• UCLA Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®)

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    • UCLA PEERS®

      UCLA PEERS® offers manualized, evidence-based social skills programming for youth and adults who are struggling socially.

      Originally developed at UCLA by Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson, Director of the UCLA PEERS® Clinic, PEERS® programs have been extensively researched and disseminated worldwide through translation, cross-cultural validation studies, and certified provider trainings.

      The UCLA PEERS® Clinic offers resources and services for families and professionals, including:

      • PEERS® for Preschoolers
      • PEERS® for Adolescents
      • PEERS® for Young Adults
      • PEERS® for Dating
      • PEERS® for Careers
      • PEERS® Virtual Bootcamp
      • PEERS® Certified Training Seminars for Professionals

            Young adults

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    • MEET our team! 

      Learn about our Clinical Faculty : https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/peers/the-team  

      Team

    • Dr Elizabeth Laugeson, Founder and Director of the UCLA PEERS® Clinic

           

    • FAQ 

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      The Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®) is a world-renowned, evidence-based social skills training program developed at UCLA.
      PEERS® is primarily for:
      • Pre-schoolers (ages 4-6), Adolescents (typically ages 12–18) and young adults (18+) who struggle with social skills.
      • Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, anxiety, depression, or other social difficulties.
      • Parents, caregivers, and providers who want to learn strategies to coach and support social success.
      The program teaches step-by-step skills that support meaningful friendships, including:
      • Starting and maintaining conversations.
      • Finding and joining peer groups.
      • Using humor appropriately.
      • Handling rejection, teasing, bullying, and rumors.
      • Planning and organizing social get-togethers.
      • Developing and maintaining romantic relationships (young adult program).
      • Group Format: Sessions are held in small groups to encourage real-world practice.
      • Duration: Typically 16-18 weeks, depending on the specific program.
      • Two Components:
        • Youth/Young Adult Group: Participants learn social skills through didactic lessons, role-plays, and practice exercises.
        • Parent/Caregiver Group: Parents learn to act as “social coaches” to support skill use at home and in the community.

      PEERS® is:
      • Evidence-based: Backed by over 20 years of research at UCLA and internationally.
      • Ecologically valid: Skills taught are drawn from research on how socially successful people behave in real life.
      • Generalizable: Parents and caregivers reinforce the skills at home, making them more likely to stick.
      While PEERS® was developed at UCLA, it is now delivered by certified providers in schools, clinics, and organizations worldwide. Training programs are available for mental health professionals, educators, and clinicians who want to deliver PEERS® in their own communities.
      • During sessions, participants role-play and receive feedback.
      • Weekly “homework” assignments provide opportunities to try skills in real-world settings.
      • Parents or caregivers coach and support practice between sessions.
      No. While PEERS® was designed for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, research has shown it to be effective for people with ADHD, anxiety, depression, and other social difficulties.
      Enrolment varies depending on the provider. Typically:
      • An intake process or assessment ensures the program is a good fit.
      • Participants must be motivated to learn and practice social skills.
      • A committed parent/caregiver (for adolescents) must attend each session as a social coach.
      Yes, PEERS® has tailored versions for different age groups and settings:
      • PEERS® for Adolescents (12–18 years)
      • PEERS® for Young Adults (18–35 years)
      • PEERS® for Preschoolers (ages 4–6 years)
      • PEERS® in Schools (delivered in classrooms)
      Research shows that PEERS® significantly improves:
      • Social skills knowledge and performance.
      • Friendship quality and quantity.
      • Social responsiveness and confidence. These improvements are often maintained months after the program ends.
      Yes. UCLA offers certified provider training for psychologists, counselors, educators, speech-language pathologists, and other related professionals. Once trained, providers can deliver PEERS® programs in their own communities.

    • Explore our Research : https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/peers/research

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    • Explore our Resources : https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/peers/resources

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