Support Groups in Santa Barbara, CA

The group for social anxiety is a group for individuals to meet and connect with peers who understand their experiences without judgment. This group will teach practical skills on how to be assertive within an environment of people who are willing to provide and receive support. This group is a safe space to share, experiment, and feel like you belong.
Photo of Alix Robinson, Psychologist, PhD
Hosted by Alix Robinson
Psychologist, PhD
Group meets in Santa Barbara, CA 93109
The group for social anxiety is a group for individuals to meet and connect with peers who understand their experiences without judgment. This group will teach practical skills on how to be assertive within an environment of people who are willing to provide and receive support. This group is a safe space to share, experiment, and feel like you belong.
(805) 549-5176 View (805) 549-5176
I run Women's Experiential Process Groups in my practice. These are closed groups, capped at 6 participants, who seek to do long-term process work together. My style is supportive, compassionate and warm, and I focus on fostering community and connection between members. Please contact me to inquire about openings or to be added to the waitlist.
Photo of Danielle Amara Norlinger - Danielle Amara Norlinger, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, #96158
Hosted by Danielle Amara Norlinger, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, #96158
Group meets in Santa Barbara, CA 93101
I run Women's Experiential Process Groups in my practice. These are closed groups, capped at 6 participants, who seek to do long-term process work together. My style is supportive, compassionate and warm, and I focus on fostering community and connection between members. Please contact me to inquire about openings or to be added to the waitlist.
(805) 335-8558 View (805) 335-8558
This course offers tools to help you deepen your awareness that life is available only in the present moment and to train yourself to live each moment of daily life fully, without being weighed down by regrets about the past or carried away by fears about the future. Ideal for people suffering from depression, anxiety or other mood disorders, this class can also help anyone who wants to stop suffering and to start living.
Photo of A. Christine Dawkins, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Hosted by A. Christine Dawkins
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Group meets in Santa Barbara, CA 93101
This course offers tools to help you deepen your awareness that life is available only in the present moment and to train yourself to live each moment of daily life fully, without being weighed down by regrets about the past or carried away by fears about the future. Ideal for people suffering from depression, anxiety or other mood disorders, this class can also help anyone who wants to stop suffering and to start living.
(805) 507-7062 View (805) 507-7062
I offer non-judgmental totally respectful Supervision Individual, Triadic and Group in a comfortable compassionate atmosphere.
Photo of Jennifer Weeks, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Hosted by Jennifer Weeks
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Group meets in Santa Barbara, CA 93101
I offer non-judgmental totally respectful Supervision Individual, Triadic and Group in a comfortable compassionate atmosphere.
(805) 335-8901 View (805) 335-8901
Parents in Therapy also benefit from developing specific skills designed to assist parents in working closely with adolescents who struggle with emotional regulation.
Photo of Matthew A Metcalf, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, DSW
Hosted by Matthew A Metcalf
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, DSW
Group meets in Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Parents in Therapy also benefit from developing specific skills designed to assist parents in working closely with adolescents who struggle with emotional regulation.
(805) 716-6368 View (805) 716-6368
This group is a space for individuals to process, support and receive feedback from others related to eating concerns. Also a space to build community, discuss how family history, cultural and societal influences have an impact on our relationship with food. Please contact for more information about the group :) Thursday's - Virtual group via Zoom.
Photo of Robbie Culp, Psychologist, PsyD
Hosted by Robbie Culp
Psychologist, PsyD
Group meets in Santa Barbara, CA 93101
This group is a space for individuals to process, support and receive feedback from others related to eating concerns. Also a space to build community, discuss how family history, cultural and societal influences have an impact on our relationship with food. Please contact for more information about the group :) Thursday's - Virtual group via Zoom.
(818) 423-4037 View (818) 423-4037
Support group for Santa Barbara Mothers experiencing Postpartum Depression or Anxiety. Please contact me for more details.
Photo of Jenn Paul, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Hosted by Jenn Paul
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Group meets in Santa Barbara, CA 93110
