The Group Counseling program at Counseling & Psychological Services includes offerings that can help students learn skills, manage distress, and/or build community. The three categories of groups are listed below. Some things to keep in mind:

  • There is no additional cost for groups. CAPS services are covered by your student fees!
  • Some groups require a different level of commitment ranging from drop-in once to quarter-long. 
  • Some groups require a pre-screen to ensure that the group is a good fit for your needs.
  • If you are currently located outside of California, your ability to attend may depend on your specific location. 
  • Some group descriptions fit more than one category so they are listed multiple times. 

Please read through the information for the group(s) you are interested in. If you have any questions, please contact CAPS at (805) 893-4411.
 


Psychoeducation & Skills Groups

These groups focus on teaching content and skills that can help students manage mental health concerns. 


Community Groups

Identity-specific groups offer individuals with shared visible and invisible or hidden identities a space to process current issues, provide support to one another, and build community. 


Interpersonal Process Groups

These groups offer students an opportunity to process concerns and seek support from peers, as well as a chance to practice social skill building and connecting with others. 

 

Glossary of Group Counseling terms:

Drop-in - student can choose to attend just one session or multiple. No expectation of attendance. May still require an initial registration to get Zoom link access
Series - while not a "process group," information being shared builds on itself and it is beneficial to be able to attend all sessions
Pre-screen - a short (typically 15-30 minute) appointment with the group leader(s) to ensure that the group you are interested in is a good fit for your needs. These can be scheduled by calling (805) 893-4411 or by submitting a Services Request Form
Google request form - each group has a link to a Google Form for registration. This helps keep track of interest and group leaders can reach out with Zoom links and group updates. These will not prompt a pre-screen appointment - those need to be scheduled separately
[CLOSED] - this denotes when a group is full, and signups are closed for the quarter. Usually the group will open signups again near the beginning of the next quarter.
[WAITLIST] - this denotes when a group is full, and students are welcome to signup to be put on a waitlist. 


Psychoeducation & Skills Groups

These groups focus on teaching content and skills that can help students manage mental health concerns. 

Date/Time: Wednesdays, 1-2:30pm
Prescreen required: No
Drop-in: Yes
Location: In-person, SRB Second Floor Conference Room 2147 (Pardall Tunnel side, around the corner near the bathroom)
Leaders: Laina Pauker, LCSW, & Julia Pennick, MSW (CARE)
Are you looking for a break from screen time, a creative space to explore your artisitc process, reduce your stress, and connect with others? In this therapeutic art group you can expect to start each session by selecting art materials to experiment with. Depending on your needs and preference, you are invited to chat with others while you work or take some time for yourself. Each session will close with debriefing about your process that day, any takeaways, and goals for the future. Materials are provided. No experience necessary.

Click here to submit interest for Spring 2024 

Date/Time: Wednesday, 2:30-4pm
Prescreen required: Yes
Drop-in: No
Location: Student Health Services Classroom
Co-Leaders: Ashley Gilmore, LMFT, Jennifer Taylor, LMFT (ADP) 
This didactic group that helps students adopt coping skills in the areas of Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness. A significant focus of this group is psycho-education of emotions and DBT skills training, with mindfulness interwoven in each workshop. The goal of this group is to help students expand their repertoire of emotional management strategies while learning to effectively implement these tools in their lives. Students also have the opportunity to connect with and support their peers as they learn with and from each other. Helpful for a range of issues: Depression, anxiety, stress, mood instability, irritability, feelings of emptiness, identity issues, anger issues, intense or chaotic relationships, impulsivity, substance use concerns, eating disorders, suicidal and self-harming behavior.

