Parent-Child Interaction Therapy Experts
With Over 50 Years of Research & Thousands of Families Supported
You don’t have to figure this out alone
Developer-Trained Clinicians
Internationally Recognized Researchers
Gold-Standard PCIT Treatment
Trusted by Families All over Nation
Evidence-Based Since 50+ Years
Is Your Child Struggling With...
Sometimes parenting feels harder than it should.
If your child is between 2 and 8 years old, you’re not alone. Our team helps families experiencing:
Frequent Tantrums
Big emotional reactions that seem impossible to calm.
Defiant Behavior
ADHD
Autism
Anxiety
If these challenges sound familiar, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy may be exactly what your family needs.
PCIT: Effective Parenting Support
Our Experts will help you thrive with treatment that really works.
Access Gold Standard online Parent-Child Interaction Therapy in your own home and transform your child’s behavior! Looking for a therapist in your state?
We can help you in 40 states/territories!
What is Parent-Child Interaction Therapy and how can it help your family?
Three things differentiate this practice from every other child psychology option a family might find:
We love our children more than anything, but sometimes we feel lost when they have big feelings and even bigger behaviors. “Is this normal?” we ask ourselves.
“Will they grow out of it?”
We don’t want to crush their spirits but we need something to change because everything feels awful. We’re not feeling good about yelling so much. The behaviors are just getting worse.
We read all the books. We ask ChatGPT about “strong-willed children.” We follow someone on Instagram. And still nothing actually fixes the problem.
Don’t you wish that an expert could be there in the moment and tell you how to handle that tantrum and their strategies would work for your child? Don’t you wish there was a voice in your ear, telling you what to do?
That’s what Parent-Child Interaction Therapy is all about. We tailor evidence-based strategies to your family, teach you the tools to thrive, and coach you in the moment through an ear piece while you interact with your child in your own home. Parent-Child Interaction Therapy is extremely effective and usually only takes 12-16 sessions for a complete turnaround!
What makes Our Practice Different
Three things differentiate this practice from every other child psychology option a family might find:
Gold-standard clinical care
We provide PCIT with the same scientific rigor found at leading research institutions while delivering personalized support for every family.
Strong and rare specializations
The practice houses several specialty programs that are genuinely rare. Most practices cannot offer what we offer in PCIT, forensics, and assessment under one roof.
Highly qualified, seasoned experts
The clinicians on this team are not newly trained. They are experienced, credentialed experts, many of whom have trained other therapists and contributed to published research.
Why Families Choose PCIT Experts
Families invest in PCIT Experts because they want confidence that they’re receiving treatment from clinicians who have dedicated their careers to Parent-Child Interaction Therapy—not simply offering it as one of many services.
- Hundreds of Families Helped
- Average Graduation in 12 Sessions
- Evidence-Based Treatment
- Specialized Expert Team
How Effective is PCIT?
One of the Most Effective Treatments for Young Children’s Behavioral Challenges
- Listening Skills
- Parent-Child Relationships
- Emotional Regulation
- Attention
- Compliance
- Aggressive Behaviors
- Anxiety
- Parenting Confidence
Just three easy steps
How to get started
01
Call us
Schedule a free 15-Minute Matching Call
02
Get matched
We'll help determine which clinician or service is the best fit
03
Begin with Confidence
We'll get you scheduled for the soonest available appointment
PCIT 101
If your child is having frequent tantrums, not listening, becoming aggressive, or turning everyday routines into constant battles, you’re not alone. Many of the families who find us have already tried different strategies, read the books, or even started therapy, and still feel stuck.
What most parents are actually looking for is something that works in real life, not just something that sounds good in theory.
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is one of the most effective, evidence-based treatments available for young children. Instead of focusing primarily on your child in a therapy room…
PCIT for Autism
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy for Children on the Autism Spectrum
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an evidence-based treatment that can help children with autism strengthen connection with parents, improve behavior and cooperation, build social engagement, and reduce parenting stress. While PCIT does not change a child’s core neurodevelopmental profile, it gives parents practical, relationship-centered tools that can meaningfully improve daily family life and support a child’s emotional development.
PCIT for ADHD
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy for Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an evidence-based treatment for young children with ADHD that improves behavior, listening, parent-child connection, and parenting stress.
