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.
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.
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 (4/19, 5/3, 5/17, 5/31), 2:30-4pm
Prescreen required: Yes
Drop-in: No
Location: Zoom
Co-Leaders: Ashley Gilmore, LMFT, Jennifer Taylor, LMFT (ADP)
This 90 minute 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.
Date/Time: Fridays (5/5, 5/12, 5/19, & 5/26), 2-3pm
Prescreen required: No
Drop-in: Yes
Location: Main CAPS Building (Building 599)
Leaders: Yuanhong Huang, Ph.D. & Badia Siddiqi, LMFT, LPCC, 220RYT
This in-person, 4-week workshop is an offering for students to explore positive coping strategies through different creative avenues. Each week students will learn a new skill through art, music, movement, etc. that can support stress reduction, creativity, self-care, and healing. Possible activities may include origami, slimes, coloring, mindfulness, and drum circle. Come learn something new and have fun while doing it!
Date/Time: Thursdays, 2-3:30
Prescreen required: No
Drop-in: Yes
Location: Zoom
Leaders: Caitlin Allaway, Psy.D.
This is an online group for students who want to learn how to reduce their current substance use. We will cover a gamut of relapse prevention techniques and harm-reduction strategies. Students seeking support with abstinence or harm-reduction are welcome. This goal-oriented group will be a safe space to find support and build a recovery community. This group is open to undergraduate and graduate students. No pre-screen required. Please sign up if you are interested or have any questions.
*While students are encouraged to attend every session, drop-ins are welcome. *
Click here to submit interest
Date/Time: Mondays (4/10, 4/17, 4/21, 5/1), 1:30-2:30pm
Prescreen required: No
Drop-in: No
Location: Main CAPS Building (Building 599)
Leaders:
Chrissy Sandman, M.A., & Badia Siddiqi, LMFT
This 4-week workshop (4/10, 4/17, 4/21, 5/1) is designed for undergraduate students who are graduating this Spring or summer and would like some support with their upcoming transition. Group members will have the opportunity to connect with and support their peers, explore and process their thoughts and emotions regarding finishing undergrad, learn stress management skills, and and identify how to listen to their needs, desires, and values as guides to navigating their futures. Participants are strongly encouraged to attend all 4 workshops.
Click here to submit interest
Date/Time: Tuesdays, 10:30-11:30am
Prescreen required: Yes
Drop-in: Yes
Location: Main CAPS Building (Building 599)
Leader: Janel Davis, Ph.D. & Christal Stanley, Psy.D.
In this 6-week group, students will learn about stress, how stress impacts the body, and the consequences of unmanaged stress. Group members will increase their awareness of personal stressors and learn specific skills to help them cope. The following skills will be discussed: diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, mindfulness, guided imagery, and autogenics. There will be an opportunity to practice each new skill through participation in guided exercises. Group members will also receive resources to support their ongoing practice of stress management skills.
Date/Time: Thursdays, 10:30 - 11:30am
Prescreen required: Yes
Drop-in: No
Location: Zoom
Co-Leaders: Steffanie Tinsley, Ph.D. & Bri Freeman, Psy.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.
Date/Time: Tuesdays, 2:30-3:30pm
Prescreen required: Yes
Drop-in: No
Location: Main CAPS Building (Building 599)
Leaders: Vanessa Garcia, 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.
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: TBD
Prescreen required: No
Drop-in: Yes
Location: Zoom
Co-Leaders: Meridith Merchant, Ph.D, & Kareen Louis, M.Ed. (OBSD)
A Tribe Called Sis provides a space for all Black identified women at UCSB (students, staff, & faculty) to give and receive support to one another, experience healing through community, and explore issues unique to the experience of Black womanhood.
Date/Time: Mondays, 1:30-2:30pm
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.
Date/Time: Date/Time TBA
Prescreen required: No
Drop-in: Yes
Location: AdCRC
Leaders: Mario Barfield, Psy.D. & Mekhi Mitchell (OBSD)
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, 3:00-4:30pm
Prescreen required: No
Drop-in: Yes
Location: Zoom
Co-Leaders: Mario Barfield, Ph.D. & Meridith Merchant, Ph.D.
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
Date/Time: Fridays, 10:30-11:45am
Location: Student Health Services
Leaders: Whitney Bruice, MFT (ADP)
Join our 7-week free, confidential process group for students who have family members or loved ones struggling with substance use issues or other related mental health concerns. This group will be virtual. To attend and get the location information- please contact Whitney Bruice, MFT, Alcohol and Drug Program Behavioral Health Therapist, for a brief phone or Zoom telehealth meeting to be sure this group will meet your needs: whitneyb@ucsb.edu or 805-893-5013
Date/Time: Fridays, 1:30-3pm
Prescreen required: No
Drop-in: Yes
Location: Zoom
Leaders: Iris Melo, Psy.D.
This support space is for Filipino American, Flilipinx, and all individuals of Filipino descent. All genders are welcome. Students are welcome to gather and share experiences and perspectives. Students will have the opportunity to connect, create community, and discuss unique challenges and achievements met by members. This group is open to undergraduate and graduate students.
