Parent-Child Interaction Therapy

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Meet the PCIT Team

Dr. Erica Wells Cerrato
Dr. Raquel F. Concepcion
Dr. Roseanne Lesack
Dr. Bridget Davidson
Dr. Naomi Tarlow

Professionals displaying this mark have met the certification requirements established by PCIT

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For more information, you can visit the official website: PCIT.org

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

An evidence-based treatment for children ages 2 to 7. PCIT has been successful in treating emotional and behavioral challenges in children, including:

  • Oppositional and Defiant behavior
  • Challenges with Inattention and/or Hyperactive Behaviors
  • Child Maltreatment and Trauma, supported by The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
  • Anxiety Disorders, using the PCIT-CALM adaption protocol

How Does It Work?

The average length of treatment typically varies between 12 and 20 sessions (3-5 months with weekly 45-minute sessions). Treatment is a caregiver-coaching mode, where the caregiver is taught to be the childā€™s play therapist, through guided coaching from a certified PCIT therapist, using a ā€œbug-in-the-earā€ communication system (i.e., wireless Bluetooth headsets). Therefore, the therapy can be provided via telehealth or in person. PCIT consists of two phases: Child-Directed Interaction CDI) and Parent-Directed Interaction (PDI).

children are encouraged to lead play sessions, and the caregiver is supported by the therapist to provide understanding, comfort, and support for the child. The caregiver is guided to use play therapy skills to support their child, strengthen the caregiver-child relationship, and build attachment. With the therapistā€™s coaching the caregiver, the child:

  • Builds developmentally appropriate independence
  • Grows their coping skills and impulse control
  • Learns appropriate social and play skills
  • Strengthens their communication skills
  • Evaluations include a one-hour initial interview to gather background information and current concerns, approximately 4-8 hours of testing (depending on evaluation type) spread out over 1-4 appointments, collection of caregiver questionnaires, school observation/consultation if appropriate, a one-hour feedback session to review results, an additional feedback session with older children/teens if appropriate, and a comprehensive written report with diagnostic impressions and specific recommendations for next steps. Referrals for trusted local treatment providers can also be provided, as needed.
  • Evaluations include a one-hour initial interview to gather background information and current concerns, approximately 4-8 hours of testing (depending on evaluation type) spread out over 1-4 appointments, collection of caregiver questionnaires, school observation/consultation if appropriate, a one-hour feedback session to review results, an additional feedback session with older children/teens if appropriate, and a comprehensive written report with diagnostic impressions and specific recommendations for next steps. Referrals for trusted local treatment providers can also be provided, as needed.

Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment at info@mailppa.com or 305-936-1002.

Teacher-Child Interaction Therapy (TCIT)

TCIT follow the principles of attachment and behavioral theories, providing teachers with effective communication skills to grow children and studentsā€™ positive relationships, and effectively use their attention to modify and support appropriate behavior in the classroom. We offer presentations and consultations to schools on how to implement TCIT in their classrooms.

The PCIT-CALM Program addresses the needs of young children presenting with:

  • Separation anxiety
  • Social anxiety
  • Generalized anxiety
  • Specific phobias
  • Evaluations include a one-hour initial interview to gather background information and current concerns, approximately 4-8 hours of testing (depending on evaluation type) spread out over 1-4 appointments, collection of caregiver questionnaires, school observation/consultation if appropriate, a one-hour feedback session to review results, an additional feedback session with older children/teens if appropriate, and a comprehensive written report with diagnostic impressions and specific recommendations for next steps. Referrals for trusted local treatment providers can also be provided, as needed.
  • Evaluations include a one-hour initial interview to gather background information and current concerns, approximately 4-8 hours of testing (depending on evaluation type) spread out over 1-4 appointments, collection of caregiver questionnaires, school observation/consultation if appropriate, a one-hour feedback session to review results, an additional feedback session with older children/teens if appropriate, and a comprehensive written report with diagnostic impressions and specific recommendations for next steps. Referrals for trusted local treatment providers can also be provided, as needed.

CALM Program

A specialized treatment that includes live, real-time coaching in which the therapist guides the parent to respond most effectively to their childā€™s anxious behaviors.

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The CALM Program is a modification of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). The CALM Program (Coaching Approach Behavior and Leading by Modeling), developed at CUCARD by Jonathan Comer, Ph.D., Anthony Puliafico, Ph.D., and Anne Marie Albano, Ph.D., is an evidence-based cognitive-behavioral treatment used to address anxiety disorders in young children ages 2-7.

Take the first step towards positive change and reach out to us today!

Adults Psychotherapy

PPA offers a comprehensive range of individual and family treatment options designed to meet your unique needs. Our team of mental health clinicians is dedicated to providing evidence-based care tailored to support our clientsā€™ mental health and well-being.

Evaluation

our evaluations stand out due to our comprehensive approach, highly qualified team, and commitment to individualized care. Unlike traditional assessments, PPA evaluations delve deep into the root causes of challenges, providing thorough insights into various domains of functioning.

Specialty Services & Programs

PPA offers a diverse range of specialty services and programs to address a variety of concerns. Our multidisciplinary team of highly skilled clinicians is trained in evidence-based interventions and specialized treatment protocols to ensure that each client receives the highest quality of care possible.

Social Group Programs

Our Social Group Program offers a dynamic and engaging environment for children and adolescents to develop their social competencies and build meaningful connections with peers. Within this program, we offer two specialized groups tailored to different age groups and developmental stages: the SURF Group Program and the PEERSĀ® Program for Adolescents and Young Adults.

Speech & Language Pathology

The collaboration between psychologists and speech language pathologists is essential in providing a holistic and comprehensive treatment approach to support childrenā€™s academic, social, emotional, and communication development.Ā 

Take the first step towards positive change and reach out to us today!

Take the first step towards positive change and reach out to us today!

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