haciendo las Preguntas Correctas
2026-01-28 09:30 - 11:30 | *VIRTUAL-ZOOM*, ONLINE, CA
¿Alguna vez siente que no está recibiendo la información que
busca cuando se comunica con el equipo escolar de su hijo?
Únase a Alpha FEC y aprenda estrategias efectivas cuando se
trata de hacer las preguntas correctas y comunicarse de
manera productiva
Para más información: Gema Herrera, gherrera@alphasb.org, 805-452-8789.
Únase a la reunión a través de Zoom:
Identificación de la junta: 811 2976 9245

Nature Group Therapy for Youth
2026-01-28 16:00 - 17:00, 2026-02-04 16:00 - 17:00 | nature therapy
An 8-week supportive after-school group, to de-stress, build resiliency, and deepen one’s relationship with peers and nature. A non-performance based group, for your child to get to grow their understanding of themselves, gain new perspectives, and appreciate the positive impact they have on all beings around them.
This seasonal group has one spot available for Winter 2026.

WHO: Youth ages 10-12, all genders
WHEN: WEDNESDAYS from 4:00-5:00pm [Jan 21-Mar 11]
WHERE: Location shared upon sign up
COST: $50/session, $400 total

Evolve Community Parent Support Group
2026-01-29 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-02-05 10:00 - 11:00 | *VIRTUAL-ZOOM*, ONLINE, CA
About Evolve Treatment: Evolve offers the highest caliber of evidence-based treatment for teens, 12 to 17 years old, who struggle with mental health, substance abuse, and/or behavioral issues. Evolve offers a full continuum of care, including Intensive Outpatient (IOP), Partial Hospitalization (PHP), and Residential Treatment Centers (RTC).
HOW TO ATTEND: If you’re interested in joining, please fill out the registration form. After reviewing your registration we will email you with the consent form via DocuSign. Once this is signed we will grant you access through Zoom.
If you have any questions or would like more information about Evolve’s programs, please contact us at 1-(855)-890-2493.

Alateen/Alanon Support Group- Santa Barbara High School
2026-01-29 10:23, 2026-02-05 10:23 | Santa Barbara High School, 700 E Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara, CA, 93103, United States
For teens affected by someone’s drinking or addiction. 3 available dates and locations: Sundays at Friendship Center, Thursdays at SB High School, and Fridays at DP High School. Alateen is for young people from 12 through 18. Alateen, part of the Al-Anon Family Groups, is a fellowship of young people whose lives have been affected by alcoholism in a family member or friend. We help one another by sharing our experience, strength, and hope. ALATEEN CHAT… Chat live with other teens in any of the scheduled meetings! Young people aged 13 to 18 who have been affected by someone else’s drinking are invited to share experience, strength, and hope with other teens.
WHEN: Thursdays, 10:23am
WHERE: Santa Barbara High School, 700 E Anapamu St, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
QUESTIONS: Contact Nancy Palmer at 972.898.8133 or scws.org/alateen

FamilyTools+ [hybrid] - Parent Support Group
2026-01-29 12:00 - 13:30, 2026-02-05 12:00 - 13:30 | Wake Center, SBCC, 300 N. Turnpike, Santa Barbara, CA, 93111, United States
For parents/caregivers of youth, ages 5-18, with ADHD, dyslexia, autism, Tourette’s, and uniquely-wired brains…
[weekly drop-in] Address the day to day challenges of parenting, ideas for strengthening family connections, and how to prioritize your own self-care and wellness while learning tips from other parents. *Focus on specific needs of parents raising neurodivergent youth: emotional regulation, time management, building relationships with teachers/schools.
Wake Center, room 15.
Visit our Support Group page for any updates, and please register in advance.
We will follow up and provide you with the information needed to participate.
WHEN: THURSDAYS, 12:00-1:30pm
WHERE: Hybrid – Zoom OR in-person at SBCC Wake Center, 300 N Turnpike
COST: FREE
FACILITATOR: Kara Rocque