PCIT helps children with ADHD improve listening, reduce behavior challenges, strengthen connection with parents, and decrease parenting stress. While PCIT does not change core ADHD traits such as hyperactivity or attention span, it gives parents practical, research-supported…
OUR REACH
Expert PCIT care, wherever you are
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PSYPACT
Participating State
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Enacted PSYPACT Legislation-
Practice under PSYPACT not yet Permitteed
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PSYPACT
Legislation Introduced
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Non-PSYPACT
State/No active Legislation
Psypact® Participating States (46 Enacted, 43 Effective)
- Alabama - AL SB 102 (Enacted 3/18/2021; Effective 6/1/2021)
- Arizona - AZ HB 2503 (Enacted on 5/17/2016; Effective 7/1/2020)
- Arkansas - AR HB 1760 (Enacted 4/25/2021; Effective (11/18/2021)
- Colorado - CO HB 1017 (Enacted 4/12/2018; Effective 7/1/2020)
- Connecticut -CT S 2(Enacted 5/24/2022; Effective 10/1/2022)
- Delaware - DE HB 172 (Enacted 6/27/2019; Effective 7/1/2020)
- District of Columbia - DC B 145 (Enacted and Effective 4/2/2021)
- Florida -FL H 33(Enacted 5/25/2023; Effective 7/1/2023)
- Georgia - GA HB 26 (Enacted 4/23/2019; Effective 7/1/2020)
- Idaho - ID S 1305 (Enacted 3/23/2022; Effective 7/1/2022)
- Illinois - IL HB 1853 (Enacted 8/22/2018, Effective 7/1/2020)
- Indiana -IN S 365(Enacted 3/10/2022; Effective 7/1/2022)
- Kansas - KS SB 170 (Enacted 5/17/2021; Effective 1/1/2022)
- Kentucky - KY HB 38 (Enacted 3/18/2021; Effective 6/28/2021)
- Maine - ME HB 631 (Enacted 6/22/2021; Effective 10/18/2021)
- Maryland - MD HB 970 (Enacted and Effective 5/18/2021)
- Michigan -MI H 5489(Enacted 12/22/2022; Effective 3/29/2023)
- Minnesota - MN SB 193 (Enacted 5/25/2021; Effective 5/26/2021)
- Mississippi -SB 2157(Enacted 4/8/2024; Effective 4/15/2024)
- Missouri - MO HB 1719/MO SB 660 (Enacted 6/1/2018; Effective 7/1/2020)
- Montana - MT.H.B. 241 (Enacted 4/16/2025 ; Effective 10/1/2025)
- Nebraska - NE L 1034 (Enacted 4/23/2018; Effective 7/1/2020)
- Nevada - NV AB 429 (Enacted on 5/26/2017; Effective 7/1/2020)
- New Hampshire- NH SB 232 (Enacted 7/10/2019; Effective 7/1/2020)
- New Jersey -NJ A 4205(Enacted 9/24/2021; Effective 11/23/2021)
- North Carolina - NC 361 (Enacted 7/1/2020; Effective 3/1/2021)
- North Dakota -ND S 2205(Enacted 4/13/2023; Effective 8/1/2023)
- Northern Marianas - CNMI HB 22-80 (Enacted and Effective 10/24/2022)
- Ohio -OH S 2 (Enacted 4/27/2021; Effective 7/26/2021)
- Oklahoma - OK HB 1057 (Enacted 4/29/2019; Effective 7/1/2020)
- Pennsylvania- PA SB 67(Enacted 5/8/2020; Effective 7/8/2020)
- Rhode Island -RI H 7501(Enacted 6/21/2022; Effective7/1/2023)
- South Carolina -SC H 3204(Enacted 5/16/2023; Effective7/17/2023)
- South Dakota -SD H 1017(Enacted 2/13/24: Effective 7/1/2024)
- Tennessee -TN S 161 (Enacted and Effective 5/11/2021)
- Texas - TX HB 1501 (Enacted 6/10/2019; Effective 7/1/2020)
- Utah - UT SB 106 (Enacted on 3/17/2017; Effective 7/1/2020)
- Vermont -VT H 282(Enacted 6/1/2023; Effective 7/1/2024)
- Virginia- VA SB 760(Enacted 4/11/2020; Effective 1/1/2021)
- Washington -WA H 1286(Enacted 3/4/2022; Effective 6/9/2022)
- West Virginia - WV SB 668 (Enacted 4/21/2021; Effective 11/18/2021)
- Wisconsin -WI A 537 (Enacted 2/4/2022; Effective 2/6/2022)
- Wyoming - WY S 26 (Enacted 2/15/2023; Effective 2/15/2023)
EXPERTISE YOU CAN TRUST
Our Exceptional Team
Leah Clionsky, Ph.D.
