PCIT therapy for kids & families

Real-time coaching that improves behavior and parent-child bonds

Your therapist coaches you while you play with your child. This builds stronger bonds and reduces tough behavior.

Insurance accepted. Appointments often available within days.

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4.94
Trusted by 5,000+ kids, teens, and families.
  • Anthem Blue Cross
  • aetna
  • blue cross
  • cigna
  • united healthcare
  • optum
  • tricare
  • Champ VA US Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Florida Blue
  • Baylor Scott and White
  • UMR
  • Oscar Health
  • Magellan

PCIT, at a glance

65% improve

Children with behavioral challenges show clinically significant improvement after completing PCIT, per PCIT International.

14-16 weeks

Average length of PCIT. Many families see behavioral improvements within the first few weeks.

Ages 2-7

Primary age range for PCIT, the gold-standard intervention for young children with oppositional or defiant behaviors.

What is PCIT?

Real-time parent coaching.

An adult woman and a young boy are smiling and waving while looking at a tablet together in a bright kitchen. They appear happy and engaged in a video call or digital activity.

PCIT coaches parents in real time as they play with their child. The therapist watches and guides you.

PCIT has two phases. Phase 1 builds a warmer bond. Phase 2 teaches effective discipline.

PCIT has 40+ years of research backing it. Major health groups support it.

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Evidence-Based

Backed by clinical research and validated outcomes.

Two phases of PCIT

What you'll learn.

Dad and son in the kitchen smiling at each other with computer in front of them
  • Phase 1: Building the Bond

    • Praise your child
    • Reflect what they say
    • Copy what they do
    • Describe what they're doing
  • Phase 2: Setting Limits

    • Give clear, simple instructions
    • Follow through with consequences
    • Discipline firmly but kindly
    • Stay warm while being firm

How PCIT helps

Real results for families.

  • Fewer tantrums, defiance, and aggression
  • Stronger parent-child bond
  • Less parenting stress
  • Safer families
  • Other kids improve too
  • Results last after therapy ends
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Who benefits from PCIT

Why families choose PCIT.

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  • Behavior Problems

    • Defiance
    • Tantrums and meltdowns
    • Aggression with others
    • Not listening to parents
  • Family Stress

    • Tough parent-child relationships
    • High parenting stress
    • Adoption or foster care adjustment
    • Separation anxiety

Why families choose Emora for PCIT

Emora's PCIT specialists vs. other providers.

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General providers

PCIT-certified therapists

Therapists may not have PCIT training

Real-time online coaching

No real-time coaching during play

Two-phase program with clear goals

No clear structure for behavior help

Weekly progress tracking

No clear goals for success

Specialists in kids ages 2-7

General practice, not child-focused

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Get started in minutes

Three simple steps to connect with the right clinician.

  • 1

    Share what's going on

    Tell us about your child's behavior and your family's goals.

  • 2

    Verify coverage

    See insurance estimates and available appointment times.

  • 3

    Start therapy

    Meet your matched PCIT therapist and begin coaching sessions.

Find Care
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Frequently asked questions

What parents ask most about PCIT.

PCIT is for kids ages 2 to 7. It works best for kids with defiance, anger, or aggression.

Your therapist watches you play with your child on video. They guide you in real time through your earpiece. Online PCIT works as well as in-person.

Most families finish in 14 to 16 weekly sessions. It depends on when you master the skills.

Both caregivers should join if possible. You can start with one parent.

Yes. PCIT works well for ADHD behavior problems. Doctors often suggest it before medicine for young kids.

Real stories of growth

Every session is rated by parents. Our therapists maintain a 4.9+ average, because results matter.

We love Amanda! It's been over a month- seeing positive results

Parent of an 11 year old

1 hour ago

Amanda Crabtree
Provider:

Amanda Crabtree, LMHC

Evelyn said she was really happy with the session.

Parent of a 9 year old

6 hours ago

Dr. Maritza Rodriguez
Provider:

Dr. Maritza Rodriguez, LPC-S, CCST

I like the fact that she suggested that we should do ADHD testing and I like that she was asking him questions that were making him think a little about his answers. It was very helpful and it sparked discussion for us afterwards

Parent of a 12 year old

8 hours ago

Shannon Anes
Provider:

Shannon Anes, PMHNP

I love Quenton Kayd! I’ve had 18 sessions with him and he has helped me so much! He also takes the time to see things from my perspective and it means so much!

An Adult client

10 hours ago

Quenton Kayd
Provider:

Quenton Kayd, LPC

Ann is an excellent therapist. She’s been helping my daughter through her anxiety and her thoughtful and insightful guidance has had a meaningful impact on my daughter and managing her anxiety.

Parent of an 11 year old

23 hours ago

Ann Marie Driver
Provider:

Ann Marie Driver, LCMHC-A

She’s very charismatic and easy to talk to. My daughter told me she likes her

Parent of a 13 year old

1 day ago

Katherine Vasquez Lugo
Provider:

Katherine Vasquez Lugo, RMHCI

Catherine was warm and welcoming!

Parent of a 10 year old

1 day ago

Catherine Campos
Provider:

Catherine Campos, LCSW

My therapist was absolutely amazing I already can tell she is going to help me a lot!

An Adult client

1 day ago

Laura Doocy
Provider:

Laura Doocy, LPC-A

Milton is very understanding and listened to my son rattle on and on lol and they're was no rush.

Parent of an 11 year old

1 day ago

Milton Hernandez
Provider:

Milton Hernandez, LPC

JoeAnn Allen gave us key ways to handle some problems, we appreciate her very much

Parent of a 14 year old

1 day ago

JoeAnn Allen
Provider:

JoeAnn Allen, RMHCI

Rating on behalf of my daughter. She's always in a better mood when she talks with Korina! ✨

Parent of a 14 year old

1 day ago

Korina Herrera
Provider:

Korina Herrera, LMHC

My son connects so well with Nathalie. He was skeptical at first now he sets up 10 mind before the session in anticipation for their talk time.

Parent of a 10 year old

2 days ago

Nathalie Fernandez Mendez
Provider:

Nathalie Fernandez Mendez, LCMHC-A, LMHC

Richard was excellent during my child´s session today. He was very informative, attentive, and truly focused on our specific needs. You can tell he genuinely cares and takes the time to listen and understand. We’re looking forward to future appointments and seeing growth with his support.

Parent of a 6 year old

2 days ago

Richard Reyes
Provider:

Richard Reyes, LPC-Associate

The coping mechanism you gave me felt extremely helpful

An Adult client

2 days ago

Marise Jimenez
Provider:

Marise Jimenez, RMHCI

Very attentive and caring. Took the time out to help us find the right therapist.

Parent of a 16 year old

2 days ago

Jennifer Guzman
Provider:

Jennifer Guzman, LPC

great person easy to talk to. very attentive.

An Adult client

2 days ago

Dr. Joel Bell
Provider:

Dr. Joel Bell, PsyD

Sarah is incredible with my 7 year old. So great at building rapport and bringing in coping strategies.

Parent of a 7 year old

2 days ago

Sarah Newton
Provider:

Sarah Newton, LMSW

Helped my child open up and feel more self confidence

Parent of a 6 year old

2 days ago

Korina Herrera
Provider:

Korina Herrera, LMHC

You are your child's best therapist

PCIT empowers you with skills to transform your child's behavior and deepen your bond in weeks.

Not sure where to start? Book a clinical matching session.

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