A child’s mental health is just as important as their physical health and deserves the same quality of support.
Mental illness is not something that happens to other people, it touches all of us.
Crisis & relapse happen in isolation ~ recovery happens in community.
Empathy is the starting point for creating a community and taking action. It’s the impetus for creating change.
Depression is an illness, not a weakness and it is nothing to be ashamed of.
SCHOOL-BASED COMMUNITY RESOURCES
YOU CAN FIND PROVIDERS ON CAMPUS AT OUR LOCAL SANTA BARBARA COUNTY SCHOOLS.
PRINT YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS RESOURCE FLYER...
CRISIS
Visit MHMYouth.org provided by Mental Health Matters to learn the basic facts, symptoms and warning signs of mental health disorders.
Print and fill out a personal Safety Plan or download the my3 app to your phone. Identifying their support system ahead of time when they are thinking clearly can help guide them when they are in crisis.
THERE IS A LIMITED LIST OF RESOURCES BELOW. THIS IS STILL BEING WORKED ON.
Santa Barbara Emergency Contacts
- 211
- Connecting People to Health & Human Services Information
- Youth Resource Guide
- SAFTY ~ Safe Alternatives for Treating Youth 888-334-2777
- The hotline (8am-8pm) is provided by Casa Pacifica. SAFTY has a mobile crisis team, and will help create a safety plan. This service is provided for students 20 years old or younger.
- CARES ~ SB Crisis and Recovery Emergency Services 888.868.1649
- Santa Barbara County Mental Health hotline providing crisis intervention and consultation services. CARES is also a mobile mental health assessment team that will come on site to do an assessment if 911 is called for a mental health emergency.
- Cottage Hospital 805-569-8339
- 24-hour walk-in Emergency Psychiatric Service. Consultation and crisis intervention for mental health crises and chemical dependency.
- Noah’s Anchorage 805.963-8776
- Temporary shelter, Crisis intervention, support services, counseling for youth and young adults.
- SB Rape Crisis Center 24 hour Hotline: 805-564-3696
- Provide confidential crisis counseling.
- Domestic Violence Solutions 24 hour Crisis Line: 805.964.5245
- Staff provide counseling, information, referrals, and access to immediate shelter.
- SB Response Network 805.699.5608
- Trained volunteers are primarily trained in psychological first aid [PFA], which provides psychosocial support to individuals and families after a traumatic event or other emergencies.
24 Hour National Hotlines
- Crisis Text Line
Text SIGNS to 741741 for 24/7, anonymous, free crisis counseling.
Crisis Text Line serves anyone, in any type of crisis, providing access to free, 24/7 support and information via text. A live, trained Crisis Counselor receives the text and responds quickly.
- Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-TALK (8255) or ONLINE LIVE CHAT
24-hour, toll-free, confidential suicide prevention hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Your call is routed to the nearest crisis center in the national network of 150+ crisis center
- International Association For Suicide Prevention (IASP)
With the help of the World Health Organization, IASP has complied helplines from around the globe. Search by region to find a local crisis center or crisis phone number.
- Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
1-800-662-HELP (4357)
The helpline provides 24-hour free and confidential treatment referral and information about mental and/or substance use disorders, prevention, and recovery in English and Spanish.
- The Trevor Project Project
Trevor Lifeline: (866)-488-7386
The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) young people ages 13-24
- Bullying Help Chat Line
The STOMP Out Bullying™ HelpChat Line is a free and confidential online chat that helps youth ages 13-24 ONLY with issues around bullying and cyberbullying; as well as providing support to youths who may be at risk of suicide.
- California Youth Crisis Line 800-843-5200
24/7 statewide emergency response system for youth (ages 12-24) and families in crisis. Thoughts of suicide, depression, bullying, health and identity questions, trauma, human trafficking or any teen-related struggle are discussed with a crisis counselor in confidence and without judgment. We do not provide advice.
- National Teen Dating Abuse 866.331.8453
- Child-Help USA – 800-422-4453
Dedicated to the prevention of child abuse. 24/7 Hotline offers crisis intervention, information, literature, and referrals to thousands of emergency, social service, and support resources.
College Crisis Lines
- SBCC 965-0581 ext.2298
- on campus Counseling/Crisis intervention and referral for students.
- UCSB Counseling & Psychological Services 805.893.4411
- If you are a registered student, or have a friend in crisis, CAPS staff are available in person during regular office hours for students, faculty or parents or after-hours by phone.
- Student Health Social Work Services: 805.893.3087
- Distressed Student Response: 805.893.3030
- To learn more about signs of distress, view UCSB #saysomething app.
- Distressed Student Protocol >
- Westmont 565-6222
- Public Safety may be called 24 hours a day. On-Call Resident Director, available 24/7 during academic year. 805-565-6273
Many of the support services on college campuses are included with the student's tuition…
- Provide assessment and brief therapy for students.
- Community referrals for long-term needs.
- Provide crisis intervention
- Education and outreach
- Training future mental health care professionals
- Medication management through student health insurance plan
- Re-entry process for students who take semester off due to mental health to provide “continuity of care”
Find Mental Health Screening Tools on the Mental Health America website.
This is a tool and not a diagnostic instrument so you will still want to follow up with a doctor.
- The Depression Test is for individuals who are feeling overwhelming sadness.
- The Eating Disorder Test can help explore eating related concerns that have an impact on your physical health and overall well-being.
- The Anxiety Test is for people who feel that worry and fear are affecting their ability to function day-to-day.
- The Addiction Test (Alcohol and substance use test) will help determine if your use of alcohol or drugs is an area to address.
- The Bipolar Test is for individuals who have mood swings - or unusual or extreme shifts in mood and energy.
- The Youth Test is for young people (age 11-17) who are concerned that their emotions, attention, or behaviors might be signs of a problem.
- The PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) Test is for those who are bothered by a traumatic life event.
- The Parent Test is for parents of young people to determine if their child’s emotions, attention, or behaviors might be signs of a problem.
- The Psychosis Test is for young people (age 12-35) who feel like their brain is playing tricks on them (seeing, hearing or believing things that don't seem real or quite right).
- The Work Health Survey is a screen to explore how healthy or unhealthy your work environment is. It is in testing phase and every screen taken helps us better understand mental health in the workplace.
SAFETY PLAN
Identifying their support system ahead of time when they are thinking clearly can help guide them when they are in crisis.
- Print and fill out a personal Safety Plan
OR d - Download the my3 app to your phone.
13 REASONS WHY TOOLKIT
SAVE (Suicide Awareness Voices of Education) brought together a group of 75 leading experts in mental health, suicide prevention and education as well as healthcare professionals. This group developed a toolkit providing practical guidance and reliable resources for parents, educators, clinicians, youth and media (suicide, school violence, sexual assault, bullying, substance abuse, getting help, how to take care of yourself, etc.).
TALKING TO YOUR CHILD
- Helping parents support their teenagers through everyday issues and tough times.
