--- title: "Parent-Child Interactive Therapy (PCIT) Resources" slug: "parent-child-interactive-therapy-pcit-resources-1" updated: 2026-07-01T14:41:35Z published: 2026-07-01T14:41:35Z canonical: "healthhub.cpcmg.net/parent-child-interactive-therapy-pcit-resources-1" --- > ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://healthhub.cpcmg.net/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Parent-Child Interactive Therapy (PCIT) Resources ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/a196e2c1-0707-4b9f-8164-e8201c779cd7/Images/Documentation/image(100).png) [![Appointment Info](https://cdn.us.document360.io/a196e2c1-0707-4b9f-8164-e8201c779cd7/Images/Documentation/1650055438388-1650055438388.png)](/v1/docs/appointments-and-contact-information) [![Care Decision Info](https://cdn.us.document360.io/a196e2c1-0707-4b9f-8164-e8201c779cd7/Images/Documentation/1654467115781-1654467115781.png)](https://www.rchsd.org/wait-times/what-type-of-care-does-my-child-need/)

DISCLAIMER: This material is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it. It is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor does it replace the advice or counsel of a doctor or health care professional. Reference to a specific commercial product, service, or external web site does not imply endorsement or recommendation of that product, service, or external web site content by CPCMG. We attempt to keep lists of resources and referrals as up to date as possible; however, this information is constantly changing. Please check with the service provider and your insurance company to verify coverage.

 Parent- Child Interactive Therapy (PCIT) is helpful in addressing problematic behaviors associated with a variety of developmental and mental health conditions including ADHD, anxiety, depression, autism, aggression/anger problems, and oppositional and defiant behavior. PCIT involves parents and guardians by coaching them to manage their child's behavior with both warmth and firmness. Please discuss with your child's clinician whether PCIT will be an appropriate treatment for your child and family. **Call your insurance company**: Request to speak to the Case Manager in the Behavioral Health Department [**PsychologyToday.com**](https://PsychologyToday.com): Locate a psychiatrist covered in network using the webpage filters **PCIT Therapists (California)**: [United States (pcit.org)](https://www.pcit.org/united-states.html#CA) ****Parent-Child Interactive Therapists**** | #### Behavioral Screening, Assessment, and Treatment - RCHSD **Contact:** 858-576-1700 **Website:** [https://www.rchsd.org/programs-services/healthy-development-services/services-2/behavioral-screening-assessment-and-treatment/](https://www.rchsd.org/programs-services/healthy-development-services/services-2/behavioral-screening-assessment-and-treatment/) **Services:** Parent-Child Attunement Therapy, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, Developmentally appropriate behavioral play therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Child-Parent Psychotherapy **Insurance:** Call 858-966-4005 Hours: Monday- Friday, 7 a.m.-11:30 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.- 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. **Location:** [https://www.rchsd.org/programs-services/healthy-development-services/locations/](https://www.rchsd.org/programs-services/healthy-development-services/locations/) | | --- | | #### Behavioral Health Services - Children, Youth & Families System of Care **Contact:** 1 (888) 724-7240 **Website:** [https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/hhsa/programs/bhs/mental_health_services_children/service_directories.html](https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/hhsa/programs/bhs/mental_health_services_children/service_directories.html) **Services:** The Children, Youth and Families (CYF) section of Behavioral Health Services offers a wide variety of services, from early intervention to residential services. All services provided are oriented to meet the unique linguistic and cultural needs of the public to be served. **Insurance:** Medi-Cal **Location:** San Diego | | #### Chadwick Center for Children and Families at Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego **Contact:** (858) 966-5803 **Website:** [https://www.rchsd.org/passport/chadwick-center-for-children-families/](https://www.rchsd.org/passport/chadwick-center-for-children-families/) **Services:** Parent-Child Attunement Therapy, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, Developmentally appropriate behavioral play therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Child-Parent Psychotherapy **Insurance:** Medi-Cal | | #### C**hild Psychology Center – California Autism Therapy** **Contact:** (858) 480-5150 **Website:** [https://www.childpsychcenter.com/california-autism-therapy](https://www.childpsychcenter.com/california-autism-therapy) **Services:** Child Psychology Center provides neurodiversity-affirming autism therapy services for children, teens, and families across California. The program utilizes modified evidence-based interventions, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), social skills support, executive functioning coaching, and parent coaching models such as Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Parent Management Training (PMT), and PC-Care. Caregivers are equipped with skills to support their child across developmental stages. Collaboration is a cornerstone of care, with coordination among occupational therapists, speech therapists, school personnel, and medical providers to ensure a comprehensive, family-centered approach. Virtual services are available statewide, with in-person appointments offered in Carlsbad and Sacramento. **Insurance:** Tricare West, Lyra EAP, and out-of-network benefits/superbills. **Location:** Carlsbad and Sacramento, California (Telehealth available statewide). | | #### Family Service Association **Contact:** 951-686-1096 **Website:** [https://www.fsaca.org/service-highlights](https://www.fsaca.org/service-highlights) **Services:** Parent Child Interactive Therapy in addition to case management for parents with children ages 0-5 **Insurance:** Many services are available to client at limited to no cost due to available funding programs FSA offers based upon client qualifications. **Location:** Riverside, San Jacinto, Fontana, Yucca Valley | | #### First 5 **Contact:** (619) 281-2292 **Website:** [https://aapca3.org/healthy-development-services-hds](https://aapca3.org/healthy-development-services-hds) **Services:** This project provides health-oriented services to children ages 0-5 living in San Diego County, including: - Developmental checkups, classes, parent coaching and therapy, including Speech and Language services - Behavioral checkups, parent coaching and therapy - Care Coordination for families engaged in HDS services These services are targeted to children with mild to moderate needs, with the intent of providing help for children who otherwise would not receive the care that they need. **Insurance:** First 5 First Steps is funded in part by the CalWORKs Home Visiting Program. CalWORKs is a program that supports families in need by offering services such as, cash aid, welfare-to-work, Cal-Learn, childcare and family stabilization **Location:** San Diego | | #### Dr. Vanja Gale **Contact:** (619) 300-6209 **Website:** [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/vanja-gale-san-diego-ca/42326](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/vanja-gale-san-diego-ca/42326) **Services:** Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Family/Marital and Parent-Child Interaction therapy (PCIT) **Insurance:** - Aetna - PPOs - Tricare - TriWest - Out of Network $120/session **Location:** San Diego, CA 92110 | | #### Grow Through Life Counseling **Contact:** (619) 549-0329 ext. 0 **Website:** [Teens And Families \| Grow Through Life Counseling \| San Diego](https://www.growthroughlifecounseling.com/) **Services:** Anxiety and Depression Treatment, Teen Counseling, Counseling for Children, Family Counseling, Parenting Support, Group Therapy, Stress Management, New Mom’s Support **Insurance:** - Aetna - Cigna - Sharp Health Plan - Tricare **Location:** Eastlake of Chula Vista, Sorrento Valley, San Diego, Scripps Ranch, La Mesa, Oceanside and Murrieta | | #### Tamara Halperin, PsyD **Contact:** (619) 612- 5108 **Email:** [contact@drtamarahalperin.com](mailto:contact@drtamarahalperin.com) **Website:** [https://www.drtamarahalperin.com/](https://www.drtamarahalperin.com/) **Services:** Certified Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT) and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) therapist. **Insurance:** Aetna health insurance. A Superbill can be provided to your health insurance for reimbursement for out-of-network insurance plans **Location:** Telehealth | | #### Julia Allen Therapy **Contact:** (858) 208-0198 **Website:** [Child, Teen, & Family Teletherapy \| La Jolla, CA \| Julia Allen Therapy](https://www.juliaallentherapy.com/) **Services:** - *Young kids ages 5+:* Behavioral issues, impulsivity and tantrum, Parent-Child disconnect, Non-compliance at home and school, Depression, Anger, Anxiety, Coping with divorce, ADHD, School and academic stressors. - *Teens:* social anxiety, low self-esteem, unhealthy