Nature Group Therapy for Girls - 8 wk program
2026-01-29 15:30 - 16:30, 2026-02-05 15:30 - 16:30 | nature therapy
The female nervous system is primed for connection. This group allows girls to explore their strength and power for camaraderie and support, both with each other and with the earth. This after school group provides a space to process, de-compress, explore, and connect with what ever is coming up for each group member. In addition, getting to honor the unique needs of each season and what we can learn from mother earth’s cyclical nature.
Participants will also learn about our need for oxytocin, the hormone that helps regulates estrogen and our menstrual cycles. Female bodies make up 75%-80% of humans with autoimmune diseases, and there has been recent research that shows it is link to a lack of support in our hormonal production. We will explore this concept in an age appropriate manner, that will empower your child for puberty. Your child will get the opportunity to lead, speak-up, disagree, and learn important self-advocacy skills as they help shape the group and our experience together. This will allow them to practice expressing their emotions in a full and healthy way, allowing them to live an empowered life that doesn’t result in making themselves small.
I have 2 spots available in this group. Nature location shared upon sign-up.
Please feel free to reach out with any questions, I look forward to connecting!

WHO: Girls ages 9-12
WHEN: Weekly from January-March 2026 [exact day/time TBD]
WHERE: Location shared upon signup
COST: $50 per session, $400 total – Sliding Scale Available
CONTACT: Jenny Ziesenhenne, <therapywithjennyz@gmail.com>, 805.696.2266

Clear Is Kind - Youth Linkages Network In-Person Retreat, Lompoc
2026-01-30 09:00 - 15:00 | Dick DeWees Center, 1120 W Ocean Ave, Lompoc, 93436, United States
In mental health work, clarity is a form of kindness. This session introduces the Clear Is Kind framework – a practical, compassionate approach to communication that helps working professionals protect their capacity, set healthy boundaries, and build trust in their work with clients, colleagues, and systems.

WHEN: FRIDAY, JANUARY 30th from 9:00-3:00pm
WHERE: Dick DeWees Community Center, 1120 W Ocean Ave, Lompoc, CA 93436
REGISTRATION: REQUIRED > by Jan 22nd
COST: $20 (includes lunch, materials, speakers — pay using reg form)
QUESTIONS: <programs@youthwell.org> OR 805.770.1239
HOST: YouthWell, SBC Behavioral Wellness, SBC Education Office

This one-day, in-person Youth Linkages Network Retreat will explore tools for navigating tough conversations, listening in ways that build trust, and using productivity strategies that help busy teams stay focused on what matters.

Alateen/Alanon Support Group - Dos Pueblos High School
2026-01-30 10:00, 2026-02-06 10:00 | Dos Pueblos High School, 7266 Alameda Avenue, Goleta, CA, 93117
For teens affected by someone’s drinking or addiction. 3 available dates and locations: Sundays at Friendship Center, Thursdays at SB High School, and Fridays at DP High School. Alateen is for young people from 12 through 18. Alateen, part of the Al-Anon Family Groups, is a fellowship of young people whose lives have been affected by alcoholism in a family member or friend. We help one another by sharing our experience, strength, and hope. ALATEEN CHAT… Chat live with other teens in any of the scheduled meetings! Young people aged 13 to 18 who have been affected by someone else’s drinking are invited to share experience, strength, and hope with other teens.
WHEN: Fridays, 10:00am
WHERE: Dos Pueblos High School, 7226 Alameda Ave, Goleta, CA 93117
QUESTIONS: Contact Nancy Palmer at 972.898.8133 or scws.org/alateen

IN-PERSON Know Your Rights Trainings (Santa Maria, Lompoc, Carp) - 805 UndocuFund
2026-01-30 18:00 - 20:30, 2026-01-31 16:00 - 18:30
Rapid Response and Know Your Rights trainings are taking place across the Central Coast to equip our communities with the knowledge and tools to respond to ICE. Anyone can play a role in defending their community. Find a training date and location near you – exact locations will be provided after registration. Please RSVP as soon as possible.
Santa Maria:

WHEN: Friday, January 23 from 4:00pm-7:30pm
REGISTER HERE >

Lompoc:

WHEN: Friday, January 30 from 6:00pm-8:30pm
REGISTER HERE >

Carpinteria:

WHEN: Saturday, January 31 at 4:00pm
REGISTER HERE >

For more information, email info@805undocufund.org or call (805) 200-8471. Future training dates can be found at 805undocufund.org/trainings.

