YouthWell

Nature Group Therapy for Girls - 8 wk program
2026-02-26 15:30 - 16:30, 2026-03-05 15:30 - 16:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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

Family Support Group
2026-02-26 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-03-05 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.

Alateen/Alanon Support Group - Dos Pueblos High School
2026-02-27 10:00, 2026-03-06 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

TBRI Caregiver Package Training
2026-02-27 18:00 - 21:00, 2026-03-06 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!

FREE YOUTH LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP - Visión y Compromiso
2026-02-28 09:00 - 15:00, 2026-03-07 09:00 - 15:00 | 2050 Alameda Padre Serra, Santa Barbara, 2050 Alameda Padre Serra, Santa Barbara, United States
The Promotores Institute in collaboration with the Network of Promotoras Central Coast Region are providing a free 8-week training that will help youth (ages 16-22) to enhance skills as community leaders interested in working toward a safer, healthier, and more equitable future.

WHEN: Saturdays, February 14th to April 11th from 9:00am-3:00pm
WHERE: 2050 Alameda Padre Serra, Suite 203, Santa Barbara
REGISTRATION: Register here >>
COST: $0
CONTACT: email andreabarahona@visionycompromiso.org or call 213-522-9147

Through this training you will:

Identify and enhance your strengths and leadership skills
Learn how to develop advocacy skills and create change
Understand the power of media, outreach, and policy
Create your own community project plan

By attending all sessions, you will receive certification as a community promoter/promotora.

AHA! Littlest Little Farm | Junior High
2026-02-28 10:00 - 12:30, 2026-03-07 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

Family to Family Class
2026-02-28 10:00 - 12:30, 2026-03-07 10:00 - 12:30 | Mental Wellness Center, 617 Garden Street, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101
Family to Family is a FREE 8 session education program for family members of adults living with a mental health disorder.
It will help them understand and support their loved one while maintaining their own wellbeing. Please call the Family Advocate at (805)-325-5580 to register or email familyadovcate@mentalwellnesscenter.org

Alateen/Alanon Support Group - Friendship Center
2026-03-01 13:00, 2026-03-08 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

ParentConnect Support Group [hybrid] – YouthWell
2026-03-02 12:00 - 13:30, 2026-03-09 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**

Hearing Voices Support Group - Mental Wellness Center
2026-03-02 14:30 - 16:00 | Mental Wellness Center, 617 Garden Street, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101
The Hearing Voices group is a welcoming, peer-led support space for adults who hear voices or have other unusual sensory experiences. The group offers a respectful, non-judgmental environment where participants can share their experiences, feel understood, and connect with others who have similar lived experiences. Participants are encouraged to explore what their experiences mean to them, share coping strategies, and reduce feelings of isolation while building community, understanding, and empowerment.

WHEN: Every 1st and 3rd Monday of the month from 2:30pm-4:00pm
WHERE: Mental Wellness Center, Second Floor, Conference Room A
REGISTRATION: Register here >>
CONTACT: Call 805-884-8440

Grupo de Apoyo para Padres [virtual]
2026-03-03 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]

Nature Group Therapy for Youth
2026-03-04 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

VIRTUAL Support Group for Parents of Teens - Evolve
2026-03-04 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.

AHA! After-School Parenting Group
2026-03-04 18:00 - 20:00 | La Cuesta High School, 710 Santa Barbara St, Santa Barbara, 93101
Family Strength Through Emotional and Mental Wellness
SBUSD and AHA! invite you to participate in their Spring 2026 parent offerings where you will receive tips and tools to put into practice at home. This group focuses on building emotional resilience within ourselves and our families. We’ll explore supportive practices that help us navigate stress, strengthen communication, and create a sense of stability and connection at home.

WHEN: Wednesday, March 4th from 6:00pm-8:00pm
WHERE: La Cuesta High School
REGISTRATION: RSVP >>
COST: $0
CONTACT: Email rene@ahasb.org or call 805-705-9264

Free offerings, interpretation available, childcare provided!

Family to Family Classes
2026-03-04 18:30 - 21:00 | Mental Wellness Center, 617 Garden Street, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101
Family to Family is a FREE 8 session education program for family members of adults living with a mental health disorder.
It will help them understand and support their loved one while maintaining their own wellbeing.
If you are interested in registering please call the Family Advocate at 805-325-5580 or email familyadvocate@mentalwellnesscenter.org.

Alateen/Alanon Support Group- Santa Barbara High School
2026-03-05 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
2026-03-05 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

VIRTUAL WORKSHOP - Neurodiversity 101: Understanding Lived Experiences of Neurodivergent Youth and Families
2026-03-06 12:00 - 13:30 | *VIRTUAL-ZOOM*, ONLINE, CA
Join us as we discuss building neuro-affirming systems in schools and communities. This workshop is part of our Neurodiversityt 101 series for our Youth Linkages Network. Anyone is invited to participate!

WHEN: Friday, March 6 from 12:00pm-1:30pm
WHERE: Virtual on ZOOM (link shared after registration)
REGISTRATION: **REQUIRED RSVP here >>
COST: FREE
CONTACT: Email navigator@youthwell.org

YLN aims to:

Convene resource navigators, family advocates, probation officers, local crisis lines, and school counselors so that they are better equipped to support families
Stay educated about the available resources in SB County
Build stronger health linkages in order to foster “warm handoffs” and close the loop when referrals are made to ensure that youth and caregivers are accessing the services they need
Share referral experiences and learn from each other
Collect anecdotal data to better understand the barriers and challenges to accessing services

"Readers are Leaders:" 2nd Annual Family Literacy Festival - Santa Barbara Unified
2026-03-07 10:00 - 14:00 | Santa Barbara Public Library, 40 E Anapamu St., Santa Barbara, 93101, United States
We are inviting all students (PK-12th grade) and their families to a FREE fun-filled day at the library dedicated to celebrating literacy, family, and our wonderful community. Come enjoy a variety of engaging activities, including visits from book authors, arts and crafts, family activities, and access to valuable literacy resources

WHEN: Saturday, March 7th from 10:00am-2:00pm
WHERE: Santa Barbara Public Library, 40 E. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara
COST: $0

This event is a collaborative effort to support “Every child, every chance, every day.”

Compartiendo Esperanza
2026-03-09 18:00 - 19:30 | Mental Wellness Center, 617 Garden Street, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101
Un grupo para personas que tienen seres queridos adultos que viven con un trastorno de salud mental. Regístrese para nuestro grupo de apoyo en Santa Barbara. Venga a nuestro grupo a compartir su historia con otras familias. Para registrarse llame al (805)-325-5580.

VIRTUAL EVENT: Getting Organized for SSI and IHSS Records - Alpha Resource Center
2026-03-10 09:30 - 11:30 | *VIRTUAL-ZOOM*, ONLINE, CA
Join us as we discuss tips on keeping your SSI and IHSS documents organized! Hosted by the Family Empowerment Center! This event is virtual and will be held over Zoom.

WHEN: Tuesday, March 10th from 9:30am-11:30am
WHERE: Virtual on ZOOM (meeting ID: 832 7768 9421)
COST: $0
CONTACT: Email gherrera@alphasb.org or call 805-452-8789