Support group for Santa Barbara Mothers experiencing Postpartum Depression or Anxiety. Please contact me for more details.
(805) 852-1362 View (805) 852-1362
SMART Recovery is a positive and proven, common-sense, self help approach to all addictive behaviors. Effective tools to sustain motivation, control urges, manage difficult thoughts and emotions, achieve life balance. Non-religious and empowering alternative to 12-steps. Contact: Len@fullspectrumrecovery.com or 805-886-1963. See www.fullspectrumrecovery.com or SMARTrecovery.org for more info.
Photo of Len Van Nostrand, CCP, MA
Hosted by Len Van Nostrand
Verified Verified
Group meets in Santa Barbara, CA 93103
SMART Recovery is a positive and proven, common-sense, self help approach to all addictive behaviors. Effective tools to sustain motivation, control urges, manage difficult thoughts and emotions, achieve life balance. Non-religious and empowering alternative to 12-steps. Contact: Len@fullspectrumrecovery.com or 805-886-1963. See www.fullspectrumrecovery.com or SMARTrecovery.org for more info.
(805) 438-2076 View (805) 438-2076
Each week we gather for mindfulness meditation. The group starts with a 20 min talk, meditation instruction, Buddhist philosophy, then we meditate for 25 minutes. we end with a 20-minute compassion meditation. On the First Tuesday of the month, we have guest speakers at Trinity Episcopal Church. The group is ongoing, you can drop in, and free of charge
Photo of Radhule Barbara Weininger - Radhule Weininger, Psychologist, PhD, MD
Hosted by Radhule Weininger
Psychologist, PhD, MD
Group meets in Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Each week we gather for mindfulness meditation. The group starts with a 20 min talk, meditation instruction, Buddhist philosophy, then we meditate for 25 minutes. we end with a 20-minute compassion meditation. On the First Tuesday of the month, we have guest speakers at Trinity Episcopal Church. The group is ongoing, you can drop in, and free of charge
(805) 409-8250 View (805) 409-8250
THIS GROUP IS CURRENTLY WAITLISTED. Are you a student pursuing a graduate degree in the field of psychology? Navigating the pathway through grad school & towards licensure can feel overwhelming at times. This 6-week support group provides a safe space to process challenges and barriers encountered in students' personal growth; discuss important topics not covered as thoroughly in school (such as clinician self-care, creating healthy routines, personal boundaries, imposter syndrome, maladaptive coping, etc.); and find useful resources and tools to enhance their journey toward wholeness and fulfillment as future clinicians. THIS IS NOT CLINICAL SUPERVISION.
Photo of Crystal Germanetti, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Hosted by Crystal Germanetti
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Group meets in Santa Barbara, CA 93101
THIS GROUP IS CURRENTLY WAITLISTED. Are you a student pursuing a graduate degree in the field of psychology? Navigating the pathway through grad school & towards licensure can feel overwhelming at times. This 6-week support group provides a safe space to process challenges and barriers encountered in students' personal growth; discuss important topics not covered as thoroughly in school (such as clinician self-care, creating healthy routines, personal boundaries, imposter syndrome, maladaptive coping, etc.); and find useful resources and tools to enhance their journey toward wholeness and fulfillment as future clinicians. THIS IS NOT CLINICAL SUPERVISION.
(805) 360-4105 View (805) 360-4105
A group for prospective fathers to process the changing emotions and lived experiences of impending fatherhood. This group is appropriate for men that are currently expecting a child or are planning to start a family soon. There is no instruction manual for transitioning to fatherhood, it doesn't happen all at once. It is a journey and it can be lonely. This group offers education, support, and a community of people in the same life stage.
Photo of Daniel Cohen, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, APCC, LMFT
Hosted by Daniel Cohen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, APCC, LMFT
Group meets in Santa Barbara, CA 93101
A group for prospective fathers to process the changing emotions and lived experiences of impending fatherhood. This group is appropriate for men that are currently expecting a child or are planning to start a family soon. There is no instruction manual for transitioning to fatherhood, it doesn't happen all at once. It is a journey and it can be lonely. This group offers education, support, and a community of people in the same life stage.
(805) 324-6623 View (805) 324-6623
Open discussion forum for members to process various emotional, relational and behavioral issues. Members are interested in personal growth, greater self-knowledge, connecting and providing support to other members. Info and registration: Matthew Chung - (805) 242-3216 Matthew@rivieratherapy.com
Photo of Matthew Charles Chung, Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, AMFT, ASAT
Hosted by Matthew Charles Chung
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, AMFT, ASAT
