What Is Parent-Child Interaction Therapy?

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy is an evidence-based treatment for children with behavioral problems that uses therapist observation and coaching to guide the parent in more positive interactions with their child.

January 17, 2025 · 12 min · 2358 words · Gary Jones

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Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is Parent-Child Interaction Therapy?PCIT TechniquesWhat Parent-Child Interaction Therapy Can Help WithThings to ConsiderHow to Get Started

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Table of Contents

What Is Parent-Child Interaction Therapy?

PCIT Techniques

What Parent-Child Interaction Therapy Can Help With

Things to Consider

How to Get Started

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According toPCIT International, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is “an evidence-based treatment for young children with behavioral problems…conducted through ‘coaching’ sessions.” The parent and child engage in a playroom while the therapist observes, either through a one-way mirror or via live videoconferencing.

In addition, the parent wears a Bluetooth or earbud device that allows the therapist to provide real-time feedback and suggestions for how the parent can respond to the child’s behavior and facilitatepositive attachment, which has to do with the emotional connection between the parent and the child.

There is an extensive body of evidence for the effectiveness of PCIT for both emotional and behavioral issues in children.

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is ‘an evidence-based treatment for young children with behavioral problems…conducted through “coaching” sessions.’

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PCIT Treatment Plan

PCIT is conducted in two phases. First, the therapist emphasizes building a positive relationship between the parent and child. Second, the therapist will guide the parent in building effective communication skills, using a calm tone to de-escalate the child when necessary, and establishing a sense of trust and security between the child and parent.

Improving the relationship between the parent and child reduces both the severity and frequency of behavioral outbursts because the parent is better able to respond calmly and de-escalate the child. In turn, the child trusts the parent to meet their needs.

Families often find themselves indysfunctional cyclesof the parents reacting to the child’s behavior in a way that escalates the child and reinforces negative attention-seeking behaviors. In the first phase of PCIT, the parent learns how to break this cycle and create a pattern of healthier, more positive interactions.

The second phase of PCIT teaches parents specific skills and techniques to address problem behaviors healthily and enforce clear, consistent, and reasonable boundaries with their children. The goal is to show improved behavior in the child and healthier, more regulated responses from the parent.

PCIT is not limited to a set number of sessions; however, effective treatment regimens can last as little as 12 weeks,with many treatment regimens spanning from 12 to 20 sessions.

A PCIT office setup typically includes a play space for the parent and child, with a separate room (either behind a mirror or connected via live video feed), as well as a time-out spot.PCIT Internationalrecommends that the time-out space be separate from the play area.

During a PCIT session, the therapist guides positive interaction between the parent and child. Families also complete homework in between sessions to reinforce the skills learned, improve problem behaviors, and foster healthy attachment.

In the first phase of PCIT treatment, the parent is taught to implement PRIDE skills when interacting with their child:

In the second phase, parents learn to make commands effectively and exhibit consistent expectations for the child. Improved emotion regulation and communication in both the parent and child leads to more positive interactions and healthier relationships in the family.

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy is not a “band aid” approach to “fixing” a behavior, but an in-depth intervention that also addresses what might be causing the problem in the first place.

There is ample research backing the effectiveness of PCIT with children as young as 14 months of age.In addition, studies have shown that children with various diagnoses, includingattention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder,autism,oppositional defiant disorder,andanxietycan benefit from PCIT.

Because PCIT emphasizes both the child’s immediate, obvious behavioral concerns and underlyingattachmentissues and relationship dynamics, it addresses the immediate reason for the referral and the underlying issues causing these problems. Thus, it is not a “Band-Aid” approach to “fixing” a behavior but rather an in-depth intervention that also addresses what might be causing the problem in the first place.

Parents can learn not only how to communicate effectively with their children and teach compliance, but they can foster more secure attachment at the same time.

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If your child has an individual therapist but you feel like there are family dynamics that should also be addressed, PCIT might be a good fit to work through these issues.

PCIT requires parent involvement in treatment, so appointments will need to be scheduled when the parent can be at the appointment with the child and involved throughout the session. It also requires homework between sessions, so ongoing commitment to this is essential.

PCIT Internationalhas a directory of certified PCIT therapists around the world and can give you information about providers in your geographic area. Your child’s pediatrician may also have a list of providers that they recommend for your specific concerns.

If there are no providers near you, don’t panic! Fortunately, PCIT can be effectively administered via telehealth, so as long as the therapist is licensed to practice where you are located, you can still get services without traveling to their office.

The therapist will likely want to do an intake interview to gather information about your child’s history and family dynamics. Please keep in mind that the therapist is not there to judge you as a parent but to help you make positive changes in your family.

It is common to feel like a “bad” parent when you seek therapy for your child, and it is important to bring these concerns up with your therapist. Feelings ofdefensivenesscan get in the way of treatment, and even the best parents need support sometimes.

Your therapist will give you information about their process and the specific details of your treatment plan. Open communication is key for progress, so bring any questions or concerns that you have.