- ReachOut Schools uses evidence-based resources and innovative technology to support the mental health and wellbeing of young people. We help school staff and parents to better understand and support young people to take control of their mental health and wellbeing.
BOOKS & ARTICLES
ARTICLES
Teen Depression and Anxiety: Why the Kids Are Not Alright article
By Susanna Schrobsdorff / TIME
Pittsburgh researchers may have found 'cure' for some untreatable depression, article
By Sean D. Hamill / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
The Binge Breaker • Tristan Harris believes Silicon Valley is addicting us to our phones. He’s determined to make it stop. article
By Bianca Bosker / The Atlantic
Is Your Child a Phone ‘Addict’? article
By Ana Homayoun / New York Times
How (and When) to Limit Kids' Tech Use article
By Melanie Pinola / New York Times
When the State of the World Overwhelms You article
strategies we can adopt that can help us stay strong and centered
By Carolyn Joyce
Why Borderline Personality Disorder Is Misdiagnosed, article
By Alan E. Fruzzetti, Ph.D.
‘13 Reasons Why’ Through the Lens of A Clinical Psychologist, article
By Amy E. Ellis, Ph.D.
Stop chasing the drug! Focus on ACE's, article
By Jane Stevens
Girls Daring Greatly, article
By Sabrina Marie Hadeed
Going Wild, article
By Bethany Bray
Mental Health In Schools: A Hidden Crisis Affecting Millions Of Students, article
By Meg Anderson & Kavitha Cardoza
Part One – NPR Ed series on mental health in schools.
Staying Connected While Your Child Is Away at Wilderness Camp, article
By Meghan Vivo
Why College Dating Is So Messed Up? article
By Charlotte Lieberman, Cosmopolitan
Ivy League Addiction, article
By Charlotte Lieberman, Cosmopolitan, Sept. 2016
The Coddling of the American Mind, article
By Greg Lukianoff & Jonathan Haidt, The Atlantic
Why Did a Popular, Smart, Athletic College Freshman Kill Herself? article
By NICOLE WEISENSEE EGAN
Suicide on Campus and the Pressure of Perfection, article
By Julie Scelfo, NY Times
Are Kids' Sports Too Competitive? article
By Carol Mithers, Parenting
Unfriended; letter from mom to daughter, article
By Amanda Waggener
How Helicopter Parenting Can Cause Binge Drinking, article
By Caitlin Flanigan / The New Yorker
Affirmative Consent: Are Students Really Asking? article
By Sandy Keenan, NY Times
The Struggle with Struggling: Mental Health Awareness Month article
By Allie Marie Smith
A siblings' Guide to Psychosis article
By Sharon Mulder, Elizabeth Lines
Four Steps to Choosing a College Major article
By Nathan Gebhard, NY Times
The Real Skinny on Freshman Year article
By Michelle Slatalla, NY Times
Advice for New Students From Those Who Know (Older Students) article
By NY Times
10 Social Apps Every Parent of a Teen Should Know article
By Megan Maas
Building Resilience in Children, article
By Healthy Children Magazine
Professional Parenting; Raising fully functioning adults, article
By Luis Moro
Supporting Someone with Depression
Articles to help you understand depression…
- Know the Signs video & facts >>
- 9 best way to support someone with depression >>
- PBS Videos on Depression >>
- Teen connection videos >>
- Preventing and Addressing Teenage Depression >>
- Hope Lives: Prevention Teen Suicide
- The FACTS, ReachOut.com >>
printable sheets on depression, anxiety, substance use, eating, self-harm, etc… - REAL Stories, ReachOut.com >>
- I am worried about a FRIEND, fact sheet >>
- I am worried about MYSELF, fact sheet >>
- Getting HELP in a CRISIS >>
- ReachOut Videos >>
- Friend2Friend >>
Online, interactive experience. It prepares high schools students to support others by practicing a challenging conversation with a friend who may be suffering from psychological distress.
Suicide Prevention Videos & Stigma for Students
- How to Help a Friend
- Suicide Prevention 101
- Mental Health Continuum
- Mental Illness & Stigma
- Mental Health Conditions
- Advocacy
Food For the Brain
Websites with information on how food can make a difference with your moods…
Stories of Videos & Recovery
Live, Love, Laugh Foundation
Stories of recovery… Meet people who have to share their stories – real life experiences in overcoming mental health issues of various kinds. Listen to how they never gave up, watch their battles and victories and read about their success.
Read more
Bring Change 2 Mind
Stories from our community… Learning about the experiences of others can help reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and give those who are suffering the courage to seek help. Remember, you are not alone.
Read more
Let's Erase the Stigma
Taking back the narrative… Search through the brave individuals who choose to live boldly, and share their stories in hopes of changing conversations. Among these individuals, you’ll find: diagnoses, raw experiences, barriers to seeking help, common misconceptions, etc.
GOOD READS...
Beyond Addiction: How Science and Kindness Help People Change
By Jeffrey Foote, Carrie Wilkens, Nicole Kosanke, Stephanie Higgs
The Lost Years: Surviving a Mother and Daughter's Worst Nightmare
By Kristina Wandzilak & Constance Curry
Help Your Teenager Beat an Eating Disorder
By James Lock
The Biology of Desire: Why Addiction Is Not a Disease
By Marc Lewis
GOOD READS...
The Connected Child: Bring hope and healing to your adoptive family
By Karyn Purvis
GOOD READS...
Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead
By Brené Brown
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
By Bessel Van der Kolk
Carry On, Warrior: The Power of Embracing Your Messy, Beautiful Life
By Glennon Doyle Melton
Facing Codependence: What It Is, Where It Comes from, How It Sabotages Our Lives
By Pia Mellody
The Knight in Rusty Armor
By Robert Fisher
Choice Theory: A New Psychology of Personal Freedom
By William Glasser
Mindfulness Skills for Kids & Teens: A Workbook for Clinicians & Clients
By Debra Burdick
GOOD READS...
Mental Health for the Whole Child: Moving Young Clients from Disease & Disorder to Balance & Wellness
By Scott M. Shannon
The Triple Bind: Saving Our Teenage Girls from Today's Pressures and Conflicting Expectations
By Stephen Hinshaw & Rachel Kranz
The Disappearing Girl: Learning the Language of Teenage Depression
By Lisa Machoian
CBT Strategies for Anxious and Depressed Children and Adolescents: A Clinician's Toolkit
By Eduardo L. Bunge PhD, Javier Mandil, Andrés J. Consoli PhD, Martín Gomar Lic
Stop Walking on Eggshells: Taking Your Life Back When Someone You Care About Has Borderline Personality Disorder
By Paul Mason
Night Falls Fast: Understanding Suicide
By Kay Redfield Jamison
The Noonday Demon: An Atlas of Depression
By Andrew Solomon
The Parent Handbook on Childhood and Adolescent Depression (Free PDF)
By Erika's Lighthouse
I Am Not Sick, I Don't Need Help!
How to Help Someone with Mental Illness Accept Treatment.
By Xavier Amador
Additional READS Recommended by Erika's Lighthouse >
GOOD READS...
