Group Counseling
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
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.
Mondays, 1:30–3:00 p.m.| Contact Danielle Smith, Ph.D., at (831) 459-5388 and Bita Roshannia, Psy.D., at (831) 459-1080.
Graduate Men’s Group
A supportive space for male-identifying graduate students who wish to come together to discuss the challenges of being a grad student. This group is participant driven, with the goal of fostering a deeper sense of community while exploring personal, academic, and professional concerns. Focused on men’s experiences, this group is open to anyone interested in engaging with these topics in a respectful and intentional space.
Tuesdays, 3:30–5:00 p.m. | Contact James Katz, Psy.D., at (831) 459-4038.
Living With Loss
A supportive environment where students can connect through learning about honoring grief and loss issues while managing academic demands.
Wednesdays, 11:00 a.m.–noon | Contact Haidi Song, Ph.D., at (831) 459-5883 and Emily Talbert, M.A., at (831) 502-7220.
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.
Wednesdays, 1:30–3:00 p.m. | Contact Audrey Kim, Ph.D., at (831) 459-1373 or Jennifer Emmett, M.A., at (831) 459-2620.
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.
Wednesdays, 2:30–4:00 p.m. | Contact Julia Ragen, Psy.D., at (831) 502-8029 and Rafael Diaz, M.A., at (831) 502-7192.
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.
Wednesdays, 4–5:30 p.m. | Contact Audrey Kim, Ph.D., at (831) 459-1373.
Trans and Non-Binary Therapy Group
An in-person process group for students who share these identities with the idea of creating intentional community, safe space, learning and exploring more about ourselves, and supporting each other. The Trans and Non-Binary therapy group is facilitated by a queer trans masculine therapist of color.
Wednesdays, 9:30–11:00 a.m. & Thursdays, 3–4:30 p.m. | Contact Dean Khambatta, LMFT at (831) 459-5346.
Nuestra Voz
A five-week online support group for Latin(x/e) identified students who want a place to reflect, connect, and process challenges that impact mental health and overall well-being. This is a collaborative space focused on empowerment, care, and reclaiming control of your mental health at your own pace.
Thursdays, 5–6 p.m. | Contact Erica Lopez, LMFT at (831) 459-2572 or Rafael Diaz, MA at (831) 502-7192. (Check the CAPS Calendar)
Drop-in Groups
No sign-up required—come any week! Group will be offered by ZOOM – please visit the CAPS Calendar for Zoom invitation.
Social Slugs
This drop-in workshop is designed to help you:
- Practice real-life communication skills
- Learn to manage anxiety in social situations
- Feel more confident meeting new people at your own pace
Mondays, 10:30 a.m. to noon in the RISE Group Room. Dates: (1/26, 2/9, 2/23, 3/9) | Contact Stacey Otlin, LCSW at (831) 459-2628.
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.
(Check the CAPS Calendar ) | Contact Christine Merriman, MSW, LCSW. *Requires referral from a clinician.
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.
(Check CAPS Calendar ) | Case Management Staff
Psychiatry 101: Is it right for me?
For students who have never taken psychiatric or psychotropic medication and have questions and/or concerns about seeking psychiatric care.
(Check the CAPS Calendar) | Contact Christine Merriman, MSW, LCSW, at (831) 459-2649. Requires referral from a clinician.