Frequently asked questions

The “S” stands for Social Skills. S Groups provides online group and individual coaching for anyone who wants to strengthen their social skills, build authentic friendships, and grow in confidence. Our programs include coach-led peer groups and personalized private coaching.

• Combines PEERS® with principles drawn from CBT and ACT—no guesswork.
• 100% online, so you can join from anywhere.
• Each client sets personalized social goals.
• Groups are small, structured, and skill-based—more like a class than therapy.
• Focuses on authentic social growth, not “masking.”
• Includes caregivers as “social coaches” to extend progress beyond sessions.

We support teens and adults who want to feel more confident socially. Many identify with autism, ADHD, or social anxiety, and many don’t. No diagnosis is required. What unites everyone here is a shared goal: to feel more confident, connected, and comfortable in social situations.

Our groups serve motivated adolescents (middle and high school) and adults ages 18–45. Private coaching is available for individuals starting in 4th or 5th grade and for adults of any age. An intake assessment helps determine readiness and which service will best support your goals.

Yes. All S Groups coaches hold advanced degrees in Applied Behavior Analysis, Psychology, Special Education, Social Work, or related fields and are certified PEERS® Providers trained at UCLA’s Semel Institute.

PEERS® stands for the Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills.

It’s the most researched social-skills curriculum in the world, developed over 20 years to teach practical, evidence-based strategies for making and keeping friends, developing romantic relationships, and managing conflict and rejection.

Because it works. PEERS® provides a structured, step-by-step approach to social learning that has been validated through over 50 peer-reviewed studies.

At S Groups, our coaches use this framework to make social skills teachable, measurable, and applicable to real life.

No. S Groups is an independent organization.

Our coaches are certified providers, meaning they’ve completed official PEERS® provider training through the UCLA PEERS® Clinic, and are qualified to teach it accurately.

We are not affiliated with, sponsored, or endorsed by PEERS® or its creators.

PEERS® breaks down common social behavior needed to make and keep friends such as starting and maintaining conversations into rules and steps developed from research evidence.

Participants gain insight into common social misunderstandings, practice key skills for building and sustaining meaningful friendships and relationships, and learn practical, real-world strategies for handling peer conflict and rejection with confidence.

Lessons are paired with modeling, role-play, and feedback to make skills last.

PEERS® is designed for teens and adults who want to improve friendships, communication, and confidence in social situations.

It’s especially effective for individuals who appreciate clear, concrete instruction and the opportunity to practice in a structured setting.

PEERS® provides the foundation for our Social Solutions, Dating, and Private Coaching programs.

We combine its research-backed framework with principles drawn from CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Training) to help participants learn how to stay calm, confident, and authentic in social interactions.

No. While PEERS® was initially developed for autistic individuals, research has shown that its step-by-step methods benefit anyone who struggles socially — including those with ADHD, anxiety, or simply a desire to improve communication and social skills.

Most participants report increased confidence, improved friendships, a better understanding of social cues, and more ease with social anxiety. The key to success is practice — PEERS® emphasizes applying what you learn in real life through weekly assignments and feedback. These outcomes are supported by over two decades of peer-reviewed research demonstrating measurable improvements in friendship quality, social skills, and emotional well-being. [See research studies →]

Yes. Caregivers can join our Social Coaching Group for Caregivers, or work 1:1 with a coach, to learn the same skills their loved one is practicing and become their social coach.

This shared learning helps reinforce progress at home and ensures skills carry over beyond sessions.

The core framework stays the same, but the delivery is different.

In peer groups , participants practice skills with others in real time.

In private coaching , the same lessons are personalized for one-on-one learning and specific goals like friendships, dating, or professional communication.

Over 50 published studies from around the world demonstrate the effectiveness of PEERS® in improving social skills, friendship quality, and social confidence.

These results have been replicated across cultures and age groups, making PEERS® the global gold standard for social-skills education.

[See research studies →]

Yes. The PEERS® curriculum includes lessons that teach the skills needed to develop and maintain romantic relationships — including how to express interest, understand dating etiquette, and navigate online dating.

We also integrate PEERS® strategies that support success in the workplace, such as starting and maintaining conversations, handling disagreements, and responding to feedback — skills that can enhance interviewing, teamwork, and professional communication.

Private coaching offers additional flexibility and personalization, allowing you to focus on your specific social goals.

Every participant begins with a $99 Intake Assessment .

During your intake, an S Groups coach will learn about your goals and recommend whether a PEERS®-based group or private coaching is the best fit.

Each 90-minute group session includes instruction, modeling, role-play, coaching, and feedback. Participants learn step-by-step skills through videos, demonstrations, and live practice with peers. Homework reinforces progress in real-life settings.

Caregivers can join an optional Social Coaching Group that runs in parallel and trains them to become social coaches, teaching the same skills so they can coach at home.

Private coaching is structured very similar, however, however sessions are in a 1:1 format and are typically 60 minutes in duration.

