Strong Starts -- Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

"Because of the PCIT Program, my family enjoys a more peaceful, playful and confident home." - Amy, Parent.

What's our Purpose?

Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is a hands on approach to developing effective parenting skills. It is a highly recognized, successful and evidence based practice for parents, foster parents and guardians.

PCIT is designed to improve the quality of the relationship between you and your child. The focus is on teaching you the necessary skills to reduce unwanted behaviors that affect your child's functioning at home, in public, and with his/her peers.

In PCIT, you can also be coached to help your child work through traumas he/she may have experienced.

The PCIT process consists of two parts: 1) relationship enhancement 2) strategies for better behavior.

You are taught and coached specific skills and given the opportunity to practice these skills during therapy until you can do it on your own.

Who can use this program?

Children age 2 to 7 years old who:

Are having problems behaving appropriately at home, school, pre-school, day care or in public places.

May be experiencing difficulty with foster or adoptive family placement.

May be in other programs or therapy, or even on medication.

May have been exposed to domestic violence, parental substance abuse, physical abuse or neglect, or any other traumatic event.

PCIT and other therapeutic services through Youth for Change are available at no charge for children and youth with Full Scope Butte County Medi-Cal.

Positive Results

Your relationship with your child(ren) will become stronger as you gain confidence in your parenting. Your child(ren) benefit in some of the following ways:

• Learn to communicate and express feelings more appropriately, which reduces temper tantrums.
• Have better focus and participation in school.
• Become more cooperative and interact more appropriately with peers and adults.
• Learn to use words to express his/her needs, rather than hitting, kicking and hurting.
• Participate and have more fun in childcare.
• Learn to use respectful language toward parents and teachers.

Rio Lindo Support Center
578 Rio Lindo Avenue, Suite 3
Chico, CA 95926
530-894-5933 ext. 24

Click here to download the brochure


Click here to view this program's Scope of Service