PCIT Therapy
for Kansas City Families
Heartland PCIT provides certified Parent-Child Interaction Therapy at New Hope Counseling in Lee's Summit, serving families across the Kansas City Metro for behavior, anxiety, and parent-child connection.
What Is Parent-Child Interaction Therapy?
PCIT is an evidence-based therapy that strengthens the parent-child relationship while helping children ages 2–10 with behavior, emotional regulation, and anxiety-related challenges. It works by coaching parents — not just children — in real time.
Live Coaching
Your therapist coaches you in real time — through a discreet earpiece while you play with your child — so you see results faster than traditional talk therapy.
Deeper Connection
CDI (Child-Directed Interaction) skills rebuild warmth and trust between parent and child, creating a secure foundation for everything else.
Calmer Behavior
PDI (Parent-Directed Interaction) equips you with consistent, effective strategies that reduce defiance, meltdowns, and aggression.
Evidence-Based
PCIT is backed by 40+ years of research and endorsed by the CDC. It's one of the most studied treatments for early childhood behavior problems.
PCIT Therapy Serving Your Community
In-person sessions at New Hope Counseling in Lee's Summit. Telehealth available throughout Missouri and Kansas.
Meet Marjie Ruhl
Marjie Ruhl is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and certified PCIT therapist at New Hope Counseling in Lee's Summit — providing relationship-focused, evidence-based parent coaching to Kansas City Metro families.
- PCIT International certified
- Specializes in children ages 2–10
- Accepting new clients — telehealth available
- Located at New Hope Counseling, Lee's Summit
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PCIT therapy?
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an evidence-based treatment for children ages 2–10 that strengthens the parent-child relationship while building effective behavior management skills. A therapist observes parent-child play and coaches the parent in real time through a wireless earpiece — producing faster, more lasting results than traditional child therapy approaches.
What ages is PCIT best for?
PCIT is designed for children ages 2–10 and their primary caregivers. It is equally effective for toddlers and school-age children. Early intervention — before challenging behavior patterns become entrenched — is associated with the strongest outcomes.
Does PCIT help with tantrums and defiance?
Yes. PCIT is one of the most rigorously researched treatments available for tantrums, defiance, noncompliance, and aggression in young children. A 2017 meta-analysis in Pediatrics found PCIT significantly outperformed control conditions with a standardized mean difference of −0.87. Mastery-based programs like Heartland PCIT showed even larger effects (SMD = −1.09).
Can PCIT help anxious children?
Yes. PCIT is effective for childhood anxiety as well as behavior challenges. The first phase of PCIT — Child-Directed Interaction (CDI) — directly strengthens the attachment relationship that regulates a child's anxiety. Many children whose anxiety presents as defiance or meltdowns respond particularly well to PCIT.
Do you accept insurance?
Heartland PCIT is a direct-pay (private pay) practice. Sessions are $175 for the initial intake and $140 per treatment session. A superbill is provided for families who wish to seek reimbursement through out-of-network benefits.
Do you serve Lee's Summit and the Kansas City metro?
Yes. Heartland PCIT is located at New Hope Counseling in Lee's Summit, MO — serving families from Blue Springs, Independence, Raytown, Grain Valley, Overland Park, and across the Kansas City Metro. Telehealth PCIT is also available throughout Missouri and Kansas.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether you're a parent seeking support or a provider making a referral, we're here to help. Complete our short form and Marjie will follow up within one business day.
Telehealth available • Direct pay • Accepting new clients