PCIT changes a child’s behavior by teaching parents and caregivers new approaches for responding to their child’s actions. During PCIT, parents/caregivers will learn:

• How to reinforce good behaviors so they keep happening

• How to pay less attention to problem behaviors so that they decrease

• How to help children identify and regulate their emotions

• How to improve their child’s play and social skills

• How to decrease hitting or other forms of aggression

• How to get their child to obey them without yelling

• How to build a trusting, safe relationship

• PCIT is recommended by the following organizations:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

• The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN)

PCIT is considered a best practice for the prevention and treatment of child conduct problems and child maltreatment by the following organizations:

• California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare

• SAMHSA’s National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices,

• Federal Administration on Children, Youth and Families in the Child Welfare Information Gateway

• CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/parents/essentials/toddlersandpreschoolers/resources/references.html

• Child Welfare: https://www.childwelfare.gov/resources/parent-child-interaction-therapyprimer-child-welfare-professionals/

• SAMHSA

There are 40+ years of high-quality research supporting the effectiveness of PCIT:

• PCIT reduces problem behaviors

• PCIT reduces parenting stress

• PCIT reduces sadness/anxiety

• Gains from PCIT last over time

• Siblings of children who received PCIT also improve

• Children’s behavior improves in school