Telehealth Parent–Child Interaction Therapy to strengthen relationships in at‑risk families
Official title: Fostering Healthy Relationships Through Tele-PCIT for Families of South Carolina
Run by Medical University of South Carolina · NCT07225010 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will try Parent–Child Interaction Therapy delivered by video visits to help children ages 2–6 with behavior problems who are at risk from adverse childhood experiences.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 2 Years to 7 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Medical University of South Carolina Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Charleston, South Carolina) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 12, 2026 |
| Main results expected | August 2028 |
| Study ends | August 2028 |
| Registry record updated | March 6, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07225010 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are children aged 2:0–6:11 with elevated disruptive behavior, receptive language at approximately a two‑year level or higher, a score of one or more on an ACEs measure, and a primary caregiver who lives with the child, can consent, and is Medicaid‑eligible or uninsured.
✕Probably not a fit
Children without elevated disruptive behavior, with insufficient receptive language for PCIT, older than the age range, or whose caregiver cannot participate or live with them are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial enrolls 40 children ages 2–6 with elevated disruptive behavior and at least one adverse childhood experience score. Families are randomized to immediate Tele‑PCIT (n=20) or a waitlist/delayed Tele‑PCIT group (n=20) and complete baseline, post-treatment, and follow-up assessments. Outcomes include child behavioral symptoms, parenting practices and engagement, acceptability, and trauma-related symptoms. Therapy sessions are delivered remotely while targeting Medicaid‑eligible or uninsured families.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, tele‑PCIT could improve child behavior and parent–child interactions and expand access to evidence‑based care for low‑income, at‑risk families.
How similar studies have gone: In‑person PCIT has strong evidence for reducing disruptive behaviors in young children, and early telehealth adaptations show promising feasibility and positive outcomes though evidence specifically in ACE‑exposed samples is still limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Child participants must: * Be between 2:0-6:11 years old * Have elevated levels of disruptive behavior problems as defined by the Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory (ECBI) * Have receptive language appropriate for PCIT (approximately 2-years old) * Medicaid eligible, or be uninsured * Score of 1 or greater on an ACEs (adverse childhood experiences) measure (PEARLS) * Parent participants must: * Be the child's legal guardian * Be able to provide consent for themselves (i.e., have decision making capacity and do not need a legally authorized representative themselves). * Must be living with the child Exclusion Criteria: * None
Where it's running
-
Rutledge Tower
Charleston, South Carolina, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Rosmary Ros-Demarize, Ph.D. — Medical University of South Carolina
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.