Support Groups in Santa Barbara County
If you are interested in participating in a support group, please fill out inquiry/registration form. We will follow up with you and provide you with all of the information you need to participate. View our blog to learn about the benefits of participating in a support group.
Groups are held at either the SBCC Wake Center [300 N. Turnpike, RM 15 view Map] or YouthWell Offices [1528 Chapala St]. Some groups may have hybrid option. TeenWell is held at Rose Wellness.
Contact us at groups@youthwell.org or call 805.770.1930 ext 103 with questions and comments.
View community calendar for a full schedule of community groups throughout Santa Barbara County. View MHFA schedule >
Groups are FREE to ATTEND. DONATIONS are encouraged to help sustain groups. Any amount is appreciated.
FACILITATORS & ASSOCIATES: Facilitator Training Registration > Details >
Overview of Groups
Click on the group day/time to read a more detailed description of the group.
OVERVIEW
ParentConnect is a weekly in-person drop-in for parents/caregivers of youth, ages 12-25, struggling with a mental health challenge
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. In-person groups are 75-90 minutes.
SUNDAY • 4:30pm • in-person
HOSTED BY YOUTHWELL • view calendar for updated schedule
GROUP: SUN 4:30pm
ParentConnect for parents/caregivers of youth, ages 12-25, struggling with a mental health challenge...
1. SUNDAY • 4:30pm • ParentConnect
[weekly drop-in] 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.
ADDRESS: YouthWell 1528 Chapala St., Suite 203
FACILITATOR: Melissa & Ginny
IN-PERSON...
- JAN 7, 14, 21, 28
- FEB 4, 11, 18, 25
- MAR 3, 10, 17 (no group March 31)
- APR 7, 14, 21, 28
- MAY 5, 19, 26 (no group May 12)
FAQ
A support group is a group of people facing similar challenges who share experiences and extend and receive support.
Groups are a safe place to talk about your circumstances with others who understand how you feel and can share their perspective. Groups help participants feel less alone, provide a sense of hope, and are an opportunity to gain valuable insight from those who are in different stages of their journey. Participants grow through shared experiences and get information that’s practical and constructive. Participants learn coping strategies, how to set boundaries, manage challenges and stress, strengthen relationships, and focus on their own self-care in order to build resiliency.
All groups stress confidentiality. Everything shared stays within the group. The format can be in-person, drop-in, virtual, ongoing, or run for a series of weeks. Some are educational and others are opportunities to share and learn from peers.
Support groups differ from group therapy... Support groups can be peer-led or led by mental health professionals. Facilitators have training and guide the process to create a safe space, but don’t provide therapy.
You will get the most out of a group if you attend regularly. It helps you get to know other group members and feel more comfortable. Participate in discussions - people are there to support, not judge. Be sensitive to others in the group. Recognize when a group isn’t the right fit and know you can always try a different group.
OVERVIEW
FamilyTools is an education series for parents/caregivers
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. Most hybrid groups are 60-75 minutes.
WEDNESDAY • 5:00PM • hybrid for parents/caregivers of youth, ages 10-18
THURSDAY • 12:30PM • hybrid/weekly • FamilyTools+
for parents of youth, ages 5-18, with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, Tourette's, & uniquely-wired brains
HOSTED BY YOUTHWELL • view calendar for updated schedule
FAMILY TOOLS WED
FamilyTools for parents/caregivers of youth, ages 10-18...
3. WEDNESDAY • 5:00pm • FamilyTools
[weekly drop-in] 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.
FACILITATOR: Kari
Hybrid: In-person at YouthWell & virtual via zoom...
- APR 10, 17, 24
- MAY 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
FAMILY TOOLS+ THURS
FamilyTools+ for parents/caregivers of youth, ages 5-18, with ADHD, dyslexia, autism, Tourette's, and uniquely-wired brains...
4. THURSDAY • 12:30pm • FamilyTools+
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 neurodiverse youth: emotional regulation, time management, building relationships with teachers/schools.