TBRI Caregiver Package Training
2026-01-30 18:00 - 21:00 | Virtual, CA, United States
Join Pathway Family Services for Truth Relational Intervention Caregiver package training. TBRI is a powerful evidence based trauma intervention. This comprehensive training will go in depth to the three principles of TBRI: empowering, connecting, and correcting.
Gain valuable insight into brain development, proven techniques for healing children of trauma while exploring and addressing our own attachment styles.

Join us for 8 weekly online sessions
April 25th – June 13th, 2025
Register here! [Exact days and times can be selected after registration!]

Call 877-550-KIDS with any questions!

AHA! Littlest Little Farm | Junior High
2026-01-31 10:00 - 12:30 | Montecito Union School, 385 San Ysidro Rd, Santa Barbara, 93108, United States
LLF participants learn and practice regenerative agriculture skills. They work hard and have fun as part of a team, getting hands in the soil and communicating with plants, animals (goats, chickens, and a tortoise!), insects, and each other.
The LLF is offered in 4-5 week cycles. The following cycle dates are for Junior High School Students.

Cycle 1: FEB 22, MAR 1, 8, 15, 22
Cycle 2: MAY 10, 17, 24, 31

WHEN: Saturday
WHERE: Montecito Union School – 385 San Ysidro Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93108
TIME: 10:00AM – 12:30PM
INTERESTED?
Step 1: Apply at tinyurl.com/AHAspring2025
Step 2: Attend Enrollment Meeting
WHEN: January 7th or 21st
TIME: 5:30 – 6:30PM
WHERE: AHA! office – 923 Olive St., Suite 5, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101
Please contact Sarah to RSVP

Step 3: Attend mandatory orientation
WHEN: February 1st
TIME: 10:00AM – 12PM
WHERE: Parish Hall – 1535 Santa Barbara St, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101
QUESTIONS?
Sarah Block | LLF Enrollment Coordinator | 805-455-3456 sarah@ahasb.org

Alateen/Alanon Support Group - Friendship Center
2026-02-01 13:00 | Friendshipe Center, 89 Eucalyptus Lane, Santa Barbara, 93108, United States
For teens affected by someone’s drinking or addiction. 3 available dates and locations: Sundays at Friendship Center, Thursdays at SB High School, and Fridays at DP High School. Alateen is for young people from 12 through 18. Alateen, part of the Al-Anon Family Groups, is a fellowship of young people whose lives have been affected by alcoholism in a family member or friend. We help one another by sharing our experience, strength, and hope. ALATEEN CHAT… Chat live with other teens in any of the scheduled meetings! Young people aged 13 to 18 who have been affected by someone else’s drinking are invited to share experience, strength, and hope with other teens.
WHEN: Sundays, 1:00pm
WHERE: Friendship Center – 89 Eucalyptus Lane, Santa Barbara, CA 93108
QUESTIONS: Contact Nancy Palmer at 972.898.8133 or scws.org/alateen

Free Youth Mental Health First Aid Training
2026-02-01 13:00 - 18:30 | *VIRTUAL-ZOOM*, ONLINE, CA
Join our FREE Youth Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training and gain the skills to recognize early signs of mental health or substance use challenges in youth. This nationally recognized certification course teaches you how to respond with confidence, connect young people to the right support, and become a trusted adult in your community.
Training Details

