PEERS® Program | Vancouver Therapy Centre

PEERS® Social Skills Program in Vancouver.

The evidence-based UCLA PEERS® program helps teens and young adults build lasting friendships and navigate social situations with confidence through structured group practice and expert coaching.

Evidence-Based UCLA ProgramSmall Group FormatTeens 13–17 & Young Adults16-Week CurriculumCaregiver Component

No referral required · Virtual sessions available across BC

About PEERS®

What Is the PEERS® Program?

PEERS® (Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills) is one of the most researched social skills curricula in the world, developed at UCLA by Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson. Originally designed for autistic teens, it's now used globally to help teens, young adults, and their caregivers build genuine, lasting friendships. The program combines structured lessons, role-play, and real-world assignments over 16 carefully designed weekly sessions.

Who We Help

Teens Aged 13–17Young Adults 18+Autism Spectrum (ASD)ADHDSocial AnxietyLearning Differences
Key Benefits

What You Can Expect

UCLA Evidence-Based Curriculum

PEERS® was developed at UCLA and is backed by over 20 years of rigorous research. It is one of the most studied social skills programs in the world for teens and young adults.

Peer Practice in a Group Setting

The group format provides a safe, structured environment to practice social skills with real peers building genuine confidence that transfers to school, work, and daily life.

Parallel Caregiver Group

A simultaneous caregiver session teaches parents and supporters how to coach social skills at home, reinforcing lessons throughout the week and accelerating progress.

16-Week Structured Program

The PEERS® curriculum unfolds over 16 weekly sessions, progressively building friendship-making skills from starting conversations to navigating conflict and rejection.

Real-World Friendship Skills

Participants learn how to enter and exit conversations, choose friends wisely, use humour appropriately, handle teasing, organize get-togethers, and much more.

Neurodiversity-Affirming

PEERS® was originally designed for autistic teens and young adults but benefits anyone who struggles socially regardless of diagnosis or background.

How PEERS® Works

From Enrollment to Graduation

A clear, structured path through our 16-week PEERS® program.

1
Step One

Free Consultation & Intake

We discuss your teen or young adult's social goals, previous experiences, and whether PEERS® is the right fit. We'll also walk you through the group schedule and parent component.

2
Step Two

Join the Next PEERS® Group

Once enrolled, your teen or young adult joins their cohort. Each 90-minute weekly session combines didactic instruction, role-play, and coached peer activities in a small group.

3
Step Three

Skills, Practice & Real-World Application

With each session, participants build on skills and practice 'socialization assignments' in real life. Graduation celebrates measurable progress and new friendships formed.

PEERS® FAQs

Questions About PEERS®

Everything you need to know about our PEERS® Social Skills Program.

Still have questions?

Our friendly team is happy to answer any questions before you book. Reach out for a free, no-obligation consultation we'd love to chat.

Book a Free Consultation

No referral required · Virtual sessions available across BC

Vancouver
In-person options
BC-wide
Virtual options
BC-Wide
Virtual
Free
Consultation

Ready to Join PEERS®?

Help Your Teen Build Real Friendships

Book a free consultation to learn more about upcoming PEERS® groups, enrollment requirements, and whether this program is the right fit for your teen or young adult.

No referral required · Free initial consultation · Virtual sessions across BC