Presidential Address “Evidence-based” has become a buzzword used within many disciplines, often without full understanding of what it means and how it is linked to scientific method. Yet understanding how to identify and assess the scientific evidence available for any mental health intervention is essential to the promotion of mental health equity. As Parent–Child Interaction Therapists (PCIT), we have a legacy of rigorous studies with often-replicated findings to support our work with families. When we implement PCIT with fidelity, many families experience meaningful positive change. The PCIT literature is not without limitations, however. As with other evidence-based mental health interventions, PCIT was developed and evaluated within discriminatory systems. As clinicians, therefore, we must consider the ways in which PCIT may not meet the needs of families across all cultures, and as researchers, we must assess cultural factors that moderate outcomes for communities. We have done—and currently are doing—much of this work. However, there is an inherent tension between our desire to provide responsive services for every family NOW and the need to maintain an evidence-based approach to intervention. Dr Niec will examine both sides of this tension, highlighting areas of need in the PCIT research, and providing examples of adaptations that have met the challenge of remaining “evidence-based.” Ultimately, if we truly seek to reduce mental health disparities among underserved families, PCIT clinicians and researchers must answer the challenge of embracing the evidence, which is, at its core, an ethical challenge.
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Welcome and Presidential Address- PCIT in a Challenging World: Embracing Evidence as Promotion of Social Justice
Learning Objectives
Define “evidence-based” from a scientific perspective. Explain why evaluating mental health interventions is a social justice issue. State examples of PCIT research that has increased the reach of the intervention in evidence-based ways.
Target Audience
This educational activity is intended for behavioral health professionals, including Psychologists, Social Workers, Counselors, and MFT's.
Course Instructor(s)
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Larissa N. Niec, PhDProfessorLarissa N. Niec, PhD is Professor in Psychotherapy and Mental Health Interventions at the University of Wisconsin—Madison and President of PCIT International. She earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Case Western Reserve University and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Through her NIH-funded research, Dr. Niec seeks to increase access to evidence-based interventions for underserved families, with an emphasis on improving health equity. Dr. Niec is a Global Trainer in PCIT and has published extensively on its effectiveness. Her recent books include Strengthening the Parent-Child Relationship in Therapy: Laying the Foundation for Healthy Development and Telemental Health Care for Children and Families. Dr. Niec is involved in the UW–Madison’s RISE-THRIVE initiative to advance mental health interventions and improve community well-being. Her work has been featured in outlets such as the Washington Post and NBC Today.
References
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Niec, L. N. (2022). Strengthening the parent-child relationship in therapy: Laying the foundation for healthy development. American Psychological Association.
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Niec, L. N., Brodd, I., & Schoonover, C. E. (2023). Searching for the standard: The impact of level of training on in vivo coaching in parent-child interaction therapy. Behavior Modification, 47(1), 93-112. https://doi.org/10.1177/01454455221099647
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Niec, L. N., Todd, M., Brodd, I., & Domoff, S. E. (2022). PCIT-Health: Preventing childhood obesity by strengthening the parent–child relationship. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 29(2), 335-347. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbpra.2020.07.001
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Portell, A. L., & Niec, L. N. (2026). Efficacy of a Brief Video Intervention to Improve Parenting Attitudes, Knowledge, and Use of Time-Out: A Randomized Control Trial. Behavior Modification, 01454455261449744. https://doi.org/10.1177/01454455261449744
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Todd, M., & Niec, L. N. (2025). The efficacy of online training in parent–child interaction therapy: Synchronous, asynchronous, and written formats. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 56(3), 201. https://doi.org/10.1037/pro0000621
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Sachdeva, R., & Sneed, N. M. (2025). Parenting styles, parenting interventions, and childhood obesity. Current Problems in Pediatric and Adolescent Health Care, 101865. 10.1016/j.cppeds.2025.101865
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Taber-Thomas, S. M., Schaffner, K. F., Scudder, A. T., & Herschell, A. D. (2026). Supporting Parents’ Use of Effective Time-Out Enhances Outcomes in Behavioral Parent Training Interventions. Evidence-Based Practice in Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 1-16. https://doi.org/10.1080/23794925.2026.2680909
CE Process Info
Content
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Recordings1 parts
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Shared Screen With Speaker View(CC)
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Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
This course is approved by PCIT International for CE credit
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Free
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CE Hours 1 -
Type Self-Paced -
Publication Date Oct 30th, 2026
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