Parent-Child Interaction Therapy
Parent-child interaction therapy, or PCIT, is a short-term, specialized behavior management program designed for young children experiencing behavioral and/or emotional difficulties and their families. PCIT teaches caregivers to manage their child’s difficult behaviors, while increasing their positive behaviors. PCIT works with the child and caregiver together to improve behavior and reduce parenting stress.
- Biological parents
- Foster parents
- Adoptive parents
- Legal guardian
- Grandparents
- Kinship caregivers
- Do you have a 2 ½ to 6-year-old child with challenging behaviors?
- Do you worry about how to manage your child’s difficult behaviors?
If yes, then PCIT might be right for you and your family. We look forward to working with you!
PCIT is an exceptionally effective treatment backed by over 30 years of research. Live coaching is a hallmark of PCIT. The provider observes the caregiver and child together, then provides coaching on the PCIT skills. Caregivers and providers work together to manage challenging child behaviors.
Advantages of live coaching:
- Skills are acquired rapidly by caregivers, as they practice in the moment with provider support.
- Providers offer support as caregivers gain confidence and master their skills.
- Providers give immediate feedback about strategies to manage the child’s challenging behaviors.
PCIT is for children ages 2 ½ to 6 who display any or all of the following:
- Parent-child relational problems
- Refusal and defiance of adult requests
- Easy loss of temper
- Purposeful annoyance of others
- Destruction of property
- Difficulty staying seated
- Difficulty playing quietly
- Difficulty taking turns
PCIT consists of weekly sessions conducted in two treatment phases.
PHASE I: Child-Directed Interaction (CDI)
Caregivers are taught the PRIDE skills:
Praise, Reflect, Imitate, Describe and Enjoyment.
These skills promote positive child behaviors.
PHASE II: Parent-Directed Interaction (PDI)
Caregivers learn to use effective commands and discipline procedures. The PCIT provider helps caregivers manage their child’s behaviors in many settings.
Jessica R. Bradley, PsyD
Clinical Interests:
- Counseling
- Psychology - Child & Adolescent
- Telemedicine
Locations:
- Marshall Psychiatry 304-691-1500
Allissa N. Caudill, PsyD
Clinical Interests:
- Psychology - Child & Adolescent
- Telemedicine
Locations:
- Marshall Psychiatry 304-691-1500

Marshall Psychiatry
An outpatient department of Cabell Huntington Hospital
20th Street Professional Building
1115 20th Street, Suite 205
Huntington, WV 25703
Phone: 304-691-1500
contact us
Call 304-691-1500 to schedule an appointment.