Learn to thinkSMARTer, not harder

The thinkSMART® (Successful Management of Approach to Responsibilities and Tasks) program was born out of Dr. Ellis’ frustration with the lack of effective, non-medication interventions for youth with executive dysfunction, particularly (but not limited to) individuals with ADHD. Pervasive and debilitating weaknesses in areas of organization, time management, task initiation/completion, and planning can hinder success for individuals with mood, anxiety and attention problems. The thinkSMART® program specifically targets these areas by teaching use of concrete behavioral strategies to compensate for these weaknesses.

The skills taught in thinkSMART® are intended to become habits through daily reinforcement. Parent support is essential for skill building and habit development both in group and at home. thinkSMART® helps parents with the language to effectively communicate and prompt use of the skills with their teen. Parents play a critical role in the success of skill acquisition. We ask that one parent attend each of the groups with their child to ensure that the strategies taught in thinkSMART® are used regularly at home.

Book thinkSMART®

What is executive functioning?

Executive functioning skills are brain processes that help us to plan, focus our attention, remember instructions, and multitask. EF skills are key to success in school, jobs, and relationships.

Though ThinkSMART®, your child will learn how to…

Effectively solve problems
Recognize and control problems
Get organized
Make a to-do list
Break down a big project
Get started on a task

Manage time
Improve sleep habits
Use Mindfulness
Use a planner
Study!

Who should enroll?

Individuals who struggle with executive function. A diagnosis is not required, but this may include youth with ADHD, anxiety, mood disorders, high-functioning autism, learning disabilities, and/or other neuro-developmental disorders.

Have any questions?

Contact the program director, Alissa Ellis, PhD at thinkSMART@ucla.edu

Group EF Coaching at UCLA

thinkSMART® originated from Dr. Ellis’ desire to use non-medication based interventions to improve functioning in teens with psychological difficulties. thinkSMART® is a novel approach––using empirically supported strategies––created by Dr. Ellis and her amazing team to target executive functioning weaknesses in teens. For more information or to enroll in the next thinkSMART® group at UCLA, visit the link below.

Visit UCLA Website

All NEW thinkSMART® planner

The thinkSMART® team created a planner, encompassing many of the ideas and strategies used in the program. For information on how to order, please email: admin@elliseffect.com

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How are parents involved in the program?

Parents are included in thinkSMART® so that they can learn the skills alongside their child; subsequently, parents will be better able to support their child as they practice the skill throughout the week, as well as model skill use for them. At least one parent is expected to attend every session with their child.

Why is thinkSMART® conducted in a group setting?

thinkSMART® is conducted in a small group setting because many youth struggle with the same areas of executive function, such as long term planning, scheduling, motivation, etc. We use the group setting to aid problem solving and share experiences. Families will be exposed to novel problem solving skills that they can continue to use after the program. We also know that research supports group settings because groups allow for positive modeling of skill use, social reinforcement, and provide added support. Despite the program being offered in a group, participants receive individual feedback and help in their individualized areas of weakness, further contributing to improved executive functioning. We do not assume that this is a “one-size fits all” intervention and work hard to help families with their individual needs within the context of the program.

How much of the course is specific to diagnosis?

The program is not specific for a certain diagnosis, but is for anyone who has difficulties with executive functioning. We occasionally mention ADHD, anxiety, or depression because these things all affect executive functioning. There is a wide variety of developmental differences in each group, including those with no diagnoses at all. Please don’t worry about any diagnosis or label being put on your child. The only “label” might be that they could benefit from help with her executive functioning, because we ALL have weaknesses.

What can we expect from a session?

Each session will cover skills and concrete strategies to help improve different areas of executive function, such as time management, planning, and task initiation. Mindfulness exercises are taught at the beginning of every session as mindfulness is one the most direct ways to increase executive function. We will also review skills learned in the previous session and discuss what teens and parents found to be easy or challenging about practicing the skills, allowing for a chance to problem solve when teens feel like they are stuck. During session, we will cover new skills and have both teens and parents come up with concrete ways in which they can be practiced throughout the week. Skills are illustrated and practiced in session through interactive activities.

How motivated does the child need to be to participate?

All of the teens are typically very high functioning (i.e., able to tolerate a normal classroom setting, behaviorally appropriate, and engaged). Typically, they are bright and capable, but are struggling to get assignments in, write assignments down, get started on tasks, are losing materials, etc. The teens just needs to be motivated to attend every session and do weekly skills practice that work to improve executive functioning.

Is the cost of the program covered by insurance? Is there financial aid?

The cost of the program is not reimbursable through insurance, and we do not offer financial aid at this time. We are considered an educational intervention, rather than a medical service. We do not use CPT billing codes (requiring a diagnosis) which are required for insurance reimbursement. As such, the entire amount is “out of pocket. We have had participants tell us that the program is considered “tax deductible” with a referral indicating that it was recommended, but we’d encourage you to ask your tax professional about what this might mean.

Is the program cost due all at once?

The program fee is due before the first session of the program at the time of registration. We also offer a payment plan that involves 2 installments which are due before the 1st session and before the 7th session.

What happens if I miss a session? Can I pay “per session” rather than the full amount?

We do not offer fee reductions because thinkSMART® is offered as a full program, rather than “by sessions.” We understand that situations that cause families to miss a session may come up, and we are happy to accommodate these situations so that the course can make the most impact for both teens and parents. Typically, we do not offer make-up sessions, but we are always happy to meet with families either before or after the session missed to debrief them on the skills learned and give them any handouts from that session. In the past, parents have attended sessions when their teen is unable to and have shared skills at home. We also send weekly reminder emails and review skills throughout the program since each session builds on the previous.

Do you offer thinkSMART® sessions over the summer?

At this time, we do not offer thinkSMART® during the summer; many of the skills that we teach are best learned when applied to school assignments, projects, papers, etc. These are habits that can only be reinforced with daily use, so doing the program primarily during the school months is the ideal setting to enhance skill acquisition.

Expressed Feedback

“Huge help to your child with weaknesses that become strengths. It was as much a help for me as it was for my child.”

A Parent’s ThoughtsBoth parents and teens benefit from group skills!

“Huge help to your child with weaknesses that become strengths. It was as much a help for me as it was for my child.”

A Parent’s ThoughtsBoth parents and teens benefit from group skills!

“Huge help to your child with weaknesses that become strengths. It was as much a help for me as it was for my child.”

A Parent’s ThoughtsBoth parents and teens benefit from group skills!