Help your child feel more confident, included, and connected
If your child says “No one wants to play with me” or “I don’t know how to make friends,” you’re not alone. In our psychologist-led social groups, children and teens learn how to connect with peers, handle tricky social moments, and gain the confidence to be themselves.
Small groups. Clear teaching. Guided practice. Real results.
Trusted by families and clinicians across Long Island.
Why structured social groups can make a meaningful difference
Some kids want friends but struggle with the small social skills that make friendships click—like joining a conversation, reading cues, or handling group play.
In our small, psychologist-led groups, children learn these skills step by step, practice them safely, and gain confidence with peers who understand them.
Children learn how to:
Start and join conversations
Handle teasing and tricky social moments
Build and maintain real friendships
Feel more confident being themselves
This is delivered through a structured 10-week, evidence-based program where these skills are explicitly taught, practiced, and supported by psychologists in carefully matched, age-appropriate groups.
Parents often tell us the biggest shift is watching their child gain confidence and comfort with peers.
Dr. Fern
Dr. Kristin
Our founders bring decades of experience in helping kids thrive
Dr. Fern and Dr. Kristin are licensed psychologists and moms who have spent decades helping children navigate tricky social moments. They’ve heard it all: “No one wanted to play with me,” “No one likes me,” “I have no friends.”
They know how scary it can feel when a child struggles socially—and how transformative a little guidance, practice, and support can be. That’s why they created Friendship Building Psychological Services: structured, thoughtful groups where children can safely practice social skills, make real connections, and gain the confidence to truly belong.
What families can expect
Thoughtfully matched groups
We’re intentional about every group we create. Children are placed with peers who are similar in age and social development, so they can feel comfortable, understood, and ready to connect from the start.
We teach social skills, clearly and directly
Social skills aren’t something every child “just picks up.” We break them down step by step and give kids the tools to navigate real-life friendships.
Practice with support, not pressure
Kids don’t just learn. They practice. Through guided activities, conversations, and in-the-moment coaching, we help children try new skills in a safe, supportive space where mistakes are part of the process.
Parents learn, too.
While your child is in a group program, parents also participate in guided sessions every-other-week where you’ll learn how to:
Support your child in real-life situations
Reinforce skills at home and during playdates
Better understand your child’s social world
Because real progress happens between sessions, too.
Take the first step toward friendship and confidence.
Join our interest list to get details about upcoming groups, age ranges, and enrollment. Each child also receives a complimentary in-person screening to ensure the group is the right fit. No pressure—just guidance, support, and a chance to help your child or teen thrive socially.
You can also reach out directly at
Dr. Fern Sandler
(646) 263-1029