Parenting is one of the best things in life, but it can also be challenging. Improving your interaction with your children is key to creating a strong bond with them. So, If you’re looking to find the strategies you can implement, consider finding a parent-child interaction therapy near you.
Parent Child Interaction Therapy: what you need to know?
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is a type of therapy aimed at improving parents relationships and interactions with their children. It was developed in the 1970s by Dr. Sheila Eyberg and focuses on teaching parents specific skills to enhance their interactions with their children. To provide PCIT, therapists must have certification and have undergone proper training. During the therapy, the PCIT therapist observes the parent-child interaction from a separate room.
There are two phases of therapy type for PCIT training program:
PCIT training for parents and children
- Child-directed interaction: This PCIT treatment coaches parents the “PRIDE” skills to improve their child’s mental health and behavior by teaching them how to create strong and secure relationships.
- Parent-directed interaction: This PCIT treatment equips parents with the necessary skills to manage their child’s most challenging behaviors. Parents are coach to provide positive reinforcement for good behavior and consequences for ignoring directions.
PCIT training availability in the United States
Here are the lists of available PCIT programs in the United States:
Manhattan Psychology Group, PC
The Manhattan Psychology Group, PC offers a PCIT program, as well as a range of testing and evaluations, including autism assessments, which can be conducted in-person or virtually. Their testing and evaluation services includes:
- Parent interview
- Child autism testing
- Cognitive testing
- Parent questionnaire
- Feedback session
The Manhattan Psychology Group, PC, located at 107 West 82nd St, P101, New York, NY 10024, can be reached virtually for consultations in NY, NJ, CT, FL, and PA by calling 646-389-4112. They do not accept insurance, but can provide a receipt for submission to your insurance provider.
UC Davis Children’s Hospital – CAARE Center Diagnostic & Treatment Center
UC Davis Children’s Hospital boasts a highly qualified training coordinator for PCIT in Lindsay Armendariz, MS. She holds a Master’s degree in Child Development and is responsible for the development and implementation of the Parent-Child Care (PC-CARE) program. As a co-developer and coordinator of PCIT and PC-CARE training, she provides support and information to agencies and individuals and is a valuable resource for trainees and those interested in the program.
You can reach out to her services at 916-734-8396.
Monica Waitkus, LCSW
Monica is a licensed clinical social worker who provides PCIT and outpatient therapy. Her education includes BA in psychology and a Master’s of Social Work, she has extensive experience in mental health and a strong background in PCIT. Monica is well equipped to offer top-notch therapy and support to her clients.
She specializes in treating:
- Mood disorders
- Anxiety
- Behavioral issues
She offers affordable session fees and accepts insurance from the following providers:
- Aetna
- Anthem
- Blue Cross
- Blue Shield
- BlueCross and BlueShield
- Highmark
- Optum
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
- Out of Network
To schedule an appointment, you can reach her services at (412) 528-6365.
Considerations of Choosing the Right PCIT Therapist: Factors to Keep in Mind
Choosing the right PCIT program is important and depends on a variety of factors such as the therapist’s available insurance, expertise and approach, available resources and facilities, and the client’s individual preferences and requirements. Do your research by finding local programs, reading online reviews, and contacting potential therapists to learn more about their qualifications. The PCIT INTERNATIONAL website (pcit.org) provides a list of certified therapists in different areas and offers training and certification for PCIT therapists.
- Therapist’s insurance coverage: The insurance companies that the PCIT therapist accepts determine the cost of therapy and the client’s eligibility for reimbursement, making it crucial to consider when choosing a therapist.
- Therapist’s expertise and approach: A therapist’s credentials and preferred method of additional treatment can significantly impact the success of therapy.
- Availability of resources and facilities: Access to resources and facilities, such as technology and equipment, can greatly influence the effectiveness of therapy.
- Client’s personal preferences and needs: The client’s specific needs and preferences regarding the type of therapy, setting, and therapist approach and style should be taken into consideration in order to ensure the most appropriate therapy experience.FD
Conclusion
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) can strengthen the relationship between young children and their parents by addressing behavioral, emotional, and cognitive issues. It is crucial to select the right PCIT program as it can have a lasting impact on a child’s well-being, both at home and at school where they spend a significant portion of their time. The therapy helps to foster better communication and bonding between the parent and child, making it an important investment in the child’s future.