FACILITATOR: Kara
Hybrid: In-person at the SBCC Wake Center & virtual via zoom...
- FEB 8, 15, 22, 29
- MARCH 14, 21 *NO GROUPS MARCH 24-29*
- APRIL 4, 11, 18, 25
- MAY 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
1st Thurs of the month - new topic each month
- FEB 1 - virtual via zoom
BASICS of EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS
-- - MARCH 7 - virtual via zoom
EFFECTIVE PARENT COMMUNICATION WITH SCHOOLS - ADVOCATING FOR YOUR CHILD
- - APRIL 4 - hybrid (in-person at SBCC Wake Center & virtual via zoom)
STRENGTHENING CONNECTIONS WITH YOUR CHILD/TEEN
- - MAY 2 - hybrid (in-person at SBCC Wake Center & virtual via zoom)
FOCUS STRATEGIES & HOME/LIFE ROUTINES WITH YOUR CHILD/TEEN
WORKSHOPS
For parents/caregivers of youth, ages 10-25....
2. DATES TBD
- UNDERSTAND THE TEEN BRAIN
WHAT TO EXPECT: Learn about teen brain development, why teens act the way they do, and why identity development is so crucial during these years. Learn about the continuum of mental health, common mental health challenges, what is typical behavior and when to be concerned. Learn tips for helping teens manage their stress and anxiety. Participants will leave with new ideas and a deeper understanding of how to navigate and support their child during the tween, teen, and young adult years.
- - STRENGTHEN PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIPS
WHAT TO EXPECT: Changes in a teen's development come with big changes in their relationships with parents and family. Learn to strengthen these relationships through active listening and constructive responding. Learn to resolve conflicts in a way that is positive and nurturing. Explore the concept of developmental relationships, and learn how to begin to share power with your teen so they can acquire decision-making skills and accountability for their choices. Learn how to validate your teen while setting and maintaining limits.
- - NAVIGATE TOUGH CONVERSATIONS
WHAT TO EXPECT: As youth become more independent, it can be difficult to navigate outside influences, peer pressure, substance use, risk taking behaviors, and romantic relationships. Learn to be curious and a little uncomfortable in order to engage in your teens world by creating a safe space for them to open up and talk about the things that are important to them.
- - NAVIGATE TWEEN/TEEN [DIGITAL & IN-PERSON] SOCIAL WORLD
WHAT TO EXPECT: Peer relationships are a vital part of the teen years. The people around them influence their social identities and the way they feel about themselves. Navigating the pressures of social media, lack of face to face connection, peer pressure, toxic friendships, and bullying can create added stress for teens and cause social isolation. Learn how to support your teen in setting boundaries in their friendships, navigating screen time and unplugging from their devices.
FAQ
A support group is a group of people facing similar challenges who share experiences and extend and receive support.
Groups are a safe place to talk about your circumstances with others who understand how you feel and can share their perspective. Groups help participants feel less alone, provide a sense of hope, and are an opportunity to gain valuable insight from those who are in different stages of their journey. Participants grow through shared experiences and get information that’s practical and constructive. Participants learn coping strategies, how to set boundaries, manage challenges and stress, strengthen relationships, and focus on their own self-care in order to build resiliency.
All groups stress confidentiality. Everything shared stays within the group. The format can be in-person, drop-in, virtual, ongoing, or run for a series of weeks. Some are educational and others are opportunities to share and learn from peers.
Support groups differ from group therapy... Support groups can be peer-led or led by mental health professionals. Facilitators have training and guide the process to create a safe space, but don’t provide therapy.
You will get the most out of a group if you attend regularly. It helps you get to know other group members and feel more comfortable. Participate in discussions - people are there to support, not judge. Be sensitive to others in the group. Recognize when a group isn’t the right fit and know you can always try a different group.
OVERVIEW
LaunchWell is a monthly virtual drop-in for parents/caregivers of youth, ages 18-25
For parents of young adults who are navigating the college/early adult years as well as this time of transition as a parent. Virtual groups are 60-75 minutes.