Group meets in Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Open discussion forum for members to process various emotional, relational and behavioral issues. Members are interested in personal growth, greater self-knowledge, connecting and providing support to other members. Info and registration: Matthew Chung - (805) 242-3216 Matthew@rivieratherapy.com
(805) 507-7450 View (805) 507-7450
This group is a safe space for college students who are struggling with disordered eating, body image issues, or any of the challenges that come with beginning and maintaining recovery from an eating disorder. Members will be screened before hand to ensure a group that will be supportive of one another and a good fit.
Photo of Madeleine Saxe Masterson, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Hosted by Madeleine Saxe Masterson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Group meets in Santa Barbara, CA 93105
This group is a safe space for college students who are struggling with disordered eating, body image issues, or any of the challenges that come with beginning and maintaining recovery from an eating disorder. Members will be screened before hand to ensure a group that will be supportive of one another and a good fit.
(805) 386-9741 View (805) 386-9741
The group focus is to improve interpersonal relationships with other men. As leader, I strive to offer a wide range of experiences whether it be weekly e-mail feedback or having members complete a genogram. The curriculum for the group draws off my various trainings - Gestalt, KAP, End of Life Doula, to name a few. This group is for men looking to be challenged, improve their relationships, and have some experience in therapy. All potential members are screened to make sure they are the right fit.
Photo of Taylor Schreiber, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Hosted by Taylor Schreiber
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Group meets in Santa Barbara, CA 93101
The group focus is to improve interpersonal relationships with other men. As leader, I strive to offer a wide range of experiences whether it be weekly e-mail feedback or having members complete a genogram. The curriculum for the group draws off my various trainings - Gestalt, KAP, End of Life Doula, to name a few. This group is for men looking to be challenged, improve their relationships, and have some experience in therapy. All potential members are screened to make sure they are the right fit.
(818) 659-9494 View (818) 659-9494
The therapeutic feminist book club functions as a women’s bibliotherapy (reading + therapy) group. The group aims to increase feelings of self-esteem, self-efficacy, and empowerment while operating as a space to build community and process the experience of womenhood through a feminist lens. We offer online and in-person meetings.
Photo of Ava Talehakimi, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Hosted by Ava Talehakimi
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Group meets in Santa Barbara, CA 93101
The therapeutic feminist book club functions as a women’s bibliotherapy (reading + therapy) group. The group aims to increase feelings of self-esteem, self-efficacy, and empowerment while operating as a space to build community and process the experience of womenhood through a feminist lens. We offer online and in-person meetings.
(805) 866-0634 View (805) 866-0634
A free monthly online group that runs on the FIRST THURSDAY of every month from 7:00pm-9:00pm. The forum is offered as a community service to support people who identify with the fatherhood role to learn, teach, and share about their struggles and successes related to parenting. Contact me directly for login credentials. Gender alignment is not MANdatory. Anyone who is interested in being a better parent is welcome.
Photo of James 'jamie' Fortin, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Hosted by James 'jamie' Fortin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Group meets in Santa Barbara, CA 93105
A free monthly online group that runs on the FIRST THURSDAY of every month from 7:00pm-9:00pm. The forum is offered as a community service to support people who identify with the fatherhood role to learn, teach, and share about their struggles and successes related to parenting. Contact me directly for login credentials. Gender alignment is not MANdatory. Anyone who is interested in being a better parent is welcome.
(805) 953-7360 View (805) 953-7360
Beginning Saturday October 8 running for 8 consecutive Saturday mornings from 10-11:45, Janus Counseling Center, led by Susan Hicks, MA, LMFT and Jennifer Vogel, MA, LMFT, is hosting an in-person processing group. When grief, loss, or loneliness strike, gathering together in the company of others going through similar feelings, brings about a healing that cannot happen in individual therapy. Please consider joining if you are experiencing complicated feelings of loneliness or loss. To reserve your spot, contact Jennifer at 805-617-3316. Group size is limited. $50 per session. If 4 or 8 weeks paid up front, a 10% discount applies.
Photo of Jennifer Vogel, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Hosted by Jennifer Vogel