PCIT is a widely-respected approach to children’s behavior problems, as it addresses both the child’s difficulties and the underlying dynamics and systems that may be reinforcing them. Children do not come with an instruction manual, and PCIT can help parents learn effective skills to reinforce preferred behaviors and foster healthy attachment with their children.

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10 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Thomas R, Abell B, Webb HJ, Avdagic E, Zimmer-Gembeck MJ.Parent-child interaction therapy: a meta-analysis.Pediatrics. 2017;140(3):e20170352.Blair K, Topitzes J, Mersky JP.Brief, group-based parent-child interaction therapy: Examination of treatment attrition, non-adherence, and non-response.Children and Youth Services Review. 2019;106:104463.Al Sehli SA, Helou M, Sultan MA.The efficacy of parent-child interaction therapy (Pcit) in children with attention problems, hyperactivity, and impulsivity in Dubai.Kluge M, ed.Case Reports in Psychiatry. 2021;2021:1-4.Zimmer-Gembeck MJ, Kerin JL, Webb HJ, et al.Improved perceptions of emotion regulation and reflective functioning in parents: two additional positive outcomes of parent-child interaction therapy.Behavior Therapy. 2019;50(2):340-352.Kohlhoff J, Morgan S, Briggs N, Egan R, Niec L. Parent–child interaction therapy with toddlers: a community-based randomized controlled trial with children aged 14-24 months.Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology. 2021;50(3):411-426.Hosogane N, Kodaira M, Kihara N.et al.Parent–Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) for young children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Japan.Ann Gen Psychiatry.2018;17 (9).Parladé MV, Weinstein A, Garcia D, Rowley AM, Ginn NC, Jent JF.Parent–Child Interaction Therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder and a matched case-control sample.Autism. 2020;24(1):160-176.Shiroodaghaei E, Bandar Abbas Branch, Islamic Azad University, Bandar Abbas, Iran, Amir Fakhraei A, Department of Psychology, Bandar Abbas Branch, Islamic Azad University, Bandar Abbas, Iran, Zarei E, Department of Psychology and Counseling, Faculty of Psychology and Counseling, Hormozgan University, Iran.Comparison of the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral play therapy and parent-child interaction therapy on executive functions and parent-child interaction in children with oppositional defiant disorder.J Child Ment Health. 2020;7(2):79-95.Phillips S, Mychailyszyn M.A review of parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT): applications for youth anxiety.Children and Youth Services Review. 2021;125:105986.Gurwitch, R. H., Salem, H., Nelson, M. M., & Comer, J. S. (2020).Leveraging parent–child interaction therapy and telehealth capacities to address the unique needs of young children during the COVID-19 public health crisis.Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 12(S1), S82–S84.

10 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Thomas R, Abell B, Webb HJ, Avdagic E, Zimmer-Gembeck MJ.Parent-child interaction therapy: a meta-analysis.Pediatrics. 2017;140(3):e20170352.Blair K, Topitzes J, Mersky JP.Brief, group-based parent-child interaction therapy: Examination of treatment attrition, non-adherence, and non-response.Children and Youth Services Review. 2019;106:104463.Al Sehli SA, Helou M, Sultan MA.The efficacy of parent-child interaction therapy (Pcit) in children with attention problems, hyperactivity, and impulsivity in Dubai.Kluge M, ed.Case Reports in Psychiatry. 2021;2021:1-4.Zimmer-Gembeck MJ, Kerin JL, Webb HJ, et al.Improved perceptions of emotion regulation and reflective functioning in parents: two additional positive outcomes of parent-child interaction therapy.Behavior Therapy. 2019;50(2):340-352.Kohlhoff J, Morgan S, Briggs N, Egan R, Niec L. Parent–child interaction therapy with toddlers: a community-based randomized controlled trial with children aged 14-24 months.Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology. 2021;50(3):411-426.Hosogane N, Kodaira M, Kihara N.et al.Parent–Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) for young children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Japan.Ann Gen Psychiatry.2018;17 (9).Parladé MV, Weinstein A, Garcia D, Rowley AM, Ginn NC, Jent JF.Parent–Child Interaction Therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder and a matched case-control sample.Autism. 2020;24(1):160-176.Shiroodaghaei E, Bandar Abbas Branch, Islamic Azad University, Bandar Abbas, Iran, Amir Fakhraei A, Department of Psychology, Bandar Abbas Branch, Islamic Azad University, Bandar Abbas, Iran, Zarei E, Department of Psychology and Counseling, Faculty of Psychology and Counseling, Hormozgan University, Iran.Comparison of the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral play therapy and parent-child interaction therapy on executive functions and parent-child interaction in children with oppositional defiant disorder.J Child Ment Health. 2020;7(2):79-95.Phillips S, Mychailyszyn M.A review of parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT): applications for youth anxiety.Children and Youth Services Review. 2021;125:105986.Gurwitch, R. H., Salem, H., Nelson, M. M., & Comer, J. S. (2020).Leveraging parent–child interaction therapy and telehealth capacities to address the unique needs of young children during the COVID-19 public health crisis.Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 12(S1), S82–S84.