Right Click: Parenting Your Teenager In A Digital Media World
by Art Bamford, Kara Powell, Brad M Griffin
Torn: Rescuing the Gospel from the Gays-vs.-Christians Debate
By Justin Lee
Tough Guys and Drama Queens: How Not to Get Blindsided by Your Child's Teen Years
By Mark Gregston
Space At The Table: Conversations Between An Evangelical Theologian And His Gay Son
By Brad Harper
Connecting with college students over break: they’re bringing home more than their laundry
By Steve Argue, PhD
GOOD READS...
Letting Go: A Parents' Guide to Understanding the College Years
By Karen Levin Coburn & Madge Lawrence Treeger
The Naked Roommate: For Parents Only
By Harlan Cohen
You're On Your Own (But I am Here if you Need Me): Mentoring Your Child During the College Years
By Marjorie Savage
GOOD READS...
The Parallel Process - Growing Alongside Your Adolescent or Young Adult Child in Treatment
By Krissy Pozatek
The Anatomy of Peace: Resolving the Heart of Conflict
By The Arbinger Institute
The Parenting Pyramid
By Arbinger Institute
Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life
By Marshall B. Rosenberg
Screamfree Parenting: The Revolutionary Approach to Raising Your Kids by Keeping Your Cool
By Hal Edward Runkel
Stop Walking on Eggshells: Taking Your Life Back When Someone You Care About Has Borderline Personality Disorder
By Paul Mason
The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed
By Jessica Lahey
An Unchanged Mind: The Problem of Immaturity in Adolescence
By John McKinnon
The Triple Bind: Saving Our Teenage Girls from Today's Pressures and Conflicting Expectations
By Stephen Hinshaw & Rachel Kranz
Overloaded and Underprepared: Strategies for Stronger Schools and Healthy, Successful Kids
By Denise Pope
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
By Bessel Van der Kolk
GOOD READS...
Cutting: Understanding and Overcoming Self-Mutilation
By Steven Levenkron
Fiction Books on Self-Harm
It can help as a parent to read a fiction book on self harm to have a better understanding of the thought process of your teen and the lengths they go through to keep their secret. See other book suggestions farther down under the Teens & Children section of this page.
- Willow by Julia Hoban
- Blade Silver: Color Me Scarred by Melody Carlson
GOOD READS...
The Courage to Heal: A Guide for Women Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse
By Ellen Bass
GOOD READS...
It's Complicated: The Social Lives of Networked Teens
By Dana Boyd
The Mirror Effect: How Celebrity Narcissism Is Seducing America
By Drew Pinsky & S. Mark Young
UnSelfie: Why Empathetic Kids Succeed in Our All-About-Me World
By Michele Borba
GOOD READS TEENS...
Beyond the Blues: A Workbook to Help Teens Overcome Depression
By Lisa Schab
Ophelia Speaks: Adolescent Girls Write About Their Search for Self
By Sara Shandler
How to Deal: Real-World Tools for Surviving Your Teenage Years
By Jerry Weichman
GOOD READS TEEN FICTION...
It's Kind of Funny Story
By Ned Vizzini
The Language of Goldfish
By Zibby Oneal
A Corner Of The Universe
By Ann Martin
Thirteen Reasons Why
By Jay Asher
Speak
By Laurie Halse Anderson
Wintergirls
By Laurie Halse Anderson
Out of My Mind
By Sharon M Draper
George
By Alex Gino
Wild Bird
By Wendelin Van Draanen
GOOD READS YOUTH...
Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key
By Jack Gantos
It's Hard to be a Verb
By Julia Cook & Carrie Hartman
When Sophie Gets Angry - Really, Really Angry
By Molly Bang
Sorry!
By Trudy Ludwig
My Many Colored Days
By Dr. Seuss
My Secret Bully
By Trudy Ludwig
How Are You Peeling?
By Saxton Freymann
Little Mouse's Big Book of Fears
By Emily Gravett
Just Kidding
By Trudy Ludwig
The Feelings Book
By Todd Parr
Gruff The Grump
By Steve Smallman
Chrysanthemum
By Kevin Henkes
The Way I Feel
By Janan Cain
GOOD READS...
Not by Chance: How Parents Boost Their Teen's Success In and After Treatment
By Tim Thayne
The Road Home: A Guide for Parents with Teens or Young Adults Returning from Treatment
By Ruben Jimenez
GOOD READS...
Teenage Brains, article
By David Dobbs, National Geographic
The Female Brain
By Louann Brizendine
Brainstorm: The Power and Purpose of the Teenage Brain
By Daniel J. Siegel
Unchanged Mind: The Problem of Immaturity in Adolescence
by John A. McKinnon MD
Overloaded and Underprepared: Strategies for Stronger Schools and Healthy, Successful Kids
By Denise Pope
Transforming Conflict With an Outward Mindset
- Based on Arbinger’s bestselling book The Anatomy of Peace, this course teaches participants to utilize Arbinger’s frameworks to transform previously frustrating and insurmountable conflicts. Participants are equipped with a personalized strategic plan built to address and transform conflicts within their organizations.
Coaching and Mentoring With an Outward Mindset
- Outward Mindset Coaching Skills for Managers provides organizational managers with a peer-group learning environment that supports their personal mastery of Arbinger’s concepts in life and work. The program is designed for organizational leaders with a basic foundation in Arbinger’s ideas who seek to build on that foundation to improve their leadership effectiveness.
The Anatomy of Peace 8-Week Course by Phone
- Based on Arbinger’s best-selling book – The Anatomy of Peace, this 8-week phone course takes a deeper look at applying its principles and creating healthy, rewarding relationships in our lives. This offering of the class approved for 8 CCEU units with the ICF. What to Expect The Anatomy of Peace course by phone provides the help you need in applying the principles found in the book. It offers weekly dialogue, coaching, and in-between practice as you acquire a deeper ‘heart…
SPEAKERS
- Homeward Bound - Tim Thayne
After founding successful wilderness and residential teen treatment programs, in 2005 Tim Thayne created Homeward Bound to lead the movement to educate and support families, while greatly reducing relapse. Never one to underestimate the significance of transitions, Thayne guides parents in their crucial leadership roles as culture builders and change agents. - Nadine Burke Harris
Expands the ability and capacity of youth-serving organizations to respond to the needs of children exposed to early adversity and make appropriate service plans and referrals. We conduct staff training workshops for service providers working with children and families on ACEs and toxic stress. We also conduct community-based and school-based ACEs awareness and information programs; run ACEs-related webinars, trainings and workshops for parents and educators; and develop and distribute resources and materials. - Jerry Weichman
FOR PARENTS: How to Deal - A motivational and life-skills presentation which teaches teens how to use The Tool Belt to deal with the stress, drama and challenges that present themselves while navigating middle school and high school. Dr. Jerry speaks to parents with an emphasis on how to parent your teenager successfully.
