Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

Who we help

• Children ages 2-7
• Parents & Caregivers
• Foster & Adoptive Families

Treatment approaches

• Child-Directed Interaction (CDI)
• Parent-Directed Interaction (PDI)
• Live In-Session Coaching
• Daily 5-Minute Home Practice

What Is PCIT?

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy is a structured, evidence-based treatment for young children with behavioral concerns and the parents who love them. Instead of talking about your child, you work with your child while a PCIT-trained therapist coaches you through an earpiece or by telehealth. You practice specific skills, get immediate feedback, and see the change happen in the room.

Who PCIT Helps

PCIT was developed for children roughly ages 2 to 7. It is a strong fit when a family is seeing:

• Frequent or intense tantrums and meltdowns
• Defiance, refusing directions, or constant negotiating
• Hitting, kicking, biting, or destructive behavior
• Difficulty with transitions, bedtime, or leaving the house
• Strained or tense parent-child relationships
• Adjustment after foster care, adoption, separation, or a stressful event

How PCIT Works: Two Phases

PCIT moves through two phases, each with clear skills and clear goals. Families graduate when parents have mastered the skills and the child's behavior goals are met.

• Phase 1, Child-Directed Interaction (CDI): you learn play-based skills that strengthen warmth, attention, and your child's confidence. Many families see calmer behavior in this phase alone.
• Phase 2, Parent-Directed Interaction (PDI): you learn a calm, consistent way to give directions and follow through, so your child learns to listen without yelling or escalating.

What Sessions Look Like

Sessions are about an hour, once a week, in person at our Newark office or through telehealth from your own living room. Your therapist watches you and your child together and coaches you moment by moment. Between sessions, you practice for five minutes a day. Most families complete PCIT in 12 to 20 sessions.

Why It Works

PCIT has decades of research behind it and is recognized as an effective treatment for early childhood behavioral concerns and for families who have experienced trauma. It works because it changes the daily interactions that shape a child's behavior, and because parents, not just therapists, hold the skills.

Symptoms and conditions we treat

• Tantrums and meltdowns
• Defiance and not following directions
• Aggression toward parents or siblings
• Separation distress
• Difficult transitions and bedtime
• Behavioral concerns after trauma or placement changes

Frequently asked questions

What ages is PCIT for?

PCIT is designed for children about 2 to 7 years old and their parents or caregivers. If your child is older, our play therapy and family therapy programs use related approaches for school-age children.

Do both parents need to attend?

Any consistent caregiver can participate: one parent, both parents, grandparents, or foster parents. Children do best when every adult who spends significant time with them learns the same skills, so we encourage everyone involved to take part when possible.

Can PCIT be done by telehealth?

Yes. Internet-delivered PCIT lets your therapist coach you through your phone or laptop while you and your child play at home. Many families find that practicing in their real environment makes the skills stick faster.

How long does PCIT take?

Most families complete PCIT in 12 to 20 weekly sessions. Progress depends on daily five-minute practice at home, and families who practice consistently tend to graduate sooner.

Is PCIT covered by insurance?

PCIT is billed as family therapy and is covered by most Delaware Medicaid plans, Aetna, and Highmark. Call (302) 292-1334 and we'll verify your coverage.

How is PCIT different from play therapy?

In play therapy the therapist works directly with your child. In PCIT the therapist coaches you while you work with your child, so the skills live with the family. Our clinicians help you decide which approach fits your child and your goals.

Locations

We provide parent-child interaction therapy (pcit) through telehealth, our Newark office, and school-based programs throughout Delaware.

• Newark, DE
• Wilmington, DE
• Dover, DE
• Middletown, DE
• Milford, DE
• Seaford, DE
• Georgetown, DE
• Sussex County, DE

Get started

We accept most Delaware Medicaid plans, Aetna, and Highmark. To get started, complete new client paperwork at ccddelaware.com or call the office at (302) 292-1334.