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Group meets in Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Beginning Saturday October 8 running for 8 consecutive Saturday mornings from 10-11:45, Janus Counseling Center, led by Susan Hicks, MA, LMFT and Jennifer Vogel, MA, LMFT, is hosting an in-person processing group. When grief, loss, or loneliness strike, gathering together in the company of others going through similar feelings, brings about a healing that cannot happen in individual therapy. Please consider joining if you are experiencing complicated feelings of loneliness or loss. To reserve your spot, contact Jennifer at 805-617-3316. Group size is limited. $50 per session. If 4 or 8 weeks paid up front, a 10% discount applies.
(805) 693-4160 View (805) 693-4160
Mindfulness involves paying attention to the present moment and accepting our experience instead of engaging in our habitual pattern of judging. It is a simple practice, but also challenging, profound, and transformative. Mindfulness meditation has been found to be effective in treating symptoms associated with a variety of disorders, including depression, anxiety, and borderline personality disorder. It has also been found to decrease suicidal and self-harm behavior and to increase positive emotional experiences. In this group, you will learn how to bring yourself back to the present moment in order to be fully engaged in your life.
Photo of Danny Zamir, Psychologist, PsyD
Hosted by Danny Zamir
Psychologist, PsyD
Group meets in Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Mindfulness involves paying attention to the present moment and accepting our experience instead of engaging in our habitual pattern of judging. It is a simple practice, but also challenging, profound, and transformative. Mindfulness meditation has been found to be effective in treating symptoms associated with a variety of disorders, including depression, anxiety, and borderline personality disorder. It has also been found to decrease suicidal and self-harm behavior and to increase positive emotional experiences. In this group, you will learn how to bring yourself back to the present moment in order to be fully engaged in your life.
(805) 516-0734 View (805) 516-0734
*New Sessions Coming Soon* Relationship Recovery Process (RRP) group is a 6 month psychoeducation group for adults with childhood trauma. RRP childhood trauma recovery groups were developed by Amanda Curtin, LCSW and popularized by Patrick Teahan, LCSW. RRP model is about learning to recognize and deal with your very valid childhood triggers in a healthier way so they don’t negatively impact your life and relationships. Folks will have the opportunity in community to grieve the childhood that you didn't get, resolve "unfinished business" from childhood, reparent your inner child and reclaim personal intimacy. Open to CA residents only.
Photo of Ari Rogers, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Hosted by Ari Rogers
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Group meets in Santa Barbara, CA 93111
*New Sessions Coming Soon* Relationship Recovery Process (RRP) group is a 6 month psychoeducation group for adults with childhood trauma. RRP childhood trauma recovery groups were developed by Amanda Curtin, LCSW and popularized by Patrick Teahan, LCSW. RRP model is about learning to recognize and deal with your very valid childhood triggers in a healthier way so they don’t negatively impact your life and relationships. Folks will have the opportunity in community to grieve the childhood that you didn't get, resolve "unfinished business" from childhood, reparent your inner child and reclaim personal intimacy. Open to CA residents only.
(805) 669-9568 View (805) 669-9568
Do you crave a community where you can be understood and explore your unique perspectives on your life choices? Are you feeling insecure, anxious, or depressed and wish to reconnect to meaning and purpose in mid-life and beyond? Do you experience self-criticism to have it all by now? Do you feel curious about the legacy you wish to leave behind? This online process group offers a space to explore your story in a community of childfree/childless women, inviting you to deepen connections to yourself and others through enriching relationship skills and gaining more access to emotional experiences.
Photo of Jackie Toth, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Hosted by Jackie Toth
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Group meets in Santa Barbara, CA 93103
Do you crave a community where you can be understood and explore your unique perspectives on your life choices? Are you feeling insecure, anxious, or depressed and wish to reconnect to meaning and purpose in mid-life and beyond? Do you experience self-criticism to have it all by now? Do you feel curious about the legacy you wish to leave behind? This online process group offers a space to explore your story in a community of childfree/childless women, inviting you to deepen connections to yourself and others through enriching relationship skills and gaining more access to emotional experiences.
(805) 296-7072 View (805) 296-7072

