Counseling Groups
CAPS offers two types of groups:
- Weekly groups require a brief screening and a quarter-long commitment. Each listing includes a phone number; interested students can contact the group facilitator to schedule a screening.
- Drop-in groups are open to all students with no screening required.
Group schedules are updated each fall, winter, and spring on the CAPS Google Calendar.
Topics often include anxiety, grief, relationships, LGBTQIA+ concerns, mindfulness, trauma, identity, and women’s support. To get started, contact the CAPS main office or the listed counselor(s) to discuss your needs and determine if a group is a good fit. Most weekly groups require sign-up at the beginning of the quarter and regular attendance, while drop-in groups can be attended any week without registering. For disability accommodations, call CAPS at (831) 459-2628.
Weekly Groups
DBT-Based Skills For Managing Intense Emotions
A group for students who are struggling with emotions that are so intense or overwhelming that they lead to problems like self-harm, thinking about suicide, or instability in relationships. DBT skills groups can help you learn new, evidence-based ways of handling intense emotions, and reduce the troubling behaviors and other struggles that go with them, so that life feels more worth living.
Day/time coming soon | contact Richard Enriquez. Ph.D. at (831) 459-4799
Eating Disorder and Body Image Support Group
A supportive group for students of all genders and identities to explore eating and body image issues through sharing, psychoeducation, mindfulness, expressive arts, and journaling activities.
Day/time coming soon | contact Susan J. Gulbe Walsh, Ph.D. at (831) 459-2377
DBT-Based Skills For Managing Intense Emotions
A group for students who are struggling with emotions that are so intense or overwhelming that they lead to problems like self-harm, thinking about suicide, or instability in relationships. DBT skills groups can help you learn new, evidence-based ways of handling intense emotions, and reduce the troubling behaviors and other struggles that go with them, so that life feels more worth living.
Day/time coming soon | contact Audrey Kim, Ph.D. or Bita Roshannia, M.A. at (831) 459-1373 and (831) 502-7220
Thriving After Trauma
A trauma-informed therapeutic group for students who have experienced interpersonal violence, including sexual abuse, assault, dating/domestic violence, child abuse, or stalking. Survivors can connect with others in a healing setting, with an emphasis on safety, self-compassion, and empowerment.
Day/time coming soon | hosted by Danielle Smith, Ph.D. and Camara Chea, Ph.D. at (831) 459-5388 and (831) 459-5704
Living With Loss
A supportive environment where students can connect through learning about honoring grief and loss issues while managing academic demands.
Day/time coming soon | contact Susan J. Gulbe Walsh, Ph.D. at (831) 459-2377
First-Gen Support Group
Does being a first-generation student ever make you feel different from others—more stressed, less supported, or with fewer resources to navigate college life? You are not alone. This weekly, confidential group provides therapeutic and peer support for the unique challenges (and great opportunities) that come with being first-gen.
Day/time coming soon | contact Niki Severson, LCSW or Ehsan Falasiri, PsyD at (831) 459-3630 and (831) 459-4038
Undergrad Support Group
Are you feeling overwhelmed, isolated, stuck, and/or scattered? This is a weekly space to connect with others about how we’re managing. Whether social or academic stresses, global or community concerns – let’s talk about how these all impact us, and how we can take care of ourselves and of each other.
Day/time coming soon | contact Julia Ragen, PsyD at (831) 502-8029
Graduate Women’s Group
A supportive space for female-identifying grad students to discuss the personal and professional challenges of graduate school. Common topics include faculty and peer relationships, impostor syndrome, procrastination, and maintaining balance outside of academics. Focused on women’s experiences, this group is open to anyone interested in engaging with these topics in a respectful and intentional space.
Day/time coming soon | contact Audrey Kim, Ph.D. at (831) 459-1373
DBT-Based Skills For Managing Intense Emotions 2.0
A subsequent group for students who have completed the DBT skills group and want to review skills, apply DBT principles to real-life situations, reduce troubling behaviors, and improve coping with distress and relationship issues. High participation, regular attendance, and individual therapy are expected.
Day/time coming soon | contact Danielle Smith, Ph.D. or James Katz, M.A. at (831) 459-5388 and (831) 459-2620
Trans and Non-Binary Therapy Group
A subsequent group for students who have completed the DBT skills group and want to review skills, apply DBT principles to real-life situations, reduce troubling behaviors, and improve coping with distress and relationship issues. High participation, regular attendance, and individual therapy are expected.
Day/time coming soon | contact Dean Khambatta, LMFT at 831) 459-5346
Drop-in Groups
No sign-up required—come any week! Group will be offered by ZOOM – please see CAPS Calendar for Zoom invitation.
So, You Think You Have ADHD: Now What?
ADHD Information: For students who suspect they have ADHD, have never been diagnosed, and want to explore options for treating their symptoms.
(View CAPS Calendar for dates and time) | contact Christine Merriman, MSW, LCSW
Case Management Drop-In
Brief confidential check in with a case manager to discuss topics such as off campus referrals, insurance, resources on and off campus, or psychological testing. No appointment needed.
(View CAPS Calendar for dates and time) | Case Management Staff
