PEERS

What is PEERS?

PEERS® is an evidence-based social skills program for adolescents and young adults. For over 20 years, PEERS® (Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills) has been rigorously researched and developed at UCLA.

PEERS® groups are focused on helping youth build their own social life in the real world. In one group, students learn and practice social skills together; in a separate group, parents & caregivers learn how to support them effectively. 

How does it work?

Our PEERS program runs for 12-weeks; it is an interactive class for school aged kids and adolescents and for their parents/caregivers. PEERS® groups are run by 2 clinically trained facilitators and focus on making and keeping friends in the real world. The curriculum covers: 

✔ Conversation Skills
✔ Choosing Good Friends
✔ Arguments & Disagreements
✔ Texting & Social Media
✔ Appropriate Humor
✔ Teasing & Bullying
✔ Get-Togethers
✔ Dating (young adult program only) 

Practice often includes role plays, games, and other structured activities designed to give students an opportunity to try these skills with the support of our facilitators. Students will also receive weekly assignments to help guide them with practicing skills at home and using them in the real world.