FOR TEENS: How to Deal; A Teen Survival Guide - Book on how to deal with social situations and how to deal with parents. - Dr John Duffy
Listen to Podcasts. Dr. Duffy is a nationally-recognized expert in self-awareness, relationships, and parenting. He also has a book “The Available Parent” - Trauma Resource Institute
CRM – Community Resiliency Model -- one-day skills training will teach participants six wellness skills. CRM’s goal is to help to create “trauma-informed” and “resiliency-informed” individuals and communities that share a common understanding of the impact of trauma and chronic stress on the nervous system and how resiliency can be restored or increased using this skills-based approach.
TRM – Trauma Resiliency Model -- TRM is a program designed to teach skills to clinicians working with children and adults with traumatic stress reactions. TRM is a mind-body approach and focuses on the biological basis of trauma and the automatic, defensive ways that the human body responds when faced with perceived threats to self and others, including the responses of “tend and befriend”, fight, flight and freeze. TRM explores the concept of resiliency and how to restore balance to the body and the mind after traumatic experiences. Explores the concept of resiliency and how to restore balance to the body and the mind after experiencing traumatic or stressful events.
- Erika's Lighthouse... We educate school communities about teen depression, eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness and empower teens to take charge of their mental health.
Recommended Reads >
Understanding depression >
Treat depression >
Cope with depression >
Help someone with depression >
Teen Depression test >
- Go Ask Alice
Site is supported by a team of Columbia University health promotion specialists, health care providers, and other health professionals, along with a staff of information and research specialists and writers. Our team members have advanced degrees in public health, health education, medicine, counseling, and a number of other relevant fields.
- Love is Respect
Highly-trained advocates offer support, information and advocacy to young people who have questions or concerns about their dating relationships. Free and confidential phone, live chat and texting services are available 24/7/365.
- Active Minds
Family Communication Tips - American Psychiatric Association Foundation
Information, including symptoms and treatment
Find a Psychiatrist
- American Psychological Association
Articles on health and emotional wellness
Find a Psychologist - American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Find Support - National Alliance on Mental Illness NAMI
Information and support - National Council for Behavioral Health
Articles on mental health - National Institute of Mental Health
Mental Health Information - Mental Health America
Mental Health Screening Tools
Treatment and Support - MentalHealth.gov
How to Talk about Mental Health
What to Look For - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative
Resources for Veterans and Military Families - World Health Organization
International Mental Health Information
COUNSELING SUPPORT
Choosing a Therapist
It is most affordable to find a therapist or treatment provider that is covered by your insurance plan. However, it is recommended to really make sure that the therapist you use specializes in the needs of your child and family. It is also important that there is a connection which sometimes means going out of network. Ask around for referrals and take the time to do a consultation with a few therapists to find the right fit. Consider the following…
- Location?
- Availability?
- Cost?
- Do they accept insurance?
- Is your therapist licensed? If you are seeing an intern, do they have a supervisor they meet with on a regular basis?
- What’s the therapist’s philosophy and approach to counseling?
- Do you feel safe and comfortable?
- Is it easy to make conversation?
- Is the therapist easy to relate to or does they feel emotionally removed?
- Can the therapist define how they can help you to solve your issue and give you a clear overview of the process and time frame?
- Can your therapist accept feedback and admit when they make a mistake?
- Does the therapist encourage independence by helping you to identify and find your own solutions?
- Does the therapist have experience and training for the specific issue you are addressing?
- Does the therapist provide homework or reading between sessions?
- Will the therapist see more than 1 family member?
- Will the therapist coordinate with other treatment providers if necessary?
- Is the therapist available between sessions if there is an urgent issue?
Differences between a Therapist, Coach & Counselor
These roles can get confusing… therapy, occupational therapy, counseling, and coaching.
THERAPY
- The process of meeting with a therapist to resolve problematic behaviors, beliefs, feelings, relationship issues. Therapeutic services offer the client support and skills to deal with psychological pain, to gain insight into their behaviors, while learning new strategies to cope with depression, anxiety, hyperactivity and unwanted behaviors.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
- OT is a form of therapy for those recuperating from physical or mental illness that encourages rehabilitation through the performance of activities required in daily life.
COUNSELING & COACHING
- Coaches meet with clients to discuss needs and goals. They help clients work on future goals including careers, jobs, schools, academic remediation, strategies for wrap-around programming, etc.
Understanding the different professions
- LMFT, MFCC, LMFC ~ Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
The practice of marriage and family therapy is service performed with individuals, couples, or groups wherein interpersonal relationships are examined for the purpose of achieving more adequate, satisfying, and productive marriage and family adjustments.
- LCSW ~ Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Defined as a service in which a special knowledge of social resources, human capabilities, and the part that unconscious motivation plays in determining behavior, is directed at helping people to achieve more adequate, satisfying, and productive social adjustments.
- LPCC ~ Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
Professional clinical counseling means the application of counseling interventions and psychotherapeutic techniques to identify and remediate cognitive, mental, and emotional issues, including personal growth, adjustment to disability, crisis intervention, and psychosocial and environmental problems, and the use, application, and integration of the coursework and training. Includes conducting assessments for the purpose of establishing counseling goals and objectives to empower individuals to deal adequately with life situations, reduce stress, experience growth, change behavior, and make well-informed, rational decisions.
- LEP ~ Licensed Educational Psychologist
Performance of any of the following functions pertaining to academic learning processes or the education system: (a) Educational evaluation. (b) Diagnosis of psychological disorders related to academic learning processes. (c) Administration of diagnostic tests related to academic learning processes including tests of academic ability, learning patterns, achievement, motivation, and personality factors. (d) Interpretation of diagnostic tests related to academic learning processes including tests of academic ability, learning patterns, achievement, motivation, and personality factors. (e) Providing psychological counseling for individuals, groups, and families. (f) Consultation with other educators and parents on issues of social development and behavioral and academic difficulties. (g) Conducting psychoeducational assessments for the purposes of identifying special needs. (h) Developing treatment programs and strategies to address problems of adjustment. (i) Coordinating intervention strategies for management of individual crises.
- MFTI, MFCI ~ Interns
Individuals who have a Master’s degree and are fulfilling the requirements for licensure as a Marriage, Family, and Child Counselor. They see clients or work in a clinical setting, with their clinical work being supervised by a senior, licensed therapist. - Marriage & Family Therapist ~ Associate Counselor
An associate is a pre-licensure candidate with a graduate degree in a mental health field. The associate is gaining the experience necessary to become a licensed independent clinical social worker, licensed advanced social worker, licensed mental health counselor or licensed marriage and family therapist.
- Psychiatrist ~ MD
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has specialized in mental health and must evaluate patients to determine whether their symptoms are the result of a physical illness, a combination of physical and mental, or a strictly psychiatric one. Most psychiatrists have less training in talk therapy.
- Ph.D ~ Psy.D ~ Psychologist
Psychologists are doctoral level clinicians. The one specialty psychologists have primarily is in administering psychological tests.
