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PCIT therapy and behavioral parent training in Los Angeles.

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) in Los Angeles

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) in Los Angeles

Home  ›  Jacobs Psychological Services  ›  Psychotherapy  ›  Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) in Los Angeles

PCIT Therapy in Los Angeles for Tantrums, Defiance, Aggression & ADHD

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, or PCIT, is an evidence-based treatment for young children ages 2–7 who struggle with tantrums, defiance, aggression, difficulty following directions, and frequent parent-child conflict.

At Jacobs Psychological Services, Dr. Joseph Jacobs provides PCIT to help parents reduce daily power struggles, improve their child’s listening and cooperation, and build a calmer, more connected home.

Joseph D. Jacobs, PhD, Licensed Psychologist, BCBA-D, Certified PCIT Therapist

Is PCIT Right for My Child?

PCIT may be a good fit if your child:

  • Has frequent tantrums or meltdowns
  • Refuses directions or often says “no”
  • Hits, kicks, bites, throws objects, or becomes aggressive
  • Has difficulty with transitions, bedtime, morning routines, or leaving the house
  • Struggles with impulsivity, hyperactivity, or ADHD-related behavior concerns
  • Has been described as defiant, oppositional, strong-willed, intense, or emotionally reactive
  • Creates frequent parent-child conflict despite parents trying many different strategies
  • Behaves better in some settings but becomes very difficult to manage at home

Many parents come to PCIT feeling exhausted, frustrated, or unsure what else to try. PCIT gives parents practical tools and live coaching so they can respond more calmly, confidently, and consistently.

What Is PCIT?

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy is different from traditional child therapy because the therapist coaches the parent in real time while the parent interacts with the child.

Instead of only talking about parenting strategies, parents practice specific skills during the session and receive immediate feedback. This helps parents learn exactly what to say and do when their child refuses directions, becomes dysregulated, or engages in disruptive behavior.

PCIT focuses on two important goals:

  • Strengthening the parent-child relationship
    Strengthening the parent-child relationship
  • Improving listening, cooperation, and limit-setting
    Improving listening, cooperation, and limit-setting

The goal is not to blame parents or label the child as “bad.” The goal is to help parents and children get out of negative interaction patterns and build more positive, predictable, and effective ways of responding to each other.

How PCIT Works

During PCIT sessions, the parent and child interact together while the therapist observes and provides live coaching. Parents learn and practice skills that help increase positive behavior, reduce disruptive behavior, and improve the parent-child relationship.

PCIT is usually completed in two phases.

Phase 1

Strengthening Connection

In the first phase, parents learn skills that increase warmth, attention, cooperation, and positive interaction. This phase helps children feel more connected and helps parents rebuild positive moments with their child.

Parents learn how to use attention strategically, praise positive behavior, describe appropriate play, reflect the child’s communication, and reduce interaction patterns that may unintentionally increase conflict.

Phase 2

Improving Listening and Limit-Setting

In the second phase, parents learn how to give clear directions, follow through calmly, and respond consistently when the child refuses to listen.

This phase helps reduce tantrums, aggression, defiance, and repeated power struggles by teaching parents a structured and predictable approach to discipline.

PCIT Can Help With

PCIT may be helpful for young children who struggle with:

Tantrums and emotional outbursts
Tantrums and emotional outbursts
Defiance and refusal to follow directions
Defiance and refusal to follow directions
Aggression, including hitting, kicking, biting, or throwing objects
Aggression, including hitting, kicking, biting, or throwing objects
Tantrums and emotional outbursts
Frequent power struggles
Bedtime, morning routine, or leaving-the-house battles
Difficulty with transitions
ADHD-related impulsivity and difficulty listening
Bedtime, morning routine, or leaving-the-house battles
ADHD-related impulsivity and difficulty listening
ADHD-related impulsivity and difficulty listening
Parent-child conflict
Parent-child conflict
Behavior problems related to anxiety, stress, or developmental differences
Behavior problems related to anxiety, stress, or developmental differences
Behavior concerns in children with autism or other neurodevelopmental differences, when clinically appropriate
Behavior concerns in children with autism or other neurodevelopmental differences, when clinically appropriate

PCIT is especially helpful when parents feel they are constantly correcting, repeating directions, negotiating, or reacting to behavior problems throughout the day.

Why Choose Dr. Jacobs for PCIT?

