Frequently Asked Questions About PCIT in California
Whether you are a family looking for support, a behavioral health practitioner interested in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) or a California county exploring implementation, this page answers common questions about PCIT in California.
About PCIT
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an evidence-based treatment that strengthens the caregiver-child relationship while addressing challenging behaviors. During sessions, a therapist provides live coaching as caregivers practice practical skills they can use in everyday interactions with their children.
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is designed for young children ages 2–7 and their caregivers. A qualified behavioral health practitioner can help determine whether PCIT is an appropriate treatment for a particular child and family.
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is commonly used to address behavioral challenges such as frequent tantrums, aggression, defiance, noncompliance and difficulty following directions. PCIT is also appropriate and helpful for many children with trauma, ADHD, Autism, or anxiety.
In addition to addressing challenging behaviors, PCIT focuses on strengthening the caregiver-child relationship and helping caregivers develop practical skills for responding to their child’s behavior.
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) uses live coaching during therapy sessions to provide caregivers with real-time guidance and feedback as they interact with their child. This provides caregivers with an opportunity to practice skills during sessions and receive immediate support.
PCIT treatment includes two main phases: Child-Directed Interaction (CDI), which focuses on strengthening positive caregiver-child interactions, and Parent-Directed Interaction (PDI), which focuses on helping caregivers manage challenging behaviors using consistent, effective strategies.
PCIT in California
The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has created the PCIT Behavioral Health Center of Excellence (COE), led by PCIT International, to expand access to PCIT therapy and ensure every eligible family has access to effective, evidence-based care. Through statewide training, coaching and data insights, the PCIT COE helps local teams deliver measurable results, leading to reduced disruptive behaviors, strengthened family relationships and improved long-term outcomes for children ages 2 to 7.
The California PCIT Behavioral Health Center of Excellence helps counties and behavioral health practitioners implement Parent-Child Interaction Therapy effectively and consistently. Led by PCIT International, the COE provides participating county systems with training, technical assistance, consultation, implementation support and data-informed guidance.
The COE also helps local teams maintain fidelity to the PCIT model as they build capacity and expand access for California families. Learn more about PCIT in California.
No, the California PCIT COE is not a separate entity but part of an initiative led by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS). PCIT International, which leads the California PCIT COE, is a nonprofit organization proudly supporting California to expand access to Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). PCIT International remains a trusted, long-term resource for families and practitioners around the world for years to come.
The PCIT Behavioral Health Center of Excellence works directly with county behavioral health plans. County behavioral health agencies interested in implementing or expanding PCIT should complete the Engagement Initiation Form. This is the first step to request consultation and begin a conversation with the PCIT Center of Excellence about local needs, readiness and implementation support.
Finding PCIT Services in California
There are two primary ways to find a Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) provider in California.
- Explore the PCIT California county directory on our homepage to learn about PCIT implementation and resources in your county.
- Use PCIT International’s Find a Provider directory to find a certified therapist.
While PCIT’s California site provides county-level information about the state’s implementation efforts, it is not a substitute for PCIT International’s directory of certified providers.
PCIT implementation and participation vary by county. Please note that even if your California county is not currently participating in the California PCIT COE, it may still have individual PCIT providers serving families in the area.
We each play a part in expanding access to PCIT across California. If your county is not currently offering PCIT through DHCS’ PCIT Behavioral Health Center of Excellence, your next steps may depend on your role:
If you are a…
- County behavioral health agency: Complete the Engagement Initiation Form to begin exploring PCIT implementation with the PCIT Center of Excellence.
- Behavioral health practitioner: Coordinate with your county behavioral health plan if you want to participate in California’s county-based PCIT implementation efforts.
- Family: A county’s participation status does not necessarily reflect the status of every local provider. Search PCIT International’s Find a Provider directory for individual certified therapists who may serve your area.
The PCIT Behavioral Health Center of Excellence works directly with county behavioral health plans. County behavioral health agencies interested in implementing or expanding PCIT should complete the Engagement Initiation Form. This is the first step to request consultation and begin a conversation with the PCIT Center of Excellence about local needs, readiness and implementation support.
Behavioral Health Practitioners
Behavioral health practitioners who want to participate in California’s PCIT implementation efforts should start by coordinating with their county behavioral health plan, where applicable. The county can guide local participation, implementation and available practitioner support.
This county-based process is separate from general PCIT certification. For current eligibility requirements, training standards and certification steps, review PCIT International’s provider training and certification resources.
Have more questions about PCIT in California?
Our PCIT providers and experts are ready to help! To learn more about PCIT in California, please visit californiapcit.org or email us directly at pcit.bhcoe@pcit.org.
For more information on Parent-Child Interaction Therapy or to find helpful resources for parents and PCIT providers, explore our blog or visit pcit.org.
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