Selective Mutism Service

Our Selective Mutism Service offers a comprehensive treatment approach that helps children with SM overcome their symptoms using evidence-based behavioral interventions.

Before treatment starts, we perform an initial evaluation to understand the child’s history, development, and symptoms. This evaluation allows us to tailor our treatment plan to each family’s specific needs and goals. Information is collected from multiple sources, including parents, teachers, and providers. We conduct a live behavioral observation and review video of the child talking at home.

To treat SM, we use Parent Child Interaction Therapy adapted for Selective Mutism (PCIT-SM), a specialized behavior therapy. PCIT-SM uses specific evidence-based skills to prompt and reinforce speech through a gradual and systematic process. Please note: There are several components of our SM treatment, and families will incorporate each to a different extent.

For families traveling long distances or local children who would benefit from accelerated initial treatment, we offer 1:1 individual intensive treatment over a shorter period (typically several hours a day, several days a week). Our team provides an in-depth assessment of the child’s challenges and tailors a treatment plan for their specific needs. Scheduling is flexible and based on each family’s availability. The goal of an individual intensive is to build momentum, jump-starting a child’s progress through frequent, focused opportunities for skill development.

Prior to the week-long intensive, parent training and other individual sessions may be recommended. During the intensive, families receive our typical individual behavioral therapy treatment condensed into one week. Following the intensive, families receive other components of treatment — such as parent consultation, school consultation, and group treatment — as recommended.

Brave Buddies® is a group behavioral therapy program to help children with SM ages 3 to 12 speak in school and other public settings. Using a simulated classroom, the program offers children a safe environment to practice “brave talking” with positive feedback. We offer Brave Buddies® programs of various lengths throughout the year.

Eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis. Most children joining Brave Buddies® undergo individual treatment first, which can occur at the Child Mind Institute or with outside providers on a case-by-case basis. To determine eligibility, we perform an evaluation and connect with your child’s care team to understand progress in prior treatment.