LIFE COACH CERTIFICATIONS
At this time there is no state or federal regulation of the coaching industry. Center for Credentialing and Education (CCE), as an affiliate of the National Board for Certified Counselors offers the BCC Certification. The International Coaching Federation (ICF) is dedicated setting high standards and providing independent Life Coach Certification.
- C.L.C. ~ Certified Life Coach
- C. S. C. ~ Certified Spiritual Coach
- A.C.C. ~ Associate Certified Coach
- M.C.C. ~ Master Certified Coach
- P.C.C. ~ Professional Certified Coach
- A.C.T.P. ~ Accredited Coach Training Program
- B.C.C. ~ Board Certified Coach, National Board for Certified Counselors
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS
- NBCOT Certification
Parent Recommended...
YOUTH…
- tbd
FAMILY…
- tbd
Parent Recommended...
- tbd
Psychologists
ASSESSMENT & EVALUATION
- Dr. Carrie Towbes, Child Clinical Psychologist
- Dr. Trina Pangelina, Los Angeles
- Dr. Michael Mantz
SPECIALIZES in SLEEP DISORDERS
- Winifred Lloyds Lender 805.880.9699
What are the different specialties?
- Clinical psychologists assess and treat people with psychological problems. They may act as therapists for people experiencing normal psychological crises or for individuals suffering from chronic psychiatric disorders.
- Counseling psychologists do many of the same things that clinical psychologists do. However, they tend to focus more on persons with adjustment problems rather than on persons suffering from severe psychological disorders.
- Developmental psychologists study how we develop intellectually, socially, and emotionally over the lifespan. Many do research and teach in academic settings, but many act as consultants to schools or social service agencies.
- Educational psychologists are concerned with the study of human learning. They attempt to understand the basic aspects of learning and then develop materials and strategies for enhancing the learning process.
- Forensic psychologists are involved in analyzing crime evidence and aiding law enforcement agencies in criminal investigations.
- Health psychologists are concerned with psychology’s contributions to the promotion and maintenance of good health and the prevention and treatment of illness. They may design and conduct programs to help individuals stop smoking, lose weight, manage stress, and stay physically fit.
- Industrial/organizational psychologists are primarily concerned with the relationships between people and their work environments.
- Physiological psychologists study the physiological correlates of behavior.
- School psychologists are involved in enhancing the development of children in educational settings. They assess children’s psychoeducational abilities and recommend actions to facilitate student learning.
- Social psychologists study how our beliefs, feelings, and behaviors are affected by other persons. Most work in academic settings.
Psychological Evaluation Process
Psychological testing is nearly always performed by a licensed psychologist since they are the only profession that is expertly trained to perform and interpret psychological tests.
Psychological assessment is a process of testing that uses a combination of techniques including interviews and observations to help arrive at some hypotheses about an individual and their behavior, personality and capabilities.
It is recommended as part of a full assessment that the individual also have a full medical examination, to rule out the possibilities of a medical, disease or organic cause for the individual’s symptoms.
INTERVIEWS
- Interviews with the child/teen, parents, teachers, academic counselors and therapists allow the psychologist to gather valuable information. This is usually done prior to any formal testing and there can also be follow up.
TESTING
- Assessment of Intellectual Functioning (IQ)
- Intelligence Tests: Stanford-Binet and the Wechsler scales
- IQ Test: WAIS-IV – Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale , WISC-IV – Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children
- Halstead Reitan Battery neuropsychological tests
- Personality Assessment
- Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI)
- Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory, 3rd edition (MCMI-III)
- Rorschach Inkblot Test
- Myers-Briggs
- Behavioral Assessment
- Observing the child/teen in their natural environment can also be helpful in having a better understanding of the individual. Often, behavior observations is some of the most important information.
- How does the person act? Nervous, calm, smug? What they do and do not do? Do they make and maintain eye contact? How close to you do they sit?
ASSESSMENT & RECOMMENDATIONS
- Psychologists take all of the information they have gathered to create an assessment and then make recommendations based on the results.
Independent Educational Consultants
Parent Recommended
The consultants below have been recommended by parents and students.
- Randi Klein [Westlake, CA]
- Pamela Jobin [Dever, CO]
- Alicia Goldman [SF, CA]
Other possibilities to review…
- Harriett Bay in LA
- Kay Davison in Newport Beach
- Paula Feldman in Corona del Mar
- Lynn Hamilton in Santa Barbara
- Dani Levine in Tarzana
- Anne Lewis in Santa Barbara
- Susan Miltner in Davis
- Jessica Romeyn in LA
- Teri Solocheck in West Hills
Educational Consultants that work with families that have at-risk teens typically have extensive experience in crisis intervention, dealing with oppositional behaviors, and other emotional/behavioral difficulties.
Educational Consultants focus on finding the best solutions and specialize in therapeutic boarding school, residential treatment and wilderness placements. Educational consultants know the schools and programs and have an in-depth knowledge of the program differences and quality of the staff.
Fees… Some consultants charge an hourly fee, while others offer an overall fee for the whole process from start to finish. Ask your consultant what the fee includes. [Note: Consultants should not receive any incentives from the programs that they refer to.]
The process… Consultants collect information including school transcripts, therapeutic evaluations, medications, and possibly do some psychological or academic assessments to help identify your child’s strengths and weaknesses. The consultant then gives your family the full range of options that best fit for your child.
Finding a consultant… Referrals are always a great way to go when looking for a consultant. There is also a national organization, IECA, and these approved member consultants are trained experts and the website, IECAonline.com is a great resource for learning more.
Parent Recommended
- tbd
What is a Life Coach?
Coaching vs Therapy
- LIFE COACH: Professional coaching focuses on setting goals, creating outcomes and managing personal change. Coaching is future focused and supports growth based on self-initiated change utilizing action, accountability, and follow-through.
- THERAPIST: Typically therapy deals with healing pain, dysfunction and conflict within an individual or in relationships [ie: parenting, marriage]. The focus is on resolving issues arising from the past that are affecting an individual’s emotional functioning and learning to manage the present in a healthier way.
- FAMILY COACH: This is often an intensive service that focuses on reducing unmanageable behaviors that are currently impacting the teen’s functioning at home or school. The coach helps the teen learn new ways of reducing and managing behaviors and increase positive behaviors and coping skills. Parents are taught how to effectively manage the behaviors and support their teen. Meetings typically take place in the home so the coach can see the teen in their natural environment where the challenging behaviors usually occur. Coaches provide modeling, structure, support and behavioral interventions based on the teen and family’s abilities, interests, and strengths. This can be a great transition tool when teens who have been in a residential program are transitioning back home.
Interesting Articles & Links
- What a Parent Can do… READ
- Do’s and Don’ts… READ
- Teen Suicide Statistics… READ
- Suicide Rates Climb In U.S., Especially Among Adolescent Girls… READ or LISTEN
Recommended Digital Resources
Online counseling can be referred to as e-therapy, e-coaching, e-counseling, teletherapy or cyber-counseling. Rather than going into an office setting, a therapist, counselor or coach provides counseling advice and support via your computer with video conferencing or your mobile device.
