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, tweens/teens 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 tweens/teens 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. Booster classes are offered year-round. Mini series classes are offered 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 able 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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Unstuck & On Target® (Ages 11-15) - Executive Function Classes

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What are executive functioning skills?

The authors of Unstuck and On Target® define executive function as "a set of brain-based abilities that help people control their behavior (e.g., staying seated at a desk) and reach their goals (e.g., finishing something with multiple steps, like getting ready for school)." There are many different skills that make up executive function, including: initiation, inhibition, flexibility, working memory, organization, planning, and self-monitoring. The Unstuck and On Target® curriculum for ages 11-15 specifically teaches strategies to support flexibility, planning, and organization.

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Who might benefit from Unstuck and On Target® (Ages 11-15) classes?

Unstuck & On Target® is designed for students ages 11 through 15 years who struggle with flexibility, organization, and planning. 

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Who teaches Unstuck & On Target® classes?

Classes are directly taught by licensed mental health professionals who have extensive experience working with students with executive function challenges. Our instructors have received training in the Unstuck & On Target® curriculum provided by the University of Connecticut.

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How many participants are in an executive function class?

Our classes are intentionally small to allow for individualized attention from instructors. Two instructors co-facilitate the classes to ensure a small student to instructor ratio. Our Unstuck & On Target® classes are capped at 10-12 students.

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How often are Unstuck and On Target® (Ages 11-15) classes run?

Our 12-week Unstuck & On Target® (Ages 11-15) classes are offered during the school 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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