Cancer Support Groups and Individual Cancer Counseling

Cancer Support Groups

Our Cancer Support Groups are facilitated by licensed mental health professionals (not peer lead groups) who specialize in supportive cancer care. The groups are designed to allow those with cancer, as well as their family and friends, to share concerns, information, resources, and most of all, emotional and social support.

To join a support group, please email programs@cancersupportvvsb.org

Many options to Support People with Cancer 

Support for Loved Ones

  • Caregivers/Family Support Group: weekly support groups, for adult family members of a loved one with cancer.
  • Bereavement Program: For over 25 years, our bereavement program has been an important part of our commitment to family members whose loved one has died from cancer. We offer two different groups to meet the needs of our community.
    • Newly-Bereaved Group: a bi-monthly group for those whose loved one has recently passed. 
    • Moving Ahead Together Group: a bi-monthly group for those who have moved through the initial rawness of grief. This group is a place for members to share hopes and fears and offer each other strength and support in moving forward toward the future. 

Multilingual Groups

  • Grupo de Apoyo para Latinas con Cáncer: Este grupo está abierto a Latinas con cualquier tipo de cáncer. El grupo ofrece un lugar seguro para compartir pensamientos, sentimientos, y preocupaciones con otras pacientes de cáncer que entienden; y para intercambiar información acerca de cómo enfrentar cáncer. Nadie tiene que batallar el cáncer por si solo. Por favor llama al Centro de Cáncer en el Hospital de San Juan, para más información: 805-988-2641, Gracias.
  • Grupo de Apoyo para Padres de Niños con Cáncer : Este Grupo es para familias con un niño luchando contra el cáncer, que viven en los condados de Ventura, Santa Barbara y San Luis Obispo. Sabemos que el cáncer afecta toda la familia—y más, los papas. Conociendo que nadie tiene que sentir solo en esta lucha—este grupo ayuda con apoyo y recursos. Llama a Mayetzi para recibir el enlace: 805-617-0847.

Networking Groups for BOTH People with Cancer & Caregivers 

Kids & Family Cancer Support Groups (on hiatus)

  • “Kids’ Circle” Children’s Support Group 
  • “Parent’s Circle” Parent’s Social Group 

Please visit our Calendar to view the dates and times of the Cancer Support Groups through our supportive cancer care community, or contact us.


Individual Counseling

Many of our participants find Individual counseling to be extremely helpful during their cancer journey. 

We offer short-term Individual Counseling (approximately 8 sessions) offered to persons diagnosed with cancer and/or their families.

As with Cancer Support Groups, your individualized counseling journey begins by first attending a Newcomer Welcome Orientation.

“It is such a comfort to be with others who truly understand my experience in a way that my loving family and friends cannot. I learn so much from my fellow group members, of both a practical and profound nature. I give and receive support.” 

– Kathy MacDonald, member of a People with Cancer Group