Selective Mutism (SM) Services
When you’re parenting a child or adolescent with selective mutism, it can be hard to know how to help them. We are here to educate and support you and your child with strategies that build confidence and bravery.
How It Works:
Selective mutism (SM) treatment services at BCSC begin with an initial clinical assessment, which consists of a caregiver interview in addition to either a caregiver-child play observation or a brief clinical interview with the individual. Following the intake, a personalized treatment approach is tailored to your family to ensure we target the areas where your child needs support first. Our goal is to pair you with one of our expert SM clinicians to help your child grow their brave voice!
Given the challenges typically faced by youth with SM in the school environment, we offer school consultation services and encourage close collaboration and coordination with each individual’s educational team.
Services Include:
- Parent-Child Interaction Therapy for Selective Mutism (PCIT-SM)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
- Caregiver coaching
- School consultation and training
- Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE)
- Get Heard! group therapy series
Strategic Solutions + Patient-Centric Care
Our approach utilizes research-backed treatment so you or your child get better results, with less chance of reoccurrence. Plus, by monitoring treatments as they progress, we’re better equipped to avoid roadblocks and troubleshoot immediately should challenges arise.
Evidence-Based Assessments
Personalized Treatments
Compassionate Care
Patient-Centered Outcome Tracking
How Will SM Services Help?
- Learn about how selective mutism manifests and how treatment breaks the cycle of speech avoidance
- Reduce your child’s anxious avoidant behaviors, particularly nonverbal behavior
- Increase your child’s brave behavior and improve their confidence in social situations
- Learn new ways to embrace an exposure-driven lifestyle
- Collaborate with your child’s school to ensure a thorough understanding of child anxiety as well as to support consistent progress
- Guide you in advocating for your child across settings
- Improve your child’s communication and social skills
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is selective mutism?
Selective mutism (SM) is an anxiety disorder in which a child is unable to speak in certain social settings (such as school) despite speaking comfortably in familiar environments. It is not defiance, a language delay, or a reaction from trauma, but rather a fear-based response.
What ages do you work with?
Selective mutism typically emerges in early childhood but can persist into adolescence, especially when left untreated. We provide services for children and adolescents and tailor treatment to each individual’s developmental stage and needs.
What is PCIT-SM?
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy for Selective Mutism (PCIT-SM) is an adaptation of PCIT, the cornerstone treatment for young children (ages 2-8) experiencing behavioral challenges. This adaptation is an evidence-based treatment that actively involves caregivers in helping their child build a “brave voice.” Caregivers learn specific skills to reduce pressure, reinforce brave talking, and support gradual increases in verbal communication across settings and speaking partners through exposure therapy.
Will my child be forced to talk in therapy?
No. Children are never forced to speak. Therapy uses gradual, supportive steps that help children feel safe and confident while increasing communication at their own pace.
Do parents or caregivers participate in treatment?
Yes. Caregiver involvement is a key part of successful SM treatment. Caregivers receive coaching to support their child’s brave behavior and reduce anxiety-driven avoidance in daily life.
How does school involvement work?
Given that SM often impacts school functioning, we encourage collaboration with your child’s educational team. BCSC offers school consultation and training to support consistency and progress across settings.
How long does selective mutism treatment take?
The length of treatment varies depending on factors such as the child’s age, severity of symptoms, and consistency of bravery practice across clinic, community, and school settings. Many families see meaningful progress over several months, especially when caregivers and schools are actively involved.
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