For the past 10 years, we’ve had the privilege of offering the PEERS® program for teens and young adults here in Minnesota. Throughout that time, we’ve consistently seen participants grow in confidence, connection, and comfort—both during the program and long after it ends.

PEERS® is intentionally designed to be neurodiversity‑affirming. We honor each participant’s individuality while giving them practical tools to navigate the social world in ways that feel authentic and empowering.

Our goal is simple: to help teens and young adults build meaningful, satisfying relationships. Research is clear that strong social connections are essential to health and happiness. Every young person deserves that sense of belonging, and we’re here to support them—and you—along the way.

"I didn't think it would work, but by the end, this was the best thing I have ever done. I liked going every week and was sad for it to be over." ~ Teen from Stillwater, MN

"I quit hockey because I hated the locker room. This program helped me figure out that bantering is not my thing, but it happens in locker rooms. I know how to handle it now." Teen from South Dakota 

"I was kicked out of my school. After PEERS, my principal said I could come back. I didn't go because I started a new school with a new reputation." Teen from Cottage Grove, MN.

Ages 12-19-year-olds.  

questions email mnpeers@gmail.com

How can I apply to participate?

Insurance options available

• email us at MNPEERS@gmail.com to be placed on our waiting list.  Our next session is Fall of 2026.
• We will call you and set up an intake as early as September 2026. 
• Come in-person  for a 1-hour intake appointment with one of our clinicians to determine if our program is appropriate for you and your teen.

PEERS (Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills) is an evidence-based social skills intervention workshop for motivated middle school, high school teens, & young adults interested in learning ways to help them make and keep friends. During each session, teens & young adults are taught important social skills and are given the opportunity to practice these skills in each session during socialization activities. Parents & caregivers attend separate virtual sessions and are taught how to assist their teens or young adult in making and keeping friends. They do this by helping to expand their social network and providing feedback through coaching during weekly socialization homework assignments. Enrollment is limited to 8. Parent or caregiver participation is required.

During each session, teens/young adults will be taught important social skills by presenting concrete rules and steps of social behavior. Each participant is given the opportunity to practice these skills in the session during socialization activities.  In a separate session, parents and caregivers are taught how to assist in the process of making and keeping friends by providing feedback through coaching during weekly socialization homework assignments.

▪ How to use appropriate conversational skills
▪ How to find common interests by trading information
▪ How to appropriately use humor
▪ How to enter and exit conversations between peers
▪ How to handle rejection, teasing, and bullying
▪ How to be a good host during get-togethers
▪ How to choose appropriate friends
▪ How to be a good sport
▪ How to handle arguments and disagreements
▪ How to deal with peer pressure

Young Adults: includes Dating Skills

During each 75-minute group session, participants will be taught important social skills by presenting concrete rules and steps of social behavior. Each participant is given the opportunity to practice these skills in the session during socialization activities. In a separate session, parents/caregivers are taught how to assist their teen/young adult in making and keeping friends by providing feedback through coaching during weekly socialization homework assignments. 

Enrollment is limited. Group instruction is provided in English. Regular attendance is imperative. Parent-Care Giver participation is required.

Groups begin every 14-16 weeks, and enrollment is ongoing. The clinician determines group placement at intake appointments based on group dynamics.

"Before this group, my teen would not have felt comfortable meeting new peers and inviting them over for get-togethers. He really latched onto the "trading information" technique as something that made sense to him. He also became more social in the context of wanting to be with others more often." ~ MN PEERS parent