First Steps Behavioral Therapy

“PEERS® for Adolescents is an evidence-based social skills program for adolescents in middle school and high school who are interested in making and keeping friends and/or handling rejection. Adolescents and parents attend 16 weekly group sessions for 90 minutes per week. Participants are taught social skills through didactic lessons and role-play demonstrations, and practice these skills during group socialization activities. Parents attend separate sessions and are taught how to assist adolescents in making and keeping friends (parent participation is required).

Participants will Learn About:

• Developing/Maintaining Friendships
• Conversational Skills
• Appropriate Use of Humor
• Handling Disagreements/Conflict
• Entering and Exiting a Conversation
• Electronic Communication
• Social Media Safety
• Handling Teasing and Bullying
• Being a Good Sport
• Organizing Get-togethers

• Contact our office at (540)200-8893, email [email protected], or complete the contact form below to receive an enrollment packet.
• Complete and return your enrollment packet.
• Our team will verify your insurance benefits, ensure your teen is a good fit for this program, and schedule a phone call to discuss scheduling and next steps.

• Duration: 16 weeks
• Planned Days: Once per week for 90-minutes (teen and parent separately). Days will be chosen based on group availability received in the initial enrollment packet.
• Planned Terms: Offered Year Round

Our PEERS® Groups are offered through secure, HIPAA-compliant Zoom sessions, ensuring privacy and safety while fostering meaningful connections. These interactive groups provide a supportive environment to practice essential social skills such as communication, cooperation, and emotional regulation—all from the comfort of home.

Led by experienced professionals, each session is engaging, developmentally appropriate, and tailored to meet the unique needs of participants. Whether working on conversation skills, or building friendships, our virtual groups help teens develop confidence and thrive socially in a safe, virtual setting.

Join us for fun, learning, and connection—all in a secure online space!

We are in-network with Virginia Medicaid and its Managed Care Organizations (MCOs). We also offer flexible private pay options for those seeking personalized care outside of insurance coverage.”