Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an evidence-based therapy designed for young children (ages 2.5 to 7 years old) with disruptive and/or oppositional behaviors. During PCIT, therapists teach parents to use effective behavior management and discipline techniques with their young children. PCIT also helps to increase positive interactions between parents and their child and increase their child’s positive social behaviors.

Both the parent and child benefit from PCIT. This treatment is designed to help parents with children who display the following behaviors:

• Doesn’t listen to adults
• Has temper tantrums
• Takes or breaks other’s things
• Hits or kicks others
• Can’t sit still
• Has difficulty playing with other children

Children who are at risk of losing their daycare or early childhood education placement because of these behaviors may benefit from PCIT.