Social skills training (SST) as explained by VeryWell Mind is “a type of behavioral therapy used to improve social skills in people with mental disorders or developmental disabilities… [specifically] to help those with anxiety disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders, and other diagnoses.” Behavioral therapy is an umbrella term used to describe a range of techniques used to change maladaptive behaviors. Social skills training is typically used once or twice a week and can be occur in an individual and/ or in a group setting. SST is rarely intended as a form of treatment that is used by itself, rather it is more commonly used in conjunction with other treatment modalities. Social skills training is often associated with the fields of applied behavior analysis, cognitive behavioral therapy, special education, and relationship-based therapies. Many different types of professionals can implement social skills training (e.g., psychologists, therapists, educators, etc.). SST can result in an array of benefits for a teenager. For example, SST has been noted to improve the social skills of an adolescent with peer relationship problems at school.
Social skills training begins with an assessment to identify a teenager’s specific skill deficits and impairments. After the completion of the initial assessment techniques for improving social skills are introduced. Commonly used teenage SST techniques include, but are not limited to the following, provided by Verywell Mind:
Social skills training is a range of instructional methods and interventions used to help a teen understand and improve social skills.
Social skills training addresses a wide range of social skills. While there are many ways to define social skills, in general, SST focuses on the rules and behaviors that help individuals interact with one another. Some examples of skills targeted in SST programs include:
Each SST program will vary significantly, as they are directly informed by the age and skill level of participants. One of the fundamental benefits of social skills training is that the programs are fully customizable and will consider each young person’s strengths and needs.
Seeking help is never easy, but you are not alone! If you or someone you know needs mental health treatment, we strongly encourage you to reach out for help as quickly as possible. It is not uncommon for many mental health difficulties to impact a person for the long term. The earlier you seek support, the sooner you and your loved ones can return to happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives.
Our admissions team is available to answer any general questions regarding mental health issues, treatment, and/or specific questions about the program at Pacific Teen Treatment and how we might be able to help your family. We can be reached by phone 24/7 at 800-531-5769. You can also contact us via email at info@pacificrtc.com.
PTT provides treatment for the contemporary issues facing teenagers in today’s world utilizing a family focused and collaborative approach providing individualized care for teens and their families. Licensed by the State of California, Community Care Licensing Division #198209636
At a time when most residential programs are affiliated with large healthcare corporations or backed by private equity, Pacific Teen Treatment is proudly a private, family-owned operation.
