Worried about your child’s behavior?

PCIT is a proven therapy for kids ages 2 to 7 that helps reduce tantrums, defiance, and stress—while strengthening your relationship.

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What is PCIT?

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an evidence-based treatment designed to improve the parent-child relationship and reduce disruptive behaviors in young children. Grounded in decades of research, PCIT is effective for children ages 2 to 7 and focuses on enhancing positive communication, increasing cooperation, and decreasing behaviors like defiance, aggression, and tantrums.

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Why PCIT?

STRENGTHENING BONDS AND EASING BEHAVIOR STRUGGLES

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an evidence-based treatment for young children (ages 2 to 7) with behavior problems such as tantrums, defiance, aggression, and difficulty following directions. PCIT helps parents reduce challenging behavior and improve their child's emotional and social development, all while building a stronger parent-child relationship.

PROVEN RESULTS PARENTS CAN TRUST

Families choose PCIT because it works. Research shows that PCIT reduces disruptive behavior, increases emotional regulation, and improves outcomes at home, in school, and in social settings. Parents report feeling more confident, less stressed, and more connected to their children.

REAL-TIME COACHING FOR LASTING CHANGE

During weekly PCIT sessions, licensed therapists coach parents in real time-using a headset-while they play and interact with their child. This live parent coaching helps families practice positive parenting strategies that lead to long-lasting behavior change.

EFFECTIVE SUPPORT WHEN OTHER STRATEGIES FALL SHORT

Whether your child has ADHD, autism, or behavioral challenges without a diagnosis, PCIT offers practical tools and measurable progress. It is especially helpful when other parenting strategies haven't worked. With decades of research and real-world success, PCIT is one of the most effective therapies for young children with behavioral difficulties.

Resources for Parents & Caregivers

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What to Expect in PCIT

An overview of PCIT sessions

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How PCIT helps families

Is PCIT right for my child?

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PCIT at Home: Getting Ready

Tips for Telehealth PCIT setup

  • "This has changed me and my family. I was discouraged at first, but now, seeing these kinds of changes, I can’t express enough gratitude. Thank you for helping me become a better parent."

    - Caregiver in California

  • "PCIT is about building a stronger, more positive relationship with your child, while respecting your family’s values and culture. It’s engaging, active, and—most importantly—it works. Even families who were initially skeptical often say, 'This changed our lives.'"

    - PCIT therapist, California, US

Find A Therapist

Find a certified PCIT therapist near you or choose a provider who offers Parent-Child Interaction Therapy via telehealth. Use our Therapist Finder tool to get matched with trusted professionals who con help your family build stronger relationships and reduce challenging behavior.

Tip: To search by state/province or country, clear the location field first.

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The Research

PCIT is backed by over 40 years of research:

  • Proven to significantly decrease tantrums, defiance and aggression in young children.

  • Increases warmth, responsiveness, and communication between caregivers and their children.​

  • Shown to work across cultures, languages, and settings—including child welfare, trauma, and developmental disorders.​

  • Families report continued progress months and even years after treatment ends.​

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Become A PCIT Provider

PCIT International is the only nonprofit organization dedicated exclusively to promoting and preserving the integrity of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy as developed by Dr. Sheila Eyberg. Originally founded by Dr. Eyberg, PCIT International's work centers on ensuring access to high-quality training, implementation support, and certification, all grounded in the core values and evidence base established by the model’s developer.

Join a global community of professionals making a lasting impoct on families. Becoming a certified PCIT therapist means gaining skills in a highly effective, evidence-based model of care. Learn how to get PCIT training and integrate PCIT into your practice or agency. See the difference PCIT makes for children and their families!

Contact Us

Have questions about PCIT or need help finding the right resource? We're here to help. Reach out for support, training information, or general inquiries. We'd love to hear from you.