friendships and romantic relationships, substance use, eating disorders, communication difficulties, depression and self-harm, mood swings and impulsivity. - *Family:* high conflict patterns of miscommunication, defiance and disrespect, sibling issues and rivalries, homework, and chore refusal, coping with daily stressors, navigating separation, divorce and blended families. **Insurance:** Out-of-network provider and does not accept insurance. Can provide a super bill of services to help with obtaining reimbursement through your insurance company. **Location:** At this time, all therapy sessions are held exclusively via telehealth. | | #### La Jolla Therapy Center **Contact:** (858) 224-3317 **Website:** [La Jolla Therapy Center \| Psychotherapy in San Diego (lajollatherapycenter.com)](https://www.lajollatherapycenter.com/) **Services:** Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Behavioral issues, Eating disorders, Alcohol and/or Substance use, Life transitions, Family conflict, Self-esteem, Relationships, Stress, and Parenting. Starting at 4 years old through adulthood **Insurance:** Out-of-network provider and does not accept insurance. Can provide a super bill of services to help with obtaining reimbursement through your insurance company. **Location:** 3252 Holiday Ct Ste 107, La Jolla CA 92037 | | #### Life Stance Health **Contact:** 858-914-1347 **Website:** [https://lifestance.com/](https://lifestance.com/) **Services:** ABA, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Child & Adolescent Therapy, Child-Parent Relationship Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Couples Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, EDMR Therapy, Family Therapy, Gottman Therapy, Group Therapy, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Narrative Therapy, Neuropsychological Testing, Neurosequential Model, Play Therapy, Psychotherapy, Solution Focused Therapy, TFCBT, TMS (if you have depression, but medication and therapy haven’t worked, this in-person treatment may be right for you), Trauma-Informed Care **Insurance:** - Anthem - Aetna - Blue Shield - BlueCross - Cigna - Humana - Tricare - United Health Care **Location:** Multiple locations: [https://lifestance.com/location/state/california/](https://lifestance.com/location/state/california/) | | #### Mae Therapy **Contact:** (858) 324-6232 **Website:** [Mae Therapy – Therapy Services in California](https://www.maetherapy.com/) **Services:** Anxiety, Behavior Management, Depression, Eating Disorders, Relationships, Stress, Trauma and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy. **Insurance:** - Blue Shield - CIGNA - Managed Health Network - United/OPTUM **Location:** 16935 W. Bernardo Dr. Ste 105, San Diego, CA 92127 | | #### Claudia Jessica Peralta, LMFT **Contact:** (619) 592-7091 **Website:** [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/claudia-jessica-peralta-chula-vista-ca/271681](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/claudia-jessica-peralta-chula-vista-ca/271681) **Services:** Art Therapy, Christian Counseling, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Compassion Focused, Culturally Sensitive, Eclectic, Family / Marital, Family Systems, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Interpersonal, Motivational Interviewing, Multicultural, Narrative, Parent-Child Interaction (PCIT), Person-Centered, Play Therapy, Positive Psychology, Structural Family Therapy **Insurance:** - Cigna and Evernorth - Health Net - MHN Health Net - Magellan - Medi-Cal - TRICARE - TriWest - UnitedHealthcare UHC **Location:** 217 Landis Avenue Chula Vista, CA 91910 | | #### Rady Children's Outpatient Psychiatry Clinics **Contact:** (858) 966-5832 **Website:** [https://www.rchsd.org/programs-services/psychiatry/locations](https://www.rchsd.org/programs-services/psychiatry/locations) **Services:** audiology, children’s care connection (C3), developmental evaluation clinic, developmental screening and enhancement program (DSEP), feeding team, KidStart Center, NICU Neurodevelopmental Clinic, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Speech-Language Pathology **Insurance:** Medi-Cal and uninsured **Location:** 3665 Kearny Villa Road, San Diego, CA 92123 | | #### RUHS – Behavioral Health Preschool 0-5 Programs **Contact:** 951-358-6895 **Website:** [https://www.rcdmh.org/ChildrenServices](https://www.rcdmh.org/ChildrenServices) **Services:** (most programs funded by FIRST-5) Children ages 0-6: Comprehensive continuum of early identification, early intervention, and treatment services designed to promote social competence and decrease the development of disruptive behavior disorders – PCIT offered, in