PEERS®

Are you looking for a proven way to help your teen build lasting friendships and thrive socially? Dr. Valdés is a certified provider of the internationally acclaimed UCLA PEERS® social skills training program (Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills). Grounded in research and practiced in over 35 countries, this evidence-based curriculum—originally developed at UCLA by Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson—equips teens with the real-world social skills they need to connect meaningfully with peers.

During each group session, teens learn and rehearse essential social behaviors—strategies that successful teens naturally use to form and maintain friendships. Parents attend their own supportive sessions, where they discover how to expand their teen’s social network and offer gentle feedback through weekly socialization activities. This compassionate, hands-on approach ensures families have the tools to foster growth, confidence, and self-esteem in the teen’s everyday life.

The UCLA PEERS® program can benefit adolescents navigating Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, or other social and behavioral challenges. Parent involvement is a core component, helping you guide your teen with empathy and encouragement as they build and nurture the friendships they deserve.