Tele-PCIT

A child and an adult are seen smiling as they sit on the floor and play with cars.

Are you struggling with your child’s behavior? We may be able to help.

Caregivers of children with a developmental diagnosis are invited to participate in a research study for Parent-Child interaction Therapy (PCIT) via telehealth. Therapy is free and families will be paid for their time.

What is Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)?

A smiling person wearing a headset watches on during a Tele-PCIT visit as an adult plays with a small child. PCIT is an evidence-based treatment for young children with behavioral challenges. Unlike other play therapies, the therapist works primarily with the parent and child together through live coaching, which means the therapist coaches parents while they are playing with their child. PCIT empowers parents by giving them the tools to manage behavior using consistent and predictable positive parenting strategies.

The goal of our Tele-PCIT studies is to build on previous research to show that PCIT can also be effective when delivered via telehealth and is beneficial for children with developmental diagnoses such as autism, ADHD, speech delay, etc.

Traditional PCIT has over 40 years of research support. Evidence shows PCIT is effective at reducing disruptive behavior in young children.

Tele-PCIT Studies: Who Can Participate?

PCIT is recommended for children between two to seven years old who are experiencing challenging behaviors such as:

  • Difficulty listening/following directions
  • Oppositional or defiant behavior
  • Frequent temper tantrums
  • Aggression

PCIT is most appropriate for children who have some language skills in order to understand instructions and benefit from this type of therapy.

Families must have Medicaid insurance in order to participate.

What Does Participating Look Like?

Families who are interested in participating will:

  • Go through a screening process with study staff.
  • Attend an in-person visit at MUSC to complete the screening process and enroll in the study, if eligible.

Families who receive treatment will:

  • Complete 10 one-hour sessions of Tele-PCIT once per week.
  • Attend two to three visits at MUSC.

Therapy is free and families will be compensated for completing study visits and surveys.

For more information on our Tele-PCIT studies, please contact the research team or complete our online interest form below.

How Do You Participate?

If you are interested in participating or learning more about this study, please complete the form below and a study team member will contact you.