Building Social Skills and Confidence for Success: An 8-Week Expert Led Social Skills Group for Neurodivergent Teens in Troy, MI
Are you searching for a teen social skills group near you that offers compassionate, evidence-based support?
At Bright Pine Behavioral Health in Troy, MI, our 8-week social skills therapy for teenagers is designed specifically for teens (ages 13–17) with autism spectrum disorder (Level 1) or related social communication challenges.
This autism social skills group for teens combines expert-led virtual training with in-person peer practice to help participants improve conversation skills, build friendships, and confidently navigate everyday social situations.
Whether you’re looking for a neurodivergent teen support group, a social skills group for high-functioning autism, or simply a safe space where your child can learn and grow, our program offers the structured, supportive environment they need to succeed.
Improve Your Teen’s Social Confidence
Build friendships & communication skills with expert guidance
Group Launch: Monday September 15, 2025
Enrollment is limited to 10 teen participants (each with a parent or caregiver) to ensure personalized support for every family.
Want to hear the full story behind our upcoming Social Skills Group? Click on play below to listen to Dr. Elise Pilchak’s expert insights on Spotify and learn how evidence-based strategies can help your teen build confidence and connection.
Is Your Teen Struggling to Connect?
If your child is on the Autism Spectrum (Level 1) or faces related social communication challenges, everyday social situations can feel overwhelming. You’re not alone—and we can help.
Our 8-Week (16 Session) Social Skills Program is an immense value designed to empower neurodivergent teens (ages 13–17) to build meaningful relationships and thrive socially in both school and life.
Guide Your Teen Toward Social Confidence, Friendship, and Independence
As a parent or caregiver, few challenges are more difficult than watching your child struggle to form friendships, feel included, or confidently navigate social situations.
Our 8-week program provides the evidence-based strategies and compassionate support your teen needs to build meaningful peer relationships and strengthen their social independence.
What Your Teen Will Gain From Our Expert Led Social Skills Group:
Social Confidence
Learn exactly how to approach, talk to, and bond with peers in any setting.
Friendship Skills
Practice how to make and maintain real friendships that last beyond the program.
Resilience Against Social Rejection
Equip your child with evidence-based tools to handle teasing, misunderstandings, and conflicts calmly and confidently.
Real-World Communication Tools
Role-play difficult conversations, peer disagreements, invitations, and humor in a safe, supportive setting.
Empowered Caregiver Coaching
You’ll learn proven strategies to support your teen at home, helping them generalize these skills to school, activities, and life.
A Safer Path to Independence
Give your child the lifelong gift of knowing they can succeed socially—even when you aren’t there to guide them.
How This Program Works
We combine virtual parent-teen learning with in-person teen peer practice for a powerful, proven approach:
Mondays (Virtual)
- Beginning Monday September 15, 2025
- Psychoeducation session with Dr. Elise Pilchak (teen + caregiver)
- 5:00–6:00PM EST via secure video
- Learn key skills, caregiver coaching strategies
Wednesdays (In-Person)
- Beginning Wednesday September 17, 2025
- Teen-only practice group with Dr. Elise Pilchak and Richie Conte
- 5:00–6:00PM EST at Our Troy Office: 1739 W. Big Beaver, Troy, MI
- Practice social skills with peers and clinician guidance
Full 8 Week (16 Session) Social Skills Program Schedule
| Date | Session | Provider |
|---|---|---|
| Monday, September 15, 2025 | Virtual Session (5:00–6:00 PM) | Dr. Elise Pilchak + Parent & Teen |
| Wednesday, September 17, 2025 | In-Person Session (5:00–6:00 PM at Troy Office) | Dr. Elise Pilchak + Richie Conte + Teen Only |
| Monday, September 22, 2025 | Virtual Session (5:00–6:00 PM) | Dr. Elise Pilchak + Parent & Teen |
| Wednesday, September 24, 2025 | In-Person Session (5:00–6:00 PM at Troy Office) | Dr. Elise Pilchak + Richie Conte + Teen Only |
| Monday, September 29, 2025 | Virtual Session (5:00–6:00 PM) | Dr. Elise Pilchak + Parent & Teen |
| Wednesday, October 1, 2025 | In-Person Session (5:00–6:00 PM at Troy Office) | Dr. Elise Pilchak + Richie Conte + Teen Only |
| Monday, October 6, 2025 | Virtual Session (5:00–6:00 PM) | Dr. Elise Pilchak + Parent & Teen |
| Wednesday, October 8, 2025 | In-Person Session (5:00–6:00 PM at Troy Office) | Dr. Elise Pilchak + Richie Conte + Teen Only |
| Monday, October 13, 2025 | Virtual Session (5:00–6:00 PM) | Dr. Elise Pilchak + Parent & Teen |
| Wednesday, October 15, 2025 | In-Person Session (5:00–6:00 PM at Troy Office) | Dr. Elise Pilchak + Richie Conte + Teen Only |
| Monday, October 20, 2025 | Virtual Session (5:00–6:00 PM) | Dr. Elise Pilchak + Parent & Teen |
| Wednesday, October 22, 2025 | In-Person Session (5:00–6:00 PM at Troy Office) | Dr. Elise Pilchak + Richie Conte + Teen Only |
| Monday, October 27, 2025 | Virtual Session (5:00–6:00 PM) | Dr. Elise Pilchak + Parent & Teen |
| Wednesday, October 29, 2025 | In-Person Session (5:00–6:00 PM at Troy Office) | Dr. Elise Pilchak + Richie Conte + Teen Only |
| Monday, November 3, 2025 | Virtual Session (5:00–6:00 PM) | Dr. Elise Pilchak + Parent & Teen |
| Wednesday, November 5, 2025 | In-Person Session (5:00–6:00 PM at Troy Office) | Dr. Elise Pilchak + Richie Conte + Teen Only |
What Your Teen Will Learn in Our Expert Led Social Skills Group
Our structured program offers more than just lessons—it provides a safe space where teens can gain the skills and confidence they need to connect with others and feel a sense of belonging.
