Parent-Child Interaction Therapy

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is a time-limited, specialized behavior management program designed for young children experiencing behavioral and/or emotional difficulties and their families.  PCIT works with the child and caregivers together to improve overall behavior and to reduce parenting stress.

Goals of PCIT

Deciding if PCIT is right for your child...

PCIT is designed for young children between the ages of 2 and 7 years.

PCIT has been successful with:

• Children with oppositional/defiant problems
• Children with aggressive behaviors
• Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Children experiencing adjustment problems

PCIT requires a 12-20 week commitment by the parent/caregiver and child with one session per week.

Benefits of PCIT

Children with challenging behaviors often have difficulty in home, childcare, and school settings. Parents/caregivers report problems going out in public such as to stores and restaurants. Stress levels are high for the parents/caregivers and also between them and their children. Unfortunately, children rarely outgrow many of the difficult behaviors. Should their behaviors continue or increase, they are likely to interfere with the children's learning abilities and development of appropriate social skills.

The overall effectiveness of PCIT has been well-established through scientific research. Positive changes in the children's behaviors have been seen in home, school, and childcare settings. These changes have even been noted in siblings of children participating in PCIT. At the completion of PCIT, parents/caregivers generally report a high level of satisfaction and decreased stress levels.

Referrals and Information

For more information about PCIT, please contact the DePaul Community Mental Health Center at (773) 325-7780. You may also leave a message for the PCIT program directly at (773) 325-7795 or pcit@depaul.edu

The PCIT program is located at the DePaul Community Mental Health Center on the 3rd floor of Byrne Hall at 2219 N. Kenmore Ave. at the corner of Kenmore Ave. and Webster Ave. on DePaul's Lincoln Park Campus in Chicago.