☀ Summer Intensive: July 6–30  ·  Mondays & Thursdays  ·  Enroll now →   |   Now accepting individual & family therapy appointments.

Answers to the questions
we hear most.

Can't find what you're looking for? Call us at 763.250.1004 or send a message.

Getting Started
Do I need a diagnosis to enroll in PEERS®?

No. A formal diagnosis is not required. The best candidates are individuals who struggle socially and are motivated to work on it. We work with children, teens, and adults at all stages — whether they have a diagnosis or are still figuring things out.

How do I know if PEERS® is a good fit?

PEERS® works best for individuals who have a genuine desire to make friends and build social connections. If your child or young adult is motivated (even a little), the structured curriculum can help them develop real, lasting skills. If you're not sure, call us — we're happy to talk it through.

What's the difference between PEERS® and regular therapy?

PEERS® is a structured group curriculum — think of it more like a class than a therapy session. Participants learn specific social skills through instruction, role-play, and homework assignments. It's evidence-based and skills-focused, not talk therapy.

Many families do both PEERS® and individual therapy at the same time. The two complement each other well.

How do I get started?

Fill out our enrollment form or give us a call at 763.250.1004. We'll set up a brief intake call to make sure we're the right fit, confirm your placement, and get you registered.

About PEERS® Classes
What is the Summer Intensive?

The Summer Intensive is a new 4-week program running July 6–30, 2026. Sessions meet Mondays and Thursdays from 10:00–11:30am. Each 90-minute session is structured in two parts: the first half focuses on the skill of the day, and the second half is spent engaging with peers in a variety of real social opportunities. Groups are formed by age and development. It's designed for adolescents who want to build communication and social skills in a fun, supportive environment over the summer.

How much does the Summer Intensive cost, and is insurance accepted?

The Summer Intensive is $650 for the full program. Insurance is not accepted — this is a private pay program only.

How long is the program?

Each PEERS® session runs 10 weeks. Classes meet once a week for 90 minutes. Most families see meaningful progress by the end of the session, and some choose to repeat the program as a refresher.

What do parents do during PEERS®?

Parents attend a concurrent group that runs at the same time as their child's group. You'll learn exactly what your child is learning — including the specific language and strategies — so you can coach and practice at home between sessions.

How big are the groups?

Groups are intentionally small — capped at 8 participants. We keep them this size so every participant gets individualized attention and has real opportunities to practice.

Do you offer classes in the summer?

Yes. We run sessions in fall, spring, and summer. Current openings are listed on the enrollment page. Space fills quickly, so we recommend registering early.

My child is on the older end for one group and younger for another. Which is right?

We look at developmental fit, not just age. If you're unsure, let's talk — we can help you figure out the best placement.

About Therapy
What ages do you see for therapy?

We see children, adolescents, adults, and families. Our therapists have particular expertise with autism, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and related challenges, but we welcome anyone navigating social or emotional difficulties.

Do you work with social anxiety?

Yes — social anxiety is one of our core areas of focus, and we work with it across all ages. Whether it's a child who dreads the cafeteria, a teen avoiding group situations, or an adult who finds everyday social interactions exhausting, we have targeted approaches for each stage of life. Our therapy and PEERS® programming both address the skills and confidence-building that help people move through social anxiety at their own pace.

Do you offer telehealth?

Yes. Telehealth is available for individual therapy, family therapy, and parent coaching for Minnesota residents. We use a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform.

Can my child do PEERS® and therapy at the same time?

Absolutely. Many families do both. The group curriculum and individual therapy complement each other well — PEERS® builds the skills, and therapy provides the emotional support and processing that helps them stick.

What is your cancellation policy for therapy sessions?

We require at least 24 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule an individual or family therapy session. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours' notice will be charged a cancellation fee.

How long will my child need therapy?

That depends on your goals. Some families need short-term, focused support. Others find ongoing therapy valuable over a longer period. We'll talk through what makes sense for you at intake and revisit it regularly.

Scheduling & Location
Where are you located?

We're at Peace Lutheran Church, 20 Northdale Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55448. Easy parking, accessible building.

Do you offer evening or weekend appointments?

⚠ Client to confirm: available days/times Please contact us to discuss scheduling options.

What if we have to miss a session?

Life happens. Contact us as soon as you know — we'll let you know if there's a makeup option or send you notes from the session you missed.

Cost & Insurance
Do you take insurance?

Yes. We are currently in-network with HealthPartners, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota, and Minnesota Medical Assistance. We are currently out-of-network for other plans, but we are happy to discuss your situation and provide any documentation needed for reimbursement. We also accept HSA cards and waiver funding.

What if my insurance doesn't cover it?

We are currently out-of-network for plans other than HealthPartners, BCBS of Minnesota, and Minnesota Medical Assistance. We're happy to discuss your options and provide documentation to help you seek reimbursement directly from your carrier. We also offer private pay rates and have a limited number of reduced-rate slots. See our Pricing page for more details.

Is PEERS® covered by insurance?

Our classes are provided by licensed mental health professionals and may be billed to insurance as group therapy, so coverage that applies to group therapy may apply — depending on your policy. For in-network plans (HealthPartners, BCBS MN, and Minnesota Medical Assistance), we handle billing directly. For other plans, we recommend calling your insurer to ask about your group therapy benefits. We're happy to provide documentation to support your claim.

Do you offer a sliding scale?

We have a limited number of reduced-rate slots available. Please ask us about availability when you reach out.

Still have questions?

We're happy to answer any question by phone or email before you commit to anything. There's no obligation — just a conversation to see if we're the right fit for your family.

763.250.1004
Call or text during business hours
azachrison@strengthensocialskills.com
We respond within one business day
20 Northdale Blvd NW
Coon Rapids, MN 55448 · Telehealth available

Ready to take the next step?

Enrollment is open now. Fill out a short form and we'll reach out to confirm placement and answer any questions.