Click here to submit interest for Spring 2024

Date/Time: Wednesdays, 2-3pm
Prescreen required: No
Drop-in: Yes
Location: Zoom
Co-Leaders: Jocelyn Levitan, Ph.D., Jess Lin, M.A., Katherine Jo, M.A., & Mental Health Peers
This 6-week workshop is designed for students with ADHD-related difficulties to learn strategies for academic and personal well-being. These workshops offer a supportive, collaborative environment where students are encouraged to share experiences and practice new skills. Topics include: Understanding Strengths and Weakness of an ADHD Brain, Time Management, Goal Setting, Procrastination, Motivation, Working with your Attention Span, Adaptive Thinking, Coping Skills, Emotion Regulation, Accommodations, and Self-Advocacy.

*While students are encouraged to attend every session, drop-ins are welcome.* *You do not need to have an ADHD diagnosis to attend this workshop.* 

Click here to submit interest for Spring 2024

Date/Time: Tuesdays, 10:30am-12pm
Prescreen required: No
Drop-in: Yes
Location: Graduate Student Resource Center (GSRC at SRB)
Co-Leaders: Gianna Galindo, Ph.D. & Maya Hargens, M.A. (Career Services)
This five session, drop-in workshop is designed for grad students seeking to build confidence, learn tangible tools for navigating grad student related stressors, and connect with their peers. Throughout this series, we'll review essential skills for investing in the self and each session will center a different topic. Come for the guidance, stick around for the snacks and crafts!

Click here to submit interest for Spring 2024

Date/Time: Wednesdays, 1:30-3pm
Prescreen required: No
Drop-in: Yes
Location: Zoom
Leaders: Caitlin Allaway, Psy.D. & Sara Assaad, Psy.D.
This is an online, goal-oriented group for students who want to learn how to better manage their current substance use. We will cover a gamut of relapse prevention techniques and harm reduction strategies. Students seeking support with abstinence and/or harm reduction are welcome. This group will be a safe space to find support and build a recovery community. No pre-screen required. **While students are encouraged to attend every session, drop-ins are welcome**

Click here to submit interest for Spring 2024

Date/Time: Thursdays, 3-4pm
Prescreen required: No
Drop-in: Yes
Location: Main CAPS Building (Building 599)
Leaders: Rosaline Lin, Ph.D.
Mindfulness is a practice aimed at fostering open-hearted awareness in daily life. This weekly experiential cultivating mindfulness group is designed for students seeking respite from their hectic schedules and a return to the present moment. Come join us for a cup of tea and cultivate a practice of mindfulness together.

Click here to submit interest for Spring 2024 

Date/Time: Thursday, 10:30-11:30am
Prescreen required: Yes
Drop-in: No
Location: Zoom
Co-Leaders: Steffanie Tinsley, Ph.D.
This 7-week semi-structured group is for survivors of Interpersonal Violence (sexual assault, dating violence, stalking, child abuse) who would like to gain an understanding of how trauma continues to affect them and connect with others who have been through similar traumatic experiences. Group members will not be prompted to share their trauma story, as this group will focus more on the different ways in which traumatic experiences have impacted them, discuss coping skills and ways to manage trauma symptoms, and provide a safe space for members to feel less isolated/alone and more empowered to take charge of their own healing process. This group will heavily emphasize safety, self-compassion, and support, and is open to students of all genders and identities.

Click here to submit interest for Spring 2024 

Date/Time: Thursdays, 1:30-2:30pm
Prescreen required: Yes
Drop-in: No
Location: Main CAPS Building (Building 599)
Leaders: Vanessa Garcia, LCSW & Laina Pauker, LCSW
This 6 week, in-person skills group is intended to support, teach, and guide individuals who suffer with fear of public speaking, meeting new people, engaging in social events, starting conversations, and being more assertive in their lives. We will be using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and In-Vivo Exposure practices to reinforce skills and embrace discomfort. Don’t let social anxiety keep you from living your life in a way you wish to. Lastly, you will also learn strategies to help manage physical reactions with calming techniques and positive affirmations. Come sit with us, while we also meet new people with similar challenges. Group will require prescreening.

Click here to submit interest for Spring 2024 


Community Groups

Identity-specific groups offer individuals with shared visible and invisible or hidden identities a space to process current issues, provide support to one another, and build community. 