Founder & CEO
Caitlin Williams, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist
Nizete-ly Valles, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist
Jessica Bonatakis, Psy.D.
Certified PCIT Expert
WHAT OUR COLLEAGUES TELL US
Trusted by fellow psychologists.
Trusted Care for Children and Families
Thriving Child Center and PCIT Experts provide exceptional therapy for children and families. Dr. Leah Clionsky has built an outstanding team of highly trained clinicians who specialize in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, parent coaching, and treatment for child anxiety, behavioral challenges, and emotional regulation difficulties. The practice is known for combining evidence-based treatment with practical support that helps parents feel confident in helping their children succeed. I frequently refer families to this practice and trust that they will receive thoughtful, high-quality care.
Dr. Liz Ross, Ph.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Founder of The Coping Resource Center
The Go-To Expert for PCIT
I cannot think of anyone that is more knowledgeable about PCIT than Dr. Leah Clionsky. She is definitely my go-to resource for any child-focused referral needs. Dr. Clionsky and her incredible team are truly dedicated to providing the best care possible. She is highly collaborative, empathetic, validating, and knowledgeable. If you are looking for PCIT treatment, look no further.
Dr. Ally Sequeira, Ph.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Owner of Houston OCD & Anxiety
What parents tell us
Parents often worry whether it will work, whether it’s worth the investment, and whether their child is truly the right fit. What we hear most often after treatment is something very different.
"PCIT completely changed my life."
- parent voice
"Now I look forward to seeing him at the end of the school day."
- parent voice
"He listens now, and it's not a fight anymore."
- parent voice
"I wish we had started sooner."
- parent voice
Frequently Asked Questions
What ages do you work with?
PCIT is designed for children ages 2–8 and their caregivers. During your free matching call, our Client Services Specialist will learn more about your child and help you determine whether PCIT is the right fit for your family.
Does my child meet with the therapist alone?
No. In PCIT, you and your child participate together. Rather than talking with your child alone, your therapist observes you interacting and coaches you in real time as you practice specific skills with your child.
How does online PCIT work?
During online PCIT, you interact with your child at home while your therapist observes through secure video. Your therapist coaches you privately through an earbud so you can respond to your child in the moment.
Because treatment happens at home, you practice the skills in the environment where many of your family’s most difficult moments actually occur.
How long does PCIT take?
Many families see significant changes within three to four months. PCIT is progress-based rather than limited to a predetermined number of sessions, so the exact length of treatment depends on your child’s needs, your family’s starting point, attendance, and practice between sessions. Most families in our clinic graduate between 12 and 16 sessions.
With a PCIT intensive, families can make the same progress within weeks rather than months because treatment sessions occur more frequently.
Do you offer PCIT intensives?
Yes. PCIT intensives provide the same evidence-based treatment with sessions scheduled more frequently. Because progress in PCIT is related more closely to the number of treatment sessions than to the number of weeks that have passed, families can make the same progress within weeks rather than months. During your free matching call, we can help you determine whether weekly PCIT or an intensive would be the better fit for your family.
Can PCIT help with more than tantrums?
Yes. PCIT can help with defiance, aggression, frequent meltdowns, difficulty following directions, and other disruptive behaviors. We also offer specialized adaptations of PCIT for children with ADHD, autism, anxiety, selective mutism, and trauma-related concerns.
How much does PCIT cost?
Fees vary depending on the service and clinician who best fits your family’s needs. During your free matching call, our Client Services Specialist will explain current fees and availability before you decide whether to schedule.
Build a Stronger Bond. Create Lasting Change.
Discover how Parent-Child Interaction Therapy can help your child thrive and bring more peace to your home.