addition to Triple P Positive Parenting Program **Location:** Lake Elsinore, Perris and Moreno Valley | | #### Dr. Ian Schere **Contact:** (619) 847-0202 **Email:** [ian@ianschere.com](mailto:ian@ianschere.com) **Website:** [https://www.pcitkids.com](https://www.pcitkids.com/) **Services:** Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), a specialized parenting intervention designed for families with young children (2-7 years) to reduce problematic child behaviors and parent stress. Motivational Interviewing (MI), a client-centered, goal directed approach designed to explore and resolve ambivalent feelings and elicit desired behavioral changes. **Insurance:** Out-of-network insurances ($225 per session) **Location:** 7590 Fay Ave, Suite 204B La Jolla, CA 92037 | | #### SDSU – Psychology Clinic **Contact:** 619-594-5134 **Website:** [https://psychologyclinic.sdsu.edu/child-family-therapy](https://psychologyclinic.sdsu.edu/child-family-therapy) **Services:** SDSU therapists work closely with clinical supervisors with expertise in child clinical psychology to offer evidence-based intervention approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Parent Management Training, and Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). **Insurance:** Insurance not accepted. Sliding scale available for therapy and $500 charge for assessments **Location:** 6363 Alvarado Court, Suite 102, San Diego, CA 92120 | | #### Dr. Marie Secrist **Contact:** (858) 704-2346 **Website:** [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/marie-secrist-san-diego-ca/927262](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/marie-secrist-san-diego-ca/927262) **Services:** Parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT), Trauma-Informed Cognitive Behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), anxiety and depression **Insurance:** Cash/check $175 per session **Location:** San Diego, CA 92128 | | #### Dr. Tamara Halperin **Contact:** (619) 612- 5108 and/or [contact@drtamarahalperin.com](mailto:contact@drtamarahalperin.com) **Website:** [Tamara Halperin, PsyD](https://www.drtamarahalperin.com/home) **Services:** Parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), Parent-Child CARE (PC-CARE), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), DBT and ACT skills **Insurance:** Aetna, United Healthcare, Superbill for your healthcare provider for reimbursement**,** Cash/check **Location:** San Diego, CA 92123 | | #### Set 4 School – PCIT **Contact:** 951-358-6895 **Website:** [https://www.rcdmh.org/set4school](https://www.rcdmh.org/set4school) **Services:** Children ages 0-5 - **Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)** is a successful and effective evidence-based practice. The proven parent-child treatment program assists caregivers of children with behavioral problems by promoting positive parent-child relationships and interactions while teaching effective child management skills. - **Teacher-Child Interaction Training (TCIT)** is a school-based variant of PCIT wherein the relationship enhancement, disciplinary techniques, and findings of PCIT are utilized to help teachers manage behavior challenges in the classroom. - **Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)** is treatment for young children which utilizes trauma-sensitive, developmentally appropriate play-based interventions with young children who are experiencing significant emotional and behavioral difficulties related to traumatic life events. - **The Incredible Kids (IK)** program includes research-based, proven effective interventions for reducing children's aggression and behavior problems and increasing social competence at home and at school. Both parent and child components are offered. - **Positive Parenting Program (Triple P)** offers anticipatory parental guidance made up of simple and practical strategies to help caretakers confidently manage their child’s behavior, prevent problems from developing, and build healthy relationships. **Insurance:** All insurances **Location:** 3075 Myers Street Riverside, CA 92503 | ****Parent-Child Interactive Resources**** | #### Child Mind Institute The Child Mind Institute is dedicated to transforming the lives of children and families struggling with mental health and learning disorders by giving them the help they need to thrive. **Website:** [https://childmind.org/](https://childmind.org/) | | --- | | #### InfoAboutKids Goal is to promote healthy child and family development by highlighting science-based information for those who care for, or work with, children. **Website:** [https://infoaboutkids.org/](https://infoaboutkids.org/) | | #### Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) When