All Current Groups

Counseling Groups Fall 2024 

CAPS offers two types groups: 1) Weekly groups, which require students to sign up for a quarter and attend weekly after a short screening meeting with the counselor(s) running the group, and 2) Drop-in groups, to which students can come any time with no screening appointment. For more info about a specific group, call the counselor(s) listed. 

The schedules posted on our CAPS GOOGLE CALENDAR are updated at the beginning of fall, winter, and spring quarters.

Groups that are offered each quarter vary, but typical groups offered by CAPS may address the following: Anxiety issues, grief and loss, how one relates to oneself and/or other people, LGBTQI identity and concerns, mindfulness and meditation, sexual trauma, student of color identity and concerns, support and discussion around general issues for women. 

Topic 

Description 

Contact 

Colorful Slug Connection Group

A confidential space for undergrad students of color to connect, share experiences, and build support networks. This interpersonal process group aims to reduce mental health stigma, addressing the unique challenges faced by students of color on campus, locally, and nationally. The group will focus on equipping participants with supportive tools, self-care practices, and strategies to integrate their diverse identities.

Ehsan Falasiri, PsyD

(831) 459-4038



 

 

Connections Group

An interpersonal process group for undergraduate students interested in better understanding themselves, practice new ways of relating to others, share personal experiences, explore feelings, and receive feedback and support from peers.

 

Jess Magallanes-Evans, Psy.D.

(831) 459-2109

 

Bita Roshannia, MA

(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 group 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.

 

Danielle Smith, Ph.D.

(831) 459-5388

 

James Katz, MA

(831) 459-2620



 

Graduate Men’s Group

 A support group 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. Richard Enriquez Ph.D.

(831) 459-4799

Mitchell Rees, MS

(831) 502-7192



Graduate Women’s Group 

 

A supportive place for female-identifying graduate students to talk about the stressors of being a grad student, both personal and professional. Common topics include relationship with faculty and peers, Imposter Syndrome, procrastination, and how to have a life outside of grad school. 

Audrey Kim, Ph.D. 

(831) 459-1373

Elizabeth Holden, PsyD

(831) 459-1818

Happiness Group

 

What does it take to be happy? Come learn and practice science-based skills proven to increase positive well-being, contentment, and life satisfaction

Niki Severson, LCSW 

(831) 459-3630

 

 

Healing After Sexual Assault

 

A group designed to provide a supportive and  safe environment for students who have  experienced sexual assault as an adult to share experiences, connect with others, and receive  support in regaining a greater sense of control  and empowerment in their lives.

Danielle Smith, Ph.D.

(831) 459-5388 

Living With Loss 

 

 

A supportive environment where students can connect through learning about honoring grief and loss issues while managing academic demands.




Tuesdays:

Susan J. Gulbe Walsh, Ph.D.

(831) 459-2377

Audrey Kim, PhD

(831) 459-1373

Thursdays:

Erica Lopez, LMFT

(831) 459-2572

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. 

Dean Khambatta, LMFT 

(831) 459-5346

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. 

Julia Ragen, PsyD (831)  502-8029

DROP-IN GROUPS

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.

Christine Merriman,  

MSW, LCSW

Daily  

Case Management Drop-In Groups
(See Caps Calendar)

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.

Case Management Staff 

Mindfulness and Compassion

Group members will gain a foundation in mindfulness, compassion and nature connection practices through guided meditations and group discussion. Additionally, members will receive resources to learn how to integrate mindfulness practices into daily life and to cope with stress non-judgmentally, with increased self-compassion.

 

Tara Cryderman Psy.D.

(831) 459-2628



 

Psychiatry 101

 

For students who have never taken  psychiatric/psychotropic medication and have questions and/or concerns about seeking psychiatry care.

Christine Merriman,  

MSW, LCSW 

(831) 459-2649 

*Requires referral from a Clinician

To get started with most of our groups, contact the CAPS main office or the counselor facilitating that group, who will talk to you about the group to make sure that it would be appropriate for your needs and prepare you for the group experience. This contact will give you an opportunity to decide if the group is a good choice for you. Most of our groups require that you sign up at the beginning of a quarter and attend weekly for that quarter. For drop-in Zoom or in-person groups, you can just show up any week with no prior sign-up.

Please call CAPS at (831) 459-2628 for more information or if you require a disability accommodation for a group.