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Parent-Child Interaction Therapy With At-Risk Families
Issue Brief

Author(s):  Child Welfare Information Gateway

Year Published:  2007

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You are in section: Table of Contents 1 - What Makes PCIT Unique 2 - Key Components 3 - Effectiveness of PCIT 4 - What to Look for in a Therapist 5 - Conclusion 6 - Resources 7 - References

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What to Look for in a Therapist

Caseworkers should become knowledgeable about commonly used treatments before recommending a treatment provider to families. Caregivers should receive as much information as possible on the treatment options available to them. If PCIT is an appropriate treatment model for a family, seek a provider who has received adequate training, supervision, and consultation in the PCIT model. If feasible, both the caseworker and family should have an opportunity to interview potential PCIT therapists prior to beginning treatment.

PCIT Training

Mental health professionals with at least a master’s degree in psychology, social work, or a related field are eligible for training in PCIT. Training involves 40 hours of direct training, with ongoing supervision and consultation for approximately 4 to 6 months. Fidelity to the model is assessed throughout the supervision and consultation period. See Training and Consultation Resources, below, for contact information.

Questions to Ask Treatment Providers

In addition to the appropriate training, it is important to select a treatment provider who is sensitive to the individual and cultural needs of the child, caregiver, and family. Caseworkers recommending a PCIT therapist should ask the treatment provider to explain the course of treatment, the role of each family member, and how the family’s cultural background will be addressed. Family members should be involved in this discussion to the extent possible. The child, caregiver, and family should feel comfortable with, and have confidence in, the therapist with whom they will work.

Some specific questions to ask a potential therapist regarding PCIT include:

• What is the nature of your PCIT training? When were you trained? By whom? How long was the training? Do you have access to follow-up consultation? What resource materials on PCIT are you familiar with? Are you clinically supervised by (or do you participate in a peer supervision group with) others who are PCIT trained?
• Why do you feel that PCIT is the appropriate treatment model for this child? Would the child benefit from other treatment methods at the same time or after they complete PCIT (i.e., group or individual therapy)?
• What techniques will you use to help the child manage his or her emotions and related behaviors? How will the parent be involved in this process?
• Do you use a standard assessment process to gather baseline information on the functioning of the child and family and to monitor their progress in treatment over time?
• Do you have access to the appropriate equipment for PCIT (one-way mirror, ear bug, video equipment)? If not, how do you plan to structure the sessions to ensure that the PCIT techniques are used according to the model?
• Is there any potential for harm associated with treatment?

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You are in section: Table of Contents 1 - What Makes PCIT Unique 2 - Key Components 3 - Effectiveness of PCIT 4 - What to Look for in a Therapist 5 - Conclusion 6 - Resources 7 - References

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This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information Gateway.

Updated on December 10, 2007