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Thomas R, Abell B, Webb HJ, Avdagic E, Zimmer-Gembeck MJ.Parent-child interaction therapy: a meta-analysis.Pediatrics. 2017;140(3):e20170352.Blair K, Topitzes J, Mersky JP.Brief, group-based parent-child interaction therapy: Examination of treatment attrition, non-adherence, and non-response.Children and Youth Services Review. 2019;106:104463.Al Sehli SA, Helou M, Sultan MA.The efficacy of parent-child interaction therapy (Pcit) in children with attention problems, hyperactivity, and impulsivity in Dubai.Kluge M, ed.Case Reports in Psychiatry. 2021;2021:1-4.Zimmer-Gembeck MJ, Kerin JL, Webb HJ, et al.Improved perceptions of emotion regulation and reflective functioning in parents: two additional positive outcomes of parent-child interaction therapy.Behavior Therapy. 2019;50(2):340-352.Kohlhoff J, Morgan S, Briggs N, Egan R, Niec L. Parent–child interaction therapy with toddlers: a community-based randomized controlled trial with children aged 14-24 months.Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology. 2021;50(3):411-426.Hosogane N, Kodaira M, Kihara N.et al.Parent–Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) for young children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Japan.Ann Gen Psychiatry.2018;17 (9).Parladé MV, Weinstein A, Garcia D, Rowley AM, Ginn NC, Jent JF.Parent–Child Interaction Therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder and a matched case-control sample.Autism. 2020;24(1):160-176.Shiroodaghaei E, Bandar Abbas Branch, Islamic Azad University, Bandar Abbas, Iran, Amir Fakhraei A, Department of Psychology, Bandar Abbas Branch, Islamic Azad University, Bandar Abbas, Iran, Zarei E, Department of Psychology and Counseling, Faculty of Psychology and Counseling, Hormozgan University, Iran.Comparison of the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral play therapy and parent-child interaction therapy on executive functions and parent-child interaction in children with oppositional defiant disorder.J Child Ment Health. 2020;7(2):79-95.Phillips S, Mychailyszyn M.A review of parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT): applications for youth anxiety.Children and Youth Services Review. 2021;125:105986.Gurwitch, R. H., Salem, H., Nelson, M. M., & Comer, J. S. (2020).Leveraging parent–child interaction therapy and telehealth capacities to address the unique needs of young children during the COVID-19 public health crisis.Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 12(S1), S82–S84.

Thomas R, Abell B, Webb HJ, Avdagic E, Zimmer-Gembeck MJ.Parent-child interaction therapy: a meta-analysis.Pediatrics. 2017;140(3):e20170352.

Blair K, Topitzes J, Mersky JP.Brief, group-based parent-child interaction therapy: Examination of treatment attrition, non-adherence, and non-response.Children and Youth Services Review. 2019;106:104463.

Al Sehli SA, Helou M, Sultan MA.The efficacy of parent-child interaction therapy (Pcit) in children with attention problems, hyperactivity, and impulsivity in Dubai.Kluge M, ed.Case Reports in Psychiatry. 2021;2021:1-4.

Zimmer-Gembeck MJ, Kerin JL, Webb HJ, et al.Improved perceptions of emotion regulation and reflective functioning in parents: two additional positive outcomes of parent-child interaction therapy.Behavior Therapy. 2019;50(2):340-352.

Kohlhoff J, Morgan S, Briggs N, Egan R, Niec L. Parent–child interaction therapy with toddlers: a community-based randomized controlled trial with children aged 14-24 months.Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology. 2021;50(3):411-426.

Hosogane N, Kodaira M, Kihara N.et al.Parent–Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) for young children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Japan.Ann Gen Psychiatry.2018;17 (9).

Parladé MV, Weinstein A, Garcia D, Rowley AM, Ginn NC, Jent JF.Parent–Child Interaction Therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder and a matched case-control sample.Autism. 2020;24(1):160-176.

Shiroodaghaei E, Bandar Abbas Branch, Islamic Azad University, Bandar Abbas, Iran, Amir Fakhraei A, Department of Psychology, Bandar Abbas Branch, Islamic Azad University, Bandar Abbas, Iran, Zarei E, Department of Psychology and Counseling, Faculty of Psychology and Counseling, Hormozgan University, Iran.Comparison of the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral play therapy and parent-child interaction therapy on executive functions and parent-child interaction in children with oppositional defiant disorder.J Child Ment Health. 2020;7(2):79-95.

Phillips S, Mychailyszyn M.A review of parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT): applications for youth anxiety.Children and Youth Services Review. 2021;125:105986.

Gurwitch, R. H., Salem, H., Nelson, M. M., & Comer, J. S. (2020).Leveraging parent–child interaction therapy and telehealth capacities to address the unique needs of young children during the COVID-19 public health crisis.Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 12(S1), S82–S84.

Hannah Owens, LMSW

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