Date/Time: Tuesdays, 2-3:15pm
Prescreen required: Yes
Drop-in: No
Location: Main CAPS Building
Co-Leaders: Jocelyn Levitan, Ph.D.
The support group is a space for ADHDers (formally or informally diagnosed) to connect, support one another, and share strategies and wisdom learned from navigating the UCSB system, finding interpersonal connection, and managing daily life. This space will also be a space to celebrate the strengths of an ADHD brain and connecting with other neurodivergent folx that uniquely “get it.”
Discussion topics will be guided by the group members needs, but possible topics may include understanding the ADHD brain, increasing executive skills, self-advocacy in the face of oppressive systems, the neurodiversity movement, self-compassion, emotion-regulation, mindfulness, and rejection sensitivity dysphoria.
This will be a closed group in that you will be asked to commit to attending all group sessions so that you can build connection and have accountability. If interested, please sign up with the link below and I will reach out to you to schedule a 20-minute pre-screen to determine goodness of fit.

Click here to submit interest for an upcoming quarter (Group is now full for Spring 2024)

Date/Time: Thursdays, 10-11am
Prescreen required: Yes
Drop-in: No
Location: Main CAPS Building
Co-Leaders: Jocelyn Levitan, Ph.D. & Katherine Jo, M.A.
The support group is a space for GRADUATE STUDENT ADHDers (formally or informally diagnosed) to connect, support one another, and share strategies and wisdom learned from navigating the UCSB system, finding interpersonal connection, and managing daily life. This space will also be a space to celebrate the strengths of an ADHD brain and connecting with other neurodivergent folx that uniquely “get it.”
Discussion topics will be guided by the group members needs, but possible topics may include understanding the ADHD brain, increasing executive skills, self-advocacy in the face of oppressive systems, the neurodiversity movement, self-compassion, emotion-regulation, mindfulness, and rejection sensitivity dysphoria.
This will be a closed group in that you will be asked to commit to attending all group sessions so that you can build connection and have accountability. If interested, please sign up with the link below and I will reach out to you to schedule a 20-minute pre-screen to determine goodness of fit.

Click here to submit interest for Spring 2024

Date/Time: TBA
Prescreen required: No
Drop-in: Yes
Location: AdCRC
Leaders: Mario Barfield, Psy.D. & Mekhi Mitchell-Tave
Black Men’s Barbershop Talk Series is a drop-in support space open to all Black, male-identified students. Through engagement in meaningful dialogue,  Black men at UCSB will have an opportunity to build a healthy/sustainable community in a manner that increases their capacity for: supporting, challenging, and celebrating each other; displaying authentic emotional expression; exploring issues central to Black masculinity; and promoting inclusive and affirming connections with Black women, LGBTQ+ community, staff, faculty, and community members.

Click here to submit interest or email mekhimitchell@ucsb.edu for more information. 

Date/Time: Mondays, 4-5:30pm (group will meet weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, & 10)
Prescreen required: No
Drop-in: Yes
Location: Main CAPS Building
Co-Leaders: Mario Barfield, Psy.D., Meridith Merchant, Ph.D., & Jahnessa Davis, M.A.
Join in a discussion of the unique challenges commonly experienced as a graduate student of African Heritage. Relieve stress. Be empowered. Be encouraged. Celebrate successes. Share ideas for maintaining a work-life-school-home balance.

Click here to submit interest for Spring 2024

Date/Time: Thursdays, 1-2:30pm
Prescreen required: Yes
Drop-in: No
Location: CAPS Main Building, room 1109
Leader: Lily Clark, PhD
The end of a graduate program can be particularly difficult. This group is an opportunity to have consistent support related to dissertations, comprehensive exams, and theses. In this group, members will have the opportunity to share about challenges they face in the dissertation process and provide support to other members as they navigate graduate work. Topics may include coping with stress, navigating the job market, getting support from family and friends who may not understand academia, navigating relationships with committees.

