Hearing Voices Support Group - Mental Wellness Center
2026-03-02 14:30 - 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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, 610B Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA, 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, 2026-03-11 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, 2026-03-11 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, 2026-03-11 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.

FamilyTools+ Parent Support Group — Free Weekly Drop-In (Hybrid)
2026-03-05 12:00 - 13:30, 2026-03-12 12:00 - 13:30 | Wake Center, SBCC, 300 N. Turnpike, Santa Barbara, CA, 93111, United States
FamilyTools+ Parent Support Group Free weekly drop-in for neurodivergent parent support in Santa Barbara
For parents and caregivers of children ages 5–18 with ADHD, dyslexia, autism, Tourette syndrome, or other neurodivergent profiles in Santa Barbara County.
Parenting a uniquely-wired kid is rewarding and genuinely hard. FamilyTools+ is a free neurodivergent parent support group in Santa Barbara where caregivers come together weekly to share real strategies, get support, and actually breathe for 90 minutes.
Each session addresses the day-to-day realities of raising neurodivergent youth: emotional regulation at home, time management, building productive relationships with teachers and schools, and ensuring your own well-being doesn’t get lost in the shuffle.
No curriculum, no commitment, just an honest, welcoming space with other parents who get it.
Every Thursday | 12:00–1:30 PM In-Person: SBCC Wake Center, 300 N. Turnpike, Room 15 — Santa Barbara Virtual: Zoom link provided after you register Free to attend
Register and find up-to-date details on our [Support Groups page →]
Questions? Email groups@youthwell.org or call 805.770.1930 ext. 103
Want to learn more?
About Your Facilitator
Kara Rocque is a California credentialed teacher, ADHD+ and executive function coach, and mom of three teens. After seven years teaching in Goleta, her own children’s experiences reshaped her focus, leading her to specialize in supporting neurodivergent learners and their families.
A few terms worth knowing: ADHD+ ADHD rarely travels alone; anxiety, learning challenges, and OCD often come with it. EF (Executive Functions) life skills like planning, time management, and emotional regulation. 2e (Twice Exceptional) gifted with challenges.
Kara helps students and families find connection, routines, and communication strategies that actually work. You aren’t alone in your ADHD+ journey.
Want to learn more?
Stronger Together: Parent, Provider & Education Series
Free virtual workshops for parents, providers, and educators focused on neurodiversity-affirming tools and practices for home and classroom. Designed for anyone supporting neurodivergent youth ages 5–25.
Spanish interpretation available · $5 suggested fee · Zoom link provided after registration
[Register for Stronger Together →] · Questions? groups@youthwell.org or 805.770.1239

Nature Group Therapy for Girls - 8 wk program
2026-03-05 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

Family Support Group
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
2026-03-06 10:00 | IN-PERSON/YouthWell, 610B Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101, United States
For teens affected by someone’s drinking or addiction. 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. Young people aged 12 to 25 who have been affected by someone else’s drinking are invited to share experience, strength, and hope with other teens. Please join us.
WHEN: Fridays, 10:00 – 11am
WHO: Young people from 12 through 25
WHERE: YouthWell – 610 Anacapa Street, Suite B, Santa Barbara
QUESTIONS: Contact Nancy Palmer at 972.898.8133 or https://alanonsantabarbara.org/

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

TBRI Caregiver Package Training
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!

AHA! Littlest Little Farm | Junior High
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
2026-03-07 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

"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.”

Alateen/Alanon Support Group - Friendship Center
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
2026-03-09 12:00 - 13:30 | IN-PERSON/YouthWell, 610B Anacapa 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**

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

YouthWell's YAB Mentor Sessions: Teen-Led. Expert-Supported.
2026-03-10 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

VIRTUAL - Parent Ed Nights + Neurodiversity Workshop
2026-03-10 19:00 - 20:00 | *VIRTUAL-ZOOM*, ONLINE, CA
VIRTUAL WORKSHOPS for parents, teens, and teachers, and community.
*Se proporciona interpretación en español*
REGISTRATION REQUIRED >
• PARENT EDUCATION NIGHTS SERIES •
FREE 1.5-hour virtual education nights designed to help parents/caregivers navigate the everyday challenges of raising children from K-12th. Each session explores a topic, offers practical tools and strategies, and creates space to learn from other parents.
WHEN: TUESDAY March 10th
TIME: 7:00pm-8:30pm
Supporting Mental Health & Twice-Exceptional Youth
Many gifted kids also face learning or emotional challenges. Learn how to support twice-exceptional (2e) youth, those with high ability and additional needs while navigating anxiety, ADHD, and advocacy.

