It is heartbreaking to watch your teen sit on the sidelines. They want desperately to make friends but struggle to find their footing. If you are tired of seeing your child feel isolated, the UCLA PEERS® social skills program offers a concrete, evidence-based path forward.
I am a certified provider of this internationally acclaimed program, used by providers in over 35 countries. Rather than rigid lecturing, it focuses on the real-world strategies that connected teens use every day to build meaningful, lasting friendships.
What is UCLA PEERS®?
Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson originally developed the PEERS® curriculum at the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior. This parent-assisted program helps motivated middle and high school students who want to learn how to make and keep friends. Unlike traditional therapy groups, this structured approach breaks down complex social interactions into concrete, step-by-step skills that teens can practice and master in a safe, encouraging environment.
What Teens Learn
During group sessions, teens learn and practice essential relational skills. The curriculum includes:
- How to start, maintain, and enter conversations with peers
- How to choose appropriate friends and find common interests
- How to use electronic communication and social media safely
- How to handle teasing, bullying, and cyberbullying
- How to manage disagreements and handle rumors gracefully
- How to be a good sport and organize successful get-togethers
The Role of Parents
Parent involvement is a core component of the PEERS® program. Parents attend their own concurrent sessions where they learn to become an effective social coach for their teen — helping them expand their social network, navigate tricky situations, and build genuine confidence without feeling singled out or overwhelmed.
Is PEERS® Right for Your Teen?
The UCLA PEERS® framework is particularly well-suited for neurodiverse and sensitive adolescents navigating Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, anxiety, depression, or general social discomfort. If you’d like to learn more or find out about current group availability, feel free to reach out.