Children’s Friendship Program (Social Skills)

The UCLA Children’s Friendship Program is an evidence-based, 12-week social skills program delivered via Telehealth that helps elementary school children who have trouble making or keeping friends learn new social skills through behavioral rehearsal and exposure. Sessions are led by licensed clinical psychologists.

Your child is likely to benefit from the program if he or she:

• Has no friends or few friends
• Is bossy, controlling, or aggressive with other children
• Is shy, reserved, or inattentive with other children
• Has trouble sharing or resolving conflicts
• Is ignored, rejected, or bullied by other children
• Is rarely invited to birthday parties or play dates
• Is a poor sport during play and peer interactions

During each small-group session, children learn a new skill and practice it with other group members. Children are given weekly assignments to help them apply the new skills in their daily lives. Meanwhile, parents learn how to support their children’s social development, coaching them as they practice their skills in the real world.

Your child will learn the following skills:

• Engaging in reciprocal conversation with peers
• Finding common interests with other children
• Playing fair and being gracious when winning or losing
• Handling rejection, teasing and bullying
• Joining a group of children at play
• Being a good host on a playdate
• Showing respect to other children and adults

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Cost and Insurance

 We accept many types of insurance. Our programs are billed as outpatient group therapy sessions. Please call or email us for more information about insurance coverage and fees. 

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Who We See

• Children in 2nd through 5th grades and their parents/caregivers
• First grade policy: 7 year old, 1st graders may be accepted into the program starting April of their 1st grade year*

 *One consistent parent is required to attend sessions with their child

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Schedule 

Clinic Hours

Monday through Friday 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Child and Parent Class* – Tuesday Evenings

5:30 PM to 6:45 PM (2^nd and 3^rd graders)

7:00 PM – 8:15 PM (4^th and 5^th graders)

*One consistent parent is required to attend sessions with their child

Duration of group

Each group (parent and child) meets once a week for 12 weeks via Telehealth.

To learn more and schedule your intake, please fill out the application form and we will follow up with you.

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