Alateen/Alanon Support Group - Friendship Center
2026-01-11 13:00, 2026-01-18 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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
2026-01-12 12:00 - 13:30, 2026-01-19 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**

FREE WEBINAR - Operation Parent
2026-01-13 10:00 - 11:30 | *VIRTUAL-ZOOM*, ONLINE, CA
Operation Parent is providing two free webinar sessions for parents, caregivers, and professionals. These webinars combine research, real-life experience, and trusted guidance in order to inform and equip you to make a meaningful difference in the lives of youth in your life. Spanish captions will be available live during the webinar and full Spanish translations will be made available later that day.
January 13 – Growing Minds and Modern Highs – THC, Hemp, & Kratom: Explore the latest youth substances and their effects on developing brains and mental health. Julie Dreifaldt from One Chance to Grow Up will share her first-hand experience in youth substance use and explain practical ways to guide young people safely.
February 11 – The Mind-Risk Connection – How Mental Health can Influence Substance Use: Dr. Linda Richter from Partnership to End Addiction will discuss how mental health and substance use in youth are often connected. She will be joined by Stephanie Marquesano, founder of The Harris Project, who will share her personal experiences, how to spot warning signs, reduce risk, and intervene before small problems become bigger ones.

WHEN: Tuesday, January 13 and Wednesday, February 11
WHERE: Zoom (link provided after registration)
REGISTRATION: REQUIRED >>
COST: $0
CONTACT: Submit questions >>

YouthWell's YAB Mentor Sessions: Teen-Led. Expert-Supported.
2026-01-13 17:45 - 19:15 | *VIRTUAL-ZOOM*, ONLINE, CA
Join Santa Barbara area students now attending colleges across the country as they share real experiences with academic stress, what helped, what didn’t, and what they wish they had known in high school.
Therapist Melissa Lowenstein will help students understand the difference between stress and distress, and share accessible coping tools.
Free • REGISTRATION REQUIRED >>
Zoom link provided after registration
Questions: yab@youthwell.org | 805.770.1239
Session Dates:
January 13, 2026 | 5:45–7:15 PM | Virtual • Academic Stress
February 10, 2026 | 5:45–7:15 PM | Virtual • Social Connection & Mental Wellness
March 10, 2026 | 5:45–7:15 PM | Virtual • Peer Support
April 28, 2026 | 5:45–7:15 PM | Virtual • Politics & Mental Health
YouthWell Mentor Sessions are interactive, youth-centered conversations focused on real-life challenges that impact mental health and wellbeing.
Each session explores a timely topic, such as academic stress, peer support, social connection, or navigating today’s political climate, through a mix of expert insight and lived experience. Youth hear from mental health professionals, community leaders, and near-peer mentors, including college students and former Youth Advocacy Board members, who share practical tools, personal stories, and strategies for coping, connection, and self-care.
Mentor Sessions are designed to help young people feel less alone, build confidence in supporting themselves and others, and walk away with skills they can actually use.
Open to youth ages 10–25 and parents

LiFT - Connect With Your Teen About Values and Making Decisions
2026-01-14 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-01-21 08:00 - 17:00 | CA
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!
2026-01-14 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-01-21 08:00 - 17:00 | CA
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

WORKSHOP: Strategies for Families & Providers to Challenge Insurance Denials
2026-01-15 09:00 - 10:00 | *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.

Evolve Community Parent Support Group
2026-01-15 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-01-22 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
2026-01-15 10:23, 2026-01-22 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
2026-01-15 12:00 - 13:30, 2026-01-22 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

Play Therapy Group featuring Dungeons & Dragons
2026-01-15 15:00 - 16:30 | New Beginnings Counseling Center, 530 E Montecito St Suite 101, Santa Barbara, 93103
Join us for a Social Skills group with D&D to experience therapy in a unique role play setting. We’ll work together to…

strengthen communication and improve social skills.
explore therapeutic environment
work in group dynamics
understand concepts of play therapy

