Social Satisfaction for Teens

8 Sessions

Social connection is a key part of teen development, but when communication falters, it can become a major source of stress. Everyday social uncertainty can turn into cycles of avoidance and isolation, especially when anxiety or misunderstandings reinforce a fear of rejection. Over time, these patterns can affect not only friendships, but also school performance and family dynamics.

Our Social Satisfaction for Teens plan offers an eight-session path to stronger communication skills and more meaningful relationships. Using evidence-based strategies and developmentally appropriate support, your teen will work on building social confidence, practicing new skills, and developing insight into their communication patterns. The plan progresses through three phases: understanding social strengths and challenges, learning core skills, and applying them in real-world situations with growing independence.

Treatment is delivered virtually, with limited in-person options available.

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The great thing in this world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving. — Oliver Wendell Holmes

If you're the parent or guardian of a teen who’s struggling socially, this plan offers targeted support. Whether your teen is experiencing occasional awkwardness or more persistent communication challenges, the right tools can help them build stronger connections and greater confidence. While some social discomfort is a normal part of adolescence, repeated avoidance, conflict, or distress may be a sign that more support is needed.

Common indicators for this plan include:

Difficulty initiating or maintaining friendships
Social anxiety or excessive concern about peer judgment
Challenges interpreting social cues or understanding others' perspectives
Recurring conflicts with peers or family members
Isolation or disconnection from potential social opportunities
Communication patterns that create misunderstandings
Avoidance of group activities or social gatherings
Negative self-perception in social contexts
Difficulties transitioning across social environments (school, activities, family)
Limited repertoire of responses to complex social situations

Why you might choose this plan

What to expect

Adolescence is a crucial period for developing social and emotional skills. As teens form deeper connections and develop their sense of identity, social challenges can show up in subtle or unexpected ways. You might notice your teen spending more time alone, avoiding social situations, or becoming irritable when social stress is present. Some teens retreat into digital spaces, while others may struggle to express themselves clearly or navigate peer dynamics.

Social difficulties often reflect a combination of skill gaps and low confidence. Without guidance, teens may get stuck in patterns that reinforce isolation. This plan offers targeted, age-appropriate support to help your teen build the social insight, communication skills, and emotional resilience they need to connect with others in a more meaningful way.

In-person, telehealth or both

How long does therapy take?

Social skills can be learned and strengthened just like academic or athletic abilities—especially with the right tools and support. Research shows that about 70% of teens see significant improvement after completing a structured social skills program like this one.

Treatment begins with a detailed assessment of your teen’s social strengths and stressors. Then your therapist will introduce core skills like active listening, clear emotional expression, and assertive communication through role-playing activities and practice exercises. These sessions give teens a chance to try out new strategies in a safe, supportive space before applying them in real life.

Unlike generic advice or tips, this plan addresses the deeper patterns that can fuel social stress, including anxiety, avoidance, or misinterpreting cues. As they gain confidence, many teens also learn how to respond more thoughtfully in emotionally charged or tricky peer situations.

Parents are included in the process too. You'll receive guidance on how to support your teen’s growth at home while respecting their need for independence. As the plan progresses, many teens report stronger friendships, more authentic self-expression, and better connections with both peers and family members.

Therapy Lab clinicians hold advanced degrees in clinical psychology, clinical child psychology, or related science-based clinical practices, with specialized training in adolescent development and social skills intervention. They create a comfortable environment where teens can explore and develop new skills without judgment. To learn more, please see the resources below.

About Therapy Lab therapists

La Greca, A. M., & Lopez, N. (1998). Social anxiety among adolescents: Linkages with peer relations and friendships. Journal of abnormal child psychology, 26(2), 83-94.
Laugeson, E. A., Frankel, F., Gantman, A., Dillon, A. R., & Mogil, C. (2012). Evidence-based social skills training for adolescents with autism spectrum disorders: The UCLA PEERS program. Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 42(6), 1025-1036.
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Spence, S. H. (2003). Social skills training with children and young people: Theory, evidence and practice. Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 8(2), 84-96.