Click here to submit interest for Spring 2024 

Date/Time: Mondays, 1:30pm
Prescreen required: Yes
Drop-in: No
Location: In person (Student Health Services)
Leaders: Whitney Bruice, MFT (ADP)
This is a 7-week free, confidential process group for students who have family members or other loved ones struggling with substance use issues or other related mental health concerns. 

Please contact Whitney Bruice, MFT, Alcohol & Drug Program Behavioral Health Therapist, for a brief meeting (zoom or in person) to be sure this group will meet your needs: whitneyb@ucsb.edu. 

Date/Time: Thursdays, 12-1:30pm
Prescreen required: No
Drop-in: Yes
Location: Student Resource Building
Leaders: Sochanvimean Vannavuth, Ph.D. CAPS psychologist, Katherine Jo, M.A., CAPS Doctoral Intern, Michael Takahara, Health Educator, and Ashkon Molaei , Resource Center (MENASARC) Coordinator / Counselor
HAPI is an in person/informal zoom-based support and discussion space of South Asian, Southeast Asian, East Asian, Pacific Islander, multi/bi-cultural and multi/bi-racial identified folks at UCSB. We hope to use this space to build a sense of community and provide a safe space to share our experiences, connect with others, and support each other. This space is collaboration between CAPS, Resource Center, Health and Wellness to build a supportive community.

Click here to submit interest for Spring 2024

Date/Time: Wednesdays, 3-4pm
Prescreen required: No
Drop-in: Yes
Location: Zoom
Leaders: Gianna Galindo, Ph.D. (she/her)
This support space is for LGBTQ+ graduate students who want to receive and provide support, build resilience and community, and address the impact of oppressive systems. Please sign up if interested or if you have questions and would like to be contacted. Students welcome at any point in the quarter!

Click here to submit interest for Spring 2024 

Date/Time: Wednesdays, 2:30-4pm 
Prescreen required: No
Drop-in: Yes
Location: OISS Conference Room (SRB 3rd floor)
Leaders: Xin Sui, Psy.D. & Cristina Carney (OISS)
This weekly social circle provides a casual and safe space for international students to connect and support one another. International students will have the opportunity to share (or vent) their daily experience or/and challenges. This is also a space for students to recognize their strengths and receive guidance and resources. 

*Please sign up if interested or if you have questions/concerns
*Students are welcome to join at any point in the quarter and do not need to attend every week

Click here to submit your interest for Spring 2024

Date/Time: Wednesdays, 12-1:30pm
Prescreen required: No
Drop-in: Yes
Location: Participants will receive location information
Co-Leaders: Carla Corral, Ph.D. & Raul Poblano, MSW
This weekly dialogue provides a safe space for ChicanX/LatinX identified students to support each other and recognize their strengths. This group will explore the role that cultural heritage plays in psychological and academic wellbeing. ChicanX/LatinX students will have the opportunity to talk about culture and diversity, family, identity, belonging, financial literacy, healthy relationships, navigating the university, our current socio-political environment, and what it means to be a ChicanX/LatinX college student.

Click here to submit your interest for Spring 2024 

Date/Time: Wednesdays, 5-6pm
Prescreen required: No
Drop-in: Yes
Location: AdCRC
Leaders: Dominique Broussard, Ph.D. and Tara Jones, Ph.D.
Sister Circle is a weekly drop-in support space for Black womxn. This is a discussion-based group to receive support and feedback from similarly identified womxn within a safe and nurturing environment.

Click here to submit your interest for Spring 2024

Date/Time: Mondays, 3-4pm
Prescreen required: No
Drop-in: Yes
Location: Zoom
Leaders: Steffanie Tinsley, Ph.D.
This virtual drop-in space is for Jewish identified students to come together and process any feelings or concerns related to antisemitism and how it feels to be a Jewish student at UCSB. This group will be a safe space to find support, community, and belonging. Feel free to come once or weekly throughout the quarter.