WEDNESDAY • 7:00pm • virtual
HOSTED BY YOUTHWELL • view calendar for updated schedule
GROUP: WED 7:00pm
LaunchWell for parents/caregivers of youth, ages 18-25...
7. WEDNESDAY • 7:00pm • LaunchWell
[monthly drop-in] For parents of young adults who are navigating the college years as well as this time of transition as a parent. Discuss topics related to launching young adults to college, vocational programs, jobs, and independent living. Focused on strengthening parent-child relationships, setting boundaries, and improving communication.
FACILITATOR: Kristine
VIRTUAL via zoom...
- JAN 10
- FEB 7
- MARCH 6
- APRIL 3
- MAY 1
FAQ
A support group is a group of people facing similar challenges who share experiences and extend and receive support.
Groups are a safe place to talk about your circumstances with others who understand how you feel and can share their perspective. Groups help participants feel less alone, provide a sense of hope, and are an opportunity to gain valuable insight from those who are in different stages of their journey. Participants grow through shared experiences and get information that’s practical and constructive. Participants learn coping strategies, how to set boundaries, manage challenges and stress, strengthen relationships, and focus on their own self-care in order to build resiliency.
All groups stress confidentiality. Everything shared stays within the group. The format can be in-person, drop-in, virtual, ongoing, or run for a series of weeks. Some are educational and others are opportunities to share and learn from peers.
Support groups differ from group therapy... Support groups can be peer-led or led by mental health professionals. Facilitators have training and guide the process to create a safe space, but don’t provide therapy.
You will get the most out of a group if you attend regularly. It helps you get to know other group members and feel more comfortable. Participate in discussions - people are there to support, not judge. Be sensitive to others in the group. Recognize when a group isn’t the right fit and know you can always try a different group.
OVERVIEW
TeachWell is a monthly virtual drop-in for teachers in SB County
Peer support group for teachers of tweens & teens to connect, share challenges, and learn strategies for building trusting relationships with students and get support. Virtual groups are 60-75 minutes.
TUESDAY • 3:30pm • virtual • 2nd & 4th Tuesday of the month
HOSTED BY YOUTHWELL • view calendar for updated schedule
GROUP: TUES 3:30pm
TeachWell for teachers in Santa Barbara County...
8. TUESDAY • 3:30pm • TeachWell
[monthly drop-in - 2nd & 4th Tuesday] Peer support group for teachers of tweens & teens to connect, share challenges, and learn strategies for building trusting relationships with students and get support.
We know that students learn best in relationship with others, and we also know that as they hit the teen years, they begin to pull away from family in favor of peers. They still need adult role models in their lives, so how can we as educators build trust with them and create connections that will enhance their learning environment?
Join us to explore how to capitalize on the attributes of the adolescent brain to create trusting relationships.
FACILITATOR: Kari
VIRTUAL via zoom...
- JAN 9 - virtual via zoom
Adolescent Social Development. Understand how to assess different learning styles and help students use that knowledge to be more effective in their school experience, share ideas about how to motivate students to stay engaged in the classroom with the material you're teaching, and brainstorm how to prioritize process (learning) over outcomes.
- - FEB 13 - virtual via zoom
Having Difficult Conversations with Teens 1: Identify the most common barriers to communicating with adolescents and learn ways to really listen to kids when they come to you with concerns or frustrations, brainstorm ways to help calm students' nervous systems so that you can have exchanges about challenges they're facing in the classroom.
- - MARCH 12 - virtual via zoom
Developing Self-Awareness and Critical Thinking in Adolescents: Learn how to help students assess their own stories and triggers so that they can begin to challenge some of the habits and behaviors they have that are making things more challenging for them.
- - APRIL 9 & 23 - virtual via zoom
Having Difficult Conversations with Teens 2: Understand the difference between conflict and disagreement and how to maintain a connection with students when there are challenges without getting locked in a power struggle, help students examine the stories they tell themselves about what they're capable of and dismantle them.
