Partnerships in Prevention Science Institute (PPSI) at Iowa State University is hosting a training opportunity for clinicians interested in delivering Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT).

The Partnerships in Prevention Science Institute is excited to announce an upcoming PCIT clinician training cohort beginning in January 2025. Please feel free to share this opportunity with colleagues that may have interest. Our Initial PCIT Clinician training will be held virtually January 8-10, 13 & 14, 2025. The application is open now, with applications being considered on a rolling basis. The application can be accessed through the attached flyer using the QR code or the following Application Link:  https://iastate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8cuzxOrBv6SaieW?Q_CHL=qr   

Please contact Dr. Ashley Scudder, PCIT International Certified Trainer, at ascudder@iastate.edu  with any questions or for more information regarding upcoming trainings.

arent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) Training 

PCIT Initial Training Dates: January 8-10 and 13-14, 2025
PCIT Advanced Training Dates: TBA

Host: Partnerships in Prevention Science Institute (PPSI) at Iowa State University   

Contact: Ashley Scudder, Ph.D. (Project Director) at ascudder@iastate.edu   

 The Partnerships in Prevention Science Institute (PPSI) at Iowa State University is a research-focused institute promoting evidence-based prevention and health initiatives to strengthen youth, families, and communities. PPSI is committed to both evaluating the efficacy of behavioral health interventions and supporting their large-scale implementation, including Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). 

 About Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) 

PCIT is an evidence-based treatment for young children (ages 2-7) with behavioral challenges, providing live coaching to parents as they learn skills to improve child behavior and the parent-child relationship. The therapy is conducted in two phases: Child-Directed Interaction (CDI) and Parent-Directed Interaction (PDI), which together help parents build a foundation of positive interaction and structured discipline. 

 Training Overview 

This year-long PCIT training program includes foundational workshops, consultation, video session reviews, and all essential training materials. 

 Training Components  

1. 5-Day Workshop (40 hours) – Core PCIT training for foundational skills. 

2. Biweekly Consultation (1 year) – Ongoing consultation calls to support practical application of PCIT skills. 

3. Advanced 2-Day Workshop (16 hours) – Mid-training workshop to deepen skills. 

4. Video Session Review – Up to six recorded sessions for feedback. 

5. Training Materials – Includes the PCIT protocol, DPICS coding manual, and supporting resources. 

 Room Setup Requirements 

Agencies must set up compliant therapy and observation rooms to support the PCIT live-coaching model: 

– Standard PCIT Room: A playroom and observation room divided by a one-way mirror. 

– Alternative Video-Equipped Rooms: For agencies without adjoining rooms or one-way mirrors, video feed systems with pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) capabilities can be used. For agencies providing telehealth, families benefit from having access to bluetooth earbuds for telehealth coaching.

– Timeout Space: A dedicated timeout area close to the PCIT room or within the playroom to allow continuous visual contact. 

 For more on room requirements, visit the [PCIT Setup Guide] (https://www.pcit.org/room-requirements.html). 

 Clinician Responsibilities 

PCIT clinicians are responsible for:  

– Direct Work with Clients: Conduct PCIT sessions with young children and caregivers. 

– Regular Case Consultation: Participate in twice-monthly consultation calls with a PCIT trainer. 

– Maintain a Caseload: Provide PCIT to 5-7 child-caregiver dyads throughout the training year. 

– Progress Tracking: Complete monthly metrics as part of a Continuous Quality Improvement Process. 

– Video Review Participation: Submit recorded sessions for feedback and skill refinement. 

For further guidance, review the [PCIT Clinician Training Guidelines] (https://www.pcit.org/training-guidelines.html) from PCIT International. 

 Eligibility and Selection Criteria 

Participants must be master’s or doctoral-level clinicians, licensed or license-eligible, and supported by their agency for PCIT integration. Agencies should demonstrate their readiness to sustain PCIT following training. 

 For more details, please contact Dr. Ashley Scudder at ascudder@iastate.edu