Click here to submit interest for Spring 2024 

Date/Time: Thursdays, 3:30-5pm
Prescreen required: Yes
Drop-in: No
Location: Main CAPS Building
Leaders: Dana Campagna, Ph.D.
TransFormative is a group for trans, nonbinary, gender nonconforming, gender fluid, gender queer and other gender questioning/exploring students to meet others, share and process, heal and help one another, and find/practice community in a safe, co-created, therapeutic and celebrating space. Topics may include trans identity, transitioning, internalized transphobia/negativity, friends and family, gender and physiological dysphorias, HRT and gender congruent procedures, community building, dating, self compassion, empowerment, and many others. 15 minute pre-screens are required; max 10 participants.

Click here to submit interest for Spring 2024

Date/Time: Wednesdays, 2-3:15pm
Prescreen required: Yes, if not known to group leader
Drop-in: No
Location: Main CAPS Building
Leaders: Janet Osimo, Psy.D. & Jahnessa Davis, M.A.
This is a group for the LGBTQ community to address concerns, challenges and triumphs. This is a safe space to check in with others about their experiences, explore your identity, whether you are questioning or clear about your identity, thinking about coming out, or want support in general.  Connect with others in the community. All topics are on the table. This group is for both undergraduate and graduate students.  Pre-screen required. 

Click here to submit your interest for Spring 2024

Date/Time: Tuesdays, 3:30-4:30pm
Prescreen required: No
Drop-in: Yes
Location: In person (CAPS Building)
Leaders: Sara Villegas, Ph.D. & Raul Poblano, ACSW
This is an online support group for undocumented students where we will foster social connection, talk about the psychological impact of oppression, explore using 'culture' as a resource, support healing from racial, immigration, and intergenerational trauma when present, learn new skills to manage stress, support wellness, and build agency and empowerment. Please sign up if interested or if you have questions and would like to be contacted. Students welcome at any point in the quarter.

Click here to submit interest for Spring 2024 


Interpersonal Process Groups

These groups offer students an opportunity to process concerns and seek support from peers, as well as a chance to practice social skill building and connecting with others.

Date/Time: Mondays, 2:30-4pm
Prescreen required: Yes
Drop-in: No
Location: Main CAPS Building
Leader: Sochanvimean Vannavuth, Ph.D. & Yuanhong Huang, Ph.D.
This group focuses on providing support with academic and life stressors and will help students increase their understanding of how they relate to themselves and others. This group is for graduate students with relational concerns (e.g., shame, low self-esteem, difficulty opening up to/trusting others, social anxiety, fear of disappointing others, difficulty expressing their needs to others, difficulty setting boundaries, feeling that they’ll be a burden if they share with others thus, they are depressed & isolated). This group is for those who want to build intimacy and cultivate vulnerabity in interpersonal relationships, work on the interpersonal aspects of anxiety and depression, resolve problems and conflicts, and become more aware of their actions and communication styles. Two main components of the group are support and here-and-now processing.

Click here to submit your interest for Spring 2024

Date/Time: Thursdays, 3-4:15pm
Prescreen required: Yes
Drop-in: No
Location: Gaucho Support Center (Isla Vista)
Co-Leaders: Seth Goradietsky, Psy.D.
This group is designed to provide a supportive and safe environment for male students who have experienced an abusive relationship or sexual assault. Men of all sexual orientations and genders within this spectrum are welcome including Gay, Queer, Bi, and Transgender. This group will provide participants the opportunity to share experiences, connect with other men, and receive support in regaining a greater sense of control and empowerment in their lives. Participants in this group can expect to achieve a greater understanding of common reactions to assault and the ways in which it can impact life and develop skills for improved coping which may lead them to enter safer, more satisfying relationships.

Click here to submit your interest for Spring 2024

To access a list of student-led recovery meetings and community offerings, please click here. Many of these meetings are held either via Zoom and/or in the Gauchos for Recovery lounge at Embarcadero Hall in Isla Vista. 

To access Mental Health Peer Program offerings, please visit their website at www.UCSBMHP.com.