Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

Live, in-the-moment coaching that helps parents build a stronger relationship with their child while reducing disruptive behavior.

Now accepting clients in-person in Boston and Waltham & telehealth across Massachusetts
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Open availability for appointments · CARF accredited · most major insurances accepted

Is PCIT Right For Your Child?

Signs To Look For

  • Frequent tantrums or defiance
  • Difficulty managing behavior at home or in public
  • Strained parent-child relationship
  • Other behavioral concerns

Quick Facts

  • Ages: 2-7
  • Format: Live parent coaching
  • Length: Around 12-20 weeks
  • Delivery: In-person or telehealth

What Is PCIT?

PCIT is a live coaching model where a clinician guides parents in real time, often through an earpiece, during play with their child, building warmth and consistency together.

What You'll Learn

How to provide positive attention and interactions with your child, as well as how to set consistent, effective limits with them.

What It Can Help With

Young children with disruptive behavior, tantrums, or defiance.

Backed By Science

One of the most rigorously researched treatments for early childhood behavior problems.

What To Expect

45 Minutes

Typical session length

12-20 Weeks

Standard length of treatment

Live Coaching

Caregivers are coached directly by a therapist during sessions

In-person or telehealth

Multiple options to suit your needs and schedule

   

How PCIT Works

We Accept Insurance!

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  • Blue Cross Blue Shield

  • Harvard Pilgrim

  • Health Plans, Inc.

  • Tufts Health Public Plans

  • Tufts Commercial

  • Sliding scale private pay

Don't see your insurance listed? We are committed to making our services accessible and offer a sliding scale based on income. Reach out to speak with a member of our team today!

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • PCIT is specifically designed for young children ages 2 to 7, working directly through the parent rather than the child alone.

  • You'll start to play with your child while a clinician coaches you in real time, often through a discreet earpiece, from an adjoining room.

  • No, but when possible, having both caregivers trained leads to more consistent results at home.

  • PCIT coaches you live, in the moment, unlike other parent training options.

  • That's a normal part of the process! Your coach will guide you through it live, which is exactly what PCIT is built for.

  • Yes, we're in-network with many major insurance plans, and offer a sliding scale for families who qualify. 

  • Reach out to our intake team, and we'll schedule your first coaching session and walk you through what to expect.

Related Treatment Options

TF-CBT

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) treats children who have been impacted by traumatic events.

Learn More

MATCH

The Modular Approach to Therapy for Children (MATCH) is designed for treating multiple conditions rather than just one.

Learn More

BPT

Behavioral Parent Training (BPT) provides practical, research-based strategies for defiance, meltdowns, and ADHD-related behavior at home.

Learn More

Ready To Get Started?

Choose the option that feels right to you.
 

I'm Ready To Schedule

The first step is a brief call with our intake team. We’ll learn about what you’re looking for, review insurance, explain the process, and help schedule you with a therapist.

Schedule An Intro Call

I Have Questions First

Not sure where to start? Get in touch with our team and we're happy to answer any questions you may have about treatment within one business day. 

Contact Our Team