Selective mutism treatment helps children gradually become more comfortable speaking with more people and in more settings. Our service uses evidence-based behavioral interventions, including Parent Child Interaction Therapy adapted for Selective Mutism (PCIT-SM).
Anxiety Disorders Center
Selective Mutism Treatment
Helping children overcome their symptoms and speak with more people in more environments.
What Is Selective Mutism?
Children with selective mutism (SM) can be exceptionally talkative at home but unable to speak in school or other settings. These children may appear willful, but they are actually highly anxious and experience their anxiety as an inability to speak.
SM can prevent children from participating in class, forming relationships with peers, and asking for help when they need it.
Treatment is tailored to each child, with medication support available when appropriate.
About Our Selective Mutism Treatment
Our Selective Mutism Service provides evidence-based selective mutism treatment to help children overcome their symptoms and speak with more people in more environments.
Treatment can help children:
- Participate and speak more comfortably at school
- Build relationships and communicate with peers
- Ask for help and express their needs
- Speak with more people across different settings
We use Parent Child Interaction Therapy adapted for Selective Mutism (PCIT-SM), a specialized behavior therapy that gradually prompts and reinforces speech.
Additional parent, individual, school, or group support may be recommended before or after the intensive.
Intensive Selective Mutism Treatment
For families traveling long distances or local children who would benefit from accelerated treatment, we offer one-on-one intensive selective mutism treatment over a shorter period, typically several hours a day for several days. Treatment provides frequent, focused opportunities to build momentum and jump-start progress.
Eligibility is determined individually, and most children participate in individual treatment first.
Brave Buddies® Program
Brave Buddies® is a group behavioral therapy program for children with selective mutism ages 3 to 12. Using a simulated classroom, children practice “brave talking” with peers in a safe environment with positive feedback. Programs of various lengths are offered throughout the year.
Why Choose Our Selective Mutism Treatment?
Our comprehensive approach helps children practice speaking with more people and in more settings. Benefits include:
Individual & Group Treatment
Individual therapy, weekly groups, and intensive programs provide treatment options based on each child’s needs.
School Collaboration
We work with families and school staff to help children make progress across settings.
Caregiver Training & Live Coaching
Caregivers learn practical skills to encourage and reinforce brave talking.
Our Team
Qiuyuan Liu, LCSW, DSW
Director, Social Worker, Anxiety Disorders Center
Alnardo Martinez, LMHC
Director, Pediatric OCD Intensive Program; Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Bubrick Center for Pediatric OCD
Paul Mitrani, MD, PhD
Medical Director; Senior Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Stephanie Schwartz, PsyD
Psychologist, Anxiety Disorders Center
Emma Zoloth, PsyD
Psychologist, Anxiety Disorders Center
Alana Cooperman, LCSW
Senior Social Worker, Anxiety Disorders Center
Frequently Asked Questions
Treatment is for children with selective mutism who have difficulty speaking in certain settings, such as school or other public spaces, even though they may speak comfortably at home.
Treatment can help children speak more comfortably at school, communicate with peers, ask for help, and use their voice with more people and in more settings.
Yes. We perform an initial evaluation to understand your child’s history, development, and symptoms and determine an appropriate treatment plan.
Yes. We meet with families and school staff to review progress and discuss tailored plans for supporting children at school.
Brave Buddies® is for children with selective mutism ages 3 to 12. Eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis, and most children participate in individual treatment first.
Ready to Get Started?
Please submit our interest form or call us at 212.308.3118.
More Anxiety Treatments & Services
Our Anxiety Disorders Center also offers the following specialized group treatment programs and services.
Emotion Detectives Group
In a supportive and fun group environment, kids learn to understand, manage, and face the thoughts, body sensations, and behaviors that contribute to strong emotions.
Brave Buddies® Program
Group treatment for children who are diagnosed with selective mutism (SM). This innovative program is designed to help children overcome their anxiety and speak in any setting. Ages 3-12.
Social Anxiety Groups
Group treatment that teaches children, adolescents and young adults coping skills to help them manage their anxiety as they practice facing their social fears. Ages 9-24.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Request an appointment at the Child Mind Institute to get your child evaluated by one of our expert clinicians today.