Through expert guidance, gentle coaching, and peer practice, your teen will learn to:
- How to start and maintain conversations
- Discover and share common interests
- Use humor in a socially appropriate way
- Navigate teasing, bullying, and rejection with resilience
- Resolve peer conflicts with confidence
- …and develop additional lifelong communication and relationship-building skills
Caregiver involvement is key. You’ll be equipped with practical strategies to support your teen’s growth at home and in the community, helping these skills become second nature. Together, we’ll partner with you to nurture your teen’s path toward lasting friendships and greater independence.
Meet Your Expert Team
Dr. Elise Pilchak, LP, PsyD
With clinical experience at Stanford University, Kaiser Permanente Autism Clinic, and Pine Rest, Dr. Pilchak specializes in assessment, diagnosis, and intervention for autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, anxiety, and mood disorders. She led groundbreaking research on combining social skills training with parent coaching, demonstrating measurable improvements in peer relationships. Dr. Pilchak’s compassionate, strengths-based approach helps families feel supported and empowered every step of the way.
Want to hear the full story behind our upcoming Social Skills Group? Click on play below to listen to Dr. Elise Pilchak’s expert insights on Spotify and learn how evidence-based strategies can help your teen build confidence and connection.
Richie Conte, LLMFT
Richie brings warmth, energy, and years of experience supporting children, teens, and families, including those with autism spectrum disorder. As a former registered behavior technician, Richie understands the importance of supporting both the individual and their family system. His collaborative, down-to-earth style helps teens feel safe to practice new skills and build confidence.
Who Should Enroll?
- Teens (ages 13–17) with Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 1 or similar social communication needs
- Teens motivated to improve friendships and peer relationships
- Caregivers and Parents who want to actively support their teen’s social success
Program Details
- Start Date: September 15, 2025
- Location: Virtual + In-Person (Troy, MI)
- Led by: Dr. Elise Pilchak & Richie Conte
- Commitment: 8 weeks of skill-building + practice
Only 10 teen-and-caregiver pairs will be accepted to guarantee individualized attention for each family.
Due to the personalized nature of the program, we accept a limited number of participants each cycle.
Reserve your spot today to ensure your teen doesn’t miss this opportunity to build lasting social success.
Ready to Empower Your Teen?
This program is HSA/FSA eligible. We also offer CareCredit financing options to help make enrollment more accessible. If you have insurance, we can also provide a Superbill.
FAQs
Q: Is this program right for my teen?
A: If your teen is verbal, motivated to make friends, and has ASD Level 1 or similar social communication challenges, this program is an excellent fit.
Q: Why do caregivers need to attend the virtual sessions?
A: Research shows that teens progress faster and sustain gains longer when caregivers learn how to coach and support the skills at home.
Q: Can we attend if we’re not local?
A: Teens must be able to attend the in-person Wednesday practice groups at our Troy, MI location.
Q: Do you accept insurance for this group?
A: This group is a private pay program; however, we can provide you with a superbill to submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement or credit towards your deductible/Out of Pocket Maximum.
Free ASD Screeners
Limited Introductory Rate – Enroll Now and Save
Take advantage of our introductory enrollment rate of $1,095 for the full 8-week Teen Social Confidence & Social Skills Program.
This special pricing is only guaranteed for a limited time as we approach our next group start date. Prices may increase as demand rises in the coming weeks.
What’s Included In Your Enrollment:
8 weekly virtual parent + teen coaching sessions with Dr. Elise Pilchak
8 weekly in-person teen social practice groups with Richie Conte
A total of 16 clinician-led sessions focused on building social confidence and friendship skills
Small group size for personalized feedback and support
Our exclusive Social Confidence Success Kit: custom journal, completion certificate, and sensory/mindfulness gift
Don’t wait—spaces are extremely limited. Secure your teen’s spot today and empower them to build friendships, communication skills, and lasting confidence.
8-Week: 16 One Hour Sessions - Teen Social Skills Program With Dr. Pilchak
Specifically for teens (ages 13–17) with autism spectrum disorder (Level 1) or related social communication challenges.-
8 weeks of structured, clinician-led virtual and in-person social skills coaching (A total of 16 clinician-led one hour sessions focused on building social confidence and friendship skills)
-
8 weekly virtual parent + teen coaching sessions with Dr. Elise Pilchak
-
8 weekly in-person teen social practice groups with Dr Elise Piclhak and Richie Conte
-
Weekly personalized feedback and guided peer interaction
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A small, supportive group setting to ensure individual attention
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PLUS: Enroll now and receive our exclusive Social Confidence Success Kit at no additional cost:
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A Journal for tracking progress and practicing at home
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A Certificate of Completion to celebrate your teen’s hard work and success
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A special sensory or mindfulness gift designed to support emotional regulation and focus
