PEERS® Social Skills Classes

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What does "evidenced-based" mean?

PEERS® for Adolescents is an evidence-based social skills intervention, which means the effectiveness of its curriculum is supported by research. PEERS® for Adolescents has a strong evidence base for use with adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder and it is also appropriate for teens with ADHD, anxiety, depression, and other socioemotional challenges. Research has demonstrated that gains made over the course of the program are maintained 3-5 years later.

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Who teaches the social skills classes?

All social skills classes are directly taught by licensed mental health professionals who are also certified PEERS® for Adolescents providers through the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior. 

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How old does my child have to be to participate in a class?

Our social skills offerings are geared towards students in 5th-12th grade. We offer several different classes based on a student's age.   

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Does my child have to be enrolled in an extracurricular activity to participate in the PEERS® for Adolescents 16-week social skills class?

Yes, students need to enroll in an extracurricular activity that is related to their interests by week 5 of the program. Participating in a regular extracurricular activity gives students an opportunity to practice the skills learned in the class in a natural setting.

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How many participants are in a social skills class?

Our classes are intentionally small so that students can receive individualized coaching from our PEERS® instructors. Two instructors co-facilitate the classes to ensure a small student to instructor ratio, which allows for more individualized instruction and feedback.

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Does my child need to be able to communicate with spoken language to participate in a social skills class?

Yes, the class lessons and homework assignments require students to have conversations using oral language. PEERS® may not be appropriate for youth with severe speech or articulation difficulties. 

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How often are social skills classes run?

Our 16-week PEERS® for Adolescents social skills classes are offered during the school year. Mini series classes are offered in the winter, spring, and over the summer.

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What services include parent training?

The PEERS® for Adolescents 16-week class includes parent training. Parent (or other designated social coach) participation is a requirement. 

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Who is eligible to participate in a booster class?

Students who have completed the PEERS® for Adolescents 16-week social skills class, the Friendship Skills Mini Series, or the Conversation Skills Mini Series are eligible to participate in booster classes. Booster classes are offered periodically throughout the year.

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Does Elevate Behavioral Health take insurance?

No, our classes are educational in nature and are not group therapy. We accept private pay and are a registered provider for the Children's Long-Term Support (CLTS) waiver. Some families choose to use money from their HSA or FSA to pay for classes.

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