📅 Saturday, February 1 | 1:00pm–6:30pm

🖥️ Blended format: 2-hour self-paced + 5.5-hour Zoom

📝 Registration closes January 18

Why This Training Matters
One in five youth experience a mental health challenge each year. Parents, educators, first responders, and other caring adults play a crucial role in recognizing the warning signs and providing support before a crisis arises.
Research shows the #1 protective factor in youth mental health is having at least one trusted adult. This training equips you to be that adult — someone who knows what to say, how to listen, and where to connect young people for help.
YouthWell provides both Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) and QPR Suicide Prevention trainings in Santa Barbara County. Both programs are free to the community, thanks to local partnerships and funding, and both offer practical strategies, as well as certification upon completion.
What You’ll Learn in Youth MHFA

How to identify risk factors and warning signs of mental health and substance use challenges

How to approach and support a young person who may be struggling

How to connect them with appropriate professional and community resources

Action steps you can take to reduce stigma and promote mental wellness

Certification valid for 3 years

Other Training Opportunities
QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) is a 2-hour training that focuses on suicide prevention. Participants learn how to recognize warning signs, ask the right questions, and refer individuals at risk to life-saving resources. Certification is valid for 2 years.
How to Register• Email: MHTraining@YouthWell.org• Fill out our registration form• View our full training schedule
Class Descriptions

Youth MHFA (6.5 hrs): Free certification course (18+) on recognizing, understanding, and responding to youth mental health or substance use challenges. 3-year certification. [Register >>]

QPR (2 hrs): Free suicide prevention training on how to question, persuade, and refer someone at risk. 2-year certification. [Register >>]

ParentConnect Support Group [hybrid] – YouthWell
2026-02-02 12:00 - 13:30 | IN-PERSON/YouthWell, 1528 Chapala St., Santa Barbara, CA, 93101, United States
Learn skills to effectively and compassionately support your child struggling with any type of mental health challenge while also setting boundaries, supporting siblings, and managing your own self-care.
This is a weekly, hybrid, drop-in support group and is intended for parents or caregivers of youth, ages 12-25. However, if your child is outside of this age range and struggling with a mental health challenge, please don’t hesitate to inquire to attend.
WHEN: Mondays, 12:00-1:30pm
WHERE: HYBRID — Zoom OR In-Person/1528 Chapala St, Suite 203, Santa Barbara
REGISTRATION: REQUIRED >
**zoom link shared after registration**

Grupo de Apoyo para Padres [virtual]
2026-02-03 18:00 - 19:30 | YouthWell, 1528 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara, 93101, United States
Family Support Group in Spanish: Grupo de apoyo para padres de jóvenes hispanohablantes, de 10 a 18 años, que se lleva a cabo semanalmente en persona en Santa Bárbara.
Un grupo de desarrollo de habilidades para que los padres aborden los desafíos diarios de la crianza de los hijos, mejoren la comunicación y fortalezcan las relaciones entre padres e hijos. Aprenda a reconocer sus fortalezas, cómo manejar la crianza de los hijos durante los conflictos y cómo manejar el estrés mientras prioriza su autocuidado.

FECHA/HORA: 1st & 3rd MARTES • 6:00PM-7:30PM • 2x mes • grupo sin cita previa
UBICACIÓN: asistir via Zoom

**El enlace de Zoom se le enviará por correo electrónico después de registrarse para el grupo**
Si tiene preguntas o comentarios, envíe un correo electrónico GROUPS@youthwell.org o llamar 805.770.1930 ext 103

For parents/caregivers of youth ages 10-18, a support group for Spanish speaking parents of youth, held weekly in-person in Santa Barbara.
A skills-building group for caregivers to address the daily challenges of parenting, improve communication, and strengthen parent-child relationships. Learn to recognize your strengths, how to handle parenting during conflict, and how to manage stress while prioritizing your self-care.
WHEN: 1st & 3rd TUESDAYS from 6:00-7:30pm
WHERE: via ZOOM
REGISTRATION: REQUIRED> [zoom link shared after registration]

