Selective Mutism Service

Our approach combines individualized treatment planning, parent coaching, school collaboration, and real-world practice opportunities to help children build confidence and develop the skills they need to communicate across settings. Rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach, we tailor recommendations based on each child’s symptoms and treatment needs.

Families begin with a clinical screening designed to identify the most appropriate level of care. Our team gathers information from multiple sources, including caregivers, teachers, and other providers. Treatment begins where children feel most comfortable talking, often with a parent during enjoyable activities. Using carefully structured behavioral techniques, clinicians then gradually expand a child’s “talking circle” by introducing new people and situations one step at a time. As children gain confidence, we help them practice “brave talking” through exposure exercises.

For local families and families traveling from outside the New York area, individual intensives offer an accelerated path toward meaningful progress. These programs typically involve anywhere from 5 to 15 hours of individualized treatment across multiple days. Individual intensives provide concentrated opportunities for parent coaching and carefully paced, repeated “brave talking” practice across activities, people, and environments.

Before the intensive, parent training and preparatory sessions may be recommended. An intensive can build momentum, but generalization — not just learning skills but being able to use them across various settings — happens over time. Families may continue with parent coaching, individual treatment, school consultation, groups, or other follow-up services based on the child’s needs.

Brave Buddies® is our intensive group behavioral therapy program for children ages 3 to 12 with selective mutism. Built on the principles of PCIT-SM and behavioral exposure therapy, Brave Buddies® provides children with structured opportunities to practice “brave talking” in environments designed to feel more like school, play, and everyday life than a traditional therapy office.

Programming combines individualized speaking goals with highly supported practice, peer interaction, classroom-like routines, fun activities, and real-world exposures. Caregiver training and follow-up help families carry skills into daily life after the program ends. Brave Buddies® is offered in multiday intensives, one-day programs, and weekly groups throughout the year. Eligibility is determined through a clinical screener and individualized review.