WHEN: Thursdays 3:00-4:30pm weekly for 12 weeks.
WHERE: IN-PERSON at New Beginnings Counseling Center, 530 E Montecito St Suite 101, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
WHO: 18 years and older [no experience needed!]
CONTACT: To sign up please call 805.963.7777 or email counseling@sbnbcc.org

Alateen/Alanon Support Group - Dos Pueblos High School
2026-01-16 10:00, 2026-01-23 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
2026-01-16 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
2026-01-17 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

PFLAG Santa Barbara January Zoom Meeting
2026-01-19 19:00 - 20:30 | CA
Please join us for our January meeting where we will be discussing and learning about “Trans Athletes in Youth and Pro Sports”. For some people the first time they hear about trans people is in the context of “fairness” in sports. This topic is often the gateway to harmful, hateful beliefs and actions. Come learn how we can lead with love and learn together. There is always time for discussion and support. This is a Zoom meeting and pre-registration is required by emailing pflagsantabarbara@gmail.com

Grupo de Apoyo para Padres [virtual]
2026-01-20 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
2026-01-21 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 SUMMIT: Life After Loss
2026-01-22 09:00 - 14:00, 2026-01-23 09:00 - 12:00 | *VIRTUAL-ZOOM*, ONLINE, CA
A no-cost two-day virtual summit exploring grief aftermath for educators, mental health providers, school leaders, and child advocates hosted by the Center for Applied Research Solutions team. This event is an opportunity to engage in a rich learning experience through workshops, panels, keynotes, and discussion forums focused on grief work and aftermath.
Day One – January 22 – Main Summit: Topics will focus on grief aftermath. The summit is open to the public but recommended for educators, school leaders, afterschool and extended learning staff, bereavement specialists, community leaders, behavioral health providers, and anyone navigating grief aftermath.
Day Two – January 23 – Special Space for Providers’ Grief Processing: Topics will focus on providers processing grief while supporting youth in need. This summit is designed specifically for behavioral health providers both school and non-school based.

WHEN: Thursday, January 22 and Friday, January 23
WHERE: Zoom (link provided after registering)
REGISTRATION: REQUIRED >>
COST: $0
CONTACT: Email any questions to pacificsouthwest@mhttcnetwork.org

Nature Group Therapy for Girls - 8 wk program
2026-01-22 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

Calm the Storm: Helping Anxious Kids Through Parent Support
2026-01-22 18:00 - 19:00 | *VIRTUAL-ZOOM*, ONLINE, CA
Calm the Storm: Helping Anxious Kids Through Parent Support (Virtual Community Education Event)
Join us on Thursday, January 2 from 6:00 to 7:00 PM PST on Zoom for a practical, hope-filled training on supporting kids and teens with anxiety, OCD, and related challenges. Dr. Katrina Rydzewski, PsyD will introduce SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions), an evidence-based approach that helps caregivers reduce unhelpful “accommodations” and strengthen supportive responses that can decrease anxiety over time.
RSVP required, RSVP here. Zoom link provided upon registration).

WEBINAR: Calm the Storm - Helping Anxious Kids Through Parent Support - Fusion Academy
2026-01-22 18:00 - 19:00 | *VIRTUAL-ZOOM*, ONLINE, CA
Fusion Academy is hosting a FREE virtual community education event. This webinar will provide an overview of SPACE treatment, deepen parents’ understanding of childhood anxiety and accommodation, and offer practical tools to reduce their child’s anxiety. SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) is an evidence-based program that helps children and teens overcome anxiety and related challenges by working directly with the parents – not the child. Research shows that when parents change their patterns, kids’ anxiety can decrease significantly without the intervention of therapy.
The webinar will be led by Dr. Katrina Rydzewski, Psy.D, a clinical psychologist specializing in anxiety-related disorders in children and adolescents.

WHEN: Thursday, January 22 from 6:00pm-7:00pm
WHERE: Zoom (link will be provided upon RSVP)
REGISTRATION: RSVP Here >> **REQUIRED
CONTACT: Email at losangeles@fusionacademy.com or call 310-445-2516
COST: $0
