Frequently Asked Questions

Parent Child Interaction Therapy Frequently Asked Questions.  The following items are questions that frequently arise when deciding to become a PCIT Certified Therapist.  Of course, you may have specific questions and we encourage you to contact us.

Can PCIT services be delivered via telehealth?

Absolutely!  Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, clinicians around the world started delivering PCIT via telehealth (which is commonly referred to as iPCIT).  You will learn about the logistics and successful strategies for delivering iPCIT during the 40-hour Essential Training.

Do I need to be licensed before receiving PCIT Training?

Trainees must be licensed (or under supervision for licensure) in order to provide PCIT services.  Thus, trainees must have at least a Master’s Degree (or higher) in counseling/clinical psychology (or related field).  Therapists who receive training before they are licensed, and wish to become a PCIT Certified Practitioner (PCIT-CP), will need to become licensed before applying for PCIT Certification.  More information on becoming a PCIT Certified Therapist.Child Questions

Do I have to have a PCIT room to conduct PCIT?

Not at all!  Traditionally, PCIT was conducted at agencies with a dedicated PCIT clinic room and a one-way mirror to conduct PCIT services.  However, it is not required that you have a PCIT room/suite to deliver PCIT services.  In fact, most recently, clinicians are delivering PCIT via telehealth (which is commonly referred to as iPCIT).  Many therapists deliver PCIT successfully deliver services within clients’ homes or even at schools.  Your trainers will discuss service delivery options for PCIT during the 40-hour Essential Training.

Will I be certified after attending a 40-hour onsite (or virtual) training?

The 40-hour Essential Training is the first step in the certification process.  In order to ensure fidelity and integrity to the PCIT model, PCIT Certified Practitioners (PCIT-CP) continue training (via regularly offered consultation calls) until trainees have successfully completed two PCIT cases.

What is the benefit of becoming a PCIT Certified Practitioner?

Certified therapists through the PCIT & TCIT Training Corporation will be:

  • Formally recognized by PCIT & TCIT Training Corporation, and added to the PCIT website so that families and other professionals can contact you for evidence-based services.
  • Provided with a certificate to provide third-party payers that documents you are providing an evidence-based treatment.
  • Invited to join a listserv that is only for Certified Therapists.  This exclusive listserv allows you to submit questions and read discussion on important topics from therapists around the world.
  • Able to access continuing education opportunities offered by PCIT & TCIT Training Corporation.  Continuing education is a requirement to keep your PCIT Certification current.
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PCIT effectively treats what types of disorders?

Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an evidence-based treatment for children 2 to 7 years of age with emotional and behavioral disorders.  PCIT has documented success across a wide variety of emotional and behavioral disorders, including:

  • Oppositional Defiant Disorder
  • Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
  • Conduct Disorder
  • Child Maltreatment and Trauma
  • Children Diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder
  • Anxiety Disorders