Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
The Parent-Child Interaction Therapy at Catholic Charities focuses on enhancing the bond between parent and child to address behavioral issues. During PCIT, behavioral health professionals observe you and your child during one-on-one interactions and provide coaching about positive parenting tools so that you can build a stronger, more secure bond with your child. When children feel nurtured and secure, trust levels with your child are likely to increase, and the likelihood of behavioral issues taking place can potentially decrease. This treatment can be a highly effective intervention to assist in the successful reunification of children with caregivers following a prolonged separation.
Catholic Charities in the Tri-Cities was awarded a grant through the United Way of Benton and Franklin Counties to fund the training and certification of two clinicians for Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT).
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an evidence-based treatment for young children from 2-7 years with significant behavioral challenges. Parents learn strategies to help their children accept their limits, comply with their directions, respect house rules, and demonstrate appropriate behavior in public.
“It’s a hands-on coaching experience where the parents are educated with a set of skills they use to improve behavior through attention and positive interaction,” explained Carolyn Berg, clinical supervisor.
and PCIT International certified therapist. “There is a specific ‘time-out’ procedure in which we coach parents through a two-way mirror on those skills. The kids listen, and the relationship is super enhanced. It’s very structured, and it works.”
One of the newly certified therapists worked with a family who was overwhelmed by their 6-year-old’s substantial behavioral issues. They learned new parenting skills and applied them to their home life. When the family graduated, the child’s behavior was well-managed, and the parents felt confident.
“The mom told our therapist that she finally felt like a good mom. It’s exciting when we see the progress, and we also get to hear how it affects the parents. Sometimes they can be really hard on themselves when their kids act up,” Carolyn said.
Contact & Information
Yakima
Eligibility: Children ages 2-6 and a parent or guardian
Cost: Covered by Medicaid, insurance, sliding scale
Commitment: Hour sessions, as long as needed
Referral form: Self-referral, school, physician
Contact: (509) 965-7100
Tri-Cities
Eligibility: Children ages 2-6 and a parent or guardian
Cost: Covered by Medicaid, insurance, sliding scale
Commitment: Hour sessions, as long as needed
Referral form: Self-referral, school, physician
Contact: (509) 946-4645
