Support Groups in Santa Barbara, CA
Parents in Therapy also benefit from developing specific skills designed to assist parents in working closely with adolescents who struggle with emotional regulation.

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.
This open process group is designed for teens in grades 9-12 to navigate challenges, foster mutual learning, and provide support to one another. Commonly explored discussion topics include depression and anxiety, academic pressures, social challenges, substance use, relationship conflicts, family dynamics, and life transitions.

Hosted by Patricia L Pascoe
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Group meets in Santa Barbara, CA 93101
This open process group is designed for teens in grades 9-12 to navigate challenges, foster mutual learning, and provide support to one another. Commonly explored discussion topics include depression and anxiety, academic pressures, social challenges, substance use, relationship conflicts, family dynamics, and life transitions.
This group is offered yearly for anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of this expressive modality. I train from a Gestalt perspective using the phenomenological process of the Violet Oaklander Model. The trainings includes theory and experiential practice in order to better support a depth of understanding when using Sand Tray in Gestalt Play Therapy.

Hosted by Stephanie Pawlowicz
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, RPT
Group meets in Santa Barbara, CA 93101
This group is offered yearly for anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of this expressive modality. I train from a Gestalt perspective using the phenomenological process of the Violet Oaklander Model. The trainings includes theory and experiential practice in order to better support a depth of understanding when using Sand Tray in Gestalt Play Therapy.
Are you afraid, awkward or shut down regarding sex with yourself or your partner? Do you feel like you are missing out on what others have in the way of a sex life? Are you afraid to say what you want sexually? This group helps participants see how their history has shaped their sex life. We identify and cultivate your erotic template. Dr. Jenn will help you feel more comfortable and connected in your body and help you know what turns you on (and off). Learn more about the group at https://pleasureproject.us/small-group/

Hosted by Jenn Kennedy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CSAT, EMDR
Group meets in Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Are you afraid, awkward or shut down regarding sex with yourself or your partner? Do you feel like you are missing out on what others have in the way of a sex life? Are you afraid to say what you want sexually? This group helps participants see how their history has shaped their sex life. We identify and cultivate your erotic template. Dr. Jenn will help you feel more comfortable and connected in your body and help you know what turns you on (and off). Learn more about the group at https://pleasureproject.us/small-group/
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.

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.
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.

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.
This group will provide an opportunity for expecting mothers to: Connect with and support one another, Express and understand their emotions, Learn new skills and coping strategies, Explore changing identities and relationships, Grieve pregnancy and birthing experiences impacted by COVID-19

Hosted by Sara Firestone
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, PMH-C
Group meets in Santa Barbara, CA 93101
This group will provide an opportunity for expecting mothers to: Connect with and support one another, Express and understand their emotions, Learn new skills and coping strategies, Explore changing identities and relationships, Grieve pregnancy and birthing experiences impacted by COVID-19
Dialectical Behavior Therapy, abbreviated DBT, is an evidence-based treatment model proven to be effective in strengthening one's ability to manage distress without losing control or responding destructively. Developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan (1993), DBT helps you build valuable coping skills in four important areas: Distress Tolerance, Mindfulness, Emotion Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness. DBT is an effective treatment for a range of mental health issues including borderline personality disorder, substance abuse/addiction, eating disorders, depression and anxiety. Any individual looking to improve their coping mechanisms and/or reduce distress can greatly benefit from learning and practicing DBT skills.

Hosted by Danah A. Williams
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Group meets in Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Dialectical Behavior Therapy, abbreviated DBT, is an evidence-based treatment model proven to be effective in strengthening one's ability to manage distress without losing control or responding destructively. Developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan (1993), DBT helps you build valuable coping skills in four important areas: Distress Tolerance, Mindfulness, Emotion Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness. DBT is an effective treatment for a range of mental health issues including borderline personality disorder, substance abuse/addiction, eating disorders, depression and anxiety. Any individual looking to improve their coping mechanisms and/or reduce distress can greatly benefit from learning and practicing DBT skills.
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

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
A TELEHEALTH therapeutic support group for women who are struggling with and through infertility. You might feel like time is running out. Or that this world of infertility is lonely--that no one understands what you're going through. You might feel out of control--that there's something 'wrong' with your body or you. This is a group in which you can not only feel supported by others who can truly empathize, but also learn how to trust your body again using effective Somatic Therapy techniques.