A social coach is a parent, caregiver, or trusted supporter who helps their loved one practice new skills outside of group sessions. They provide encouragement, guidance, and opportunities for real-life application.

At S Groups, we follow the PEERS® model, where parents and caregivers attend a Social Coaching Group alongside their loved one's group. This group is just for parents and caregivers. Having a coach isn’t required but greatly enhances progress — and is strongly supported by research.

All sessions are online via secure, encrypted Zoom video sessions. Join from anywhere with a stable internet connection.

Yes. Research conducted through the PEERS ® clinic shows telehealth social-skills training produces improvements comparable to in-person programs (Estabillo et al., 2022).

Peer groups run 6–12 weeks depending on topic. Private coaching is billed every 4 weeks and can be paused or adjusted anytime.

If you miss a group, we’ll share key takeaways and assignments so you stay on track. Private coaching sessions can be rescheduled with 24 hours’ notice.

New groups launch every quarter. The first step to securing your spot in a group is to book an intake .

Anyone 18 or older. If a caregiver books for a loved one, the loved one must attend; caregiver attendance is optional.

Yes. The intake ensures we understand social goals, strengths, and challenges before recommending a program.

The intake assessment costs $99 and includes a one-hour assessment with a coach.

During a one-hour Zoom session, we discuss experiences and goals, complete three short assessments, and create a personalized roadmap for success.

Each intake lasts about 60 minutes.

Complete two short online forms beforehand and come ready to share experiences and goals—we’ll guide the rest.

You’ll receive tailored recommendations for a Peer Group, Private Coaching, or both.

Most clients begin private coaching within 1–2 weeks of completing their intake, depending on client and coach availability.

New peer groups start quarterly.

That’s completely normal! You can book a free 15-minute consultation first to meet a coach and talk through what to expect.

Yes. Book a free 15-minute consultation to learn more before committing.

If social situations cause anxiety, isolation, or confusion—and you want practical tools for confidence—S Groups is likely a great fit.

You don’t need to decide yet. The intake helps determine which option best suits your goals and comfort level.

Yes. Many clients begin with private coaching and transition to a group once ready; your coach will guide that process.

Two core paths personalized from your intake results:

• Peer Groups — Coach-led groups meeting weekly for 90 minutes to practice real-life social skills in a supportive setting. Social Solutions groups have up to 6 members (up to 12 with two facilitators) and meet for 12 consecutive weeks; Dating groups have up to 6 members and meet for six consecutive weeks.
• Private Coaching — One-on-one sessions customized to your pace and goals. Ideal for individualized attention or starting gradually.

No. All sessions are conducted online for accessibility and consistency.

No. Progress requires commitment, so we don’t offer free trials. Unsure? Start with a free 15-minute consultation.

Caregiver participation is encouraged but optional. We offer a dedicated Social Coaching Group, where parents and caregivers learn to become social coaches and reinforce social skills at home. For those unable to commit to a group, we also provide flexible options — including private coaching packages and drop-in sessions for parents and caregivers.

Yes. We offer private coaching specifically for caregivers seeking individualized strategies to support their loved one.

A reliable internet connection, a device with camera/mic, and the free Zoom app.

Yes. As long as your time zone aligns with session times, international participants are welcome.

Intake Assessment: $99 (required for all clients)

Private Coaching • Weekly 60-minute sessions: $500 every 4 weeks (4 sessions) • Bi-weekly 60-minute sessions: $300 every 4 weeks (2 sessions) • Drop-in sessions: $150 per session

Peer Groups • Social Solutions (12 weeks): $1,199, paid in 3 installments • Dating Group (6 weeks, ages 18+): $599, paid in 2 installments

Social Coaching Group for Caregivers (optional, 12 weeks): $999, paid in 3 installments

For every group, a deposit (a down payment for Dating) secures your spot, and the remaining installments are paid later.

All major credit and debit cards, and Self-Determination Program (SDP) funding.

No. S Groups provides social-skills coaching and education — not medical care, therapy, or mental-health treatment — so our services are not billed to insurance.

You pay S Groups directly. If you have questions about your own plan, your insurer is the right place to ask.

Sessions can be rescheduled with 24 hours’ notice. Missed sessions without notice are non-refundable.

Because session times and group spots are reserved, payments are non-refundable once sessions begin.

We use pre- and post-program assessments from the PEERS® curriculum to measure growth in friendship quality, confidence, and social understanding. Coaches review progress regularly to ensure consistent improvement.

Many clients notice increased confidence and more ease with social anxiety within the first month. Consistency and participation lead to the best outcomes.

Yes. We can supply progress summaries or collaboration notes upon request.

• Make and keep genuine friends
• Learn coping and emotional-regulation strategies
• Build confidence and self-awareness
• Practice real-world skills in a safe, supportive space
• Work with highly trained, empathetic professionals
• Join from anywhere in the world

Absolutely. All sessions and records are private, and we protect your information with secure, encrypted systems and strict access controls.