PEERS® for Adolescents

Overview

Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®) is a 14-week evidence-based social skills intervention for motivated teens in middle school or high school who are interested in learning ways to help them make and keep friends. During each group session teens are taught important social skills and are given the opportunity to practice these skills in session during real play activities (e.g. playing sports, board games, etc.).

Parents are taught how to assist their teens in making and keeping friends by providing feedback through coaching during weekly socialization homework assignments.

Enrollment is limited. Classes are on Wednesday evenings at UCLA. Regular attendance is imperative. Parent participation is required.

*The next round of PEERS for Adolescents will begin June 5th - enrollment is available*

Topics of Instruction:

How to use appropriate conversational skills
How to find common interests by trading information
How to appropriately use humor
How to enter and exit conversations between peers
How to handle rejection, teasing, and bullying
How to handle rumors and gossip
How to be a good host during get-togethers
How to make phone calls to friends
How to choose appropriate friends
How to be a good sport
How to handle arguments and disagreements
How to change a bad reputation

Virtual Coach Research Study - This research study is testing the benefit of using a Virtual Coach mobile application in combination with our evidence-based social skills program for adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders (PEERS®). *For more information about the study and eligibility criteria, please see the attached flyer below.

UCLA PEERS Facebook Page - more information on the UCLA PEERS Clinic can be found at www.facebook.com/uclapeers

Application

Pre-requisites:

What are the participation requirements?

Have friendship problems
Teens in middle school or high school
Teens must be interested in the attending program
Teens must agree to participate in the program voluntarily

Application process:

Call our office at 310-267-3377 to complete a 15-minute phone screen with a member of our staff, and subsequently receive an enrollment packet in the mail.
Complete and return your enrollment packet
Come in (parent and child) for a 1-hour intake appointment with one of our clinicians to determine if our program is appropriate for you and your child.

Dates and Availability

Duration:

14 weeks

Planned Days:

Wednesday

Planned Terms:

Year Round

Planned Frequency:

Wednesday sessions: 4.30pm - 6.00pm; 6.30pm - 8.00pm

Venue

Semel Institute/NPI

Admin

Costs:

Please call our office for information about our current fees. Self pay fees are $100 per week plus a one-time intake fee. Many insurance companies may cover part of the cost of the program.

Resources

You may be required to login to view some of the course material that may have been attached to this web page.

Social Skills for Teenagers with Developmental and Autism Spectrum Disorders - The PEERS Treatment Manual