California TBI Support Groups

One of the most effective resources for victims of TBIs and their family is a support group. It not only provides an outlet for victims, but those that have to support their journey to recovery. Often, it’s this sense of validation and community that gives those in the group a sense of belonging.

There are plenty of TBI support groups throughout California. According to the California Association for Traumatic Brain Injury (CATBI), many of the following organizations and facilities offer support groups:

• Resources for Independence Central Valley serves Fresno, Madera, Merced, Kings, and Tulare Counties.
• Brain Injury Center of Ventura County serves Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.
• Central Coast Center for Independent Living serves Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties.
• Dignity Health: Mercy Outpatient Rehabilitation Center serves Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado, Yolo, and Solano Counties.
• Disability Action Center serves Chico, Redding, Butte, Shasta, and Tehama Counties.
• Disability Resources Agency for Independent Living serves Amador, Calaveras, Mariposa, Tuolumne, San Joaquin, and Stanislaus Counties.
• FREED Center for Independent Living serves Butte, Shasta, Sutter, Nevada, and Yuba Counties.
• Independent Living Services of Southern California serves Los Angeles County.
• Jodi House Brain Injury Support serves Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura Counties.
• Rolling Start serves San Bernardino, Inyo, and Mono Counties.
• San Diego Brain Injury Foundation serves Riverside, San Diego, and Imperial Counties.
• Southern California Resource Services for Independent Living serves Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties.
• St. Jude Brain Injury Network serves Orange County.

Again, these locations can differ in the specific services they offer, so check with them directly for any support groups or other similar type services.

What Are the Benefits of a TBI Support Group?​

The benefits of being in a TBI support group aren’t all that different from any other type of support group, but it’s the specific challenges and day-to-day work that make TBIs different from almost any other type of injury. So, here’s a look at some of the overall benefits of being in a TBI support group in California:

• Emotional support - Members can talk about their feelings with people who get it, making them feel supported.
  
  
• Validation - Being in a group can make people feel like their experiences and feelings are normal, which can help them feel less alone.
  
  
• Community - Support groups create a community where members feel like they fit in and can relate to others going through similar things.
  
  
• Information and resources - Members can share tips and tools to help each other deal with their problems better.
  
  
• Encouragement and motivation - Support groups inspire members to keep going and reach their goals, even when things get tough.
  
  
• Reduced stress - Sharing and getting support can lower stress levels and make people feel calmer.
  
  
• Empowerment - Support groups help people feel more in control of their lives and health.
  
  
• Improved coping skills - Talking to others and learning from their experiences can help members handle challenges better.
  
  
• Education - Support groups teach members about their issues so they can understand and manage them better.
  
  
• Long-term benefits - Being part of a support group can lead to better mental health, more confidence, and a happier life in the long run.