View Articles
- Online therapy is growing incredibly fast — here’s why that matters >
- Virtual therapy expanding mental health care >
Free 24/7 CRISIS TEXT Line
- Text: HELLO to 741-741
- Visit website >
USC Telehealth
- A completely virtual counseling and therapy clinic that uses the latest online and video technologies to serve a diverse set of clients including adults, children, couples, families, and military personnel. Providing services throughout California
- Covered by most major insurance.
- Visit website >
Breakthrough
- Book an appointment with one of their licensed therapists or
psychiatrists. Meet with them through your computer or smart phone. - Breakthrough offers free online assessments that you can take to learn about your mental health symptoms and potential conditions.
- Breakthrough does not offer crisis counseling or emergency services.
- Fees vary by therapist.
- List of CA therapists >
- Visit website >
Ginger.IO Phone App
- All-in-one care for stress, anxiety, and depression. Ginger.io offers personalized care plans with chat-based coaching, proactive check-ins, video sessions with therapists, and self-care tools—all through your phone.
- GingerCare Membership costs $129 per month.
GingerCare & Therapy membership* costs $249 per month.
GingerCare & Psychiatry membership* costs $349 per month. - Visit website >
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
Academic Support
This is a list of local agencies that provide academic support.
Call ahead to find out more about their programs or visit their websites.
Santa Barbara Schools
- Private & Boarding Schools
- Anacapa High
- Bishop Diego
- Laguna Blanca
- Midland Coed Boarding School [Santa Ynez]
- Providence
- SB Middle School [6th-9th]
- SB Unified School District – options for School
- CLASS Truancy program
- QUETZAL PROGRAM
- Alta Vista Independent Studies
- Middle College [partnership with SBCC] view details >
- Posse Program/PEAC [La Cumbre Junior High]
Santa Barbara Agencies
- SB County Education Foundation
- Academy of Success
- Summer School
- SB School of Squash
- Scholarship Foundation SB
- SBCC Promise
- SELPA
Academic & Tutoring
- Manu Kai Educational Services
What is the difference between an Academic Coach and a Tutor?
Academic Coaching vs. Tutoring
- ACADEMIC COACH: The process of academic coaching expand to teach students to become more effective learners as well as including elements of traditional tutoring. Coaches develop strategies to assist individuals to become self-sufficient while focusing on strengthening skills in time management, organization, and learning strategies.
- TUTOR: Tutors helps individuals understand content on a specific subject [ie: math, english, history].
Coalitions & Task Forces
This is a list of local agencies that are partnering to make a difference for the youth in Santa Barbara County.
Call ahead to find out more about their programs or visit their websites.
Santa Barbara Agencies
- Youth Well Coalition
- Santa Barbara Kids Network
- South Coast Task Force on Youth Safety
- Santa Ynez Valley Youth Coalition
- SB Teen Coalition Connection SBTC
Advocacy
This is a list of local agencies that do advocacy in mental health, tobacco prevention and substance abuse.
Call ahead to find out more about their programs or visit their websites.
Santa Barbara Agencies
- COYA – Coalition of Youth Advocates
- Families Act – Family Advocacy Program and Family Support Fund
- Mental Wellness Center – NAMI
- SafeLaunch
- SB Transgender Advocacy Network
Advocacy & Support
These are websites, groups and school-based clubs that are working to fight the stigma of mental health, provide support and resources.
- StrongMindsProject.orgWe’re a group of passionate young people who’ve struggled with our mental health, and are back to chasing our dreams after finding effective support and resources. We’re here to share our experiences with you, and help you stay strong.
- Samhsa.govSAMHSA’s mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities.
- Stand BeautifulChloe is the voice of Standbeautiful.me, an anti-bullying movement promoting the acceptance of self and others.
Core Support, Intervention & Prevention
This is a list of local agencies that provide special programs most of which do not cost anything to the client.
Call ahead to find out more about their programs or visit their websites.
Santa Barbara Agencies
- A Different Point of View
- Alternatives to Violence
- Arts for Humanity
- CADA
- City at Peace
- City of Santa Barbara
- Easy Lift – children’s accessible transportation
- Mental Wellness Center
- Palabra
- People Helping People
- SB School of Squash
- Transition House
- Wilderness Youth Project
- YMCA, Transitional-Age Youth Housing Program
Counseling Programs
This is a list of local agencies that provide counseling, therapy and assessment services.
Vew our THERAPISTS section for a list of parent recommended therapists.
Call ahead to find out more about their programs or visit their websites.
Santa Barbara Agencies
- Community Counseling & Education Center
- FSA – Family Service Agency
- Family Therapy Institute
- Hope Counseling Center
- Life Development Center
- New Beginnings Counseling
- Zona Seca
- SB County Dept of Behavioral Wellness
Serve youth, 0-18, who are Medi-Cal beneficiaries with serious emotional disturbance and/or substance use disorders. 888.868.1649 - SB Neighborhood Clinics
High quality, affordable healthcare, and behavioral health services - Community Counseling & Educational Center
Low cost counseling, support groups, workshops for teens and families. - Family Therapy Institute
Counseling by licensed therapists, low cost clinic provides services by interns. - Hope Counseling Center
Faith based counseling for teens and families by licensed therapists. - UCSB Hosford Clinic
Culturally sensitive, low-cost counseling by supervised graduate students - UCSB Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) Clinic
Work with parent and child (2-7) to increase positive behaviors.
College Counseling
- SBCC – ASAP & Counseling & Crisis Intervention
- USCB
- Westmont
Intervention & Treatment Programs
This is a list of local agencies that provide intervention and treatment programs.
Call ahead to find out more about their programs or visit their websites.
If you need additional resources, visit our TREATMENT PROGRAMS page for more details about Wilderness, Residential & Therapeutic Boarding Schools, Transition Home Programs and Independent Educational Consultants.
Santa Barbara Agencies
[click on the organization to link to their website]
- CADA Detox, Youth & Adult Outpatient Treatment 805.963.1433
Daniel Bryant Youth Treatment Center
- Casa Pacifica Centers Residential Treatment, Substance Use Outpatient 805.366.4040
- Cottage Hospital Detox, Outpatient, Residential 805.569.8339
- Changes Outpatient Wellness Center 805.883.1155
- County of SB Probation Dept – Los Prietos Boys Camp
- Crescend Health [formerly Phoenix House] Residential Treatment 805.965.3434
- Full Spectrum Recovery Therapy, Groups, Intervention 805.966.5100
- Giving Tree Sober Living Home for Women 805.455.4568
- La Ventan Treatment Center Eating Disorders, Detox, Residential & Outpatient 800.560.8518
- Recovery Ranch Sober living for men & male teens 805.705.0766
- Recovery Road Outpatient & Mental Health 805.962.7800
- Sanctuary Centers of SB Residential & Outpatient 805.569.2785
- Stalwart Sober Living Home for Women, 805.965.4989
- SB County Dept of Behavioral Wellness 805.884.1600
- Vista Del Mar Hospital Inpatient Treatment 877.518.1110
- YMCA, Noah’s Anchorage Youth Crisis Shelter 805.963.8775
An Overview of the Process
There are many ways to do this if you are considering sending your child to a residential program. This is just an overview of how the process can work…
STEP 1 – MAKING THE DECISION & FINDING A PROGRAM
- Work with a therapist or educational consultant to find the best program for your child.
