Helping teens build stronger peer connections.
PEERS® for Teens is a 14-week evidence-based social skills intervention for motivated teens in high school who are interested in learning new ways of making and keeping friends.
This internationally acclaimed program, used in over 35 countries, was originally developed at UCLA by Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson.
During each group session, teens are taught important social skills and are given the opportunity to practise these skills in session during socialisation activities.
Parents attend separate sessions and are taught how to assist their teens in making and keeping friends by helping to expand their teen’s social network and providing feedback through coaching during weekly socialisation homework assignments.
Your teen will learn about
- Conversational skills
- How to use humour in a helpful way
- Forming and maintaining friendships
- Electronic communication
- Bullying and bad reputations
- Managing arguments and disagreements
- Organising get togethers with friends
- Organising get togethers with friends
- How to be a good sport
- How to handle rumours and gossip
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join PEERS® for Teens?
PEERS® for Teens was developed for autistic teens, and since has had good clinical response in teens with ADHD and fatal alcohol spectrum disorders. PEERS focused on skills development rather than correction of social mistakes. It for teens in high school or of high school age. We may accept students in Year 6 on occasions, though they might be better suited to our other programs. This is something we will determine when we meet with you and your teen.
How many teens are in each group?
Our groups consist of between 7-10 teens per group. This means that places are limited, we work really hard to match your teen with other teens we think they will work well with. This at times may mean we may suggest you wait for another intake to ensure the group meets the needs of your family.
I really want my teen to join, but am not sure how to approach them with the idea.
Talking with teens about joining a program can be tricky—especially if they sense you’re trying to convince them.For PEERS® to be effective, your teen needs to want to attend and be socially motivated.
You might like to frame it in a way that makes sense to them: teens are often comfortable getting support from a sports coach or a tutor for academic subjects. In the same way, our social coaches help with all the “other” parts of high school life—the social interactions, teamwork, and navigating friendships—that aren’t covered in sport, academics, or performing arts.
We guide and support your teen in learning how to work well with others so they can enjoy a more positive and rewarding high school experience.
Do parents have to participate?
Yes. Your involvement makes a big difference.
PEERS® for Teens is most effective when parents (or a committed caregiver) attend the weekly parent group alongside the teen sessions. In the parent group, we coach you on the same strategies your teen is learning, so you can be their social skills coach and support them to practise these skills in real-life situations.
Think of it as becoming your teen’s “friendship coach” at home – reinforcing what they’ve learned, celebrating wins, and helping them problem-solve any challenges between sessions.
Do we need to commit to the whole program?
Yes – full commitment is important for success.
PEERS® is a step-by-step program where each week builds on the skills learned in the previous session. Attending the full program ensures your teen has the best chance to practise, master, and apply these skills in real-life situations.
Missing sessions can make it harder for your teen to keep up and may limit their progress, so we encourage families to commit to all sessions wherever possible.
What is a PEERS® bootcamp?
A PEERS® Bootcamp is a faster, more intensive version of the standard PEERS® program.
Instead of meeting once or twice a week over several months, the Bootcamp condenses the core evidence-based lessons into a shorter time frame – often over several consecutive days.
It’s designed for families who want the benefits of PEERS® but prefer a more concentrated schedule, such as during school holidays. Teens still learn a selection of the proven social skills, and parents/caregivers still participate in parallel sessions so they can support their teen at home.
We offer bootcamps on the following skills: Conversation skills, Friendship Skills, and Bully Proofing
When does the next Bootcamp begin?
Our bootcamps are a very popular option and places are limited and filling fast.
September Holiday PEERS ® Conversation Bootcamp
Monday Sept 29 - Fri Oct 3
in person 9:30am @ 7/107 Tulip Street, Cheltenham, VIC or
online at 4:30pm AEST
parent sessions at 6pm AEST online for both groups
Total cost: $1843.29
When does the next program start?
Term three online sessions begin on Monday 6th October. The program will run bi-weekly every Monday and Thursday between October 6 and November 20 @5:30pm AEST. Parent sessions follow at 7pm AEST.
How much is the program?
The cost of our 14 -week PEERS® Program amounts to approximately $4850. This is for over 40 hours or social skills coaching and support.
A detailed quote will be provided upon registering.
This is inclusive of:
1 X personalised initial session for parent and teen
14 X 90 minute social skills group
14 X 90 minute group training for the allocated social coach
Resources provided to support participant and social coach
Weekly homework tasks to build and develop skills between sessions
Can I use NDIS funding to access the program?
Yes—self-managed or plan-managed participants may apply NDIS funds. Plan-managed families should check with their plan manager to determine whether the program meets your teens goals.
What parents are saying
My teen used to walk around at lunch time all by themself, now they hang out with friends.
What teens are saying
School is so much more fun when you have someone to hang out with at lunchtime.