Dr. Joseph Jacobs is a licensed psychologist, BCBA-D, and Certified PCIT Therapist with extensive experience working with young children and families. His clinical work includes evidence-based treatment for tantrums, defiance, aggression, ADHD, autism-related concerns, anxiety, OCD, parent-child conflict, and developmental or behavioral challenges.

Families often seek PCIT with Dr. Jacobs because they want practical, direct coaching rather than vague parenting advice. PCIT sessions are active, structured, and focused on helping parents learn skills they can use at home.

Dr. Jacobs’ approach is supportive, collaborative, and nonjudgmental. Many parents begin treatment feeling overwhelmed or discouraged. The goal is to help parents feel more confident and to help children develop better listening, cooperation, and emotional regulation.

What to Expect During the First Appointment

The first appointment focuses on understanding the child’s behavior, the family’s concerns, and whether PCIT is the right fit.

During the initial consultation or intake, Dr. Jacobs may ask about:

  • The child’s age and developmental history
  • Tantrums, aggression, defiance, or other behavior concerns
  • Daily routines that are especially difficult
  • Parenting strategies the family has already tried
  • School, preschool, daycare, or home behavior
  • ADHD, autism, anxiety, trauma, or other relevant concerns
  • The family’s goals for treatment

If PCIT appears appropriate, Dr. Jacobs will explain how treatment works, what sessions involve, and what parents can expect.

How Long Does PCIT Take?

The length of PCIT varies depending on the child, the family’s goals, and how consistently the skills are practiced between sessions. Many families complete PCIT in approximately 12–20 sessions, although some children may need fewer or more sessions.

Progress is monitored throughout treatment. The goal is for parents to develop the skills and confidence to manage challenging behavior more effectively outside of therapy.

In-Person and Telehealth PCIT

PCIT may be offered in person in Los Angeles. Telehealth options may also be available for appropriate cases in California.

During the consultation, Dr. Jacobs can discuss whether in-person PCIT, telehealth PCIT, or another service would be the best fit for the family.

Is PCIT Different From Parent Training or Play Therapy?

Yes. PCIT is different from general parent training because parents receive live coaching while interacting with their child. The therapist observes the interaction and coaches the parent in real time.

PCIT is also different from traditional play therapy. Although play is used during PCIT, the primary focus is coaching the parent to use specific skills that strengthen the relationship and reduce disruptive behavior.

PCIT is active, structured, and skills-based.

Frequently Asked Questions

What ages is PCIT for?

PCIT is typically used with children ages 2–7. During the consultation, Dr. Jacobs can discuss whether PCIT is appropriate based on the child’s age, behavior, and developmental needs.

Can PCIT help with tantrums?

Yes. PCIT is often used to help with frequent tantrums, meltdowns, refusal, and emotional outbursts. Parents learn how to respond more consistently and reduce patterns that may unintentionally escalate behavior.

Can PCIT help with aggression?

PCIT may help children who hit, kick, bite, throw objects, or become physically aggressive. Treatment focuses on strengthening the parent-child relationship while teaching parents effective limit-setting and follow-through.

Is PCIT helpful for ADHD?

PCIT can be helpful for young children with ADHD-related behavior concerns, including impulsivity, difficulty listening, difficulty following directions, and frequent conflict around routines.

Is PCIT appropriate for autism?

PCIT may be appropriate for some children with autism or other developmental differences, depending on the child’s language, developmental level, behavior concerns, and family goals. This can be discussed during the consultation.

Do both parents need to participate?

It is helpful when both parents or caregivers participate when possible, but this is not always required. The most important factor is that the participating caregiver can attend sessions and practice the skills consistently at home.

What if my child behaves better in the office than at home?

This is common. PCIT is designed to help parents practice skills that can be used in real-life situations at home. The consultation can help determine the best format for the child and family.

Do you accept insurance?

Please contact the office to discuss fees, insurance, superbills, and payment options.

Learn More About PCIT From PCIT International

Learn More About PCIT From PCIT International

Schedule a PCIT Consultation

If a child’s tantrums, defiance, aggression, or refusal to follow directions are creating stress at home, PCIT may help.

During the consultation, we will discuss the child’s behavior, the family’s goals, and whether PCIT is likely to be a good fit.

Schedule a PCIT Consultation Call 310-957-5126

Request a PCIT Consultation

Request a PCIT Consultation