STEP 2 – TRANSPORTATION
- Decide whether you need to use an “escort-transport” service if you don’t think your child will go willingly.
STEP 3 – SHORT TERM OPTIONS
- Programs may start with a [option 1] 30 Day Residential Program or [option 2] a Wilderness Program
STEP 4 – LONG TERM RESIDENTIAL
- Sometimes short-term programs are enough and other times, a next step is recommended so that your teen can take those newly learned tools and change them into habits.
- Some teens will go straight into a Therapeutic or Residential Boarding School without doing a short-term program prior.
STEP 5 – TRANSITIONING HOME
- When your teen is ready to come home, the program, your educational consultant and your local therapist can help you with the transition.
- There are great books on this process along with worksheets parents can do to prepare.
- Some families opt to do the transition on their own and line up support for their teen back home. Others have their teen transition to a regular boarding school. And others opt to use one of the Family Coaches who specialize in this process.
What are Residential Treatment Programs?
THERAPEUTIC BOARDING SCHOOL… is an out-of-home placement that combines therapy and education for students with emotional and behavioral disorders, substance use disorders, or learning disabilities.
RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT PROGRAM… A residential treatment center (RTC), is a live-in health care facility providing therapy for substance abuse, mental illness, or other behavioral problems. Many teen-based programs also provide an academic component with either classes or independent learning.
Both types of boarding usually include… family therapy, individual therapy, and group therapy.
What is Wilderness Therapy?
Wilderness therapy is a subset of adventure-based therapy. It is the use of wilderness expeditions for the purpose of therapeutic intervention. There are a range of different types of wilderness therapy programs, with a range of models and approaches.
Most programs employ no force, confrontation, point or level systems, or other overt behavioral modification techniques or models, but stress assertiveness, open communication between staff and students, and are very group-oriented. There is no one standardized model for the therapy, since many models of wilderness therapy are reflective of different programs, although most usually contain the following principles: a series of tasks that are increasingly difficult in order to challenge the patients; teamwork activities for working together; the presence of a psychiatrist or therapist as a group leader; and the use of a therapeutic process such as a reflection journal or self-evaluation.
NOTE: Choose carefully! There are many programs out there and not all of them are reputable. There are treatment programs where abusive situations have been reported. Talk to other families who have used the programs or hire a consultant.
For more information, view the NATSAP website.
Researching Residential Programs
Here are a few sites to help you continue your research as you explore treatment options. It is highly recommended that you hire an Educational Consultant to assist you in this process.
- The National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs
- Start exploring the types of programs available, especially if looking for a particular school. Locate an educational consultant. Under the parent tab you can find a detailed list of questions to ask when visiting and researching schools and programs.
- Independent Educational Consultants Association
- Lists educational consultants by state and type of services they provide.
- The Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare Industry Council
- Several wilderness treatment programs that have joined together to collaborate and share the best practices to promote program standards for wilderness treatment.
- Best Therapeutic Boarding Schools for Troubled Teens
- Free Help Finding the potential Right Therapeutic Boarding School for Your Teenager
- The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
- This is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization.
Job Training & Life Skills
This is a list of local agencies that provide job training and life skills programs.
Call ahead to find out more about their programs or visit their websites.
Santa Barbara Agencies
- County of SB Workforce Investment Board – Youth Corps
- Hidden Wings
- Mental Wellness Center
- SB County Education Foundation – Americorps
- SB County of Education – Partners In Education
- Unity Shoppe
- Youth Interactive
- yStrive
Leadership Programs
This is a list of local agencies that provide leadership groups for teens.
Call ahead to find out more about their programs or visit their websites.
Santa Barbara Agencies
- AHA!
- City of SB Youth Council
- COYA – Coalition of Youth Advocates
- Fund for SB – Youth Making Change
- Future Leaders of America
- Just Communities
- High School Clubs
- Mental Wellness Center - Youth Wellness Connection Council & Clubs
- Pacific Pride
- SB Police Activities League – SBPAL
- SBMNH – Quasars
- UCSB – Freedom4Youth
- YMCA – PILOTS, Youth & Government
Educational Programs
This is a list of agencies that provide various workshops and trainings for parents, caretakers, students, teachers and professionals.
Call ahead to find out more about their programs or visit their websites.
View our full page on Trainings, Education, Speakers & Workshops >
Visit our CALENDAR to view upcoming workshops.
Santa Barbara Agencies
- CADA
- CALM
- County of SB Public Health – Youth Tobacco Prevention
- DVS – Domestic Violence Solutions
- FSA – Family Service Agency
- Glendon Association
- Just Communities
- Mental Wellness Center
- New Beginnings Community Church – Life In Focus Classes
- New Beginnings Counseling
- Rape Crisis Center
- SafeLaunch
- SB Education Foundation – Destructive Behavior in Adolescents
- SB COPE
- What is Love
Mediation & Restorative Approaches
This is a list of local agencies that provide mediation support, compassionate communication, appropriate dispute resolution and problem solving practices.
Call ahead to find out more about their programs or visit their websites.
Santa Barbara Agencies
- AHA! Peace Builders
- Conflict Solution Center
- Just Communities
Santa Barbara Agencies
This is a list of local agencies that support young adults that are sexually active.
Call ahead to find out more about their programs or visit their websites.
- CAC – TAPP: Teenage Pregnancy and Parenting
- Network Medical
- Planned Parenthood
- SB Unified School District – Cal-SAFE
- Villa Majella Crisis Pregnancy Home
- What is Love
- St. Vincent’s
- CADA Detox, Youth & Adult Outpatient Treatment 805.963.1433
Daniel Bryant Youth Treatment Center
- Casa Pacifica Centers Residential Treatment, Substance Use Outpatient 805.366.4040
- Cottage Hospital Detox, Outpatient, Residential 805.569.8339
- Changes Outpatient Wellness Center 805.883.1155
- County of SB Probation Dept – Los Prietos Boys Camp
- Crescend Health [formerly Phoenix House] Residential Treatment 805.965.3434
- Full Spectrum Recovery Therapy, Groups, Intervention 805.966.5100
- Giving Tree Sober Living Home for Women 805.455.4568
- La Ventan Treatment Center Eating Disorders, Detox, Residential & Outpatient 800.560.8518
- Recovery Ranch Sober living for men & male teens 805.705.0766
- Recovery Road Outpatient & Mental Health 805.962.7800
- Sanctuary Centers of SB Residential & Outpatient 805.569.2785
- Stalwart Sober Living Home for Women, 805.965.4989
- SB County Dept of Behavioral Wellness 805.884.1600
- Vista Del Mar Hospital Inpatient Treatment 877.518.1110
- YMCA, Noah’s Anchorage Youth Crisis Shelter 805.963.8775
- CALM
- CADA
- SUPER
- Parent Program
- FSA – Family Service Agency
- Hospice
- INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING – We provide individual, family, and support group counseling.