WORKSHOP: School Wellness Summit - From Policy to Best Practices
2026-03-11 08:30 - 15:30 | Santa Barbara County Education Office Auditorium, 4400 Cathedral Oaks Rd, Santa barbara, 93110, United States
This IN-PERSON workshop is aimed at school officials and community health and wellness partners and explores key wellness policy elements to support students on a path of academic achievement and lifelong health. Connect with leading school wellness experts and gain practical knowledge, tools, and resources to transform schools into centers of health and wellbeing.

WHEN: Wednesday, March 11th from 8:30am-3:30pm
WHERE: Santa Barbara County Office of Education Auditorium, 4400 Cathedral Oaks Rd., Santa Barbara
REGISTRATION: Register here >>
COST: $30 (lunch included)

Organización de Registros de SSI y IHS - Alpha Resource Center
2026-03-11 09:30 - 11:30 | *VIRTUAL-ZOOM*, ONLINE, CA
¡ÚNASE A NOSOTROS PARA HABLAR SOBRE CONSEJOS PARA MANTENER ORGANIZADOS SUS DOCUMENTOS DE SSI Y IHSS!

WHEN: Miércoles, 11 de Marzo 9:30am-11:30am
WHERE: Únase a la reunión a través de zoom (Identificación de la junta: 844 5500 7745)
COST: $0
CONTACT: gherrera@alphasb.org or 805-452-8789

Student Workshop: Summer Volunteer & Internship Opportunities
2026-03-11 17:45 - 19:15 | *VIRTUAL-ZOOM*, ONLINE, CA
March 11, 2026
5:45–7:15 PM
Virtual (Zoom)
Free | Registration Required
Learn About Volunteer & Internship Opportunities in Santa Barbara County
Join YouthWells’ Youth Advocacy Board for a free virtual workshop designed to help students explore meaningful volunteer, internship, and leadership opportunities across Santa Barbara County.
Students and families will hear directly from 20+ local nonprofit organizations about how to get involved, earn community service hours, build real-world skills, and make a positive impact in their community. Whether you are exploring future career interests or looking for ways to give back, this session will help students identify opportunities aligned with their values and goals.
Focus areas include:
• Animals
• Arts & culture
• Education
• Environment & science
• Homelessness services
• Camps & youth programs
• Supporting older adults
Volunteering is more than checking a box; it supports mental well-being by helping young people manage stress, build confidence, and feel connected.
Open to youth ages 10–21 and parents.
Zoom link provided after registration.
Questions: mhtraining@youthwell.org
805.770.1239
Register here: LINK>>

***If you are located in Santa Barbara County and have a volunteer or internship opportunity for teens, please contact us at mhtraining@youthwell.org***

AHA! After-School Parenting Group
2026-03-11 18:00 - 20:00 | La Cumbre Junior High School, 2255 Modoc Road, Santa Barbara, 93101, United States
Mental Health and Wellness: Nurturing Mind and Body
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 centers on whole-person wellness. Together, we’ll learn simple strategies for caring for both mind and body, cultivating calm, and fostering healthy routines that support long-term well-being for caregivers and youth alike.

WHEN: Wednesday, March 11th from 6:00pm-8:00pm
WHERE: La Cumbre Junior High School
REGISTRATION: RSVP >>
COST: $0
CONTACT: Email rene@ahasb.org or call 805-705-9264

Free offerings, interpretation available, childcare provided!

CADA's 15th Annual Gratitude Luncheon
2026-03-12 11:30 - 13:30 | Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort, 633 E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, 93103, United States
CADA is holding their 15th Annual Gratitude Luncheon celebrating 30 years of mentoring children in Santa Barbara. A benefit for CADA’s mentor program, featuring key note speaker Rod Lathim.

WHEN: THURSDAY, MARCH 12 from 11:30am-1:30pm
WHERE: Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort/633 E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
DONATE: Become a sponsor HERE >