- - MAY 14 & 28 - virtual via zoom
TBD - Wrapping up the end of the year - JUNE 11 & 25 - virtual via zoom
TBD - Summer school, preparing for next year
FAQ
A support group is a group of people facing similar challenges who share experiences and extend and receive support.
Groups are a safe place to talk about your circumstances with others who understand how you feel and can share their perspective. Groups help participants feel less alone, provide a sense of hope, and are an opportunity to gain valuable insight from those who are in different stages of their journey. Participants grow through shared experiences and get information that’s practical and constructive. Participants learn coping strategies, how to set boundaries, manage challenges and stress, strengthen relationships, and focus on their own self-care in order to build resiliency.
All groups stress confidentiality. Everything shared stays within the group. The format can be in-person, drop-in, virtual, ongoing, or run for a series of weeks. Some are educational and others are opportunities to share and learn from peers.
Support groups differ from group therapy... Support groups can be peer-led or led by mental health professionals. Facilitators have training and guide the process to create a safe space, but don’t provide therapy.
You will get the most out of a group if you attend regularly. It helps you get to know other group members and feel more comfortable. Participate in discussions - people are there to support, not judge. Be sensitive to others in the group. Recognize when a group isn’t the right fit and know you can always try a different group.
OVERVIEW
TeenWell is an 8-week series
DBT support group for incoming 9th-12th graders focused on skill building in areas of regulating emotions, tolerating stress, and improving relationships!
MONDAY • 4:00pm • in-person
for students in 9th-12th grade
Hosted by Rose Wellness in partnership with YouthWell. 805.394.8533
YouthConnect is a weekly drop-in
Peer support group for teens and young adults (14-18) after treatment to support reintegration into normal life. Connect with others who have experienced similar challenges and get support in the recovery process in a non-judgmental environment. Students will learn new skills, and have opportunities to learn about ways to volunteer in the community.
THURSDAY • 12:30pm • in-person/3x month
for students in 9th-12th grade
HOSTED BY YOUTHWELL • Contact groups@youthwell.org if you are interested
GROUP: MON 4:00pm
TeenWell for teens in 9th-12th grade...
9. MONDAY • 4:00pm • TeenWell
[weekly] DBT group focused on skill building in areas of regulating emotions, tolerating stress, and improving relationships!
FACILITATORS: Leilani & Emily
In-person at ROSE WELLNESS ...
- Call 805.394.8533
- Email info@rwsb.org
GROUP: tbd
YouthConnect for teens in 9th-12th grade...
9. TBD • YouthConnect
Peer support group for teens and young adults (14-17 & 18-25) after treatment to support reintegration into normal life. Connect with others who have experienced similar challenges and get support in the recovery process in a non-judgmental environment. Students will learn new skills, and have opportunities to learn about ways to volunteer in the community.
- Email groups@youthwell.org if you are interested in this group.
FAQ
A support group is a group of people facing similar challenges who share experiences and extend and receive support.
Groups are a safe place to talk about your circumstances with others who understand how you feel and can share their perspective. Groups help participants feel less alone, provide a sense of hope, and are an opportunity to gain valuable insight from those who are in different stages of their journey. Participants grow through shared experiences and get information that’s practical and constructive. Participants learn coping strategies, how to set boundaries, manage challenges and stress, strengthen relationships, and focus on their own self-care in order to build resiliency.
All groups stress confidentiality. Everything shared stays within the group. The format can be in-person, drop-in, virtual, ongoing, or run for a series of weeks. Some are educational and others are opportunities to share and learn from peers.
Support groups differ from group therapy... Support groups can be peer-led or led by mental health professionals. Facilitators have training and guide the process to create a safe space, but don’t provide therapy.
You will get the most out of a group if you attend regularly. It helps you get to know other group members and feel more comfortable. Participate in discussions - people are there to support, not judge. Be sensitive to others in the group. Recognize when a group isn’t the right fit and know you can always try a different group.
Facilitators
If you are interested in being a LEAD Facilitator or a CO-LEAD, please fill out our facilitator application. Register for facilitator training > View Flyer > [Facilitator weekly report form > • Facilitator Portal >]