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.
teens, & families
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.
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.
Evidence-Based
Backed by clinical research and validated outcomes.
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.
Two phases of PCIT
What you'll learn.
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
Who benefits from PCIT
Why families choose PCIT.
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.
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
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.
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.
The testing process for my child with Dr. Bunker went really well. Just like how she explained it would go.
Parent of a 7 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Dr. Nacona Bunker, PsyD
Korina has been very helpful with the therapy process for my child.
Parent of a 7 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Korina Herrera, LMHC
Korina is very patient even when my child is having a difficult time with the therapy session.
Parent of a 7 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Korina Herrera, LMHC
This was our initial visit with Dr. Bunker. She did a great job with explaining how the process would go. She also had great interaction with my child during the visit.
Parent of a 7 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Dr. Nacona Bunker, PsyD
Korina has been doing a great job with helping my child!
Parent of a 7 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Korina Herrera, LMHC
She was really extensive and didn’t leave anything out.
An Adult client
Jun 6, 2026
Dr. Apree Clicque, PsyD
The session was great! All of our concerns were addressed, we felt very heard, and it was an overall great experience
Parent of a 10 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Deann Harrison, PMHNP-BC
Ms Richardson took her time to listen to my son's perspective and concerns as well as my own. She is open-minded and patient. We appreciated her help today
Parent of a 15 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Runako Richardson, PMHNP
When she allowed both of us to speak and explained the next steps for our meeting in the future that was great . Thank you.
Parent of a 7 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Korina Herrera, LMHC
My daughter feels Dr. Jon has helped her more than any of her previous therapists. He does a great job with her.
Parent of a 10 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Dr. Jon Skidmore, PsyD
Dr. Williams truly gets me and he makes me feel like I can take care of myself without having to worry about it.
An Adult client
Jun 5, 2026
Franklin Williams, LCMHC
Navigating a separation from my spouse including children. Victoria does a great job helping us work through and process this.
An Adult client
Jun 5, 2026
Victoria Coffman, LPC-A
Elise is going above and beyond to understand my daughter so she can help her in the best way possible.
Parent of an 11 year old
Jun 5, 2026
Elise McDonald, LPC
Catherine was kind, empathetic, and a great listener. She balanced hearing our thoughts as parents while also ensuring our child was heard and valued.
Parent of a 12 year old
Jun 5, 2026
Catherine Campos, LCSW
So kind and a great listener. She has great patience with him.
Parent of a 10 year old
Jun 4, 2026
Erica Richardson, LCSW
My daughter instantly connected! She’s very excited to work with her
Parent of a 13 year old
Jun 4, 2026
Brianna Doran, LMHC
Dr.Bowes is awesome and a personable provider.
An Adult client
Jun 4, 2026
Dr. Jaclyn Bowes, PsyD
My son feels that this Dr is a great fit. First session and he’s already doing the 10 finger breathing exercise while feeling overwhelmed.
Parent of an 11 year old
Jun 4, 2026
Dr. Jon Skidmore, PsyD
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.
