WHY I Don't Do Virtual Therapy with Kids… UNLESS IT'S PCIT

I don’t offer virtual therapy for kids because, in my experience, it’s rarely as helpful as in-person sessions.

But there’s one important exception: Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). As a trained and certified PCIT provider, I am qualified to deliver this evidence-based approach effectively, whether in person or virtually.

What is PCIT

PCIT is a type of Parent Management Training in which I coach you in real time as you interact with your child. In the office, this usually means you and your child are in one room, and I’m in another, separated by a one-way mirror. You can’t see me, and only you, the parent, hear my guidance through an earpiece as I help you in real time.

What Specific outcomes can families expect from virtual PCIT versus in-person sessions?

Here’s what makes virtual PCIT different: Research and my own experience show that PCIT online isn’t just ‘good enough’; for some families, it’s even better than in-person. The virtual setup closely mirrors the in-office version with the one-way mirror, but with the added benefit of seeing your child in their natural environment, the place where they feel most comfortable. This often means we get to see the real child more quickly, which can lead to faster progress and a more accurate understanding of their strengths and needs.

Here’s how it works: During online sessions, I turn off my camera, so you and your child can’t see me, just like in the clinic. You wear an earpiece so I can coach you live while you interact with your child at home, maintaining the same privacy and support as in person.

How can PCIT help my family?

PCIT is one of the most effective therapeutic interventions for children who struggle with behaviors like not listening or aggression. It also helps kids learn to self-regulate, become more flexible, and seek less attention in disruptive ways. Most importantly, PCIT provides parents with clear, practical skills so they can feel confident and capable when handling tough situations with their child.

What I tell parents is that PCIT is the perfect blend of discipline and warmth, and I have never met a kid who didn't significantly improve… I love PCIT because it is a short-term intensive treatment, and it is effective for kids ages 2-10, who present with many diagnoses or none at all. PCIT is science-backed and shown to be effective with kids diagnosed with ADHD, Anxiety, Selective Mutism, Autism Spectrum Disorders, mood disorders, and Learning Differences.

If you have questions or concerns about privacy, technology, or how virtual PCIT works, I encourage you to reach out. I’m always happy to discuss your worries during a free consultation, so you can feel confident about choosing virtual therapy for your family.