Social Skills Groups

We offer ongoing social skills groups for students of various ages, meeting weekly in person at our downtown Bethesda office. Unlike session-based programs, our groups operate on a rolling enrollment basis, allowing us to add new students as space permits.

Each group is led by a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist and focuses on pragmatic language skills, social communication, and peer relationships. These groups differ from individual speech and language therapy, which primarily targets receptive and expressive language development. Many of our students benefit from support in areas such as:

Making and maintaining friendships
Understanding the nuances of peer and social interactions
Regulating emotions in social setting

Group Structure & Placement

Group placement is based on both age and developmental needs, with an emphasis on skill level rather than strict age divisions. As a result, some groups may have a two-year age range (e.g., kindergarten and first grade or first and second grade). Groups typically consist of 3-6 students to ensure personalized attention.

We use a variety of evidence-based curricula, including:

Social Thinking
Zones of Regulation
Unstuck and On Target

However, we recognize that no single approach works for every student, so lessons are tailored to meet the individual needs of each child.

Enrollment & Screening Process

To ensure the best fit for your child, we require a brief 20-30 minute meet-and-greet screening before enrollment. This screening, which can be conducted virtually or in person, helps us assess your child’s needs and determine appropriate placement. The screening fee is $50. If we identify a suitable group, your child can begin immediately. Groups meet for 55-minute sessions, and the cost per session is $140.

Billing & Insurance

We are an out-of-network provider and do not accept insurance. However, we provide a monthly superbill with the necessary insurance coding for potential reimbursement through your out-of-network benefits. We bill under procedure code 92508 (“group speech and language therapy”). While we do not file insurance claims, we encourage families to check with their providers regarding coverage.

Attendance & Cancellation Policy

We ask that upon joining a group, students attend at least 4 consecutive sessions, unless there are extenuating circumstances. Additionally, consistency is key to progress, so we require students to attend at least three out of four sessions per month. Since our curriculum builds from week to week, regular attendance ensures continuity and peer connection.

We ask that you provide at least 24 hours’ notice for group cancellations. Our therapists invest significant time and effort in planning each session to meet the specific needs of every participant, so last-minute cancellations can be highly disruptive. Cancellations must be made by 7:00 AM on the day of treatment to avoid being billed for the full session. While we understand that occasional absences due to travel or emergencies are sometimes unavoidable, consistent attendance is essential to preserving the integrity, continuity, and progress of the group experience.

Next Steps

If you have any questions or would like to schedule a screening, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We look forward to the opportunity to support your child’s social development.

E-mail bethc@steppingstonestherapy.com for more information