See more therapy options for Santa Barbara

FAQs - About Group Therapy and Support Groups

How can I find a support group in Santa Barbara?

To find a support group in your area, start by entering your city, zip code, or the name of the group into the search bar at the top of the page. When searching, consider whether you prefer an in-person or virtual group. This can help you decide how broad your geographic search should be. If you are open to virtual groups, you might want to search by state instead of just your city, especially if there are limited options nearby.

Once you complete your search, you can use the filters to narrow the results by selecting specialties (such as grief, trauma, or eating disorders), therapeutic approaches, age groups, and other criteria to find a group that best fits your needs.

How does group therapy work?

Group therapy is led by one or more trained therapists and provides a space where participants can process their experiences and learn from others facing similar challenges. Groups may focus on a specific issue—such as addiction, grief, physical illnesses, parenting, or caregiving—or they may center around a particular therapeutic approach, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), social skill development, or Exposure Therapy. Some groups are also designed for specific populations, such as teens, veterans, or LGBTQ+ individuals.

It’s also important to distinguish group therapy from peer-led support groups, like Alcoholics Anonymous. While both can offer valuable support, therapy groups are typically led by licensed professionals and follow a more structured format. Therapy groups often meet for a fixed length of time with a consistent group of members, while many peer support groups meet for an indefinite period of time with members coming and going.

What are the benefits of group therapy?

Group therapy offers several important benefits. It brings together people facing similar challenges—whether related to mental health, physical health, or life transitions—and creates a supportive environment where participants can exchange feedback, share experiences, and learn from one another. Hearing different perspectives can help individuals discover new coping strategies and practical tools they may not have encountered on their own. Sharing personal experiences, such as coping with a serious illness or navigating family struggles, can also reduce feelings of isolation and foster a sense of connection and understanding. In addition to emotional support, group members often gain useful, real-world advice from peers who have faced similar situations.

Group therapy is typically more affordable than individual therapy and, for certain conditions, can be equally effective. Many groups also include structured activities—such as guided journaling, cognitive-behavioral exercises, or role-playing—to help participants develop concrete skills they can apply in daily life.

Is group therapy as effective as individual therapy?

It is difficult to make a blanket statement about the effectiveness of support groups, as they vary widely in focus and the conditions they address. However, support groups can be highly valuable in helping individuals gain emotional support and achieve meaningful treatment outcomes. For certain conditions, such as substance use, research has shown that group therapy can be particularly effective—sometimes just as effective as individual therapy—in supporting long-term recovery.

Many professionals attribute the effectiveness of group therapy to the unique benefits of the group setting, which fosters peer-to-peer learning and a sense of connection through shared experiences. Group settings also offer accountability and encouragement from both facilitators and fellow participants, which helps sustain motivation and supports continued progress. These factors together play a key role in promoting the overall effectiveness of group therapy.

How much does group therapy cost?

Group therapy is typically less expensive than individual therapy, with sessions typically costing between $50 and $75 each. In comparison, individual therapy can cost anywhere from $100 to $200 or more per session, even with insurance. Some therapists or organizations offer low-cost or free group therapy options, particularly through community centers or nonprofit organizations. In some cases, groups may require payment upfront for a set number of sessions, such as paying for six weekly sessions at the first meeting. However, many providers offer payment plans to help make participation more accessible if this upfront payment is required.

Does insurance cover group therapy?

As with individual therapy, insurance coverage for group therapy varies based on factors such as your specific insurance plan, the purpose of the group, your diagnosis, and whether the group provider is in-network. Many insurance plans cover group therapy sessions that address diagnosable mental health conditions, such as substance use disorders, anxiety, or depression.

However, groups that focus on topics not directly tied to a mental health diagnosis—such as parenting support or divorce recovery—are less likely to be covered. Because coverage can vary widely, it’s important to check with your insurance provider before joining a group to confirm whether the sessions will be covered and what out-of-pocket costs you may be responsible for.

How long does group therapy last?

The length of each group therapy session typically ranges from 45 minutes to two hours, depending on the therapy approach, the group’s goals, and how often the group meets. In some cases, group therapy is part of a larger treatment program, such as an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), where group sessions complement individual therapy and are scheduled as part of the program’s overall structure.

The duration of participation in a group also varies. Some groups are designed to be short-term, lasting anywhere from 6 to 24 weeks—for example, bereavement groups or skills-based groups like those using Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Other groups may be longer-term, lasting a year or more, and some ongoing support groups meet indefinitely, allowing participants to stay as long as they find the group helpful.

What are the limitations of support groups?

Support groups offer many benefits, but they also have certain limitations. Unlike therapy groups, many support groups do not provide formal therapeutic treatment and are not led by licensed mental health professionals. For individuals seeking clinical treatment for specific mental health diagnoses—such as depression, eating disorders, or substance use—individual therapy or group therapy led by a licensed professional may offer more personalized and specialized care.

The effectiveness of a support group also depends heavily on the group’s participants and the overall group dynamic. When members engage respectfully and offer constructive support, the group can foster valuable peer-to-peer learning. However, if certain participants dominate discussions, provide inaccurate advice, or create conflict, it can disrupt the group’s sense of safety and reduce its effectiveness. Confidentiality can also be harder to maintain in support groups, particularly in open groups where participants can join or leave at any time. With new members regularly entering the group, it can be more difficult to build and sustain a consistent sense of trust and privacy.