YouthWell is offering a series of free support groups this fall, designed to provide resources for parents, caregivers, teens and teachers.

Participants in Santa Barbara County can attend either in-person or virtually. The support groups include:
 
1. FamilyTools+ is designed for parents of youth, ages 5-18, with ADHD, dyslexia, autism, Tourette syndrome, and other unique neurological needs.

The group addresses the day-to-day challenges of parenting neurodiverse youth while providing tools for strengthening family connections, and learning to prioritize self-care.
 
2. Grupo de Apoyo para Padres is designed for Spanish-speaking parents of youth, ages 10-18. A skills-building group for caregivers to address the daily challenges of parenting, improve communication, and strengthen parent-child relationships.

Parents will learn to recognize their strengths, how to handle parenting during conflict, and how to manage stress while prioritizing their own self-care.

3. ParentAllies is for Parents of LGBTQIA+ youth, ages 10-18. The group focuses on providing gender-affirming and sex-positive support, while holding an affirming space for parents and caregivers.

The group will provide psychoeducational topics about the LGBTQIA+ community and hold group discussions, plus Q&A, for parents and caregivers who desire an open and empathic group for learning, processing feelings, thoughts and emotions about supporting youth in our community.

4. ParentConnect is for parents of youth, ages 12-25, who are struggling with mental health challenges. This group offers a supportive environment where participants can learn skills to effectively and compassionately support their children, set boundaries, support siblings, and manage their own self-care.

5. TeachWell is a peer support group for teachers of tweens and teens to connect, share challenges, and learn strategies for building trusting relationships with students and get support.

Teachers will explore strategies for motivating students, handling difficult conversations, reducing stress, and maintaining positive relationships without engaging in power struggles.

6. TeenWell is a DBT (dialectical behavioral therapy) support group provided in partnership with OpenMinds for incoming ninth-12th graders, where they learn valuable skills to regulate emotions, tolerate stress, and improve relationships.

For more information and to register, visit youthwell.org or email groups@youthwell.org.