- CAMPUS SUPPORT GROUPS – DPHS, SBHS, SMHS
- GROUP: PARENTING AFTER LOSS (PAL) is an eight week group for surviving parents and/or guardians and their children.
- MENTOR: I HAVE A FRIEND – The parent and the mentor volunteer meet first and then the mentor is introduced to the child.
- Mental Wellness Center
- SPOT – Support for Parents of Teens – Group [ages 14-25], view details >
- SPOT – Educational Series, view details >
- GRUPO DE APOYO DE FAMILIA ESPAÑOL, view details >
- EDUCATIONAL FAMILY DISCUSSION GROUP, view details >
- FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP, view details >
- NAMI EDUCATIONAL SPEAKER MEETING, view details >
- New Beginnings Counseling
- SB County Dept of Behavioral Wellness
Youth Support Groups
This is a list of agencies that provide various support groups. Some focus on mental health, substance abuse and others are more general support.
Call ahead to find out more about their programs or visit their websites.
- AHA!
- Ally Leadership
- Creative Groups
- Girls Group
- Guys Group
- Outdoor Group
- Carpinteria Group
- AL-ANON/ALATEEN
- CADA – Council on Alcoholism & Drug Abuse
- YSS – Youth Service Specialist [school-based]
- START [Carpinteria school-based]
- SUPER
- Friday Night Live & Club Live
- Reconnecting Youth [school-based class]
- Daniel Bryant Youth Treatment Center groups
- CALM – Child Abuse Listening & Mediation
- Casa de la Raza
- Changes Outpatient Wellness Center
- Community Action Commission
- Community Council & Education Center
- Peace UP… An interactive curriculum for 5th-12th grade students that strengthens self esteem and addresses the vital issues of harassment, bullying and violence.
- SpeakOUT… is a comprehensive program at CCEC offering groups, individual and family counseling, outreach and resources to LGBTQ youth.
- Young Life & Wyldlife Caernaum
- Faith Based Youth Groups at local churches
[Calvary Chapel, Ocean Hills, Reality SB, SB Community Church]
- FSA – Family Service Agency
- Hospice
- Housing Authority – groups
- Mental Wellness Center
- KEEPING CONNECTED This FREE group brings together teens (14-18yrs) to learn emotion management in a fun, safe place. Come discuss life, work on communication and social skills and enjoy time with your peers! Facilitated by Isis Castaneda and Lupe Luna.
- WRAP GROUPS [Wellness Recovery Action Plan] for teens aims to provide people with a mental health diagnoses an aspect of control over their wellness and recovery.
- MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS is not a group, it is a curriculum offered in 6th & 9th grade classrooms when requested by teachers and is designed to introduce students to mental health issues.
- New Beginnings Community Church – Life In Focus Classes
- Pacific Pride
- PROUD Youth Group
- Rape Crisis Center
- Recovery Road
- SB County Dept of Behavioral Wellness
College Support Groups
- SBCC
- MIDDLE COLLEGE at SBCC –
- UCSB CAPS , PAC, Guachos For Recovery , Life of the Party Group
What are Transition/Aftercare Programs?
Hiring a family coach/mentor can be a great support when teens who have been in a residential program are transitioning back home.
- Continuing Care: Coaches are trained to support families in transition and offer practical direction and help set realistic expectations and come up with a concrete plan of action.
- Family Coach: This is often an intensive service that focuses on reducing unmanageable behaviors that are currently impacting the teen’s functioning at home or school. The coach helps the teen learn new ways of reducing and managing behaviors and increase positive behaviors and coping skills. Parents are taught how to effectively manage the behaviors and support their teen. Meetings typically take place in the home so the coach can see the teen in their natural environment where the challenging behaviors usually occur. Coaches provide modeling, structure, support and behavioral interventions based on the teen and family’s abilities, interests, and strengths.
- Coyote Coast
Designed to provide therapeutic support services to teens and families experiencing emotional, behavioral, and substance-related difficulties. Mentoring along with parent coaching helps families create a plan for troubled at home, at risk teens as well as extremely helpful in supporting the entire family when transitioning your teen back home from a program.
- Homeward Bound
Created to fill the gap between out-of-home treatment programs and the realities of home life or independent living and quickly discovered that the processes were highly successful when used as a preventative measure as well. They believes that every family can benefit greatly from the practical and customized education, coaching, and real-time support that they can provide.
- VIVE: Family Support Program
Works to heal troubled kids and family relationships and are often called upon by parents who are experiencing a chaotic or turbulent time in their families. Vive supports young people and their families who find themselves struggling with a difficult transition or life event, or who are experiencing mild to moderate emotional issues.
- 360 Program
360 helps adolescents and young adults successfully transition from treatment to home, college, or independence. It provides the family with wrap-around support to help parents as skills are transferred from treatment to the real-world setting.
Santa Barbara Agencies
- Boys & Girls Club
- Casa de la Raza
- Frankin School Community Center
- Girls Inc. Carp
- Girls Inc SB
- IVYP – Isla Vista Youth Projects
- SB Police Activities League – SBPAL
- St. George Family Youth Center
[Formerly: IVYP-Isla Vista Teen Center] - YMCA – Saturday Night Y Teen Night
What is a Youth Transport-Escort Service?
A transport service specializes in the transportation of at-risk youth to private programs and schools. They are designed to help by providing safe transportation and a therapeutic transition. Escorts are trained to anticipate resistance from the teens, so they are trained to look for signs of anxiety or attempts to run and have a plan for how to respond.
Transport services are usually a last resort for parents to transport their teens to programs/treatment. If you are using this option, ask for a referral from friends, your therapist or educational consultant. You want this process to go as smoothly as possible.
Teen transport services can be expensive since it usually involves airfare for both the teen and their escort team as well as their fees for service.
The process… Most escorts arrive at your residence early in the morning or very late at night to ensure that the teen is at home and sleeping. The parents meet the escorts at the front door with the clothes for the child to wear during the transport. In addition they have any necessary luggage packed. The escorts are led to the teen’s room, the parents wake the teen and introduce the escorts and tell their teen that the escorts are there to take them to the program. The parents are then asked to leave the room so as not to be seen by the child. The escorts get the teen dressed and take them directly out to the car. They are placed in the back seat with the child locks on and one escort will sit beside them. The team sets boundaries for the teen and explains what behavior is acceptable. The escorts call the parents as soon as their teen has been dropped at the program and a report is given to the parents on the behavior and mood of the teen during the transport.
The negatives… The process of being forcibly removed from the home can be traumatic for both the teen and their parents. Some teens describe it as feeling like they were kidnapped. Parents and teens will sometimes hear these escorts referred to as “Goons”.
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