Click here to submit interest
Date/Time: Wednesdays (starting 1/17), 4-4:50pm
Prescreen required: No
Drop-in: Yes
Location: Zoom
Leaders: Meridith Merchant, Ph.D., Carlos Vidales, M.A.
Zoom link will be sent after signing up
Join with other students who have experienced the loss of a loved one. Receive support as you hear others talk about similar experiences and practice living as you also grieve.
Click here to submit interest
Date/Time: Thursdays, 11:30a-1:00pm
Prescreen required: No
Drop-in: Yes
Location: Student Resource Building
Leaders: Sochanvimean Vannavuth, Ph.D. CAPS psycholosgist, Christine G. Choi, ARC Counselor/Coordinator, 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
Date/Time: Wednesday, 1:30-3pm
Prescreen required: No
Drop-in: Yes
Location: Zoom (please use this zoom link to attend!)
Leaders: Victoria Gonzalez, Ph.D.
This group will focus on creating connections; where Latinas can feel connected, respected, validated, and affirmed. The aim is to help students find relief, gain awareness, and helpful coping strategies for managing the psychological impacts of oppression.
Click here to submit your interest
Date/Time: Wednesdays, 4-5pm
Prescreen required: No
Drop-in: Yes
Location: Main CAPS Building
Leaders: Gianna Galindo, Ph.D.
This support space is for LGBTQIA+ graduate students who want to explore their sense of self, receive and provide support, build resilience and community, and address the impact of oppressive systems.
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
Date/Time: Thursdays, 4-5pm
Prescreen required: Yes
Drop-in: No
Location: Main CAPS Building & Zoom Hybrid
Co-Leaders: Carlos Vidales, M.A.
This group is devoted for men of color to gather to empower and support one another. Group members will have the opportunity to connect with other men of color through common experiences, hardships, and vulnerability. This is also a place to discuss the systematic challanges that come from being a man of color in higher education.
Date/Time: Thursdays, 2-3:30pm
Prescreen required: No
Drop-in: Yes
Location: Hybrid - In person (El Centro, Building 406) AND Zoom
Co-Leaders: Carla Corral, Ph.D., Ozzie Espinoza, M.A. , & 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, the impact of Covid-19, and what it means to be a ChicanX/LatinX college student.
Click here to submit your interest
Date/Time: Thursdays 2-3:30pm
Prescreen required: Yes
Drop-in: No
Location: Zoom
Co-Leaders: Robbie Culp, Psy.D. & Christal Stanley, Psy.D.
This group is designed to help members better understand disordered eating habits, process weight and shape concerns, work on managing situational triggers and how these impact their sense of self and relationships with others.
Date/Time: Wednesdays, 5-6pm
Prescreen required: No
Drop-in: Yes
Location: AdCRC - African Diasporic Cultural Resource Center
Leaders: Dominique Broussard, Ph.D., Janel Davis, Ph.D., Tara Jones, MST,MA
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
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.
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. & Carlos Vidales, M.A.
This is an online 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.
Date/Time: Thursdays, 3-4pm
Prescreen required: No
Drop-in: Yes
Location: In person (CAPS Building)
Leaders: Jessica Adams, Ph.D.
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.
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: Thursdays, 1-2:30pm
Prescreen required: Yes
Drop-in: No
Location: Zoom
Co-Leaders: Liz May, Ph.D., & Bri Freeman, Psy.D.
This group is for survivors of Interpersonal Violence (sexual assault, dating/relational violence, child abuse, and/or experiences of stalking) who want to to gain support and build community with other survivors. Members will share, connect, and learn from each other in their healing journeys - in a safe, facilitated space. This group is open to all genders and identities and will include discussions of how parts of our identities and our lived experiences contribute to how we experience trauma, find meaning, and heal.
Date/Time: Mondays, 3:30-5pm
Prescreen required: Yes
Drop-in: No
Location: Main CAPS Building
Leader: Sochanvimean Vannavuth, Ph.D. & Chrissy Sandman, M.A.
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.
Date/Time: Tuesdays, 9:30-11am
Prescreen required: Yes
Drop-in: No
Location: Gaucho Support Center (Isla Vista)
Co-Leaders: Seth Goradietsky, Psy.D. & Troy DuFrene, M.A.
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.
Date/Time: Mondays, 1:30-3pm
Prescreen required: Yes
Drop-in: No
Location: Main CAPS Office (Building 599), Room 1109
Leader: Victoria Gonzalez, Ph.D. & Christal Stanley, Psy.D.
Group members will gain a foundation in mindfulness, compassion and nature connection practices through guided meditations and group discussion. Additionally, members will receive resources to learn how to integrate mindfulness practices into daily life and to cope with stress non-judgmentally, with increased self-compassion.
Date/Time: Tuesdays, 3-4:30pm
Prescreen required: Yes
Drop-in: No
Location: Zoom
Leader: Robbie Culp, Psy.D.
This is an undergraduate process-oriented group helping members with interpersonal skills, increased expression of emotion, understanding social dynamics, gaining increased self-confidence, and a greater awareness of one’s self including culture and identity.