CV

Amanda Clinton, MEd, PhD, is the senior director for the APA’s Office of International Affairs. Prior to joining the APA, she specialized in culturally relevant program adaptation, social emotional learning and neuropsychology, notably of bilingualism. She is a licensed clinical psychologist and a credentialed school psychologist with experience in community clinics, pediatric hospitals, schools, academic settings, and public policy. Her scholarly work includes publication of “Integrated Assessment of the Bilingual Child” and numerous peer-reviewed papers and book chapters, as well as associate editorship of several journals. She has won many professional awards, including a Fulbright Scholarship, Faculty for Undergraduate Neuroscience Educator of the Year Award and a AAAS Congressional Fellowship which she completed in the office of Senator Chris Murphy, D-C.T., where she helped write the Mental Health Reform Act. She earned her master’s degree at the University of Washington and her doctoral degree at the University of Georgia.

KEYNOTE ABSTRACT

Parent child interaction therapy
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) combines play therapy and behavioral therapy for parents or caregivers of children aged 2 to 7 years. The evidence-based therapeutic process incorporates adult learning of new skills and techniques for relation to children with significant emotional or behavioral challenges, developmental disorders or mental health diagnoses. Research indicates that PCIT effectively reduces long-term risk for psychiatric problems and anti-social behavior. This presentation reviews the efficacy research on PCIT and discusses practical implications of its utility. Cultural implications are also discussed.