VIRTUAL Support Group for Parents of Teens - Evolve
2026-02-04 17:30 - 18:30 | *VIRTUAL-ZOOM*, ONLINE, CA
Evolve offers free weekly virtual support groups for parents and caregivers of teens. This group provides a safe, welcoming space to connect with other parents, share resources, and talk openly about the challenges of supporting a teen while balancing work, family responsibilities, and self-care. Participants receive practical guidance and emotional support from others who understand the realities of teen mental health and behavioral challenges. You are not alone. This group is designed to help parents feel heard, supported, and connected to others who truly get it.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or unsure where to turn, this parent support group is here for you. It is made up of parents walking a similar path and navigating many of the same struggles.

WHEN: Every Wednesday from 10:00am-11:00am
WHERE: Virtual on ZOOM (link provided after registration)
REGISTRATION: **required REGISTER NOW >>
COST: $0
CONTACT: Call 1-855-890-2493

About Evolve Treatment Centers
provides evidence-based treatment for teens ages 12 to 17 facing mental health, substance use, and behavioral challenges. Our full continuum of care, exclusively for adolescents, includes outpatient psychiatry and therapy, Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP), and Residential Treatment Centers (RTC).
*How to Attend*
To join, please complete the registration form on our website. After reviewing your registration, our team will email you a consent form via DocuSign. Once the form is signed, you will receive access details for the Zoom group.

WORKSHOP: Strategies for Families & Providers to Challenge Insurance Denials
2026-02-04 18:30 - 19:30 | *VIRTUAL-ZOOM*, ONLINE, CA
Families and providers often face confusing and frustrating obstacles when insurance plans delay, deny, or refuse to pay for mental health care.
Join us for a workshop where staff from DMHC and the CA Insurance Commissioner’s Office will guide families and providers on how to file complaints effectively, challenge denials, and secure reimbursement for mental health care.

DATE #1: Thursday, January 15 from 9:00-10:00am
DATE #2: Wednesday, February 4 from 6:30-7:30pm
WHERE: Virtual on ZOOM [link shared after registration]
REGISTRATOIN: REQUIRED…https://wkf.ms/4iRdEmh
COST: FREE
CONTACT: navigator@youthwell.org

Participants will learn:

Key mental health coverage rights
Effective strategies for responding to insurance denials
How and when to file complaints with DMHC
How families can request reimbursement and escalate appeals
How providers can strengthen claims, submit for payment, and push back when coverage is denied

Participants will leave with tools, scripts, and pathways to navigate barriers and hold insurance plans accountable.

Family Support Group
2026-02-05 18:00 - 19:30 | Mental Wellness Center, 617 Garden Street, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101
Family Support Group encourages empathy, productive discussion, and a sense of community in a non-judgmental space where participants can benefit from others’ experiences and discover their own inner strength.
The group helps caregivers build coping skills, find strength through shared experiences, and feel supported without judgment. Participants learn to let go of guilt, accept what they can’t control, and understand that mental health conditions are not anyone’s fault.
If you are interested in registering, please call the Family Advocate at (805)-325-5580.

WORKSHOP: What is Brainspotting? - Fusion Academy Santa Barbara
2026-02-06 12:00 - 13:30 | 510 State Street, Santa Barbara, 510 State Street, Santa Barbara, 93101, United States
Fusion Academy Santa Barbara is hosting a FREE educational talk that will be led by Yolanda Yturralde, MFT. Yolanda is a trauma-informed psychotherapist who specializes in supporting neurodiverse students and teens experiencing stress, anxiety, performance pressure, social media overload, and testing challenges. This talk will share the practical tools to reduce stress, increase motivation, and learn how to work with your brain, not against it.
RSVP is not required but is recommended.

WHEN: Friday, February 6 from 12pm-1:30pm
WHERE: Fusion Santa Barbara – 510 State Street, Suite 200
REGISTRATION: RSVP >>
CONTACT: SantaBarbara@fusionacademy.com or call 805-292-9658
COST: $0