it’s used, what to expect, how it works and what to look for in a Parent-Child Interaction Therapist **Website:** [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/parent-child-interaction-therapy-pcit#:~:text=Reviewed%20by%20Psychology%20Today%20Staff%20Parent-Child%20Interaction%20Therapy,for%20young%20children%20and%20their%20parents%20or%20caregivers](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/parent-child-interaction-therapy-pcit#:~:text=Reviewed%20by%20Psychology%20Today%20Staff%20Parent-Child%20Interaction%20Therapy,for%20young%20children%20and%20their%20parents%20or%20caregivers.). | | #### Parent-Child Interaction Therapy Official website This website is designed to provide valuable PCIT resources for caregivers, clinicians, researchers, and professional organizations. **Website:** [https://www.parentchildinteractiontherapy.com/](https://www.parentchildinteractiontherapy.com/) **Contact:** 877-724-8248 | | #### Parent Management Training (PMT) Parent Management Training is an intervention used specifically to treat children and adolescents with oppositional, aggressive, and antisocial behaviors. This training can be completed with a therapist, but there are some books that are available to that you can learn some of the techniques on your own: Book: Treatment for Oppositional, Aggressive, and Antisocial Behavior in Children and Adolescents by Alan E Kazdin Course: Everyday Parenting: the ABC’s of Child Rearing Instrucor: Alan E. Kazdin, PhD, ABPP Everyday Parenting gives you access to a toolkit of behavior-change techniques that will make your typical day in the home easier as you develop the behaviors you would like to see in your child. The lessons provide step-by-step instructions and demonstrations to improve your course of action with both children and adolescents. Among many techniques, you will learn how even simple modifications to tone of voice and phrasing can lead to more compliance. The course will also shed light on many parenting misconceptions and ineffective strategies that are routinely used. The key to the course is practice. It is not enough to know the strategies; you have to do them to reap the rewards. Using the techniques on a temporary basis will lead to permanent change. Chances are your parenting is perfectly fine and working the way you would like. But if you have any frustrations with your child or would like to improve your effectiveness in changing your child’s behavior, these videos will be a very useful guide. **Website:** [https://www.coursera.org/learn/everyday-parenting#instructors](https://www.coursera.org/learn/everyday-parenting#instructors) | | #### PCIT Therapists (California) The mission of PCIT International is to foster the well-being of children and families of all cultures and nations through a well-researched, effective set of skills known as Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). PCIT International's mission includes a commitment to build and strengthen our diverse community of expert PCIT therapists, trainers, and researchers. **Website:** [United States (pcit.org)](https://www.pcit.org/united-states.html#CA) | | #### Pocket PCIT Online This interactive book is for families who are either in or have already finished Parent-Child Interaction Therapy or PCIT. This resource is not meant to replace therapy. Instead, it is meant to support you in practicing PCIT skills with your child outside of session. Pocket PCIT Online is a FREE online resource for parents that is available 24/7. This resource is based on Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, an evidence-based treatment for children with disruptive behaviors. This online parenting program provides lots of tips for how to improve your relationship with your child and improve your child's behavior. **Website:** [https://www.pocketpcit.com/](https://www.pocketpcit.com/) | | #### Psychotherapy for Children and Adolescents: Different Types **Website:** [https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Psychotherapies-For-Children-And-Adolescents-086.aspx](https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Psychotherapies-For-Children-And-Adolescents-086.aspx) | | #### Treatment Modalities Description of the multitude of evidence-based psychotherapies that have been shown to be effective **Website:** [https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Member_Resources/AACAP_Committees/Infant_and_Preschool_Committee/Treatment_Modalities.aspx](https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Member_Resources/AACAP_Committees/Infant_and_Preschool_Committee/Treatment_Modalities.aspx) | --- Edited by PL, MD 2/2026