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Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

Center of Excellence: PCIT International Association

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Summary

PCIT is a specialized behavior management intervention for children and their caregivers. PCIT is appropriate for young children with oppositional or defiant behavior, aggression, frequent or severe tantrums, or symptoms related to child behavioral health conditions such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, and trauma.

Eligibility Criteria

Appropriate for: Young children with oppositional or defiant behavior, aggression, frequent or severe tantrums, or symptoms related to child behavioral health conditions such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, or trauma.

The following are indicators that PCIT may be medically necessary and appropriate:

  • The child is aged 2 to 7 or of an appropriate developmental age to receive the service; and
  • The child exhibits dysregulation or behavior challenges that may be helped by PCIT; and
  • The child resides with their caregiver (including but not limited to foster parents, kinship carers, and non-residential caregivers [e.g., non-custodial parents] who shares caregiving responsibilities of the child) and not within a residential facility.
Age
2 to 7 years old.
The Licensed Mental Health Professional (LMHP) must determine the child is of an appropriate developmental age during the assessment process.
Other Considerations

May not be appropriate for:

  • Children under two years old or over seven years old.
  • Parents with severe untreated mental illness or active substance use disorders that significantly impair their ability to participate.
  • Families with ongoing safety concerns, such as child abuse or domestic violence, where safety is not yet stabilized.

Through PCIT, a parent or caregiver wears a headset while playing with their child in a special playroom. A therapist watches from another room or on video and coaches the parent or caregiver through the headset. The therapist helps the parent or caregiver learn how to encourage healthy behavior and improve their relationship with their child. PCIT helps children who have difficult behaviors and helps their parents/caregivers learn new ways to handle them. These behaviors might include getting angry or not following rules.

Other key components of the model include:

  • Weekly, hour-long sessions over approximately 14 to 20 weeks.
  • Family therapy.
  • Family education and support.
  • Live coaching of caregivers.
  • Assessment-driven clinical decision-making.

Teams of at least two clinicians with a master’s degree or doctoral degree in a mental health field (clinicians can be working towards their licensure under the supervision of a licensed provider during the PCIT training period).

Licensed Mental Health Professional (LMHP) (including waivered or registered professionals) and Clinical Trainees acting within the scope of their license and training may provide PCIT. All providers must have an active certification and be acting within the scope of their license and training to claim for PCIT.

PCIT Data Tool

EBP Policy References
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