Hosted by Tenley Hardin
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Group meets in Santa Barbara, CA 93105
A TELEHEALTH therapeutic support group for women who are struggling with and through infertility. You might feel like time is running out. Or that this world of infertility is lonely--that no one understands what you're going through. You might feel out of control--that there's something 'wrong' with your body or you. This is a group in which you can not only feel supported by others who can truly empathize, but also learn how to trust your body again using effective Somatic Therapy techniques.
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.

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.
Are you a new mother who is feeling overwhelmed by the demands of your new role as a mother? Join a warm, supportive and educational environment with other new moms to navigate the challenges and joys that occur in the transition to motherhood. This group is suitable for women new to therapy or for those who would like support from a group setting in addition to established individual therapy.

Hosted by Danielle Anderson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Group meets in Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Are you a new mother who is feeling overwhelmed by the demands of your new role as a mother? Join a warm, supportive and educational environment with other new moms to navigate the challenges and joys that occur in the transition to motherhood. This group is suitable for women new to therapy or for those who would like support from a group setting in addition to established individual therapy.
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.

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.
A small group that meets in nature to help pre-teens (ages 10-12) practice mindfulness and learn coping skills, while building their relationship with nature and peers. This group offers a supportive space to decompress after school, process emotions through somatic exploration, learn about our nervous systems, gently move the body, and practice communicating effectively with others. Enrollment for Fall 2025 is open! Meeting time will be determined by those who are first to sign up. Email or call to enroll your pre-teen today.

Hosted by Jenny Ziesenhenne
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Group meets in Santa Barbara, CA 93101
A small group that meets in nature to help pre-teens (ages 10-12) practice mindfulness and learn coping skills, while building their relationship with nature and peers. This group offers a supportive space to decompress after school, process emotions through somatic exploration, learn about our nervous systems, gently move the body, and practice communicating effectively with others. Enrollment for Fall 2025 is open! Meeting time will be determined by those who are first to sign up. Email or call to enroll your pre-teen today.
Skills Group for healthy ways to survive distress/crises group for four Wednesdays starting Oct. 7, 2020
Spanish Group for immigrant parents with adolescent children for four Tuesdays starting Oct. 6th, 2020
Currently everything is held online through video conferencing. Series of group rotations vary. Topics can include: Support for people color, Parenting, How to better manage your thoughts/emotions, multicultural/immigrant family issues. Groups may be in English or Spanish. Please inquire for details if interested.

Skills Group for healthy ways to survive distress/crises group for four Wednesdays starting Oct. 7, 2020
Spanish Group for immigrant parents with adolescent children for four Tuesdays starting Oct. 6th, 2020
Currently everything is held online through video conferencing. Series of group rotations vary. Topics can include: Support for people color, Parenting, How to better manage your thoughts/emotions, multicultural/immigrant family issues. Groups may be in English or Spanish. Please inquire for details if interested.
I offer non-judgmental totally respectful Supervision Individual, Triadic and Group in a comfortable compassionate atmosphere.

I offer non-judgmental totally respectful Supervision Individual, Triadic and Group in a comfortable compassionate atmosphere.
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.

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.
This is a 6 week group that focuses on sharing and connecting with others to help heal from the loss of our beloved companion animals.

This is a 6 week group that focuses on sharing and connecting with others to help heal from the loss of our beloved companion animals.
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.

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.
Join me for a women's retreat in the beautiful Santa Barbara with other women who are looking to heal from the impacts of adult sexual trauma. If something you have gone through - no matter how small or big, is impacting your ability to feel safe dating, having sex, or relating to others, join us for a somatic exploration and group therapy experience to build strength and a sense of worth around the stories that may be burdening you. We are committed to forming a group experience that is accepting, inclusive, and well-paced.

Hosted by Kristel S. Grodeska
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Group meets in Santa Barbara, CA 93117
Join me for a women's retreat in the beautiful Santa Barbara with other women who are looking to heal from the impacts of adult sexual trauma. If something you have gone through - no matter how small or big, is impacting your ability to feel safe dating, having sex, or relating to others, join us for a somatic exploration and group therapy experience to build strength and a sense of worth around the stories that may be burdening you. We are committed to forming a group experience that is accepting, inclusive, and well-paced.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.